Deputy shoots at man who rammed patrol car in NW Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Deputies opened fire on a man they say rammed a patrol car last night in northwest Houston, but we've learned that's not what started his encounter with officers.

Investigators say it all started when the man's wife walked into a convenience store, claiming he'd assaulted her and was chasing her with a knife. The store clerk pulled the woman behind the bullet-proof Plexiglas en enclosure.

Two minutes later, the clerk said the suspect walked in with their baby in his arms and a knife in his hand. The woman left the room long enough to grab the child.

The clerk says the man threatened customers playing the 8 liners, the drove away.

That's when a deputy chased his for a few blocks and pulled the man over near Old Bammel at Fallbrook. Then, the suspect allegedly rammed the patrol car twice.

"Fearing for his life, the deputy discharged his weapon at the vehicle several times," said Dep. Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "The suspect was not hit. He then stopped the vehicle, got out and surrendered to deputies."

No one was injured and the suspect was taken into custody. He now faces several charges.