HOUSTON ‐ A 23-year-old Pasadena man has admitted to firearm and drug trafficking offenses related to his role in the shooting of a Houston Police Department (HPD) officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.
Jimmy Caston Bryan pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute meth and to carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
As part of his plea, Bryan admitted that on May 4 he fired multiple shots at an HPD officer near 14300 Gulf Freeway.
Bryan previously trafficked narcotics in the Houston area, had possessed meth and was believed to be in the possession of multiple firearms. On May 4, authorities conducted a traffic stop, at which time two HPD officers approached Bryan’s truck and requested identifying information.
Bryan did not comply which led law enforcement to ask him to step out of the vehicle. As one officer opened Bryan’s door, Bryan quickly reached into his waistband and pulled out a semi-automatic handgun.
As part of his plea, Bryan also admitted he shot and struck the other HPD officer twice – once in the chest and once in the right hip.
Both officers returned gunfire and struck Bryan.
A search of Bryan’s vehicle revealed over 48 grams of meth, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, a digital scale and two additional handguns.
Bryan faces up to 40 years for drug trafficking. He also faces up to life in prison for the firearm charge which must be served consecutively to the other prison term imposed.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 9, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal. Bryan will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, HPD, 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 case.