Web Desk
Houston, TX – A 16-year-old girl, who had previously been reported missing, was safely recovered on Friday following a tense standoff at the Mustang Inn on Tidwell Road in north Houston.
Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at the motel located in the 3800 block of Tidwell when they discovered the teen inside a room with a 20-year-old man.
Authorities say the man was already wanted for aggravated assault and drug possession.
Upon encountering law enforcement, the suspect barricaded himself inside the room, triggering a full SWAT team response.
Tactical officers deployed a robot, drone, and tear gas to gain access and ensure the girl’s safety.
SWAT Operation Ends in Arrest
The standoff came to an end around 4 p.m. when the suspect was found hiding in the attic and taken into custody.
His identity has not yet been made public, as the investigation remains ongoing.
According to Assistant Chief John Nanny of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the SWAT team’s use of tear gas played a crucial role in securing the arrest.
Following his exposure to the gas, the suspect was seen vomiting and spitting.
He was placed on a stretcher and transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
Deputy Injured by K9 During Incident
During the response, a sheriff’s deputy suffered a dog bite to the lower leg from a K9 officer.
The deputy was also taken to the hospital and is expected to fully recover, according to FOX26 Houston.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the suspect’s existing warrants or medical condition.
Meanwhile, Houston Police are actively investigating a possible link to human trafficking connected to the incident at the motel.
