STAFFORD, Texas – A Stafford police officer is being hailed as a hero after she was shot twice during a routine traffic stop, including once in the face. But that didn't stop her, she got back in her squad car and pursued three suspects.
Stafford Police Officer Ann Carrizales took a bullet in her face at point blank range, but it didn't stop her from hunting down the man who did it.
"I was very clear on what I was doing," Officer Carrizales said at a press conference on Thursday.
It was a routine traffic stop at 3 in the morning Saturday as Carrizales approached the car with three men inside, she sensed something was wrong.
"My instincts were telling me it was not a good situation," she said.
Moments later, she says the front seat passenger leaned over and started firing.
"Fired, shots fired! I'm hit. All right, I'm still conscious," she said in a dash cam recording.
Carrizales was hit twice, once in the cheek. The second round lodged in her bulletproof vest, which probably saved her life.
"I've been shot in the face and I know that I've taken one in my vest," said Carrizales.
As the suspects' car sped off, Carrizales fired back, shooting out their rear window. Bleeding and in pain, she got back in her squad car and decided to go after them -- a high-speed chase that lasted 20 miles.
"It wasn't an option for me to give up. I had to stay in that fight because I am a mom and they shot me and they were absolutely not going to get away with that because I will do everything I can to come home to my children every day," Carrizales said.
Finally, the man who allegedly shot her was stopped and arrested with the help of neighboring police departments.
"You can't shoot me and drive away. It's not allowed," she said.
Carrizales is off the streets for now, but just until she recovers. She's given no thought to quitting.
"You need people like me out here to do this. I'm honored to do this," Carrizales said.
Sergio Rodriguez, 21, was taken into custody and is charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer.
Fugitive Freddy Henriquez and person of interest Daniel Cruz are wanted in this case.
Henriquez, 28, has been identified as the driver of the vehicle and he is charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer.
Cruz, aka Jose Luis Cruz, is wanted for questioning, but has not been charged at this time.
At Thursday's press conference, Crime Stoppers of Houston announced a reward of up to $10,000 in this investigation for information leading to the filing of felony charges or the arrest of the suspects. Crime Stoppers' Fallen Hero Project provides increased rewards when crimes are committed against peace officers and firefighters. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). Visit Crime-Stoppers.org. Tips may be reported in Spanish or English. All tipsters remain anonymous.
As a public service to the community, Clear Channel Outdoor has donated space and time on their digital billboards throughout the Houston area to publicize the reward and feature the wanted fugitives in this case. Henriquez and Cruz are currently being featured on Houston area digital billboards and the StopHoustonGangs.org website.