HPD Chief Acevedo addresses conspiracy theorists, comments on Gamaldi
HOUSTON, Texas -- Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said an officer shot while serving a narcotics warrant at a home has been upgraded from critical to fair condition.
The 54-year-old officer and 32-year veteran of the force was one of four officers shot during the incident Monday at the house at 7800 Harding in southeast Houston.
A fifth officer suffered a knee injury, which required surgery. That officer is projected to be discharged from the hospital soon.
On Thursday, Acevedo gave updates on the investigation.
According to the warrant obtained by ABC13 Eyewitness News, police believed the occupants were selling heroin out of the home, based on a tip from a confidential informant.
"I promise you, we were at the right house," said Acevedo.
[ SEE FULL WARRANT ]
Acevedo commented that the investigation is on-going. He said he's aware of "conspiracy theorists" that have speculated that the officers raided the wrong home, but says they are incorrect.
"There's a lot of conspiracy theories out there. People are running rampant. Let me just say this, 'We never run away from the truth,'" said Acevedo.
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Acevedo confirmed that they didn't find heroin at the residence, but did find cocaine and marijuana. He says an informant had previously bought drugs at the house. The substance was tested and confirmed as heroin.
Acevedo also spoke on comments made by Houston Police union president Joe Gamaldi.
Acevedo commented that Gamaldi doesn't speak for the Houston Police Department.
He stressed the importance of the HPD's relationship with the community and his positive relationship with community activists. He said he believes in police accountability.
"One incident, one person doesn't represent 5,200 members," said Acevedo.
Acevedo said he has asked Gamaldi to "tone it down."
Gamaldi, speaking this afternoon to Eyewitness News, did not back down.
"I don't see how my comments could impact relationships with anyone because we are talking advocating for our death, using anti-police rhetoric," he said.
Ashton P. Woods, local leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, said he felt Gamaldi was indeed speaking about his community.
"This incites violence against people who wants nothing but peace for the people of Houston. We love our city, too just like they do," said Woods. "We're not bashing the police. We're here trying to rebuild Houston."
Gamaldi, remains unmoved.
"I've certainly heard what the chief had to say, and he's certainly right. He is the chief of the Houston Police Department just like I'm the President of HPOU. There's nothing over the top about vocalizing what every single cop at the hospital was feeling, what every single officer in the department and country was feeling in that moment," he said.
