HOUSTON, TX – A deputy with the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 1, and an armed suspect were both wounded Monday afternoon in a shootout near the Family Law Center in downtown Houston.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident began around 12:20 p.m. when deputies received information about a man armed with a weapon walking along Caroline Street toward the courthouse complex. A deputy spotted the suspect near the jury assembly building and began pursuing him across San Jacinto and Congress.
Multiple deputies encountered the suspect near 1115 Congress, where an exchange of gunfire took place. The suspect and one deputy, identified as Deputy Sheila Jones, were struck.
Jones, a veteran of over 30 years in law enforcement and a former major with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, was transported by patrol unit to St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was later transferred to Memorial Hermann for additional treatment. Officials say she is in serious but stable condition.
The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, was also injured and transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital after being triaged on scene. His condition is listed as stable.
At least four deputies were involved in the encounter, but it is not yet confirmed how many discharged their weapons. Investigators recovered at least one handgun from the suspect, and officials indicated more than one weapon may have been involved.
The shooting occurred in a high-traffic area outside the Family Law Center. A window at the jury assembly building and a nearby building at 1001 Preston were reportedly struck by gunfire. No civilian injuries were reported.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for potential charges, including aggravated assault on a peace officer, a first-degree felony.
Deputy Jones was recognized for her leadership, military service, and decades of commitment to public safety. Officials from HPD, HCSO, the District Attorney’s Office, and local government expressed support for her and commended the swift action of law enforcement in preventing further harm.
If you have any information about this case, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
More information will follow if it becomes available.
