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 in law enforcement 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.
The suspect was identified as Parnell Bland, 34, according to law enforcement sources.
Officials said four Pct. 1 deputies, including Jones, chased Bland across San Jacinto and down Congress.
Once deputies made contact with Bland, a shootout happened after he fired at them.
Jones was struck 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.”
Constable Rosen was in Austin at the time of the shooting, but returned to Houston and went to the hospital to meet with Jones.
After meeting with her, Rosen said she was in “good spirits” and was saved from internal injuries by her bullet-proof vest.
Rosen pointed on his body where Jones was hit by a bullet, in her lower left side area. Rosen said Jones said she felt heat and pain in the area she believed she was shot. The bullet did not penetrate her vest.
“I’m just thankful she is ok and wasn’t more seriously injured,” Rosen said.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare praised Jones, saying she prevented a mass-casualty event.
“She’s a hero and should be celebrated as such,” Teare said.
The suspect was also taken by a patrol unit to St. Joseph’s Hospital where his condition was described as stable. He was shot multiple times and will require several surgeries, but authorities believe he will survive his injuries.
The Harris County District Courts confirmed that the shooter is “no longer a threat to the public.”
According to records, Bland has six felony convictions and was currently out on bond for a misdemeanor trespassing arrest on April 15 when the shooting happened. At the time of a previous robbery arrest in 2018, Bland was documented as being homeless.
Constable Rosen says the suspect had a 9mm and a 25-caliber pistol.
Bland will be charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer. Sean Teare says additional aggravated assault on a peace officer charges as well as felon in possession of a firearm charges will likely be added.
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.
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."