Niles Thibodeaux, 44, is charged with murder and aggravated assault against a public servant. His father, Andrew Thibodeaux, 83, suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Houston police say at around 5:20am on March 23 officers were dispatched to a disturbance call at 7411 Banyan in northeast Houston. Officers say they attempted without success to make contact with the residents, including ringing the doorbell and knocking at the front door. While doing so, a patrol officer heard a loud gunshot from inside the house. Officers then established a perimeter and notified the HPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams.
Negotiators say they made several attempts to communicate with the suspect, Niles Thibodeaux, which were unsuccessful. According to police, Niles Thibodeaux forced SWAT officers to pull back as they attempted to enter the residence and provide medical assistance to the father, Andrew Thibodeaux.
Police say Niles Thibodeaux also fired at officers attempting to use an armored vehicle to make forced entry into the front of the house. Niles Thibodeaux then fled out a back door where he raised a weapon in the direction of HPD officers. Two officers, who police say feared for the safety of their fellow officers, discharged their weapons, striking him several times.
Niles Thibodeaux was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical but stable condition.
The two HPD officers who discharged their weapons were not injured in this incident. Officer S. Hamala was sworn in as an HPD officer in June 1990. Officer T. Warren was sworn in as an HPD officer in October 1993. Both are assigned to the HPD Tactical Operations Division.
The shooting is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices
