Suspect Arrested in Incident at 300 Jensen Drive

September 22, 2009 - Charges have been filed against a suspect who pointed a gun at a Houston police officer in the 300 block of Jensen Drive about 2 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 21).

The suspect, Martin Garcia Vargas (H/m, DOB: 3-10-70), is charged with terroristic threat in Harris County Criminal Court #14.

Officer M. W. Thacker, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident. Officer Thacker was sworn in as an officer in June 1984 and is assigned to the South Central Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Rubio and Officer R. Figueroa reported:

Vargas approached a female near an educational facility, pointed a pistol at her and threatened to shoot her. The female then fled and called police. Patrol officers responded and saw Vargas walking along Buffalo Bayou near the 700 block of North Live Oak. Officer Thacker confronted Vargas and gave him orders to surrender. Vargas then pulled a pistol from his waist and pointed it at Officer Thacker. Fearing for his safety, Officer Thacker discharged his duty weapon, but did not strike Vargas. Vargas was then taken into custody. It was later determined the pistol Vargas was carrying was a toy gun.

VHS/JFC
Inc. #138406209

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