Seven-Hour Standoff Ends with Woman’s Death in Houston

On July 9, 2025, a seven-hour SWAT standoff in Houston’s Heights neighborhood ended with the death of a 39-year-old woman at 1600 W. 13th St. Houston Police Department (HPD) bodycam footage reveals details of the critical incident that began around 8:30 p.m. on July 8.

The incident started with a disturbance call involving a woman, referred to as "Sharla," who was reportedly harassing utility workers addressing a gas leak. Police arrived and attempted to engage, but she retreated into her home. Information suggested she might be experiencing a mental health crisis and had access to firearms.

The situation escalated when Sharla appeared at a second-floor window, allegedly pointing a gun at officers. SWAT and negotiators were called, but de-escalation efforts failed. Around 6 a.m. on July 9, after securing an arrest warrant, officers observed Sharla wearing a bulletproof vest and threatening to "fight." She then pointed a weapon at police, prompting Officer T. Dupuy, a 30-year veteran, to fire a fatal shot.