HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A deputy constable was wounded and two others were injured after exchanging gunfire with a suspect after responding to a disturbance in Atascocita early Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as identified as Wesley Adam Smith, is facing four felony charges of aggravayed assault on a public servant.
According to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, five deputies responded to a disturbance in the 12000 block of Saratoga Woods, in northeast Harris County, before 3 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the suspect had called 911 claiming to have suicidal thoughts. Twenty minutes passed before the suspect made contact.
Pct. 4 said then the suspect came out with a shotgun and opened fire, striking at least one deputy.
Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman has identified the deputy shot as Deputy Constable Christopher Gaines, a two-year veteran. He is assigned to the East District Patrol Division out of Humble.
Two other deputies were injured, but they were not shot, according to Pct. 4. They both were transported to a local hospital.
Pct. 4 said Deputy Faniyi received nine stitches to his face after he was grazed by a pellet, and the third deputy received minor injuries taking evasive action.
Deputy Gaines has undergone one successful three-hour surgery with orthopedic surgeons, Herman tweeted. He has already started a second surgery.
Pct. 4 said he was shot in his leg and groin and has several pellets lodged in his bones. It is not clear how many times he was hit.
They added that it could be a long recovery. Deputy Gaines had to be sedated, because he was in too much pan from his injuries.
Smith was also wounded after exchanging gunfire with the deputies. The suspect was not airlifted, however. He was transported to the same hospital as the deputy constable who was wounded, and is being treated in the room next to him.
Pct. 4 said they do not have a motive for why the suspect came out shooting. They said the suspect sustained 22 entry and exit wounds.
The suspect's identity and mugshot are expected to be released later Tuesday. He is charged with four counts of aggravated assault of a police officer.