PD: Weslaco gang member in custody following hours-long standoff

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A known gang member is in Weslaco police custody following a shooting and barricade situation that occurred Tuesday evening.

Just after 11 p.m. Weslaco Police Chief Joel Rivera held a press conference to detail the arrest and the moments leading up to it Tuesday night.

At 7 p.m. the Weslaco Police Department received calls from residents stating a man was driving around in a Chevrolet pick-up truck with a rifle in the neighborhood adjacent to Home Depot near Abeline Drive.

Police say when they arrived on the scene they were informed by a homeowner that the gunman shot toward them and struck someone. The shot is not believed to be lethal according to Rivera.

Responding officers then attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Chevrolet pick-up truck described by the homeowner. The driver evaded and drove to his home in Weslaco where he barricaded himself inside.

Two women were trapped inside and police say they helped one, who was disabled, escape through the window of the residence while the suspect barricaded himself.

After hours of negotiating with the suspect, the Sheriff's Office Tactical Team entered the home and detained him.

The suspect has a lengthy criminal history and is known to be a member of the Valluco gang. His wrap sheet includes the following:

• aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• possession of a prohibited weapon
• carjacking

Rivera said the Chevrolet used in today's shooting was reported stolen from Donna Monday night.

The suspect is in police custody and is en route to the Weslaco Police Department.

Rivera says he will be charged on several counts Wednesday.

Derick Garcia contributed to this report