Man hospitalized after officer-involved shooting in SW Houston

HOUSTON – Authorities responded to an officer-involved shooting in southwest Houston, according to a tweet by the Houston Police Department.

The tweet said the shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Ripplebrook Drive.

Authorities said an off-duty deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was visiting family in the area when two men arrived and began threatening people with a weapon.

“(He) was at a relative’s home when some type of disturbance ensued in his presence,” said HPD Assistant Chief, Sheryl Victorian, stated. “The deputy responded to that disturbance. A male came out of the vehicle with a weapon. The deputy discharged his weapon once, potentially two times.”

The deputy identified himself before opening fire on the men, officials said during a news conference.

Victorian said one of the men was hit in the throat area and possibly the hand. He had to be taken to the hospital, Victorian said.

Officials with the HCSO said the man who was shot by the deputy was taken to Ben Taub in stable condition. The injury required surgery and there is no update on his condition, authorities said. The deputy in question was not injured.

“[The deputy] will be relieved of his patrol duties and put on a desk until the incident is reviewed, and we’re going to make sure he gets everything needs. And as the chief said, there are multiple investigations going on,” Captain John Shannon with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

Shannon said the deputy is a 5-year veteran of HCSO and has worked three of those years on patrol.

Victorian said Houston Police are now looking for the other person who was in the car with the injured man. Police said he took off on foot. Authorities have been canvassing the area in search of him but have not been successful.

Police are asking the man to come forward as he is a person of interest in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477).

Watch the full update below: