Erica Rhena Tyrone, 28

Houston, Texas
June 19, 2006

Agencies: Houston Police Department Texas | Texas Department of Criminal Justice | Texas Attorney General's Office | Texas Department of Public Safety

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 3 years ago

Overview

On June 19, 2006, at approximately 9:19 a.m., Officer K. M. Crellin and Officer R. L. Curl were dispatched to a Robbery in Progress call at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 2824 Hillcroft, Houston, Harris County. Upon arriving at the scene, officers were advised by the bank manager that the suspect/decedent, Erica Rhena Tyrone (B/F 9/21/1977), had fled across the street to the Jack-in-the Box Restaurant located at 2801 Hillcroft, Houston, Harris County. Officer Crellin and Officer Curl left the bank and went across the street to the restaurant. Upon arriving at the restaurant, Officer Crellin positioned his marked vehicle at the side door of the restaurant and Officer Curl positioned his marked vehicle at the front door of the restaurant. As the officers were entering the restaurant, they observed the decedent standing near a trashcan, which she was using for cover. The decedent noticed Officer Curl entering the front door and she immediately pointed her pistol at him. Officer Crellin entered the side door of the restaurant and observed the decedent pointing her pistol with both hands at Officer Curl. Both officers ordered the decedent several times to put down her weapon, but she did not comply. Fearing for his life, due to being exposed to the direct line-of-fire, Officer Curl fired his duty weapon one time at the decedent. Upon hearing the gun shot and fearing for the life of his partner, Officer Crellin fired his duty weapon one time at the decedent. The decedent took a step to the side and again pointed her pistol at Officer Curl. At that time, Officer Crellin fired another shot at the decedent and she fell to the floor. Officers disarmed the decedent and contacted dispatch to request an ambulance. Houston Fire Department Ambulance transported the decedent to Southwest Memorial-Hermann Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 10:16 a.m.

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