HPD's Botched Raid Investigation Turned Over To DA's Office

HOUSTON — Houston Police Chief art Acevedo announced Wednesday that the results of the internal investigation into the botched Harding Street in January has been turned over to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.

“The Houston Police Department has cooperated fully with the DA’s office and the FBI throughout the investigations and provided all information that has been requested,” Acevedo said in a statement.

Houston Police narcotics officers raided the home of Dennis Tuttle and his wife Rhogena Nicholas at 7815 Harding Street on Jan. 28, under the premise that black tar heroin was being sold inside the home, based on an affidavit that officials have now said was false.

HPD narcotics officers, utilizing a no-knock warrant, burst into the Tuttle home igniting a gun battle that left the couple dead, and four officers wounded.

Shortly after the shooting, officials learned that the affidavit to secure the no-knock warrant was based on lies, which forced two veteran officers to retire, and called into question thousands of narcotics cases involving the two officers.

"As stated at the onset we will leave no stone unturned in our effort to determine the facts," Acevedo said. "Today is a major step in that direction and we continue to be committed to a relentless pursuit of truth, transparency and accountability."

Harris County DA Kim Ogg released the following statement:

“Our independent investigation continues; all of the evidence will be reviewed by prosecutors and ultimately presented to a grand jury to determine what criminal charges are warranted,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. "We will be thorough and methodical, because the people of Harris County deserve the truth.”

RELATED STORIES:

• 5 Houston Police Officers Injured, 2 Suspects Killed In Shootout
• HPD Officer Involved In Deadly Shooting Relieved Of Duty
• Police Release Names Of Suspects Killed In Narcotics Shootout
• HPD Chief Suggests Officer Lied On Affidavit In Deadly Drug Raid
• Houston Police Ending No-Knock Warrants In Wake Of Fatal Shooting
• Gerald Goines, HPD Investigator In Botched Raid, Retires

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