Houston police are investigating a fatal crash at 19900 Kingwood Drive about 12:40 p.m. today (October 27).  

The male victim, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant P. Lee and Officer R. Singleton reported:  

The victim was operating a white Yamaha P6 motorcycle eastbound on Kingwood Drive when he lost control of the motorcycle and struck a light pole. 

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.  The investigation is continuing.  

VHS/JFC  10-27-15

Inc. #138433615-H

Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a man at 1732 West 18th Street about 6:20 p.m. on October 18th.  

The suspect, Robert Hocko (w/m, 33), is charged with murder in the 248th State District Court.  He is accused in the death of Daniel Perez, 52, of Houston.  Mr. Perez suffered blunt force trauma and was transported by Life Flight helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.  Doctors pronounced him dead on October 19.  

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

HPD Homicide Division Officers I. Ulloa and E. Wohlgemuth reported:  

On October 18, Hocko and an unknown person got into an argument that nearly escalated into a physical fight until Mr. Perez intervened.  As Perez attempted to stop the fight, Hocko threatened to punch Perez in the face.  Perez continued attempts to stop the fight and, at some point, he was struck in the face by Hocko.  The punch caused Perez to fall to the ground and hit his forehead on the concrete.  

Hocko continued trying to fight the other individual and Perez stood up and again tried to stop the fight.  Hocko again struck Perez in the face causing him to fall backward and hit the back of his head on the concrete.  According to witnesses, Perez then became unresponsive and appeared to stop breathing.  Hocko stood over Perez and repeatedly struck him in the face until witnesses intervened.  Hocko then fled the scene on foot.  

Based upon witness statements, Hocko was subsequently located less than a block away from the scene.  He was taken into custody without incident on a charge of aggravated assault.  Following Perez's death, the charge was upgraded to murder.  

                  Robert Hocko

VHS/KJS  10-28-15

Inc. #134635515

Houston police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a man at 2751 Wallingford about 12:40 a.m. today (October 28).  

The suspect is described only as an unknown black male.  Surveillance video of the suspect can be viewed on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/N0p4-keJDKo.  Surveillance photos of the suspect are attached to this news release.  

The victim, Patrick Terelle Thompson, 27, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant K. Tolls and Senior Police Officer R. Cervantes reported:  

Mr. Thompson went to visit a female friend's apartment at the above address and left the apartment about 11 p.m.  A few minutes later, the female was told by a neighbor that Thompson had been shot.  

A preliminary investigation determined Thompson was alone and behind the wheel of the vehicle he was driving when he was shot. Thompson then lost control of the vehicle and it continued moving a short distance until it struck a parked car.  Thompson was then transported by HFD paramedics to the hospital.  

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect in the surveillance video is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.  

Investigators are not available for interviews today.  

VHS/JKS  10-28-15

Inc. #138683715

*NOTE TIME OF AVAILABILITY WITH INVESTIGATOR*

Houston police have released surveillance video and are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in a copper theft at 12714 Northwest Freeway about 4:40 a.m. on September 13.

The unknown male suspect is seen driving a newer model, white Dodge pickup truck with a spare tire mounted on the front left side. Surveillance video of the truck and of the suspect committing the theft is posted on the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfpxvnxy1JM 

Investigators stated the unknown male cut wires near a breaker box at the Carl's Jr. restaurant at the above address.  The suspect then used the truck to pull copper wiring out of its protective PVC pipe.  The wire is seen on the surveillance video as it moves across signage in the drive thru area of the restaurant.  Almost 30 minutes after the burglary, the suspect's vehicle is seen driving back into and out of the same parking lot.    

Anyone with information in this incident is urged to contact the HPD Burglary and Theft Division Metal Theft Unit at 281-405-6560 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.  A reward up to $5,000 is available for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and charges against the suspect.

At 10 a.m. TODAY (Thursday, October 29), an investigator in the Metal Theft Unit will be available to answer questions in this case in the first floor Media Briefing Room of the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis.

