A female deputy constable with Harris County Pct. 1 was shot during a shootout with an armed man near the Harris County Family Law Center in Downtown Houston.
The shooting was reported on Monday just after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street.
The injured deputy constable has been identified as Sheila Jones. She’s been with the department for over 30 years and is an army veteran. Jones’ son also works for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Jones was working as security at the Family Law Center when the armed suspect was seen walking toward the building. A deputy reportedly chased him across San Jacinto down Congress.
Officials said four Pct. 1 deputies, including Jones, chased him across San Jacinto and down Congress.
Once deputies made contact with the suspect, a shootout after he fired at them.
Jones was struck in the back by a bullet during the shootout and responding officers shot the suspect.
She was taken to a Memorial Hermann Medical Center by helicopter. Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen confirmed to KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry that the deputy is in “stable condition with a gunshot wound.”
Authorities later referred to her condition as “serious but stable.”
Constable Rosen was in Austin at the time of the shooting, but he is en route to the hospital to meet with Jones.
The suspect was also taken by a patrol unit to St. Joseph’s Hospital where his condition was described as stable.
The Harris County District Courts confirmed that the shooter is “no longer a threat to the public.”
His identity has not been released at this time.
KPRC 2 obtained a video showing a man, believed to be the suspect, being carried off on a stretcher after the shooting, appearing to be shouting in pain as he was carted away.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare has confirmed he is investigating the incident as an aggravated assault of a peace officer.
A witness who was inside the courtroom recounted the moments shots rang out.
The Administrative Office for the Harris County District Courts provided the following statement:
“The Administrative Office for the Harris County District Courts can confirm there was an active shooter incident earlier today at the Harris County Family Law Center located at 1115 Congress St.
“The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has confirmed that there was only one shooter, who has been apprehended and is no longer a threat to the public. However, one law enforcement officer was struck and has been transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. No additional injuries have been reported at this time.
“We urge the general public to avoid the courthouse district until further notice as law enforcement continues to secure the area and conduct a full investigation. Court operations in the vicinity may be temporarily suspended or delayed.
We thank local law enforcement and first responders for their swift and courageous response."
