PALESTINE, Texas — A 28-year-old man accused of firing gunshots and initiating a confrontation with police while children were around was arrested in Palestine earlier this month.
According to police, officers responded to the area of Spring St and W. Oak St for a report of shots fired on March 3. A witness said he heard multiple shots and it was coming from a nearby residence on Debard Street. Officers found several people who appeared to be intoxicated on the property with two vehicles each playing loud music.
Francisco Sias, 28, was located in the area and he refused to identify himself. He told police they had no right to be on his property and demanded that they leave. Police then arrested Sias after he refused to give the information, but he resisted and family members interfered with Sias getting taken into custody.
He was ultimately arrested and police found a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his pocket with four of the rounds in the gun used and one live round remaining. Several shell casings were located near his vehicle and a rifle of matching caliber was found inside the pickup.
Police said there were several small children in and around Sias' vehicle, including kids seated on top of the cab when officers arrived. Because of the circumstances, he was charged with child endangerment in addition to resisting arrest, failure to identify and loud music.
His wife, Maribel Estrada Valenzuela, 27, was arrested as well for accusations of interfering with the arrest.
Another man, Orlando Estrada, 33, threatened officers in an attempt to coax them into an altercation. Estrada said he had weapons in the home, and he ran inside when confronted. Palestine police received a warrant for Estrada's arrest for obstruction or retaliation, but he remains at large, according to police.
Those who have information about his location should contact the Palestine Police Department or Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.