Drunk Driver Arrested with Stolen Handgun on Houston Tollway

Proactive patrol by Harris County Constable leads to DWI and weapons charges for 48-year-old suspect

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the recovery of a stolen firearm during a traffic stop.A recent traffic stop on a Houston tollway led to the recovery of a stolen handgun, highlighting law enforcement's ongoing efforts to remove dangerous weapons from circulation.Houston Today

A Harris County Constable Pct. 2 deputy on patrol along the South Sam Houston Tollway East initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle weaving between lanes and failing to signal lane changes. Upon making contact with the driver, the deputy detected multiple signs of impairment. Following field sobriety tests, the driver was detained. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered an open container of alcohol and a stolen handgun. The 48-year-old suspect, Robert Earl Haggard, was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the proactive efforts by law enforcement to keep impaired and dangerous drivers off the roads, as well as their vigilance in recovering stolen firearms. Driving under the influence and illegal gun possession pose serious threats to public safety, especially on busy highways like the Sam Houston Tollway.

The details

After initiating the traffic stop, the deputy conducted a series of standardized field sobriety tests which led to the driver, Robert Earl Haggard, being detained. A search of Haggard's vehicle uncovered an open container of alcohol as well as a handgun that was confirmed to be stolen from the Houston Police Department.

  • The traffic stop occurred while the deputy was patrolling the South Sam Houston Tollway East.

The players

Harris County Constable Pct. 2

The law enforcement agency responsible for the traffic stop and arrest.

Robert Earl Haggard

A 48-year-old man arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.

Houston Police Department

The agency that had previously reported the handgun found in Haggard's vehicle as stolen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Harris County District Attorney's Office will review the case and determine if additional charges may be filed against Robert Earl Haggard.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to get impaired and dangerous drivers off the roads, as well as the need to address the issue of stolen firearms and their potential use in criminal activities.