HOUSTON, TX (Headline News USA) (Copyright © 2025) – A suspected burglar is dead and a private security officer is recovering in the hospital after a violent shootout Sunday afternoon in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood of Houston.

According to the Houston Police Department, the incident began around 2:50 p.m. on the 3200 block of San Felipe Street when a River Oaks Patrol officer responded to a burglary in progress reported by homeowner Esfandiar Baharloo, who saw a suspect via his security camera and immediately alerted authorities (ABC13).

When the patrol officer arrived, he located the suspect, who then fled on foot. The chase continued through an alleyway behind River Oaks Elementary School. During the pursuit, police say the suspect opened fire and struck the officer in the chest — the bullet was stopped by a protective vest (Click2Houston).

The officer returned fire, hitting the suspect, but the confrontation didn’t end there. According to HPD, the wounded suspect then fired again, striking the officer in the shoulder. The officer was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. The suspect died at the scene from his injuries (ABC13).

Police confirmed that the weapon used by the suspect was recovered at the scene. HPD officials say the case will be presented to a grand jury for review, a standard procedure when a shooting involves a private security officer acting in a law enforcement capacity.

Local officials and community members quickly responded to the shooting. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones released a statement saying, “I am deeply grateful to everyone who puts themselves in harm’s way to keep our families safe. My heart is with this security officer’s family and our entire law enforcement community” (ABC13).

Residents in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood fund their own private security through the River Oaks Patrol, which supplements HPD’s presence. Some neighbors expressed concern and gratitude for the officer’s quick action. “It’s really kind of scary to know that one of our great River Oaks Patrol guys was shot,” said resident Madeleine Connor in an interview with Click2Houston.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600.

Photo Credit: “Houston Police Department Ford Police Interceptor Utility” by Tomás Del Coro, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr