Harris County deputies are calling for witnesses to come forward after a parking-lot confrontation along the Northwest Freeway left a family injured and badly shaken. The June 21 incident unfolded in the 29300 block of the freeway after a family returned to their vehicle and things quickly escalated.
According to investigators, a truck struck the family and came dangerously close to hitting one of the children. In the chaos that followed, a man identified as Dwight Shaffer allegedly assaulted the adult victim in front of his family.
Precinct 4 account
In a post from Constable Mark Herman's office, deputies said they opened case hc2606-02902 and named Dwight Shaffer as wanted for assault. The post states the victim tapped the side of the truck to get the driver to stop, which is when the suspect allegedly turned on him and attacked, injuring the adult victim and terrifying the family.
"Violence has no place in our community, especially in the presence of children," Constable Mark Herman wrote, according to the Constable Mark Herman's office post. Deputies are asking for witnesses and any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or drivers that might help them track Shaffer down. The post does not say whether an arrest has been made.
What the law says
Shaffer is being sought on an alleged assault. Under Texas law, that charge can carry a wide range of penalties depending on what exactly happened. Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 defines assault as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, threatening someone with imminent harm, or making offensive physical contact. Depending on the circumstances, it can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, and aggravating factors such as serious bodily injury or use of a weapon can significantly increase the potential punishment.
How to report tips
Precinct 4 is urging anyone who saw the incident or who recognizes the suspect to contact its 24-hour dispatch line at 281-376-3472 or reach out to their local law enforcement agency. More details and non-emergency contact options are listed on the Precinct 4 contact page.
Investigators say the search for Shaffer is active and ongoing. They ask that anyone who believes they see him not confront or approach him, but instead call dispatch with information. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
