HOUSTON — The suspect accused of shooting three Houston police officers Thursday was charged with an aggravated robbery in Katy in late December, according to court records.
Police say Roland Caballero, 31, shot the officers after a chase ended in the Third Ward, carjacked someone in a white Mercedes and drove to the Fifth Ward where he holed up in a residence.
HPD said Caballero fired more shots during an hours-long standoff with police, before he surrendered at 7:45 p.m.
"He fired multiple shots, thank God he didn't strike anybody here," Finner said.
He was taken to a hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound to the neck.
“These violent individuals... I’m damn tired of it," Police Chief Troy Finner said in a news conference.
WATCH: Video of shootout between HPD, chase suspect (Video from Ben Simon)
According to court documents, Caballero was caught stealing several expensive items from West Point Auto Collision on Glenwood late last month.
An employee told police when he arrived at work on Dec. 28, he saw Caballero carrying three vehicle scanners, which are used to diagnose mechanical issues. He said he recognized Caballero as a customer.
The employee said when he confronted Caballero, the suspect threw one of the scanners at him, pulled out a gun and threatened to start shooting. The employee told police he backed off and Caballero drove away with the scanners.
Two customers told police a similar story and confirmed they saw Caballero take other items, according to court documents.
The auto shop owner later told investigators that Caballero was angry because his food truck hadn't been repaired yet. He said the scanners were worth $6,000 apiece and Caballero also stole a Breitling watch worth $10,000 and a 1951 Gibson guitar worth $7,000.
Surveillance cameras showed Caballero carrying the items out and returning for more, according to court documents.
Records show Caballero was convicted of aggravated assault in 2010, a weapons charge in 2014 and a drug charge in 2017.
Based on his history as a "habitual felon," prosecutors asked the judge to deny bond for Caballero on the recent robbery case in Katy. It's not clear if he had been arrested in that case.
