A teenage act of bravery resulted in a carjacking victim being treated for a gunshot wound this week in Deer Park, Texas. According to ABC13, the 16-year-old tried to protect his mother from a carjacker when he was shot in the chest.
The shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday in the 8000 block of Spencer Highway. "Deer Park Fire Department respond to 8015 Spencer Highway for a Life Flight. Standby for a male subject with a gunshot wound to the chest," scanner traffic captured by emergency responders indicated. The suspect aggressively commandeered the vehicle as the woman and her son were leaving their shift at a local restaurant, as per ABC13 report.
Following the shooting, the suspect led the police on an extensive chase that ended in southwest Houston. FOX 26 Houston reported that 28-year-old Matthew Hubbard is now in custody after crashing the stolen car into parked vehicles. Authorities apprised that Hubbard, who has an extensive violent criminal history, faces multiple charges including aggravated assault, robbery, and evading arrest. He is currently detained at the Harris County jail on a $2 million bond.
"I just wanted to protect my mom," the youth, identified as William Hammond, recounted in a statement obtained by FOX 26 Houston. During the confrontation, Hammond reportedly threw a glass bottle at the carjacker before being shot. The bullet pierced his chest, and exited through his back, however, thanks to a swift response from nearby individuals and emergency services, he survived the ordeal after being hospitalized for three days. His mother, Charlotte Tucker, expressed her deep gratitude for her son's survival and courageous actions, while affirming a divine hand in their fortune, "It's the Lord. Yeah, without a doubt. I know it is," Hammond himself added.
The chase, caught on dashcam video by an ABC13 photojournalist, showed the suspect's near-collision with their vehicle. While the high-speed pursuit posed a danger to many, it ultimately ended without further injuries to bystanders as reported by Lt. J.P. Horelica, "This ended the best possible way it could have after the incident," and added, "The only thing that could make it better is if the kid gets better and turns out fine." Thankfully, no one inside the home where the suspect eventually crashed was hurt in the commotion.
