POLICE Department

UPDATE: Suspect Charged in Incident at 5219 Airline

March 1, 2019 - Charges have been filed against an armed suspect arrested after exchanging gunfire with two Houston police officers exchanged gunfire with the armed suspect at 5219 Airline Drive about 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday (February 27).  

The male suspect, Carlos Caseres-Martinez (H/m, 20), is charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant and one count of burglary of a building in the 184th State District Court.  Caseres-Martinez sustained gunshot wounds to his left arm and was treated and released from Ben Taub General Hospital in stable condition.  

A booking photo of Caseres-Martinez is attached to this news release.  

HPD Officers C. Eskridge and R. Martin, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in the incident.  Officers Eskridge and Martin were sworn in as officers in January 2016 and December 2014, respectively, and are assigned to the North Patrol Division.  

HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant M. Ynosencio and Detectives E. Contreras, D. Hobson and M. Glover reported:  

HPD patrol officers responded to a burglary of a business call at the Cash America Pawn Shop at the above address and found a large hole cut in the back of the business.  Officers then saw a light shining and movement inside the business, indicating someone was inside.  As officers attempted to set up a perimeter, Officer Martin noticed the suspect's( Caseres-Martinez) hand emerge from the hole in the building.  He gave Caseres-Martinez verbal commands to show his hands but instead, the suspect stuck a gun through the hole, pointed it toward Officer Martin and fired several shots.  Fearing for his life, Officer Martin discharged his duty weapon.  Caseres-Martinez and Officer Martin continued to exchange gunfire and the suspect then exited the building and attempted to flee on foot southbound.  

Officer Eskridge rushed to assist Officer Martin and located Caseres-Martinez running westbound on East Rodgers Street.  He gave the suspect verbal commands to show his hands but instead, Caseres-Martinez fired his weapon at the officer.  Fearing for his life, Officer Eskridge returned fire.  Caseres-Martinez continued to flee and attempted to hide under a nearby vehicle, but was quickly located and taken into custody.  Officers recovered a gun in his possession.  Caseres-Martinez was transported by HFD paramedics to the hospital. He was subsequently charged for his role in this incident.    

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the Houston city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.  

 Carlos Caseres-Martinez
Carlos Caseres-Martinez



Update: VHS/JFC  3-1-19
VHS/JKS  2-27-19
Inc. #025266619

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.