February 18, 2012 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested following an incident in which Houston police officers discharged their duty weapons in the 1500 block of Washington Avenue about 11:10 p.m. last Friday (Feb. 15).

The suspect, Mario G. Diaz-Gomez (H/m, DOB 8-15-61), is charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and felony evading arrest in the 338th State District Court. A photo of suspect Diaz-Gomez is attached to this news release.

Officers S. Blevins and K. McLaughlin, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in the incident. Officers Blevins, sworn in as an officer in November 2009, and McLaughlin, sworn in as an officer in July 2009, are assigned to the Central Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant H. Garcia, Senior Police Officer T. Andrade and Officer V. McLean reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a disturbance call involving a speeding vehicle at 4312 Washington Avenue. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the suspect but he fled the scene in his vehicle. Officers pursued the suspect as he drove erratically on Washington Avenue. At one point during the pursuit, the suspect appeared to lose control of his vehicle and came to a stop facing the pursuing patrol vehicles. As Officers Blevins and McLaughlin attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop, the suspect accelerated his vehicle and drove toward the passenger side of their patrol vehicle. Fearing for their lives, the two officers discharged their duty weapons, but did not strike the suspect. The suspect put his vehicle in reverse, spun the vehicle and then fled, striking other HPD patrol units in the process. He was then taken into custody.

As is customary when an HPD officer discharges a weapon in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.

VHS/JFC 2-18-13
Inc. #019558313