Bond Set For Houston Man Found With Guns In Hotel

HOUSTON, TX — A 49-year old Houston man who was arrested at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Houston on New Year’s Eve and found with a small cache of weapons in his hotel room, went before a judge for a bond hearing early Tuesday morning.

A magistrate set bail amounts totalling $105,000 for Russell Lawrence Ziemba, who was charged with assaulting a peace officer and trespassing.

Ziemba was arrested early Sunday morning the Houston Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel after guests complained to hotel staff that he was drunk and belligerent.

Police said after guests complained, an off-duty police officer who was working security at the hotel asked Ziemba to leave, and escorted to his room on the 28th floor to pack his belongings, KTRK reported.

The officer who escorted Ziemba noticed the weapons and ammunition and attempted to place Ziemba in handcuffs.

The officer said that he and Ziemba struggled, and that Ziemba kicked him in his foot and ankle, KIAH reported.

Police confiscated a shotgun, a handgun and an AR-15 rifle.

Ziemba, a decorated army veteran, told officers he was keeping the weapons in his room so they couldn’t be stolen from his vehicle parked in the hotel parking garage.

Since there was a small amount of ammunition, investigators don’t believe Ziemba intended to hurt anyone, KIAH reported.

Investigators said all of the weapons were properly registered, however, if Ziemba is released on bond, he will be forced to surrender his weapons.

Image: Shutterstock

Send your news tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com