Seabrook Man Sentenced to Two 75-Year Terms for Shooting Houston Officers During 2022 Traffic Stop

In a high-stakes confrontation with Houston police, 25-year-old Seabrook resident Jimmy Caston Bryan was sentenced to two concurrent 75-year prison terms on Thursday for opening fire on two officers during a traffic stop in 2022. The incident left one officer permanently disabled, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.

“This defendant opened fire on two police officers during a midday traffic stop,” Ogg said. “He has repeatedly shown that he cannot be trusted and that our community will be safer if he is behind bars — hopefully for the rest of his life.”

The incident unfolded on May 4, 2022, when officers stopped Bryan, who was driving 70 mph in a 45 mph zone near 14300 Gulf Freeway. At the time, Bryan was out on bond for possession of crystal meth and was under electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet. As the officers approached Bryan’s black Chevrolet truck, one officer requested his driver’s license, noticing Bryan appeared anxious and distracted.

Bryan responded by reaching into his center console but failed to produce any identification. When the officer asked Bryan to step out of the truck, he refused, responding, “Are you asking me or telling me?” The officer repeated his request, prompting Bryan to unbuckle his seatbelt. As the officer opened the driver’s side door, Bryan suddenly drew a semiautomatic handgun and began firing at close range, striking one officer in the chest and hip.

The wounded officer’s bulletproof vest, with a metal flashlight clipped to the center, deflected the initial shot to his chest, but the subsequent shots fractured his pelvis. He now requires a cane for mobility.

In the ensuing exchange, both officers returned fire, striking Bryan, who fell to the ground and was subdued by backup officers arriving at the scene. Bryan was taken into custody, and a search of his vehicle uncovered over 48 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, a digital scale, and two additional handguns.

On Thursday, state District Judge Aaron Burdette handed Bryan two concurrent 75-year sentences for two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant. Under the terms of his sentencing, Bryan must serve at least half of this time, or 37.5 years, before he becomes eligible for parole.

Assistant District Attorney Mary McFaden, head of the Domestic Violence Division, and ADA Gabriel Kabak prosecuted the case. Kabak highlighted Bryan’s extensive criminal record, stating he had “been wreaking havoc on the state of Texas for almost a decade.” Even while in the Harris County Jail, Bryan was caught with contraband, including illegal drugs and a 5-inch homemade weapon.

McFaden expressed relief over the outcome, emphasizing its significance for officers and the community. “We’re happy that we were able to get justice for these two officers and all of the police officers who put their hearts and souls into the job,” McFaden said. “The men and women in law enforcement need to know that we stand side by side with them when they are out on the street working to keep us all safe.”

Kabak also emphasized the need for deterrence, stating, “This sentence is important not only to protect the community from a dangerous man but also to make clear that a split-second decision to start shooting can ruin a lot of people’s lives.”