By LeaAnne Klentzman

A Houston teen was sentenced to 11 years in prison for stealing a woman’s car at gunpoint then pulling a gun on a Houston police officer.

Jose Alonzo Dominguez,19, was sentenced to 11 years in prison last week after he entered a plea of guilty for Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

On November 2, 2009 around midnight, Dominguez stole a car at gun point from a woman in her apartment complex in Harris County. Several hours later Houston police officer S. Johns found Dominguez in the Ridgecreek area of Houston, Fort Bend County, when the stolen vehicle broke down, said officials with the Fort Bend County District Attorney‘s office. “The defendant had three juvenile siblings in the car with him at this time,” said Assistant District Attorney Amanda Bolin.

“When Officer Johns began to take Dominguez into custody, the defendant pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the officer“ said Bolin. “In an attempt to create distance between himself and the defendant, Johns fell and temporarily lost possession of his firearm – with Dominguez still pointing his gun at him and demanding that he drop his weapon. Trying to diffuse the situation and gain the trust of Dominguez, Johns allowed the defendant’s 14 year-old brother to take his weapon and place it in his patrol car. Johns eventually talked the defendant into unloading his gun and allowing him to return to his patrol car,” explained Bolin. Once back at his car, Johns summoned backup and regained possession of his firearm. Once backup arrived, Dominguez was taken into custody.

During the punishment phase of the case the prosecution introduced evidence of Dominguez’s affiliation with the La Primera 90th Street gang. According to records, in 2008 Dominguez had been caught fighting with a rival gang member at Willowridge High School along with a prior conviction for criminal trespass and a graffiti charge.

“The conscious decisions he made to commit these violent acts, under any other circumstances, would probably have resulted in him being shot and killed by Officer Johns, or he could have found himself charged with capital murder of a peace officer. While Officer Johns’ actions have been questioned by others, particularly his decision to surrender his weapon, Johns’ quick thinking and calm demeanor no doubt saved not only his own life but the defendant’s life too. For that I applaud him,” said Bolin.

Dominguez was sentenced to 11 years in prison in the 240th District Court by Judge Thomas R. Culver, III

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