Three Corpus Christi police officers were injured Friday after a west side search for a homicide suspect turned into a shootout, according to authorities. Two officers were hit by gunfire and a third was hurt by flying debris. One of the wounded officers, a woman, remains in critical condition. The suspected gunman, found shortly after the fatal shooting that launched the search, was also shot and is in custody at a local hospital.
U.S. attorney's office posts support
On X, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas publicly backed the wounded officer, saying it stands with her, her family and her fellow officers and offering prayers for her recovery. The message was a show of solidarity only and did not share any operational details about the investigation.
What investigators say
According to the Corpus Christi Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of Ayers Street just before 3 p.m. Friday after a man was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.
The department's account states that officers later spotted the suspect vehicle on the 3100 block of Agnes Street. During a traffic stop, the suspect allegedly produced a weapon, and officers fired back.
Scene and casualties
Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle told reporters that officers pulled the vehicle over about an hour after the original shooting. He said the driver produced a handgun, triggering the exchange of gunfire in which two officers were shot and a third was struck by shrapnel.
MySA reports that the suspect was also wounded and transported to Christus Spohn Shoreline for treatment, where he remains in custody.
Investigation continues
Authorities describe the case as active and ongoing and have held back on specifics about the officers' and suspect's injuries, a possible motive, or any formal charges that may be coming. KSAT and other local outlets report that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while investigators work through the case.
How to help
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (361) 886-2840 or to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477). According to the Corpus Christi Police Department, the officers involved will be placed on paid administrative leave as the inquiry proceeds.
