Man accused of shooting three HPD officers to appear in court

HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident is scheduled for his first appearance in federal court on charges of carjacking, discharging a machine gun during a crime of violence, possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Aldamar Hamdani.

Roland Caballero is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon at 3:15 p.m. A federal grand jury returned the indictment Feb. 16, 2022, but he has remained in state custody on related charges.

On Jan. 27, 2022, Caballero was allegedly involved in an altercation with his girlfriend which resulted in a 911 call. The criminal complaint alleges authorities allegedly responded, but he fled. They pursued until Caballero ultimately crashed his vehicle, according to the charges. At that time, he allegedly shot and wounded three Houston Police Department (HPD) officers using a pistol modified with a fully automatic switch. 

Caballero then fled the scene on foot and carjacked a nearby citizen in a vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Law enforcement located him and a stand-off allegedly ensued. Caballero, again, allegedly discharged a firearm at authorities, after which he ultimately surrendered.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Caballero’s residence and allegedly discovered several firearms, ammunition, machine gun components and 3D printers.

If convicted, Caballero faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, HPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Britni Cooper is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.