POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in Incident at 200 South 70th Street
March 21, 2016 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested following an officer-involved shooting incident at 200 South 70th Street about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday (March 20).
The suspect, Johnathon Sanchez (H/m, 28), is charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant in the 184th State District Court. Sanchez sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he underwent surgery.
A photo of suspect Sanchez is not available at this time.
HPD Senior Police Officer R. Benavides and Officer H. Diaz, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in the incident. Officers Benavides and Diaz are assigned to the Eastside Patrol Division and were sworn in as officers in September 1994 and August 1998, respectively.
HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer M. Waters and Officer C. Elder reported:
HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting in-progress call in the 7100 block of Capitol Street and were told by witnesses that a male suspect (Sanchez) was walking down the road shooting at cars and homes. He was seen walking northbound on 74th Street toward Harrisburg. Officers searched the area and located Sanchez walking westbound on Harrisburg and saw him turn onto 70th Street.
Officers drove up to Sanchez and, keeping a safe distance, exited their patrol vehicles and gave Sanchez repeated verbal commands to drop his weapon. Sanchez ignored officers and instead, raised the gun and spun around to face the officers. Fearing for their lives, as well as others on scene, Officers Benavides and Diaz discharged their duty weapons and struck Sanchez. He was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital.
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.
VHS/JFC 3-21-16
Inc. #035690916
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
