According to HPD, suspects flee after New Orleans police officer killed in two shootings at Galleria restaurant

HOUSTON – A New Orleans off-duty police officer was killed Saturday in a double shooting at a restaurant in the Galleria area, according to the Houston police department.

Officials said another victim was also shot and taken to hospital.

Police said the two suspects are still on the run.

Houston police said officers responded to the shooting around 5:15 p.m. at Grotto Ristorante at 4715 Westheimer Road. According to HPD, a group of people were sitting outside for dinner when two suspects approached the side of the courtyard. Police said the suspects had weapons and demanded the belongings of the victims.

Witnesses told police the victims complied. Then one of the suspects shot; and the two victims were run over.

HPD said the suspects fled the scene in a gray or silver four-door Nissan Altima with paper plates.

“It makes no sense,” HPD chief Troy Finner said during a press conference Saturday. “We will stay together as a city. (When) you look at the statistics for the last two weeks, crime has gone down a bit and we want to keep doing that. But right now I don’t care about status or I care about getting these two people because I don’t want them to be a reflection of our city. “

Announcements

Police have not provided the names or ages of the victims. They said it is an active investigation.

Here is the full press conference from HPD chief Troy Finner:

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson issued a statement:

We have been informed of this incident. We are confident that the Houston Police Department will work diligently to find the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

We are praying for the family of our fallen officer. We are also praying for the family of the second victim in this incident.

I want to thank Houston Police Chief Troy Finner for his strong words of support tonight.

I would also ask you to pray for the NOPD family when we begin to understand the enormous loss we have suffered.

At this time, we will not identify the fallen officer and ask you to respect the privacy of his family at this terrible time.

Announcements

Here is a statement from the Grotto / Landry spokesperson:

Since this incident is still being investigated by the Houston Police Department, it is recommended that you contact it directly at 713.308.3280 for information.

This is a developing story. Please check for updates again.