Conroe Man Arrested for Alleged HOA Rep Assault

CONROE — A 59-year-old Conroe man remains free on bond following his arrest in connection with an alleged physical confrontation with a homeowners association representative last month.

Jeffrey Wade Smith was taken into custody on March 1 after Conroe Police Department investigators issued an arrest warrant stemming from a Feb. 27 incident in The Estates of Wedgewood subdivision. Smith faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury.

The confrontation took place on Wedgewood Lake Drive at approximately 1:30 p.m. According to police reports, Kelly Zepeda, a representative for the subdivision’s homeowners association, was conducting routine property inspections when she identified a potential code violation at a residence.

Zepeda told investigators she was seated inside her vehicle when Smith approached the car in an aggressive manner. Court documents allege that the situation escalated quickly, with Zepeda claiming that Smith reached through the open driver-side window and struck her. The impact reportedly caused Zepeda to recoil, resulting in her hitting her head and shoulder against the passenger seat.

Zepeda further alleged that Smith grabbed her arm, leaving visible bruising, and damaged her cellular phone during the altercation.

Following the encounter, Zepeda retreated to her office and notified the Conroe Police Department. Responding officers documented the scene, photographed bruising on Zepeda’s arm, and collected her formal statement regarding the events.

In a subsequent statement provided to law enforcement, Smith denied the allegations and suggested that Zepeda had attempted to strike him with her vehicle during the dispute. However, after reviewing the evidence, including physical documentation of Zepeda’s injuries, investigators moved forward with the assault charge.

Smith was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and was released shortly thereafter after posting a $2,000 bond.

The incident highlights growing tensions that can occasionally occur between property owners and HOA representatives tasked with enforcing deed restrictions and community guidelines. While code enforcement remains a common practice in gated and managed communities throughout Montgomery County, physical altercations remain rare.

Under Texas law, assault causing bodily injury is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. It is unclear if Smith has retained legal counsel, and he has not yet entered a plea in Montgomery County Court.

The Conroe Police Department has not released further details regarding the ongoing investigation. Residents of the area are encouraged to report any criminal activity or community disputes to the CPD non-emergency line at 936-522-3200. Information regarding current jail records can be accessed through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office public portal at mocosheriff.com.