Houston police

Houston Police Officer Struck, Killed By Fleeing Suspect

A Houston police officer has been struck and killed by a fleeing suspect who later shot himself but survived.

Chief Charles McClelland says 47-year-old Officer Richard Martin was putting down spike strips Monday to stop the suspect's vehicle when he was hit. Martin died at the scene.

Police didn't immediately release the name of the suspect, who was transported to a hospital. His condition wasn't released.

The chase began early Monday when officers spotted a man driving a U-Haul vehicle. Police didn't immediately say what prompted the pursuit, leading the suspect to abandon the U-Haul and carjack a minivan, pushing the driver out.

McClelland says the suspect used the stolen minivan to ram Martin. The chase continued until the minivan stopped, officers heard a gunshot and found the wounded suspect.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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