On March 12, 2025, at approximately 4:10 PM, Deputy Cartlidge responded to a possible fraud call at the Best Buy located in the 19400 block of the Gulf Freeway in Webster. The call originated from a store employee who reported that an individual was attempting to obtain a Best Buy credit card and a loan using a potentially fraudulent identification card.
Upon arrival, Deputy Cartlidge met with the complainant, who explained that the individual provided a Louisiana Driver’s License but claimed a different name and address, raising concerns among store employees. The financial institutions ultimately denied the individual’s applications due to suspected fraudulent activity. A store device used to verify identification documents also indicated that the Louisiana driver’s license was likely fake.
While speaking with the complainant, Deputy Cartlidge observed an individual matching the provided description exiting the store. When approached for questioning, the individual initially denied having any identification but was reminded that he had just provided one to the store. As Deputy Cartlidge investigated the possible use of fraudulent identification, the suspect suddenly fled on foot. Deputy Cartlidge gave chase and deployed his department-issued Taser, successfully apprehending the suspect. He was identified as Chris Obaze 21-year-old, B/M, of Richmond, TX. A subsequent search of Obaze’s person revealed three fraudulent driver’s licenses, one from Louisiana and two from California, each bearing different names but featuring his photograph.
Further investigation confirmed that the names and birth dates on the fake identifications belonged to real individuals who were unaware of Obaze or his possession of their personal information. All three victims stated they had never been to Houston and wanted to pursue charges.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted the charges of Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information (5-9 It
