HOUSTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Houston Police Department has identified the two suspects killed in a Monday evening shoot out that injured five undercover narcotics officers.
In a press conference Tuesday, Chief Art Acevedo identified 59-year-old Dennis Tuttle and 58-year-old Rhogena Nicholas as the suspects and said investigators will pour through their criminal history.
Acevedo said the Tuttle and Nicholas were killed after shots were fired at the officers who were trying to serve a search warrant at the home on the city’s southeast side.
Four officers were shot. Two are in critical condition and two are in stable condition. A fifth officer suffered a knee injury.
Acevedo said during a search of the home after the shooting, officers found marijuana, a white powdery substance and two rifles.
He said undercover officers have bought black tar heroin at the house before the incident but didn’t find any Monday.
Shortly after the shooting, Houston Police Officer’s Union President Joe Gamaldi said there are too many instances of officer’s being targeted and that he’s had enough.
“We are sick and tired of having dirt bags try and take our lives when all we’re trying to do is protect our lives an protect our families,” he said.
The department has received an outpouring of support from the Houston community and on social media.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @houstonpolice officers, the families of the officers who were injured tonight, and #HoustonPD. @ArtAcevedo #Prayers #ThinBlueLine
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) January 29, 2019
#Chicago is praying for the five officers shot tonight and the entire Houston Police Department. #HoustonPD @houstonpolice pic.twitter.com/EPcB5oMTIO
— Donald M. (@purnell732) January 29, 2019
Thank you all for your prayers and positive energy.
— Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) January 29, 2019
Copyright 2019. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
