Here are things to know for Wednesday, March 16:
1. Greater Houston Coalition denounces reinstatement of 4 HPD officers involved in deadly shooting of Nicolas Chavez
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The Greater Houston Coalition held a news conference Tuesday morning to denounce the recent reinstatement of a Houston police sergeant and three officers who were fired for their role in the deadly shooting of Nicholas Chavez.
On Monday, HPOU released a statement saying the officers and sergeant were rightfully reinstated and were made whole with full payback and seniority. The union further stated that evidence from its attorneys determined that Mayor Sylvester Turner and others were misled by former Chief Acevedo to believe the officers violated the department’s policies.
Officers Luis Alvarado, Omar Tapia, Patrick Rubio and Sgt. Benjamin LeBlanc will now go back to work.
2. HPD officer relieved of duty after charged with possession of child pornography, department says
A Houston police officer has been relieved of duty after he was arrested and charged following a two-month-long investigation, according to the Houston Police Department.
Justin Weber, 29, was charged with possession of child pornography.
According to a released statement, the Houston Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Jan. 7. ICAC investigators opened an investigation into the allegations and HPD’s Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an administrative investigation.
3. Residents found living in illegal boarding home in Crosby say crucial medicines, oxygen tanks are still locked inside
Since new regulations went into effect last year in Harris County, seven illegal boarding homes have been shut down.
Now, some former residents at a home on Cypress in Crosby say crucial belongings like medicines and oxygen tanks are still locked inside and serious health concerns are surfacing.
“The house was in terrible condition, I agree,” said Berry Williams.
He was moved into the boarding home on Cypress and Myrtle after being discharged from a hospital.
He said the home located in the Arcadian Gardens neighborhood was recommended by hospital staff.
4. Thieves take more than $10K worth of diesel fuel from Chevron gas station in Spring
A gas station in Spring is the latest victim of a diesel theft. It’s a crime that’s increasing along with gas prices.
The Chevron gas station, located in the 6100 block of Root Rd., is now out hundreds of gallons of precious and expensive diesel.
“It’s around 1,800 to 2,000 gallons of diesel,” said owner Muhammad Faisal. “Around $10,000 to $12,000.”
Faisal said the organized theft happened after they closed the convenience store at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and wrapped up after 5 a.m. on Sunday.
Faisal said his cameras captured truck after truck filling tanks of diesel and then leaving and returning for more loads.
5. Identity released of shooter taken down by UFC fighter and friend at Ra Sushi in Highland Village, police say
Authorities have released the identity of the suspect who got more than he bargained for when he allegedly discharged a gun at a popular sushi restaurant in Highland Village on Monday night.
It happened around 11:30 p.m. at Ra Sushi located at 3908 Westheimer in Highland Village.
According to officers, about 50 people were inside the restaurant when Jesus Edray Cardiel Samaniego, 24, pulled out a gun and shot it into the air.
He was taken down and detained by at least two quick-thinking patrons who were with a pair of women inside the restaurant. One of those men was a UFC fighter, police said.