Knife-wielding ‘aggressive panhandler’ killed by Houston cop

A Houston police officer shot dead a man who was described as an “aggressive panhandler” after he allegedly shattered a woman’s car window and threatened the cop with a knife, authorities said.

The deadly confrontation took place just before 8 a.m. Tuesday in the 7600 block of Long Point Road in northwest Houston.

Executive Chief Matt Slinkard, with the Houston PD, told reporters during a press briefing aired by KHOU11 that police got a call about an “aggressive panhandler” who had been harassing bystanders and motorists outside a McDonald’s.

Officers then learned that the suspect was brandishing a flag pole, which he allegedly used to smash a woman’s windshield before she managed to get away.

When an officer attempted to approach the man, Slinkard said he pulled out a knife and charged the cop.

The officer radioed in for help several times and asked for backup before opening fire at the knife-wielding suspect.

The panhandler was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, despite first responders’ life-saving efforts. His identity has not been released.

Slinkard said he did not know how many rounds the officer fired, but one of the bullets ended up piercing a window at the nearby McDonald’s.

No other injuries were reported, but the woman whose window had been shattered was said to be “shaken up” by the violent encounter, Slinkard said.

The chief revealed that the officer who discharged his weapon has served on the force for a year. He will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per standard procedure.