Houston police have arrested Ricardo Lezama, 39, who has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant after a shooting incident on Monday night (July 8) at 6000 Hollister Street, according to a police statement. Authorities have released Lezama’s booking photo, seen below.

Booking photo of Ricardo Lezama, 39, now charged with aggravated assault on a public servant in the shooting of HPD Officer F. Garcia, who remains in stable condition.

More info: https://t.co/rQnV3hDkap#HouNews https://t.co/PsIQ0BUbpS pic.twitter.com/nJJ7r9Ttwq

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 9, 2024

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The incident left Officer F. Garcia, 36, with a gunshot wound to his leg. He is currently in stable condition at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Officer Garcia, who has been with the Northwest Patrol Division since February 2014, did not discharge his weapon during the encounter, police said.

Mayor John Whitmire and HPD Chief Satterwhite took time off from emergency response operations to visit Officer Fernando Garcia, who was shot in the line of duty. Officer Garcia, 36, and has been in service for 11 years, is in good spirits and on his way to recovery. pic.twitter.com/TT3TH0crxK

— Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) July 9, 2024

The events unfolded around 8 p.m. when Officer Garcia and his partner responded to a call about an assault in progress at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, they were flagged down by several citizens who reported a disturbance near a building, according to the police statement. As the officers approached, a witness informed them that the suspect was armed.

Police said that when officers reached the apartment, they saw Lezama arguing with someone inside. Despite officers giving verbal commands to show his hands and step away, Lezama turned and opened fire, striking Officer Garcia. The uninjured officer continued to command Lezama to show his hands and step away from a wooden fenced patio. Lezama eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

Backup officers rendered first aid to Officer Garcia before paramedics transported him to the hospital. Notably, no officers discharged their weapons during the incident, police added.

The shooting occurred as the city of Houston continues its recovery efforts from the recent hurricane, adding strain to already stretched resources and personnel. Despite the challenging circumstances, police responded swiftly and effectively to the emergency.

As per protocol, the HPD Special Investigations Unit and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are investigating this case.