Texas DPS trooper shoots 17-year-old after traffic stop in Humble area, authorities say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Texas DPS trooper shot a 17-year-old suspect following a traffic stop in the Humble area on Friday.

It happened on Will Clayton Parkway westbound at Village Tower Drive at about 11 a.m., when a trooper saw a white Kia Sorento with a male and female inside.

The female, who was driving, also looked young, according to DPS spokesperson Lt. Craig Cummings, adding that authorities are still investigating what made the trooper pull them over in the first place.

During the traffic stop, there were indicators of drug activity, Cummings said, but didn't elaborate on what that meant.

The trooper performed a pat down on both the teen suspect and the driver, but when the trooper got to the teen, he felt what he believed to be a pistol, Cummings told ABC13.

The teen took off running down Will Clayton Parkway, and at some point, stopped, faced the trooper, and reached toward his waistband, according to authorities.

That's when the trooper shot him in the upper part of his body.

WATCH: Texas DPS gives update on shooting involving trooper, 17-year-old suspect

Texas DPS says the teen took off running after a traffic stop and reached toward his waistband when the trooper shot him.

It wasn't immediately known how many times the suspect was hit, but he was taken to Kingwood Hospital and conscious, at last check.

A pistol was recovered at the scene, where the suspect fell after being shot, Cummings said.

The Texas Rangers are investigating if the teen did, in fact, pull out the gun or point it at the trooper.

Only one trooper was involved, which is customary for the agency, Cummings explained. The trooper will be placed on administrative leave, which is protocol.

The suspect is expected to face charges. It's unclear if the female will as well.

Their relationship also wasn't immediately known, according to Cummings.

The east and west bound lanes of Will Clayton Parkway remain shut down. Drivers are urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

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