March 25, 2012 - Charges have been filed against an armed suspect wounded by HPD officers after he fatally stabbed his father and then fired shots at Houston police officers at 7411 Banyan about 5:20 a.m. last Saturday (March 23).

Niles Thibodeaux (b/m, DOB: 10-8-68) is charged with murder and aggravated assault against a public servant in the 351st State District Court.  A photo of Thibodeaux is not available at this time.

His father, Andrew Thibodeaux, 83, of the above address, suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two HPD officers who discharged their weapons were not injured in this incident.  Senior Police Officer S. Hamala was sworn in as an HPD officer in June 1990.  Senior Police Officer T. Warren was sworn in as an HPD officer in October 1993.  Both are assigned to the HPD Tactical Operations Division.

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officers M. Miller and T. Miller reported:
HPD patrol officers were dispatched to a disturbance call at the above address.  When they arrived, they attempted, without success, to make contact with the residents.  Additional officers arrived and several more attempts were made to reach the occupants, including ringing the doorbell and knocking at the front door.  While doing so, a patrol officer heard a loud gunshot from inside the house.  Officers then established a perimeter and notified the HPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams.  

Negotiators made several attempts to communicate with the suspect, Niles Thibodeaux, which were unsuccessful.  Thibodeaux forced SWAT officers to pull back as they attempted to enter the residence and provide medical assistance to the father, Andrew Thibodeaux.  Niles Thibodeaux also fired at officers attempting to use an armored vehicle to make forced entry into the front of the house.  Niles Thibodeaux then fled out a back door where he raised a weapon in the direction of HPD officers.  Two officers, fearing for the safety of their fellow officers, discharged their weapons, striking him several times.  He was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical but stable condition.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.



KJS/JFC  3-25-13
Inc. #035521913