Man charged in robbery at Wendy's in SE Houston

Brandon Ortez, 22, is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in a heist about 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at a Wendy's at 10235 Almeda Genoa in southeast Houston. (Houston Police Department) Brandon Ortez, 22, is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in a heist about 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at a Wendy's at 10235 Almeda Genoa in southeast Houston. (Houston Police Department) Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Man charged in robbery at Wendy's in SE Houston 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A man has been charged in a robbery Monday at a fast-foot restaurant that led to gunfire in southeast Houston.

Brandon Ortez, 22, is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the heist about 8:30 p.m. at a Wendy's at 10235 Almeda Genoa, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said officers were sent to the eatery about a suspicious person with a weapon. When they arrived and questioned the person, later identified as Ortez, he pulled out a gun and put it to his own neck. Officers took cover and told Ortez to drop the gun but he refused.

Moments later, police said, officers heard a single gunshot from inside the restaurant, which is when they believe Ortez grabbed money from one of the cash registers. He then dashed out of the eatery and ran to a nearby abandoned building. Officers heard two gunshots as Ortez shot out a window to get into the building.

Police said officers set up a perimeter at the scene and called for K-9 units. As they were taking up positions, two officers bumped into each and one of their guns fell onto the ground and accidentally fired. No one was wounded, but one of the officers was injured by shrapnel after the discharge. Startled by the gunfire, a K-9 bit the officers.

The injured officers were taken to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. Their conditions were not released but police said they had non-life-threatening injuries.

Ortez was later taken into custody. He was treated at the scene for injuries after a police dog had encountered him during the incident. Police said officers found a pistol and cash on Ortez.

As is customary in incidents in which an HPD officer discharges a weapon causing injury, the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs divisions as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office will investigate the case.

Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in an incident that occurred at 10235 Almeda Genoa at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday (November 28).

The suspect, Brandon Ortez (b/m, 22), is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 228th State District Court.

A photo of suspect Ortez is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant T. Ruland and Officers R. Ridel and K. Ferguson reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a suspicious person with a weapon call at the Wendy's restaurant at the above address. As officers attempted to question the suspect (Ortez), he suddenly pulled out a gun and put it to his own neck. Officers immediately took cover and gave the suspect verbal commands to drop the weapon, which he ignored. Officers then exited the restaurant along with employees, sought cover and requested additional officer to respond to the location.

Moments later, at least one gunshot was heard from inside the restaurant. At that time Ortez is believed to have robbed one of the cash registers. He then exited the restaurant with the gun and ran to an abandoned building next door. At least two more shots were heard near the abandoned building as Ortez shot out a window in an attempt to enter the building. Additional officers and an HPD K-9 arrived, immediately sought cover and set up a perimeter.

At some point, as officers were taking position for tactical purposes, two officers bumped into each other and one officer's weapon was accidentally dropped and discharged. An officer was struck by shrapnel resulting from the accidental discharge and bitten by the K-9, who was startled by the gunfire. The second officer also sustained a bite wound from the K-9. Both officers were transported to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Ortez was eventually taken into custody and treated at the scene for injuries from sustained from contact with the K-9. Officers recovered Ortez's pistol and cash in his possession.

As is customary in incidents in which an HPD officer discharges his weapon causing injury, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.