HPD Officer Stabbed During Downtown Houston Mental Health Call, Police Say

An Houston police officer was seriously injured Tuesday morning after authorities say a man with a history of mental health issues stabbed him in the head during a response call in Downtown Houston. The incident sparked a heavy police presence and raised fresh questions about safety during emergency mental health interventions.

According to Houston Police Department leaders, officers were responding to a welfare check near a commercial area when the situation escalated. While officers attempted to speak with the man, investigators say he suddenly attacked, injuring one officer before being subdued.

What Happened in Downtown Houston

Police say the stabbing occurred mid-morning near several office buildings and small businesses. The injured officer was rushed to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Another officer on scene opened fire, striking the suspect, who was also transported for medical care.

The incident caused major disruptions as streets were blocked and nearby workers were advised to stay inside. HPD stated that the case involved a person previously known to authorities for mental health concerns, although the motivation for Tuesday's attack remains under investigation.

Impact on Houston Residents and Workers

This stabbing highlights the challenges facing first responders as mental health-related calls continue to rise across the city. Many Downtown employees reported seeing large police staging areas, which delayed commutes and deliveries. Business owners nearby told local reporters they continue to worry about unpredictable disturbances in the area.

Although police say such violent escalations remain rare, they emphasized that these events underscore the need for both strong officer training and expanded mental health resources. Residents expressed concern for the wounded officer but also for the broader trend of mental health emergencies impacting public safety.

• Traffic slowed across several blocks as officers contained the area.
• Nearby retailers temporarily closed their doors during the initial investigation.
• Witnesses reported seeing officers perform life-saving measures at the scene.

Why It Matters for Houston

Downtown is home to thousands of workers, students, and visitors each day, so incidents like this disrupt daily routines and raise broader safety concerns. As the city pushes to attract more companies and residents to the core, reliable public safety remains essential.

Additionally, Houston continues to face rising pressure on emergency systems due to mental health needs. Each high-risk call tests the ability of officers, medical teams, and social service providers to respond quickly and safely.

What’s Next

HPD’s Special Investigations Unit and the District Attorney’s Office are now reviewing the stabbing and the officer-involved shooting. Officials say they will release more information once they complete interviews and gather video evidence.

The department also plans to review the response protocol for similar calls. City leaders have repeatedly discussed adding more mental health intervention teams, which pair trained clinicians with officers, to reduce dangers during crisis encounters.

As the officer recovers, HPD leaders urged residents to remain aware of ongoing road closures and to follow police instructions in the area. They noted that updates will be shared as the investigation continues.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.