A woman was shot multiple times by two deputies while they were investigating a burglary call at an apartment complex in east Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning on Uvalde Road near Wallisville Road. The 28-year-old woman, who was not suspected in the burglary case, was shot after approaching the door with a firearm when the deputies announced themselves. She was not trespassing and was permitted to be in the apartment. Another woman in the apartment, the lease holder, was unharmed.
Assistant Chief Tommy Diaz from the HCSO stated that the deputies were about to leave after responding to a different robbery in progress when they were flagged down and informed about the burglary at the apartment where the shooting took place. Upon investigating the second-floor unit, the deputies found signs of a break-in. After knocking on the door and revealing themselves, they saw the woman with a gun through a window and subsequently opened fire.
The injured woman received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to a local hospital. Diaz reported that she is currently in stable condition. A firearm was recovered by investigators at the scene.
Diaz emphasized that residents have the right to possess weapons in their homes and that the deputies had announced themselves. He acknowledged the concern individuals may have when faced with a knock on their door in the early hours of the morning.
The incident is now under investigation by the HCSO’s Homicide Division, Internal Affairs, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. A grand jury will review the case. The two deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Investigators are collecting witness statements and surveillance footage to assist in the case.
The events that transpired early Saturday morning have raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the safety of residents in their own homes. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to determine whether the deputies’ actions were warranted and to ensure accountability.
Our thoughts are with the injured woman as she recovers from this traumatic experience. We will continue to follow this story closely as more information becomes available.
