LUBBOCK, Texas — A Colorado Springs man has been charged in connection with an armed carjacking near the federal and county courthouses in downtown Lubbock, according to the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Isaiah Joshua Lee Houston, a 26-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was federally charged for his role in a May 29, 2026, carjacking that ended with him being shot. Houston was charged by federal complaint less than eight hours after the attack and is set to make his initial appearance on the charges today, June 1, 2026. He remains in federal custody pending further proceedings. If convicted, Houston faces a statutory maximum sentence of fifteen years in federal prison.
“Less than two weeks ago, I stood next to representatives from several law enforcement agencies and announced Operation Hub City Shield,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “I made clear that the incredible relationship between our federal, state, and local partners is what makes Lubbock the gold standard for law enforcement cooperation. When violent criminals seek to target innocent members of the public, together we will swiftly find them, charge them, and use the full weight of federal and state laws to hold them accountable. Mr. Houston should have been listening.”
“The swift response of law enforcement and security personnel helped bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner of the ATF Dallas Field Division. “Any violent crime involving the threatened use of force in a public setting poses a serious risk to the community. ATF will continue working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure accountability for those who endanger public safety.”
“Combatting violent crime remains a priority for the FBI. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to address public safety threats and hold dangerous offenders accountable,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
According to the complaint, Houston approached a box truck at a red light at the intersection of Buddy Holly Avenue and Broadway Street in downtown Lubbock. After attempting to open the driver’s door and being pushed away, Houston ran toward a nearby black SUV parked westbound on Broadway Street. He pulled a knife from his pocket, opened the driver’s side door, and forcibly removed an adult female holding a newborn baby from the vehicle.
Houston entered the SUV but was quickly confronted by a nearby security guard and an off-duty officer with the Lubbock Police Department. He fled from the vehicle and ran around the west side of the Lubbock County Courthouse. Surveillance video showed Houston approaching the SUV and removing the female before being confronted by law enforcement.
Houston continued running around the courthouse and fled southbound on Buddy Holly Avenue. A witness provided agents with a cellphone video of Houston attempting to climb into the back of a moving pickup truck while being pursued by law enforcement. The security guard observed Houston still holding the knife and fired shots, hitting him once in the leg. Houston was then taken into custody, and the knife was recovered along his running path.
Multiple federal and state agencies responded to the incident, securing the scene. Within hours, federal and state agents interviewed witnesses, recovered videos, and presented a United States Magistrate Judge with proposed criminal charges, which were quickly approved.
This investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lubbock Police Department, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang Center. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Rancourt is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.