Inmate charged in shooting of Harris County deputy at Ben Taub Hospital

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Harris County deputy was shot in the hand during a scuffle with an inmate at Ben Taub Hospital as he was walking him to the bathroom.

It happened near the hospital's trauma center on Wednesday at about 4:20 p.m.

Authorities identified the inmate as 35-year-old Thaddeus Lewis, who is charged with aggravated assault against a public servant.

According to the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division Special Investigations Unit, the deputy was guarding Lewis, who was at the hospital for a doctor's appointment, and escorted him to the restroom.

While in the restroom, Lewis attacked the deputy, leading to a struggle, HPD said.

During the fight, authorities said Lewis grabbed the deputy's gun, and it went off.

The deputy was shot in his left hand. According to authorities, four hospital staff members acted fast and helped detain Lewis.

Investigators said the injured deputy is a 36-year veteran of the department.

Lewis was transported back to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.