Man fires shots in Cypress hospital before 2 deputies shoot him, authorities say

CYPRESS, Texas – A man fired several shots Tuesday morning in the emergency department at a Cypress hospital before he was shot by two deputies in the parking lot, according to authorities.

The shooting was reported about 8:45 a.m. at the North Cypress Medical Center at 21214 Northwest Freeway.

Harris County sheriff’s Sgt. Cedrick Collier said a 21-year-old man was in the waiting room of the emergency department after he was admitted to the hospital. He said the man became impatient, walked to the reception area and fired several shots.

A representative of the medical center said the man became upset after he was asked to remove his clothes before an X-ray.

PHOTOS: Deputies shoot gunman outside Cypress hospital, authorities say 

Receptionists alerted security, Collier said. He said two off-duty deputies who were working security at the facility responded and found the man outside the entrance to the emergency department. He said the deputies ordered the man to drop his gun. The man refused and pointed his gun at the deputies, who fired several times, hitting the man, Collier said.

The man suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Collier, and was listed in stable condition.

Collier said the man was still combative after he was shot and as doctors were trying to treat his injuries.

“It was a very intense situation,” Collier said.  “Our high risk operation unit was dispatched to the area to ensure there weren't multiple shooters.”

VIDEO: Authorities talk about deputy-involved shooting in Cypress

The man will likely be charged, Collier said, but the extent of those charges will be determined after an investigation.

“We have to first evaluate him, get him medical attention and see what his mental state is,” Collier said.

Collier said one of the deputies who was involved in the shooting was a 10-year veteran of the department. He said the other had been with the department for three years. Neither of them were injured, he said. Both of them were placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol.

No one in the hospital was injured, Collier said.

"It's a blessing nobody got hurt other than the person who went in there with the gun," said Katrina Urvin, who lives near the medical center.

The identity of the man who was shot was not immediately released.