A man was critically injured in a shooting at an apartment complex on Bateswood Drive on January 5, and now the suspect is behind bars facing charges. According to a news release from the City of Houston, the incident occurred around 8:35 p.m., and the victim, whose name has not yet been released, is currently in stable condition after being transported to an area hospital.
The Houston Police Department has since charged Joe Moses Rodriguez, 37, with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Currently held in the Harris County Jail, Rodriguez was swiftly detained at the scene and is to quickly face justice in the 209th State District Court. A booking photo of Rodriguez accompanied the official release. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it was noted that the suspect and the victim were known to each other.
HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division Detective S. De La Cruz provided details on the case. "Officers were dispatched to a shooting call at the apartment complex at the above address and located the victim outside an apartment. He had suffered gunshot wounds," detailed the detective in the press statement. Due to the rapid response of paramedics, the victim was promptly treated and is expected to recover after treatment.
Detectives investigating the crime have learned that the male victim was shot by Rodriguez, who was an acquaintance. Further details about the altercation that led to the shooting have yet to be revealed. However, the swift action of the authorities to apprehend and formally charge Rodriguez demonstrates the diligence often required to ensure swiftly bring such cases to the forefront of the criminal justice system. The investigation is ongoing as detectives gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
