Suspect dead in officer-involved shooting near HCC West Loop

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - One man is dead after an officer involved shooting on Thursday (2/1) morning during rush hour.

Police say the incident began at an Exxon gas station on S. Post Oak Rd. at Willowbend Rd., when the suspect robbed a clerk's register and stole some beer.

The clerk tried to get pictures of the suspect and his car. The man apparently fired several shots through the glass before leaving.

The suspect from the robbery drove north along West Loop causing multiple crashes.

"While the suspect tried to flee on foot, he continued to display his firearm pointing it at different people, including officers," said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo during a press conference.

Police surrounded him, and that's when the shooting occurred at 5475 West Loop South feeder road near Fournace. 

Chief Acevedo said the suspect attempted to carjack a couple of vehicles before he was fatally shot, never letting go of his gun while being pursued.

People in the area, including at HCC West Loop campus, were asked to take shelter.

"I was surprised, you know," said Francois Mercado who witnessed the shooting and recorded cell phone video.

Sources tell Fox 26 the man killed is Anthony Joe Williams. He apparently had a lengthy criminal history, recently out on bond for aggravated assault of a peace officer.

"When people commit gun violence and display a firearm, they need to go to prison. And when they discharge a firearm in the commission of a felony, they need to stay in prison. And when they shoot somebody, which means they're trying to kill somebody, they shouldn't be out," said an impassioned Chief Acevedo.