Texas lawman, suspect die in shootout
HOUSTON — An arson investigator and an arson suspect were killed during a shootout early Friday in Houston after the investigator pursued the suspect, city police and fire officials said.
Investigator Lemuel Bruce, 44, died at a hospital where he was taken after the shooting around 3: 30 a. m. in northwest Houston, according to Fire Chief Samuel Pena. He said that this is the first time a fire investigator has been shot in the line of duty.
Assistant Police Chief Matt Slinkard noted that Bruce was part of a team investigating recent arsons in the area when he spotted and pursued a vehicle suspected of being connected to the blazes. One suspect had been arrested in connection with at least seven fires.
The suspect was dead at the scene, but has not been identified, Slinkard added. Guns were recovered from both Bruce and the suspect, according to Slinkard.
As an arson investigator, Slinkard said Bruce was a certified peace officer, but did not wear a body camera.