Authorities say a Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office deputy was making a traffic stop just west of Tomball on F.M. 2920 near Cypress Rosehill when a shootout began.
Deputy Ted Dahlin was shot twice and taken to Tomball Regional Hospital. He is expected to recover from his injuries.
The unidentified suspect, who was also shot multiple times, was pronounced dead after being taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
"Deputy Dahlin did make his approach, he did have conversation with the suspect and, at some point during that time, the suspect decided to shoot the officer," Pct. 4 Assistant Chief Mark Herman said.
According to investigators, Dahlin was shot once in the left arm with the bullet lodging in his elbow. The other bullet grazed his right knuckles.
Dahlin was scheduled for surgery Saturday night.
"I did get to see him at the hospital. He was conscious. He was speaking before he was going into surgery," Herman said.
Authorities said Dahlin asked the suspect to sstep out of his truck. That's when the suspect and deputy exchanged fire, officials said. The shooting was over within seconds.
Officials said Dahlin, a K9 officer, had no time to release his dog.
"It happened so quick, he didn't have time to hit the button to release the dog," Herman said.
Authorities tell us the suspect was shot at least three times. He was struck in the head, groin and torso.
According to investigators, he had a lengthy criminal history.
"He is a career criminal. He had some warrants out for his arrest," Herman said. "We don't want to draw conclusions as to why he did what he did to put the officer in the position he did."
Dahlin is a 14-year veteran of law enforcement.
Detectives are now looking to dash cam video for more details on this shooting.
