Arrest Made in Connection with Deadly Carjacking
A suspect in connection with a carjacking where the victim was shot and killed at a southwest Houston gas station has been arrested in Corpus Christi, according to the Houston Police Department. The suspect, Alexis Garcia, 20, was found in an empty field and was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance. He is currently being held at a detention center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Charges and Investigation
Garcia has been charged with two counts of theft, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. More charges are possibly pending. The Houston Police Department initially named him as a person of interest but has now named him as a suspect in connection with the carjacking on Thursday night. However, police have not confirmed if he is the murder suspect at this time.
Details of the Carjacking
The shooting happened at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday night near 11700 Southwest Freeway. A suspect driving a gray Dodge Charger crashed into a Toyota Prius driven by Isgandar Mustafev. Following the accident, the driver of the Charger fled on foot and confronted a driver in a red Hyundai at the intersection of Wilcrest Drive. While attempting to steal the vehicle, he fired several shots, striking the driver.
Aftermath of the Shooting
The victim managed to drive under the freeway and crashed into a pole at a Shell gas station. Emergency responders transported the driver to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from apparent gunshot wounds. After failing to carjack the Hyundai, the gunman approached a second vehicle, a gray Audi, and successfully carjacked it. The driver of the Audi escaped unharmed.
Investigation and Theories
Authorities have not disclosed why the suspect fled the scene following the violent crash, but they are exploring a couple of theories, including him possibly having outstanding warrants or driving under the influence at the time of the collision. The suspect abandoned the car he was driving, which investigators hope will provide insight into his motives. Tracking technology on the stolen vehicle helped investigators discover it was in Corpus Christi.
Call for Information
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers. You can also reach out to Bryce directly by email at bnewberry@kprc.com.
Conclusion
The arrest of Alexis Garcia in connection with the deadly carjacking is a significant development in the investigation. As the case continues to unfold, it is essential for the community to remain vigilant and report any information that may aid in the investigation. The Houston Police Department is working tirelessly to ensure justice is served, and the community can rest assured that they are doing everything in their power to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
