A Chick-fil-A along the Katy Freeway had to evacuate its customers after a man holding two bladed objects refused to climb down from the restaurant’s roof.
HCSO Major Cedrick Collier said the incident began around 9 a.m. when a Precinct 1 deputy encountered a 46-year-old man who appeared to be heavily intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
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Deputies attempted to make contact, but Major Collier said patrol resources eventually reached their limit in trying to help the man. At some point, the man gained access to the Chick-fil-A restaurant’s rooftop. The restaurant was located in the 19300 block of the Katy Freeway.
The situation on the rooftop was first reported on Facebook by Grizzy’s Hood News just after 10:30 a.m. Friday morning.
SWAT was activated after deputies determined he was armed with a box cutter and another edged weapon. While on the roof, the man threw pieces of clothing down to the ground as negotiators worked to get him to comply.
William Kennon, a KPRC 2 viewer, was at the scene. He sent us close-up images, showing the man pacing across the roof while holding a bladed object.
Authorities evacuated the Chick-fil-A and surrounding area, citing concern for public safety. Officials believed the man posed a danger to customers and deputies, prompting evacuations until the scene was secured.
After negotiations, the man complied and was taken into custody. Nobody was seriously injured during the ordeal.
“I wouldn’t say [the arrest] was peaceful, but he did at some point comply with our negotiators,” Collier told reporters at the scene after the arrest.
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HCSO said the man has multiple open felony warrants out of Galveston County for possession of a controlled substance. He now faces additional felony charges for criminal mischief and damage to a vehicle, which occurred at the scene.
Officials said there is no confirmed history of mental illness, but investigators believe the man was experiencing a mental health crisis while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Major Collier urged the public to look out for loved ones who may be struggling.
“Be careful,” Collier said. “It’s okay not to be okay. Make that outcry, ‘I’m not feeling well. I need help.’ It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you stronger to be okay for your family that really cares about you.”