The Houston Police Department has released body camera footage showing the events leading to the fatal shooting of Sean Hammond, 45, during a domestic disturbance call on September 13.
The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Greens Road in the early morning, and the video sheds light on the tense moments that led to Hammond’s death.
The footage begins as officers respond to a call about a domestic disturbance involving Hammond.
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Upon arrival, officers encountered a woman in the parking lot who informed them that Hammond, her boyfriend, might have been under the influence of a substance known as “wet,” a term for cigarettes dipped in chemicals.
This set the stage for what would become a volatile situation.
Officers then located Hammond outside the building, shirtless, holding a smartphone in one hand and cradling a handgun against his chest in the other.
He explained to officers that he was trying to get back to his car or return to his apartment, but things escalated as Hammond placed his hand on the grip of the gun and walked away from the officers.
As Hammond moved down an open-air hallway toward a second group of officers, the situation grew more dangerous.
Despite being instructed at least nine times to stop and drop his weapon, Hammond continued walking toward the officers.
The officers, faced with a man walking toward them with a gun, fired two shots.
After being hit, Hammond fell to the ground, but he appeared to reach for the handgun that had dropped beside him.
In response, the officers fired three more shots, leaving Hammond fatally wounded.
Despite their repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation, the perceived threat left them with little time to react as Hammond approached.
The officers immediately moved in after the shooting, securing the handgun and attempting to provide first aid.
Hammond was transported to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Medical examiner records indicate that Hammond, whose first name is listed as Shawn in the report, died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The video does not show Hammond firing his weapon or brandishing it at the officers, which has raised questions about the nature of the confrontation.
While Hammond did not point the gun at officers, his actions—such as ignoring commands and moving toward the gun while on the ground—led officers to perceive an ongoing threat.
As is standard protocol, the two officers who discharged their weapons were placed on administrative duty pending an investigation.
The release of the footage is part of an ongoing investigation into the use of force, and the community will likely continue to scrutinize the case as more information comes to light.
You can read the full press release from The City of Houston below:
Investigation into Fatal Shooting Incident at 501 Greens Road
Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed suspect by HPD officers at 501 Greens Road about 2:30 a.m. today (Sept. 13).
The identity of the deceased male, 45, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Officers J. Puente and C. Davis, who discharged their duty weapons, are assigned to the North Belt Patrol Division and were sworn in as officers in October 2021 and June 2023, respectively. Neither officer was injured in the incident.
HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives M. Childs and D. Hammons reported:
HPD patrol officers were dispatched to a family disturbance call at an apartment complex at the above address. Officers met with the victim, who stated her boyfriend was possibly under the influence, was acting erratic and tried to attack her. She ran out of her apartment and called 9-1-1.
Officers found the boyfriend (suspect) holding a firearm and walking outside the apartment. Officers gave verbal commands for the male to drop the firearm, but he did not comply and began to approach officers. Fearing for their safety, two officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect. Paramedics transported the male to HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake where doctors pronounced him deceased.
As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the Houston city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
SOA/JFC 9-13-24
Inc. #129809824
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