05:37 PM CST on Tuesday, January 31, 2006

By Wendell Edwards / 11 News

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A female off-duty Richmond police officer put her training into action when three alleged carjackers forced her into her SUV and attempted to steal it. The incident erupted into a shooting that left one suspect dead and another wounded.

KHOU-TV

It happened at the Trails at Steeplechase Apartment complex at Jones Road and Highway 290.

It happened around 6:30 a.m. at the Trails at Steeplechase Apartment complex at Jones Road and Highway 290.

Two of the three suspects were armed, according to Jersey Village Police. One suspect pushed Officer Holly Marie Mong over into the passenger seat.

Authorities said the 22-year-old officer's instincts and training kicked in, even though she'd been with the department less than six months.

"At that time she pulled her weapon and fired several rounds, striking both of the assailants," said Jersey Village Police Chief Charles Wedemeyer.

Authorities said Mong shot and killed one suspect and shot another suspect five times.

"I believe it was a life-and-death struggle in the car, and she managed to get her weapon out," said Wedemeyer. "Both of them were armed with handguns, and there were several shots fired."

Police say they're not sure if the suspects returned fire.

KHOU

Officer Holly Marie Wong was shaken up after the shooting, but otherwise unharmed.

The wounded suspect was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He was last reported in critical condition following brain surgery.

Police have the other suspect in custody. They say he was hiding in the back seat of another vehicle, believed to be the getaway car.

Police say all three suspects are from the Cypress area.

Officials said the female officer was very shaken up after the incident, requiring oxygen just to catch her breath.

The Richmond officer lives in the apartment complex with her fiance, who is a Jersey Village police officer.

The Texas Rangers, Jersey Village Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the case.