NOTE: REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS MUST ENTER THE BUILDING THROUGH THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE AT 1200 TRAVIS, GO THROUGH THE METAL DETECTORS AND PROVIDE VALID IDENTIFICATION BEFORE BEING ESCORTED TO THE MEDIA BRIEFING ROOM.

JFC/VHS   10-29-15

Inc #118851315

Houston police are investigating a fatal crash at 1000 Brittmoore about 2:05 a.m. today (November 3).  

The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant J. Rossman and Officer M. Tamez reported:  

The victim was driving a blue Pontiac Grand Prix at a high rate of speed southbound on Brittmore and ran the stop sign at the intersection of Old Katy Road.  The vehicle crossed Old Katy Road, veered off the roadway and struck a concrete barrier wall.  The victim died on impact. 

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.  

VHS/JFC  11-3-15

Inc. #141564415-L

Houston police are awaiting autopsy results on skeletal remains found at 5500 T.C. Jester Boulevard about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 1).

The identity and cause of death of the remains are pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant S. Murdock, Senior Police Officer G. Garcia and Officer S. Overstreet reported:

Officers responded to the report of skeletal remains found at the above address.  The partial remains were found next to a bayou in an overgrown wooded area. 

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

JKS/JFC 11-3-15

Inc. #141030115

With the new Texas Open Carry law going into effect on January 1, 2016, the Houston Police Department is hosting an informational meeting at 7 p.m. TODAY (Wednesday, November 4) to answer citizen questions about the new law.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Learning Development Center at 4501 Leeland.  HPD will live-stream the meeting on the HPD YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/houstonpolice.  Free parking is available on site.

HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. speaks on the goals of this meeting on the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtK86podNZw.

Chief McClelland will be joined by Houston City Attorney Donna Edmundson and Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson in a panel discussion about the new law.

The Open Carry law will allow a license holder to "open carry" a holstered handgun.

For more information, contact the HPD Public Affairs Office at 713-308-3200 or go to the HPD website to view and print a flyer on the meeting at http://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/Open-Carry-Info-Flyer.pdf

JFC/AMD    11-4-15

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed suspect by an HPD officer at 3200 Drew about 12:40 a.m. today (November 4).  

The male suspect, in his mid to late 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

Officer J. Hayes, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in the incident.  Officer Hayes was sworn in as an officer in November 2010 and is assigned to the Gang Division.  

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant K. Meek and Officer M. Arroyo reported:  

Crime Reduction Unit officers were on a patrol assignment near the 3200 block of Drew when they saw a red pickup truck with faulty equipment commit a moving violation.  Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, however, the vehicle initially did not stop and continued to roll at a slow speed before coming to a stop.  

The officers, in a two-man unit, exited their patrol vehicle and approached the pickup truck on either side.  The officer on the driver's side of the vehicle gave repeated verbal commands to the suspect to lower his window, which he ignored.  Officer Hayes, on the passenger side also giving verbal commands, managed to see through the open window that the suspect was reaching into his front right pocket.  Officer Hayes again gave the suspect repeated verbal commands to show his hands, which were ignored.  The suspect then pulled a pistol from his pocket.  Fearing for his and his partner's lives and that of the female passenger inside the truck, Officer Hayes discharged his duty weapon at the suspect.  The suspect then accelerated his truck and fled on Drew until he struck a tree at the intersection of Neddleton.  Officers then approached and pulled the suspect from the vehicle.  Realizing he was struck by the gunfire, officers immediately called 9-1-1 and provided first aid to the suspect.  HFD paramedics arrived and pronounced the suspect deceased.  The female passenger, who was not injured, was detained for questioning.    

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.  

VHS/JFC  11-4-15

Inc. #141999815

Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a woman found at 1919 Runnels about 11 a.m. on January 26.  

