HOUSTON, TX – The atmosphere in downtown Houston has calmed significantly, more than a day after the shooting incident involving Deputy Consul Sheila Jones. The suspect in the crime, 34-year-old Parnell Bland, is now contending with two felony charges. This is not Bland’s first brush with the law, as he has a history of multiple encounters with law enforcement.
Bland’s criminal record is extensive, with six incidents recorded in Harris County and at least two in Liberty County. In 2021, he was convicted of possessing a controlled substance, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. Records from the Texas Department of Corrections indicate Bland was released in December 2023.
Since his release, Bland has been arrested multiple times, including twice in Liberty County and once in Harris County. As a convicted felon, Bland is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. However, authorities report he was armed with two handguns during the recent shooting.
“The fact that he had firearms is a serious violation,” said a local law enforcement official. “This is not only against state law but also constitutes a federal offense.”
Efforts to determine how Bland acquired the firearms have been stymied by the ongoing investigation. The Houston Police Department and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office have refrained from commenting on the matter at this time.
Harris County prosecutors are currently urging a judge to deny Bland bail, citing the severity of the charges. Among the charges is aggravated assault against a public servant, a grave offense that underscores the seriousness of Bland’s alleged actions.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the shooting and to ensure that justice is served. The community remains on edge as they await further developments in this unfolding case.