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Who was Sgt Harold Preston? Houston police officer killed in shooting weeks ahead of retirement

Preston was a 41-year veteran of the force. He was struck multiple times in the head and even in the spine

HOUSTON, TEXAS: A Houston police officer died after he was shot and wounded at a Southwest Houston apartment complex on Tuesday, October 20, when a SWAT team was called in for "a possible barricaded suspect." He was one of two officers shot during a domestic disturbance call. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Sgt Harold Preston, 65, suffered multiple head wounds during the shooting. He was also shot in the spine.

Following the incident, Houston police department tweeted: "Suspect has been taken into custody without further incident. Please continue to pray for our officers, their families and their extended @houstonpolicefs@I love you. We will brief the community at 12:30 p.m. @memorialherman."

"We have had two officers struck by gunfire. Please pray! More to follow," the department said in another tweet.

The shooting prompted a large law enforcement presence near the 2600 block of Holly Hall Street with multiple police vans and fire units responding to the scene. After which it was reported that the 65-year-old officer, had been shot dead. The other officer, identified by Mayor Sylvester Turner as Courtney Waller, is a three-year veteran of the department who was shot in the arm. He is expected to recover.

The incident happened when the department responded to a domestic violence call at 8.15 am on October 20, when the estranged wife of the suspect called the police and was giving her statement to the two police officers. The officers talked with her in the parking lot for about an hour. Acevedo said the woman wanted to get her belongings and move out. Soon the woman's 14-year-old son who was in the parking lot with his mother and the two officers opened the door of the unit at around 9:30 am, before which the teen warned the officers that his father was armed. The suspect then shot multiple rounds at the officers.

A bystander came to Waller's help when he was shot and escorted him to safety in front of the apartment complex, Acevedo said. The person then went back and took Waller's gun, which fell on the ground, wrapped it in a towel and handed it to other responding officers, the chief said.  Police said the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Elmer Manzano, was shot in the abdomen area and was stable. He is expected to be charged with murder. 

Who was Sgt Harold Preston? 

Preston who joined the Houston police department on August 25, 1979, and was just weeks away from retirement, was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital after being shot. "We've lost just a wonderful human being," Acevedo said during a news conference. Preston was a member of the Afro American Police Officers League.

“He is leading with men and women on streets, instead of choosing to sit in an office drinking coffee and reading the paper. That is the man he was — he is a man who lived with elderly parents to take care of them. As good as he was as a cop, he was a better human being, that is just the guy that he was and we are going to miss him.”

The department shared the news and wrote, "Those of us who knew, loved, & respected Sgt. Harold Preston knew him to be a wonderful, courageous, and humble servant, from an amazing family. While many may never say his name, or honor his life of selfless service, we will never forget. RIP kind hero, we will celebrate you."

Family members praised Preston for being a hardworking sergeant but an even better son, who took care of his elderly parents with whom he lived. He leaves behind a 23-year-old daughter. His family, fiancee and former wife all said he was a good man.  

"Sergeant Harold Lloyd Preston Houston Police Department Sworn Date: August 25th, 1979 End of Watch: October 20th, 2020 HPD Academy Class: 86 Years of Service: 41 Rest in Peace, brother. You will always be remembered and your sacrifice will never be forgotten."