DRUG SUSPECT SHOT BY UNDERCOVER OFFICER

A suspected narcotics dealer was shot twice by an undercover Houston police
officer during a drug bust gone awry in north Houston Wednesday.

Two undercover officers had just bought some drugs about 8 p.m. when other
undercover officers moved in for the arrest in the parking lot of a
nightclub in the 100 block of East Crosstimbers, said HPD spokesman John
Leggio.

When the suspects realized they were about to be arrested, a scuffle broke
out. One pulled a pistol and began firing at the undercover officers.

Leggio said an officer drew his weapon and fired several times, hitting the
suspect in the arm and grazing his head. Neither wound appeared to be
life-threatening, Leggio said. No officer was injured.

The wounded man was taken to an area hospital. The other was arrested at
the scene. Leggio said nine ounces of cocaine were seized.

Their names were withheld pending a formal filing of charges.