A 36-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Houston has been charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, an incident that allegedly resulted in the officer sustaining two deep head wounds.
Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava is now in federal custody following the announcement of the charges by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The events unfolded on October 1, when federal and state authorities were conducting immigration enforcement activities in Houston. According to the charges, authorities attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Cruz-Nava, activating their emergency lights. Cruz-Nava allegedly failed to yield and attempted to evade the officers.
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When authorities surrounded his vehicle, Cruz-Nava allegedly exited and fled on foot. An agent with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), who was in uniform, pursued him.
The charging documents allege that the DPS agent caught up to Cruz-Nava and initially attempted to grab his shirt, but Cruz-Nava slipped out of the garment and kept running. The agent then allegedly tried to physically secure Cruz-Nava by wrapping his arms around him. At that point, Cruz-Nava is accused of lunging and throwing the officer into a wrought iron fence.
The officer was injured during the scuffle, sustaining two deep head wounds, according to the complaint. Authorities soon took Cruz-Nava into custody after he allegedly fled again.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei issued a stern statement regarding the incident. “Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” Ganjei said. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”
If convicted of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz is prosecuting the case.
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