Suspect Shot by Houston Police at Sunnyside Park Charged with Unlawful Weapon Possession

HOUSTON, Texas - According to the Houston Police Department, charges have been filed against an armed suspect shot by Houston police officers at 8600 Comal Street about 6:10 p.m. on Saturday.

The suspect, Tyrone Whitfield Barnes, 40, is charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon with a felony conviction in the 179th State District Court. Barnes remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Tyrone Whitfield Barnes MugshotPhoto byHouston Police Department

Officers J. Cruz and M. Anderson, assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division, discharged their duty weapons in the incident. Officer Cruz was sworn in as an officer in October 2022 and Officer Anderson in October 2023.

HPD Special Investigations Unit reported that officers responded to a Shot Spotter call in the 8600 block of Comal Street. A witness directed them to a male in the parking lot of Sunnyside Park across the street. The officers observed the suspect with a gun in his hands, exited their patrol vehicle, and gave multiple verbal commands for him to put the gun down. The suspect did not comply and raised his weapon, pointing it at the officers. Both officers discharged their duty weapons.

Despite being shot, the suspect continued to stand and hold the handgun. After additional verbal commands, at least one officer discharged a duty weapon again. The suspect eventually complied, lying on the ground. Officers detained the suspect and recovered his handgun.

The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg. It is undetermined whether the wound was from the officers' gunfire or self-inflicted. Officers provided medical attention until paramedics arrived and transported the suspect to the hospital in stable condition.

The case is being investigated by the Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney's Office, as is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents within the city limits.