Shot Houston officer expected to recover

MyFox Houston

HOUSTON — A Houston Police Department officer is expected to make a full recovery after he was shot by two burglary suspects at a northwest Houston apartment complex.

Officer Frank Pierce, 39 was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical but stable condition after he was shot once in abdomen at an apartment complex in the 9700 block of Pine Lake.

Expert Perspective Following the recent report of a Houston officer who was shot during an off-duty security shift, it’s a good idea to consider a few safety issues related to this kind of work. 1. Always maintain an on-duty level of awareness, even when working an off-duty security job. Candidly consider how you prepare yourself, both mentally and physically, prior to going on the clock in an off-duty security job and ask yourself, “Am I taking the time necessary to fully prepare myself for the risks I might face on this job?" 2. Evaluate the stopping power of the firearm you carry and be sure to train with it. 3. Practice tactics in the clothing you wear during your off duty security job. If you’re working in civilian clothing or in a uniform where your gear configuration is different than that of your duty belt, be sure to consistently practice accessing your gear while wearing those clothes. 4. Consider your work setting and be prepared to deal with it. Think about the atmosphere in which you’re working and be sure you’re prepared to deal with any special challenges it might present in a crisis situation. Read more: Things to consider when working off-duty security

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He underwent surgery and will stay in the hospital for at least one night.

Pierce, who works as a courtesy officer at the complex, was making rounds at the complex just before noon Monday when he surprised two suspected burglars. According to acting police chief Charles McClelland, Pierce saw one carrying out electronics. McClelland says Pierce held him on the ground when a second man appeared from another room. There was a struggle.

"The suspect on the ground fired one shot striking Officer Pierce one time in the abdomen," said McClelland.

The suspected burglars left in a white Ford pickup truck. A manhunt ensued. Officer Pierce was alert and helping with the investigation.

Read full story: Shot officer expected to recover