The suspect, Harold James Lowdins (b/m, 44), is charged with murder in the 339th State District Court.  He is accused in the death of Bridgette Danelle Mercer, 41, believed to be homeless.  

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

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant S. Murdock and Senior Police Officer B. Evans reported:  

HPD patrol officers responded to a call regarding a possible deceased female at the above address and found Ms. Mercer deceased in a shallow drainage canal.  The area was within a small homeless camp.  

A preliminary investigation developed forensic evidence that was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and a profile was developed.  Lowdins was initially questioned by investigations and, at that time, a DNA sample was taken.    

Further investigation and results from CODIS identified Lowdins as the suspect in this case and a murder charge was filed.  He was taken into custody on Monday (November 2) without incident.  

             Harold James Lowdins

Houston police are investigating the death of a woman at 7575 Bellaire Boulevard that occurred about 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday (November 4).  

The victim, Shelbey Thornburgh, 20, of the above address, suffered lacerations and was pronounced dead at the scene.  

HPD Homicide Division Officers D. Crowder and T. Colbert reported:  

Ms. Thornburgh was assaulted by an unknown male suspect in her apartment.  HFD paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced her deceased.  

At this time, there are no known witnesses to the incident nor suspects.  

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.  

VHS/JKS  11-5-15

Inc. #142409915

*Correction on date of incident*

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man and the wounding of a female at 8181 Sands Point Drive that occurred about 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday(November 4).

The identity of the male victim is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Officers S. Glaze and M. Dykens reported:

The victim was found shot multiple times at the above address and was pronounced dead at the scene.  A second victim was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest where she remains in critical condition.  Witnesses reported two unknown male suspects fled the scene in a white SUV, possibly with a Texans logo on the back windshield and paper license tags.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JKS/VHS 11-5-15

Inc. #142275715

The shooting of a man at 2420 Sumpter about 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday (November 4) will be referred to a Harris County grand jury.  

The male suspect was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.  

The male shooter, 66, was not injured in the incident.  

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer S. Spivey and Officer W. Huff reported:  

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at a residence at the above address.  Officers arrived and found a male lying on the ground with a gunshot wound.  The male homeowner told police the male was climbing over a fence to get into his back yard.  The homeowner stated he feared for his life and shot the male.  

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.   

VHS/KJS  11-5-15

Inc. #142141715

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 9888 United Drive about 1:05 a.m. today (November 6).  

The victim, Armando Mazariegos, 52, of the above address, was pronounced dead at the scene.  

HPD Homicide Division Officers D. Stark and G. Sullivan reported:  

Mr. Mazariegos, his wife and grandson returned to their apartment complez at the above address after running errands.  As Mazariegos was getting out of his car, he was approached by an unknown black male suspect armed with a gun.  The suspect then demanded money from Mazariegos.  As he reached into his pocket, the suspect fired a shot and killed Mazariegos.  The suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting.  The wife and grandson were not injured.  

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.  

VHS/JFC  11-6-15

Inc. #142907815

Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a robbery at 10300 Wilcrest about 10:20 p.m. on October 14.  

The suspect, Jeffery Johnson (b/m, 28) is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 228th State District Court.  A photo of suspect Johnson is attached to this news release.  

HPD Robbery Division Senior Police Officer K. Miller reported:  

The male victim, 34, was entering his apartment at 10300 Wilcrest when the suspect suddenly ran up the stairs and pointed a gun at his head.  The suspect then forced the victim to the ground and demanded his wallet.  The suspect then told the victim to stay down and look away as he fled down the stairs in an unknown direction.  

Investigators released surveillance video of the suspect on October 22 at https://youtu.be/KiR_E0bnmZ4.

Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip, investigators obtained information that identified Johnson as the suspect in this case.  He was taken into custody on Tuesday (November 3) without incident.  

                                                                                                Jeffery Johnson

Houston police are asking for the public's help in locating a male wanted for questioning in the fatal shooting of a woman and juvenile female found at 7827 Elvera about 12:10 p.m. last Friday (Nov. 6).

