Felon convicted after pointing weapon at law enforcement responding to assault

HOUSTON - A 33-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Tomas Rodriguez pointed a loaded .22 caliber pistol at a local police department officer who was in the course of their normal duty.

On Sept. 5, 2021, the officer had responded to a report of an assault in a parking lot near Houston bar. Witnesses directed him to Rodriguez who had fled towards an injured female lying face down on the ground. Rodriguez fell as he ran, and the officer commanded him to remain on the ground.

However, Rodriguez got up and pointed the firearm at the officer who responded by discharging his duty weapon in self-defense. Not struck, Rodriguez proceeded to flee and discarded the weapon. Authorities apprehended Rodriguez following a foot pursuit and subsequently recovered his loaded firearm.

Rodriguez has multiple prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 8. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Houston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black prosecuted the case.