POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in Incident at 7753 Leonora Street
October 5, 2015 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in an incident in which the suspect pointed a weapon at Houston police officers at 7753 Leonora Street about 8:40 a.m. on Saturday (October 3).
The suspect, Viktor Manuel Sanchez (H/m, 22), is charged with aggravated assault of a public servant in the 263rd State District Court. A photo of suspect Sanchez is attached to this news release.
Sergeant S. Rios, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in the incident. Sgt. Rios was sworn in as an officer in February 1996 and is assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Parker and Officer J. Nguyen reported:
HPD patrol officers responded to the above address regarding a suicide in-progress. Officers arrived and confronted Sanchez, who was armed with a knife, and gave him verbal commands in English and Spanish to come out. Sanchez ignored the commands and retrieved a shotgun. Sanchez then raised the shotgun and pointed it at the officers as if to fire at them. Fearing for his and his fellow officers' lives, Sgt. Rios sought cover behind his patrol vehicle and discharged his duty weapon more than one time, but did not strike Sanchez. Sanchez then opened and closed the door to the residence repeatedly and again raised the shotgun and pointed it at officers. Sgt. Rios again discharged his duty weapon but did not strike Sanchez. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the residence and the Specials Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT) was called to the scene.
After several hours of negotiations with Sanchez via loudspeakers and telephone, SWAT officers deployed tear gas into the residence. Sanchez then surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.
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.
Viktor Manuel Sanchez
Inc. #127727615
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
