July 27, 2021 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the shooting of a man at 8920 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) service road about 8:25 a.m. on Monday (July 26).  

The suspect, John Valley Mahavier (w/m, 30), is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a weapon in the 174th State District Court.  A booking photo of Mahavier is attached to this news release.  

The victim, Ned Roberson, 52, was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.  

HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division Officers D. Polite and C. Brannen reported:  

Mr. Roberson and Mahavier had rented rooms next door to each other at a motel at the above address and got into a dispute regarding noise levels coming through the wall.  Roberson went to the front desk lobby to complain.  

As Roberson was speaking to the motel employee, Mahavier entered the lobby and both men got into an argument.  As Mahavier produced a pistol from his front right pocket, Roberson lunged at him to prevent from being harmed.  Mahavier then shot Roberson in the stomach.  Roberson wrestled the pistol away from Mahavier and struck him on top of the head.  Houston Fire Department paramedics transported both men to the hospital.  

Investigators spoke with Mahavier and, after consulting with the Harris County District Attorney's Office, charges were filed and Mahavier was taken into custody without further incident.