POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in Man's Death at 1732 West 18th Street
October 28, 2015 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a man at 1732 West 18th Street about 6:20 p.m. on October 18th.
The suspect, Robert Hocko (w/m, 33), is charged with murder in the 248th State District Court. He is accused in the death of Daniel Perez, 52, of Houston. Mr. Perez suffered blunt force trauma and was transported by Life Flight helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition. Doctors pronounced him dead on October 19.
A photo of suspect Hocko is attached to this news release.
HPD Homicide Division Officers I. Ulloa and E. Wohlgemuth reported:
On October 18, Hocko and an unknown person got into an argument that nearly escalated into a physical fight until Mr. Perez intervened. As Perez attempted to stop the fight, Hocko threatened to punch Perez in the face. Perez continued attempts to stop the fight and, at some point, he was struck in the face by Hocko. The punch caused Perez to fall to the ground and hit his forehead on the concrete.
Hocko continued trying to fight the other individual and Perez stood up and again tried to stop the fight. Hocko again struck Perez in the face causing him to fall backward and hit the back of his head on the concrete. According to witnesses, Perez then became unresponsive and appeared to stop breathing. Hocko stood over Perez and repeatedly struck him in the face until witnesses intervened. Hocko then fled the scene on foot.
Based upon witness statements, Hocko was subsequently located less than a block away from the scene. He was taken into custody without incident on a charge of aggravated assault. Following Perez's death, the charge was upgraded to murder.
Robert Hocko
Inc. #134635515
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
