HOUSTON – A man was placed in federal custody Wednesday after he rammed his vehicle through the Federal Bureau of Investigation Houston’s security gate, according to the agency.
The suspect, Nestor Mariano Vidal Batista, 38, stole a Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck shortly before attempting to lodge an in-person complaint at the FBI office, according to officials. Upon his arrival, a security guard said he referred him to local authorities, the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas said in a news release on Friday.
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It was reported around 12:41 p.m. when Batista re-entered the truck, circled the area and tried to force entry, according to officials. He then rammed the stolen pick-up truck through the security gate at 1 Justice Park Drive, officials said. After the crash, Batista got out of the truck and entered the visiting area in the lobby where he was detained.
The agency said no one was injured and that there was no further threat.
Batista was charged with willfully injuring or committing any depredation exceeding $1,000 against U.S. property, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery said via the news release Friday.
Batista is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy at 2 p.m.
If convicted, Batista faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.