This footage, provided by the Police Department in Houston Texas, documents a near tragedy being avoided as the police officers engage a dangerous suspect while that suspect's five-year-old daughter looks on. Fortunately for her, no one was ultimately injured despite shots fired, and on these grounds I'm happy to report that this isn't a NSFW-type video.

The Houston officers are shown interdicting a vehicle which was involved in an earlier incident. At 0:46, Robert Johnson, 30 years of age, removes his 5-year-old daughter from her seat and crosses to the passenger side of the car. As the officer begins to search the vehicle, Johnson begins to reach into it. On the far side of the car, Johnson pushes an officer to the ground, and as the officer hits the ground, he accidentally discharges a round. It can be heard faintly at 01:10.

From the POV officer, this looks reallybad, with an officer on the ground and a shot having been fired, with the suspect fleeing. Perforce, based on the information he has in the moment, he believes he has the right to fire on Johnson. He misses. Keep in mind, Johnson's 5-year-old daughter is still on-scene, watching.

At 03:00, we see the perspective of the officer who was pushed to the ground. The child is standing right next to where he was knocked down, meaning she has been close to at least two gunshots, both of which were directly to do with her father. At 04:16, we see the events as they unfold from the perspective of a third officer. At 06:34, the chain of events moves forward as the officers pursue and interdict Johnson with the aid of a helicopter unit.

He is arrested without further incident, and although the weapon is not shown here, Johnson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and intent to deliver marijuana. Johnson admits that he ran out of fear since gunfire was around his daughter. What he does not admit to is robbing and elderly lady in the period between his flight and his arrest, which is from whence most of these charges spring. It's clear he's not Father of the Year, but at least his kid didn't have to watch him die over a misconception.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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