Harris County Deputy Shoots Man Armed with Rifle in Northwest Houston, Investigation Underway

A 44-year-old man is now in stable condition after being shot by a Harris County deputy in the 9600 block of Halkirk on Sunday evening. The incident, which has prompted an investigation, occurred when deputies responded to a distressing call from the man who was reportedly threatening to commit suicide.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office told FOX 26 Houston that deputies had tried to negotiate with the man over the phone, during which he emerged from his residence with a shotgun over his shoulder, ignored commands to put the weapon down, and re-entered his house. Later, he stepped out again with a semi-automatic rifle and reportedly pointed it at the authorities. It was at this junctive, a deputy shot the man once in the upper torso.

The man was immediately handcuffed by the deputies, who then administered first aid until emergency medical services arrived to transport him to the hospital for surgery, per the sheriff’s office statement to FOX 26 Houston. None of the deputies present during the encounter were harmed in the incident.

The deputy responsible for the shooting, a 37-year-old who has been with the agency five years, has been placed on administrative leave, according to policy. The name of the deputy has not been released. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the deputy's leave and the ongoing status of the wounded man in a statement obtained by ABC 13 Houston.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office also detailed that their Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Internal Affairs, and the district attorney’s office are collectively conducting an investigation into the shooting incident. The details are still being pieced together.