Mayor Defends Houston Police Officer who Shot Latino Man in the Back

 
Houston Mayor Bill White on Friday defended a Houston police officer who fatally shot a fleeing armed robbery suspect in the back a week ago. "Based on what I've seen so far on the evidence," White told reporters during an impromptu news conference Friday in front of City Hall, "I understand the officer's actions and I think he complied with our policies." But the attorney for the suspect's family and a Hispanic community leader said the incident must be investigated before the officer is cleared and questioned why police initially said the man was shot in the chest. "I think it's important for the mayor to support the police," said Robert Luke, attorney for the family of Hegnor Irias. "But I hope he would reserve judgment until after the investigation is complete." Officer K.R. Barnes shot Irias, 22, in a courtyard of the Bel Lindo Apartments at 6200 West Bellfort about 2:30 p.m May 12, after responding to a call from two people who reported Irias had robbed them at gunpoint. Cameras captured shooting White said Irias refused to stop and follow the officer's commands and was fleeing into an apartment complex, where he could have been a danger to residents and the officer. "There is no excuse for citizens who are failing to respond to police directives," White added. Barnes is a nine-year veteran who police say had never fired his weapon at a suspect before. State law allows police to use deadly force if officers believe suspects pose a danger to others.Police said officers responding to a robbery call in the 6400 block of West Bellfort chased Irias after a resident identified him as the man who robbed him. Police followed him to the Bel Lindo Apartments. "I don't know what else they've been wrong about," Luke said. He said several witnesses told him Irias had no gun and he had seen none in the surveillance video.  Investigators said they found a .38-caliber snub-nose revolver by Irias' body. They also said they found items on him that belonged to the two robbery victims.  Irias was the fifth suspect fatally shot by Houston police this year, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. A grand jury cleared an officer of wrongdoing in one case and the rest are still being investigated. [MORE]