Houston Police Officer Killed In Shooting

HOUSTON, TX — A Houston police officer died after being shot in East Houston on Saturday evening, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred along the 7400 block of Avenue I in East Houston just before 6 p.m., police said via Twitter. "One of our @houstonpolice officers has been shot," Police Chief Art Acevedo wrote. "Please pray. On way to scene now." Just before 9:30 p.m., Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed the officer had died.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight as a Houston police officer was killed in the line of duty," Abbott wrote on Twitter. "Send prayers to lift up the family of this slain officer."

The officer was identified as Sgt. Christopher Brewster, who became a police officer in November 2010. Acevedo said the officer was 32 years old, and is survived by his wife, parents and sisters.

The shooting preceded a domestic disturbance between a man and a woman, the latter of whom told police the man had abused her while advising he had two firearms in his possession. The police chief identified the suspect as 25-year-old Arturo Solis, who had a criminal history that included a family assault charge in August 2015.

Acevedo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner staged a press conference just before 9 p.m. confirming the death while providing additional details.

During the press conference, the police chief the officer was the first to find the victim and suspect along Avenue I. Upon exiting his vehicle, the officer was fired at multiple times by an unidentified Hispanic man.

"And although he was mortally wounded, he had the presence of mind to draw his pistol out of his holster to protect himself in case the suspect came up, and he also had the presence of mind and courage to put out and broadcast suspect description information that was critical for the responding unit."

The suspect fled on foot before being arrested along the 7500 block of Avenue J at around 7 p.m., the chief said. The officer died after being transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for medical treatment at around 6:20 p.m. before dying some nine minutes later, the chef said.

The chief said the entire incident was captured on the officers's body camera. In taking questions from reporters, Acevedo grew emotional in recalling conversing with Brewster and his parents at his police academy graduation.

"Now he's gone because of a coward," Acevedo said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'm angry, but I'm not going to let it get to me tonight. I've already cried, and I'm going to cry later."