Houstonian faces federal penalties in HPD officer shooting

HOUSTON, TX -- A 23-year-old Pasadena man has been charged with firearm and drug trafficking offenses for his role in the shooting of a Houston Police Department (HPD) officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.

Jimmy Caston Bryan is currently in state custody and will be transferred to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

According to the federal criminal complaint filed today, Bryan fired multiple shots at an HPD officer on May 4 in the area of 14300 Gulf Freeway in Houston.

Bryan previously trafficked narcotics in the Houston area, had meth and was possibly in the possession of multiple firearms, according to charges. This led to a traffic stop May 4, at which time two HPD officers allegedly approached Bryan’s truck and requested identifying information.

The complaint alleges he could not do so, which led authorities to ask him to step out of the vehicle. As one officer opened Bryan’s door, Bryan quickly reached into his waistband pulled out a semi-automatic handgun, according to the complaint. He allegedly shot and struck the other HPD officer twice - once in the chest and once in the right hip.

The charges further allege both officers returned gunfire and struck Bryan.

A search of Bryan’s vehicle allegedly revealed over 120 grams of meth and a digital scale as well as two handguns.

Bryan is charged with use or carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and up life for the drug charges as well as a minimum of 10 years for using the firearm which must be served consecutively to the other prison term imposed.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the cas