The wanted male, Jonathan Figueroa (H/m, 23), is believed to have headed to the Mexican border driving in a 2004 maroon Ford Taurus with Texas license plates CTS3225.

A photo of Figueroa is attached to this news release.  He is wanted for questioning in the deaths of Veronica Mercado, 26, and Linette Cano, who would have turned 2 years old on November 21.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M.A. Holbrook and Officer K. McDonald reported:

The suspect entered Ms. Mercado's residence and fired multiple shots striking both female victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jonathan Figueroa is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

                   Jonathan Figueroa

JFC/VHS    11-9-15

Inc #143083815 

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man found at 1914 Chaparral Drive about 3 a.m. on Sunday (Nov. 8).

The victim, Jordan Huerta-Aguilar, 25, of the above address, was pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer S. Spivey and Officer R. Lujan reported:

Officers were dispatched to a suspicious event call at a residence at the above address and found Mr. Huerta-Aguilar lying inside the front doors of home.  He had sustained several gunshot wounds.  Paramedics transported Huerta-Aguilar to the hospital where he died.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JFC/VHS   11-9-15

Inc #143854515

Houston police are awaiting autopsy results of a man found deceased at 11550 South Wilcrest about 11:55 a.m. on Sunday (Nov. 8).

The victim is identified as David Robert Welcome, 54.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant W. Elsbury and Senior Police Officer R. Martinez reported:

Officers responded to a person down call at the above address and observed Mr. Welcome slumped over in the front seat of a work van.  Paramedics were called and pronounced Welcome dead at the scene.  Officers met with several individuals and the person who called 911.  Preliminary evidence suggests Welcome might have experienced a medical emergency or episode since there are no visible signs of foul play.

The investigation is pending an autopsy conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences to determine the man's cause and manner of death.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

JFC/VHS   11-9-15

Inc #143953115 

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 6200 Marinette about 9:45 p.m. last Friday (Nov. 6).

The victim, Edgar Francisco Pech, 32, of the above address, was pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant N. Ruland and Officer M. Arrington reported:

Mr. Pech had just arrived home and was walking to his apartment at the above address.  Residents reported hearing a gunshot and went to investigate.  They found Pech on a sidewalk and called 911.  Witnesses reported seeing an unknown black male wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt and shorts running from the scene.  

At this time, it is believed robbery is a possible motive in the shooting.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JFC/VHS  11-9-15

Inc #143321715 

Houston police are investigating the death of a woman at 8602 Bissonnet about 1:15 a.m.. last Thursday (November 5).  

The victim, 21, was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital.  Her identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Olive and Officer S. Sylvester reported:  

A male arrived at HFD Fire Station #68 at the above address seeking medical assistance for his girlfriend, who was unresponsive.  According to the male, the girlfriend jumped out of his moving vehicle and suffered head trauma, as well as other injuries.  She was then transported to the hospital via Life Flight helicopter.    

No charges have been filed at this time, as the investigation is continuing.  

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.  

VHS/JFC  11-9-15

Inc. #142453515

Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a woman and juvenile female found at 7827 Elvera about 12:10 p.m. last Friday (Nov. 6).

The suspect, Jonathan Figueroa (H/m, 23), is charged with capital murder in the 184th State District Court.  He is believed to have headed to the Mexican border driving in a 2004 maroon Ford Taurus with Texas license plates CTS3225.  A photo of Figueroa is attached to this news release.  

Figueroa is accused in the deaths of his girlfriend, Veronica Mercado, 26, and her daughter, Linette Cano, who would have turned 2 years old on November 21.  Figueroa is not the child's father.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M.A. Holbrook and Officer K. McDonald reported:

The suspect entered Ms. Mercado's residence and fired multiple shots striking both female victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jonathan Figueroa is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

                   Jonathan Figueroa