A shootout erupted in front of a family courthouse in Houston on Monday, involving several Texas deputies and a man wielding a handgun. The incident resulted in injuries to one deputy and the suspect. Authorities reported the situation unfolded at approximately 12:20 p.m. when a man, armed with a weapon, was observed walking from the Harris County Civil Courthouse in downtown Houston toward the nearby Family Law Center.
Deputies pursued the individual, leading to a confrontation at the Family Law Center where gunfire was exchanged. During a news conference, the assistant chief deputy of the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office detailed the sequence of events, noting the suspect initially attempted to flee before firing at an officer, prompting deputies to return fire.
The encounter left Sheila Jones, a deputy with the constable’s office, and the suspect injured. Fortunately, Jones was wearing a bulletproof vest, which prevented any internal injuries. The suspect, yet to be identified by authorities, was found carrying two handguns at the time of the incident. He faces charges of aggravated assault of a peace officer, with additional charges anticipated.
Both the deputy and the suspect were hospitalized and listed in stable condition by Monday afternoon. No other injuries were reported during the incident. Five deputies were involved in the confrontation, and investigators are working to determine the number of deputies who discharged their weapons. The shootout also resulted in a bullet penetrating a window of a nearby building.
The injured deputy, with three decades of experience in law enforcement, has a background with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The shooting occurred in a bustling section of downtown Houston, home to the criminal and civil courthouses and the Harris County jury plaza, where many people gather daily for court-related activities.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, whose agency is leading the investigation, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. The district attorney of Harris County praised Deputy Jones and her colleagues for their swift actions, highlighting their role in preventing potential harm to bystanders in the crowded courthouse complex.
