HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The Harris County deputy who was shot during a traffic stop Wednesday is recovering miraculously after surgery, talking and even joking with his family, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
“He’s awake and alert. Laughing,” Gonzalez told he media. “He has a twin brother that’s in the sheriff’s office department as well and there was a debate as to who is the better looking one.”
Sheriff Gonzalez said Deputy Joseph Anderson, 29, was conducting a traffic stop in the 13500 block of Homestead Road, in northeast Harris County, when he was fired upon. The suspects fled the scene.
The deputy was then transported to the hospital by LifeFlight as a manhunt was launched for two men authorities believed were responsible.
RELATED: ‘He will need prayers’: Deputy shot in NE Harris Co. identified as search for 2nd suspect continues
“Within about a minute or so, our dispatcher received reports that the officer was down, and witnesses began to advise us that there was an officer that was wounded at the scene. Within a couple of minutes, EMS was able to move in and begin life-saving measures,” Gonzalez said.
The wounded deputy, who suffered at least two bullet wounds to the upper torso, was rushed to the Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical, but stable condition.
Gonzalez said Anderson has been with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for the past year and three months.
The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Blue Alert in regard to the search for the suspects.
What is a Blue Alert in Texas and when/why is it issued?
On Thursday morning, officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety said they had detained one of the suspects, James Green, at 10:24 a.m. Later, officials from Harris County Sheriff’s Office told KPRC 2 that he was “apprehended, questioned and released.”
Thursday night, officers with several different agencies located Terran inside of a home in northeast Harris County.
When police and deputies attempted to confront Terran, he opened fire on them, shooting two additional officers.
He was then arrested after an hours-long standoff.
Tonight, a Harris Co. Sheriff’s Deputy was shot in the line of duty.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2023
DPS Special Agents are deployed & responding.
We will not stop until the criminal is caught & brought to justice.
Cecilia & I ask all Texans to join us in praying for the sheriff’s deputy & their family.
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‘He will need prayers’: Deputy shot in NE Harris Co. identified as search for 2nd suspect continues