Melissa Rodriguez
Today, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Baytown Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Rollingwood Drive in reference to a family disturbance. The preliminary investigation indicates that a 42-year-old female, later identified as Melissa Rodriguez of Baytown, allegedly shot her father in the hand and struck her mother with a pistol during the incident. Both victims were evaluated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the scene and did not require transport.
Following the assault, Rodriguez retreated into her residence, a camper parked in the driveway of the property, with her 3-year-old son. Officers established a perimeter and issued numerous verbal commands for the suspect to exit the camper. Rodriguez refused to comply.
Due to the nature of the incident, the reported use of a firearm, and the presence of a child, officers deployed chemical agents in an effort to safely resolve the situation after Rodriguez failed to comply with repeated commands. Following the deployment, the suspect exited the camper and surrendered without further incident.
Rodriguez and her 3-year-old son were evaluated by EMS and cleared at the scene. Child Protective Services was notified and is assisting with the child’s care. Rodriguez was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The investigation remains ongoing.
Chief of Police John Stringer stated: “This incident had the potential to end much differently. Thanks to the professionalism of our officers and their measured response, the suspect was taken into custody safely and no additional injuries were sustained.”