Two men have been detained and face charges following a tense scene on East Freeway, where a Houston police officer fired his weapon during an alleged auto theft incident. The confrontation occurred around midday Wednesday and had officers scrambling to corral the chaos that momentarily gripped the 10300 block of the interstate.
The two suspects, identified as Eric Meza and Nathan Ybarra, both 20, are now facing criminal charges. According to a news release by the City of Houston, Meza is charged with theft, while Ybarra stands accused of felony evading arrest in a motor vehicle. Both cases are being presented in the 263rd State District Court.
HPD Officer I. Sosa-Castillo, who was involved in the incident, reportedly discharged his duty weapon when Meza allegedly drove toward him. Sosa-Castillo, a member of the Downtown Patrol Division since his induction in October 2017, was not harmed. The officers initially observed what appeared to be an auto theft-in-progress and attempted to intercept it. "The suspect (Meza) drove toward an officer and Officer Sosa-Castillo discharged his duty weapon at the suspect vehicle, causing it to become disabled," detailed the HPD release. Meza's vehicle was disabled, but he managed to flee on foot before being apprehended.
Meanwhile, Ybarra, the second suspect, led police on a chase with the stolen vehicle before being detained. It was a coordinated effort by HPD patrol officers that brought an end to the pursuit. In line with protocol, the HPD Special Investigations Unit along with the Internal Affairs Division has initiated a probe into the officer-involved shooting.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation by Houston police’s oversight entities remains ongoing.
