Off-duty Houston police officer accused of shooting his wife in the face identified
HOUSTON - An off-duty Houston PD officer is accused of shooting his wife in the face at an apartment complex early Monday morning.
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The shooting was reported around 12:45 a.m. at the complex on Clay Rd. near Gessner Rd.
Authorities arrived at the scene and found a 30-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the face. She was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery.
"Hopefully, and we pray, that she's going to be alright and make a full recovery," HPD Chief Troy Finner said. "And we ask everybody pray for that female."
According to the police chief, the officer, now identified as Galib Waheed Chowdhury, 31, has been arrested. Chowdhury is assigned to the Northwest Division and has been with the department for two years.
HPD’s Special Investigations Unit and the Internal Affairs Division are still investigating. Additionally, authorities have not specified what exactly happened leading up to the shooting.
Galib Waheed Chowdhury
Records show the two got married a year ago. Loved ones were seen talking to police on the scene Monday afternoon and grabbing belongings from inside the apartment.
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Chowdhury has been charged with aggravated assault of a family member with serious bodily injury.
"Once you put that patch on and that badge on, you’re a police officer," Chief Finner said. "And I expect you to conduct yourself all the time as a police officer. Again, respecting the process, but I’m very troubled on some things that we know now."
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, more than 10 million women and men experience domestic violence every year in the U.S. HPD’s victims' services are reminding Houstonians that help is available for those who need it.
"Domestic violence is a very violent crime. It’s one of the most dangerous for officers as well," said Lt. Julie Pleasants with HPD Victims Services. "If we have anyone that's listening to the sound of this broadcast, please know that if you’re in immediate danger, you need to call 911."
HPD is also asking the community to say something if they see something.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to the Houston Area Women's Center at (713) 528-2121 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.