Houston PD releases identities of men arrested in home invasion, shooting of officer

HOUSTON – Houston Police Department has released the identities of the three men accused in the shooting of an officer during a Spring Branch home invasion.

• OUR FIRST REPORT: ‘He’s a hero in my book:’ Houston police officer shot while responding to home invasion in Spring Branch; 3 arrested

Raymond Perez, 35, Michael Perez, 38, and Brian A. Garcia Chavez, 18, were charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

Raymond Perez is also suspected to have fired the shot that hit HPD Officer S.A. Durfee in the thigh. He was also charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

• MORE COVERAGE: Spring Branch homeowner recounts how armed robbers posed as delivery drivers, tied up his family

In a report released alongside the identifications, HPD provided more context to the robbery and shooting. After officers arrived, they took Michael Perez into custody. As that arrest was happening, Raymond Perez appeared from a back room and began shooting at the officers. Durfee was shot in the thigh and shot back. Raymond was not hit by the returned shots.

After the exchange, Raymond left out the back door and left the house. At this time, Garcia Chavez—who was waiting in a getaway vehicle—sped away from the scene.

Raymond was found about a block from the house and was taken into custody without further violence. Garcia Chavez was located several hours later, and he was arrested by HPD SWAT officers without incident.

HFD paramedics responded to the scene of the shooting and helped transport Officer Durfee to a nearby hospital.

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More information on what happened

Chief Diaz with the Houston Police Department said during a news conference that the shooting happened at a home in the 7100 block of Alderney Dr. and Antoine Dr.

That’s where two gunmen disguised as delivery drivers knocked on the front door and forced their way inside when a mom who was home with her two kids, answered the door.

A neighbor saw the suspicious situation and called 911 around 9:40 a.m. Police officers got there in under five minutes, Chief Diaz confirmed.

When responding officers reached the scene, they found the home’s door wide open. The young woman and her children—ages 3 and 1—were inside. The mother’s wrists had been zip-tied, and the two men were attempting to rob the home.

• RELATED: Spring Branch homeowner recounts armed robbery that left mother, young children terrified

The two robbers at the scene were taken into custody. A third suspect was taken into custody later in the day on Tuesday.

We don’t know yet why the robbers picked this specific home.

The mother and children in the home were not hurt and Chief Diaz said they might have been saved in part due to the neighbor’s quick actions that enabled the police to respond immediately.

Tuesday afternoon, HPD announced that Officer S.A. Durfee is expected to make a full recovery

• Houston PD identifies officer shot by gunmen posing as food delivery drivers

In the press conference shortly after the incident, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz said Officer Durfee—whose identity had not been made public at the time—had been shot one time in the thigh and was in stable condition. He was described as in “very good spirits.”

“[Officer Durfee] is a hero in my book,” Chief Diaz added.