Deputies with Harris County Constable Precinct 4 say a north Houston man is behind bars after an attack that left an 84-year-old suffering pain and visible injuries. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and officials report the suspect initially took off from the scene before deputies tracked him down. Authorities say he was later booked into the Harris County Jail on an elder-injury charge.
According to a post from Constable Mark Herman's office, deputies responded last Friday to the 7000 block of Garnet Hill Lane, where they identified the suspect as Steven Buss. The post lists Buss’s birthdate as Aug. 27, 1986, and states he was located at a nearby business, arrested, and booked into the Harris County Jail. He is charged with "injury to the elderly," and bond was set at $30,000, according to the constable’s office.
What the law says
Under Texas Penal Code §22.04, "injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual" applies when a person causes bodily injury, serious mental impairment, or disfigurement to a victim who is 65 or older. The level of the offense depends on the person’s intent and the extent of harm, with penalties ranging from a state-jail felony to a first-degree felony in the most serious cases.
Constable's statement and next steps
Constable Mark Herman's office said deputies "acted quickly" after the call and emphasized that crimes targeting elderly residents are not tolerated, noting that locating the suspect was treated as a priority for the precinct. The post did not provide further information about the victim’s current condition or specify a court date.
