Suspects Arrested in Assault of HPD Officer at 1801 Sgt. Macario Garcia

September 2, 2009 - Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the aggravated assault of an on-duty Houston police officer at 1802 Sgt. Macario Garcia about 6:30 a.m. on August 26.

One suspect, Robert Gonzales (H/m, DOB: 6-26-62), is charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and burglary of a building in the 174th State District Court. The second suspect, Byron Rodriguez (H/m, DOB: 11-4-83), is charged with burglary of a building and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the 337th State District Court.

Officer J. W. Taylor, suffered minor injuries to his hands and legs and was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was treated and released. Officer Taylor, sworn in as an officer in November 1981, is assigned to the Eastside Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. T. Parker and Senior Police Officer S. Straughter reported:

Patrol officers responded to a burglary in-progress call at 1801 Sgt. Macario Garcia and Officer Taylor confronted two male suspects exiting the front door of the night club at that location. Both suspects refused all orders to stop and struggled with Officer Taylor. Rodriguez fled north on foot while Gonzales continued to struggle with Officer Taylor. Gonzales got into a red pickup truck, drove away and dragged Officer Taylor a short distance. The pickup, which was determined to be stolen, was later recovered in the area of Wallisville Road and Hoffman Street.

Further investigation identified the suspects in this case and both were taken into custody on Monday (Aug. 31).

Update: VHS/JFC 9-2-09
VHS/JFC 8-26-09
Inc. #125115109

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .