A 38-year-old man was seriously injured in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning, Aug. 22, following a pursuit in the Colony Ridge area of Liberty County.
The incident began around 2:45 a.m. when a Liberty County sheriff’s deputy encountered a vehicle stopped in and blocking the roadway near CR 5109 and CR 5100, according to Capt. John Bennett, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
Bennett said the deputy activated his emergency lights and approached the vehicle to check on the occupants and make sure everything was all right with them. As the deputy approached, the vehicle drove away.
The deputy followed the vehicle for several miles before it eventually pulled into the driveway of a residence.
There were two people inside the vehicle. Bennett said the driver, a 38-year-old Hispanic man, exited the vehicle with a firearm in his hand. During the encounter, the man reportedly posed a threat to the deputy, who fired his weapon, striking him.
Details about the nature of the threat and the circumstances immediately preceding the shooting have not yet been released. Investigators will be reviewing dash cam and body cam videos.
The Hispanic man was airlifted to a hospital, where he was reported to be in serious condition. The deputy was not injured.
A firearm reportedly belonging to the man was recovered at the scene, Bennett said.
The identity of the 38-year-old man has not yet been released. Bennett said the man has a previous criminal history with LCSO and currently has outstanding felony warrants. Details regarding those warrants were not immediately available.
Bennett said the sheriff’s office also does not yet know the man’s immigration status or whether he is subject to an immigration detainer. That information is expected to be checked as the investigation continues in the coming days.
A second person was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. No additional information about that person has been released.
The deputy involved has been employed by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office for approximately one year, and this is his first job as a peace officer. His identity has not been released.
Splendora Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist following the shooting.
Bennett said LCSO is in the initial stages of the investigation and the Texas Rangers are being utilized to conduct the investigation going forward. The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office also is assisting at the scene. Once that investigation is conducted, officials will determine whether any additional action is necessary.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Who pays for the POS airlifted and hospital care? Guess L.C. has plenty of funds to help them out? What a waist of tax payers dollars. Colony Ridge is a disgrace!!!!
Where was the Constables that get paid by Harris and the County both to patrol CR. Montgomery County and Splendora PD had to respond to help.
Bets on immigration status?
Colony Ridge is the bane of the existence for every law-abiding citizen withing a 10 mile radius. Their subhuman behavior spills out into surrounding areas and jeopardizes the safety and sanctity of the whole area- thanks a lot, Liberty County.