A routine stop at a north Houston gas station turned into a felony investigation on Saturday evening after a heated argument allegedly escalated into an aggravated assault involving a broken beer bottle, according to investigators.
Houston detectives say the confrontation started as a dispute over a purchase at a gas station in the 16800 block of Imperial Valley Drive around 6:50 p.m. A customer reportedly clashed with two white Hispanic men, and during the argument, one of the suspects broke a beer bottle before both men took off in a black sedan, investigators said. The men have not been identified and remain at large as detectives continue canvassing the area.
Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest, and anyone who wants to claim that reward has to go through the nonprofit directly. The group’s hotline is 713-222-TIPS, and anonymous reports can be submitted through its website or mobile app, according to Crime Stoppers of Houston.
What police say
According to Houston Police Robbery, the incident was classified as an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The department assigned the case number 884393-26 and released descriptions of the two men while detectives follow up on leads and review available evidence.
How to report a tip
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area or who has video, photos or other information to contact Crime Stoppers or the HPD Robbery Division. Tipsters who call 713-222-TIPS or file an anonymous tip online may qualify for the reward, according to Crime Stoppers of Houston. The organization emphasizes that callers must reach out to Crime Stoppers directly to stay anonymous and to be considered for payment.
Legal consequences
Under state law, an assault is considered aggravated if it causes serious bodily injury or if a deadly weapon is used or exhibited, which makes the offense a felony under the Texas Penal Code . Penalties vary depending on the conduct and circumstances and can include prison time and fines as outlined in the statute.
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been reported. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or review HPD’s Robbery Division post for the case number and images.
