Houston Police Department

February 10, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating the death of a 17 year-old male at 5710 Los Angeles on February 10, 2006. Houston Police Homicide investigators, Sergeant S. Kennedy and Officer T. Miller, report:

At approximately 7:10 AM, an argument between the deceased male, Patrick Thomas of 4806 Los Angeles and a friend, escalated into a physical altercation outside of this friend's home. The homeowner, Mr. Melvin Wallace (b/m, DOB: 11-8-26) came outside with a pistol to try and scare the two boys into breaking up the fight. During the process of attempting to break up this fight, the gun discharged, striking Patrick Thomas in the neck and causing his death. It is not known whether the gun was fired intentionally or by accident.

The case was presented to the Harris County District Attorney's office and charges of Manslaughter were accepted against Mr. Wallace.

226672-06K
02/10/06
DJC

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