A family argument in southwest Houston escalated fast on Thursday evening when a man in his late 30s allegedly slashed his older brother in the throat with two knives, according to authorities. The older brother suffered non-severe wounds and was treated on the spot by Houston Fire Department paramedics. As officers arrived, the suspect retreated into a house and refused to come out, triggering a tactical response that ended with a SWAT team using gas to flush him from the home and take him into custody.
Barricade and SWAT Response
The disturbance kicked off around 7:20 p.m. Thursday on Hornwood Drive in the Sharpstown area, according to Houston police. Lieutenant Pulido told reporters that during an argument, the suspect pulled out two knives and cut his older brother. Family members called 911, and patrol officers who responded reported seeing the suspect outside holding a knife before he ducked back into the house.
Per FOX 26 Houston, the Patrol Support Team and SWAT were called in and ultimately deployed CS gas to force the suspect out so officers could safely arrest him.
CS Gas and Health Effects
SWAT used CS gas, a common riot-control agent often described as tear gas, to clear the house and drive the suspect outside. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that CS can irritate the eyes, throat, lungs, and skin, and that higher concentrations or use in enclosed spaces may lead to more serious breathing problems.
Charges and Legal Context
Houston police say the man is facing family-violence and aggravated-assault-on-a-family-member charges, and, as reported by FOX 26 Houston, the investigation remains active. Under Texas law, aggravated assault can be elevated when a deadly weapon is used, and the Family Code defines “family violence” to include acts intended to cause bodily injury between household members; see the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Family Code.
