HUMBLE, TX – A suspect has been identified in connection with a bomb scare that prompted a full evacuation of Deerbrook Mall on July 27, 2025.
According to court documents filed in Harris County, 18-year-old Paul Gonzalez, also known as Paul Gonzalez Lee (DOB 08/12/2006), has been charged with making a terroristic threat with intent to cause fear of serious bodily injury. The incident occurred at the Barnes & Noble bookstore located inside Deerbrook Mall at 20131 Highway 59.
A store employee reported that Gonzalez entered the store, looked directly at her, and stated, “I have a bomb.” The employee stated she felt a reasonable fear for her safety and immediately alerted her assistant manager. The suspect then walked into the mall with several other males who did not speak during the incident.
Law enforcement agencies including the Humble Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Constables from Precincts 1 and 4, Texas Department of Public Safety, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, and Aldine ISD Police Department responded to the scene. The mall was evacuated for approximately three and a half hours as a precaution while agencies searched the property. No device was found.
Surveillance footage captured still images of the suspect, which were released publicly. A tipster later identified the individual as Paul Gonzalez. Investigators confirmed the identity through additional surveillance review, license plate tracking via Flock Safety cameras, and confirmation by the suspect’s father. The white Dodge Caravan seen leaving the scene matched a vehicle identified by his father and appeared to be registered under an unrelated name and vehicle in Minnesota.
The case is filed under Cause No. 1926249 in the 495th Harris County District Court.
If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Humble Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
