March 28, 2011 - Charges have been filed against three suspects in an incident in which a Houston police officer wounded a suspect at 14400 Eastex Freeway (North U.S. 59) about 10:25 p.m. on Saturday (March 26).

Pablo Sabas Flores (H/m, DOB: 3-20-94) and his father, Antonio Gallegos Flores, Sr. (H/m, DOB: 7-18-67), are charged with felony evading arrest in a motor vehicle in the 179th State District Court.  A photo of Pablo Flores is attached to this news release.  Flores, Sr. remains at large.  His photo is not currently available.

A third suspect, a 14-year-old male, has been referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest on foot.

Officer B.A. Leblanc, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident.  Officer Leblanc, assigned to the North Patrol Division, was sworn in as an officer in November 2008.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant B. Harris and Senior Police Officer M. Waters reported:

After being assaulted by Antonio Flores, Sr. earlier in the evening, his wife jumped from a pickup truck and flagged down Officer Leblanc.  The suspects then fled the scene in the pickup truck, with Pablo Flores driving.  Officer Leblanc pursued the pickup truck for several miles with lights and siren activated.  During the pursuit, the 14-year-old suspect jumped from the vehicle as a diversionary tactic and was taken into custody by Harris County Sheriff’s deputies.  At that time, Antonio Flores, Sr. began driving the truck with Pablo as a passenger.  Later in the pursuit, the truck stopped again and Flores, Sr. fled on foot, leaving Pablo Flores to drive the truck.  Pablo Flores continued to flee from officers before losing control of the truck and crashing into the wrought iron fence and gate at an apartment complex entrance at the above address.  Two children, inside the truck during the pursuit, a boy, 10, and a girl, 12, ran from the accident scene and were found unharmed by HPD officers.

Pablo Flores fled the accident scene on foot. During the ensuing foot pursuit, Flores reached into his pocket in an attempt to retrieve an object.  Officer Leblanc, believing Flores was attempting to retrieve a weapon, discharged his duty weapon one time, striking Flores in the leg.  Flores was taken to LBJ General Hospital where he was treated and released into HPD custody.

Antonio Flores, Sr. remains at large and was last seen driving a green Hummer with Texas license plate 758-HRY4.  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Antonio Flores, Sr. is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings, this case will be investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.




KJS/JFC   3-28-11
Inc. #038048911