April 22, 2013 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal assault of a man at 1300 East 29th Street about 10:20 p.m. last Friday (April 19).

Alan Pozzerle (w/m, DOB: 8-19-63) is charged with murder in the 183rd State District Court.  A photo of Pozzerle is attached to this news release.

The victim, William Johnson, 58, suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. McStravick,  A. Versluis, R. Blain and Senior Police Officers B. Evans and M. Condon reported:

The victim was found unresponsive next to the street at the above address.  Patrol officers were initially told the man was known to be a homeless person who was often intoxicated.  Officers approached the man and discovered injuries consistent with him being assaulted.  A witness reported seeing the victim and then a white cargo style van leaving the area.  It was suspected the victim might have been struck by this vehicle that then fled the scene.

Further investigation determined suspect Pozzerle struck Mr. Johnson with a club during an argument over a cellphone.  When Johnson fled on foot, Pozzerle followed him in his white Chevrolet van that he used to strike Johnson.  Pozzerle got out of his van and continued to beat Johnson with a club, killing him.  Pozzerle then fled the scene in his van.

On Sunday (April 21), Pozzerle was arrested without incident.