Manhunt underway for man investigators say went on violent crime spree in Brazoria County
The sheriff's office says 26-year-old Juan Mata is armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately.
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — A manhunt is underway for a man accused of throwing a brick through a rideshare driver’s car window, then firing shots at vehicles in Brazoria County. Two people were injured in the shooting.
The series of events all started a little before midnight. Investigators said the man – identified as 26-year-old Juan Mata – threw a brick through a Lyft driver's window after being dropped off in Rosharon.
Mata then stole a vehicle and began following another driver, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. That driver’s vehicle was shot at near the Suncreek Estates subdivision, but no one was hurt.
That wasn’t the case in another shooting. According to the sheriff’s office, Mata fired at a second vehicle, hitting both the driver and a passenger inside. Both victims were flown to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office released a photo of the vehicle they said Mata was in during the crime spree. It's below.
They ask anyone who knows anything about where Mata may be or witnessed any of these crimes overnight to call them at 979-864-0522.
Mata has connections to the Richmond, Missouri City and Rosharon areas. He’s considered armed and dangerous and if you see him, you’re asked to call 911 immediately.