Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Deputy Sheila Jones was shot during a shootout in downtown Houston on Monday.
HOUSTON — A deputy constable was shot outside the Harris County family law center in downtown Houston on Monday afternoon, according to authorities.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Deputy Sheila Jones was rushed to the Texas Medical Center for treatment. She’s expected to be OK.
The incident started around 12:20 p.m. when authorities got reports of a man with a gun walking from a location on Caroline Street toward the Harris County Family Law Center on Congress Street.
A deputy saw the man and started chasing him down Congress. More law enforcement officers also spotted the suspect, and a shootout broke out in the plaza in front of the building. Authorities said they believe at least four officers opened fire. A witness reported hearing 15-20 shots.
Jones and the suspect were both shot. No other injuries were reported.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said he believes Jones’ bulletproof vest likely saved her from serious internal injuries. She told him that she felt heat on the upper part of her left rib cage after being shot.
Authorities said the suspect was carrying two guns. They said he was believed to be in his 30s, but his identity was not released. A motive for the shooting is unknown.
Jones has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, spending the last two with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. She’s an Army veteran and her son works for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, according to authorities.
She usually worked at the county attorney’s office, which is where she was when she saw the suspect on Monday.
Authorities said the quick decisions made by the law enforcement officers involved in the situation possibly saved lives.
The Houston Police Department is leading the investigation.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said the suspect could be facing several charges, including, but not limited to, aggravated assault of a peace officer, which carries the same punishment range as murder. Teare said he knows Jones’ family.
“She is a staple. It was no different today in the hospital. She is in great spirits and thank God she is OK,” he said.