HOUSTON — A man is in custody after what police originally were told was a shooting inside the lobby of a downtown hotel.
It happened at the Marriot Marquis on Walker Street. Police say a man in his 30s had made a reservation, but when he got there Friday night, didn't have a way to pay.
He left and later returned, still without a payment for the room.
Police say that's when he ran down a hall and undressed down to an undershirt and underwear with a blanket. He then went up to the 29th floor of the hotel with an employee. Another employee went up as, well.
The employees tried to get him to come down to the lobby, and when they did, got into a struggle with him. Police say the suspect punched both employees, then got a fire extinguisher and was threatening them with it.
The employees left the 29th floor and when they did, the suspect used the fire extinguisher to break into a room. No one was inside.
Hotel security and management called police, then went up to talk to the man. While they were talking to him, they reported hearing a pop, which they believed to be a gunshot, and reported to police that there was an active shooter. That's when management ordered all guests out of the hotel.
Police arrived and tried to negotiate with the suspect, but he didn't give up. They were eventually able to get him into custody using a stun gun.
The suspect was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he'll be evaluated. He's facing multiple charges.
Police say no gun was found and there's no evidence of gunfire. They did find a broken bottle, which they believe may have been what hotel staff thought was a gunshot.
Editor's note: Police originally tweeted that a shot was fired in the lobby. After an investigation, there was no indication of gunfire.
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