2 Harris Co. Pct. 4 deputies shot, 1 hospitalized after 'ambush' in Humble apartment complex: Pct. 4

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) -- The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office said two of its deputies were shot overnight, with one deputy hospitalized after an 'ambush' in an Humble apartment complex.

Investigators said that Pct. 4 deputies were dispatched to a call about a man firing a weapon throughout an apartment complex located in the 15900 block of Woodland Hills Drive at about 10 p.m. on Friday.

When the deputies arrived, investigators said they were ambushed by the shooter when he opened fire on them. Multiple deputies returned gunfire, at which time the suspect retreated into an apartment unit, authorities said.

Officials said that two Pct. 4 deputies were struck by the suspect's gunfire, with one of the deputies, identified as Deputy Dante Zepeda, struck in the hip and upper arm, and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Zepeda was stabilized and was then taken to the surgical trauma center at Memorial Hermann Hospital in downtown Houston, where he is scheduled for surgery on Saturday, officials said.

Authorities said the other deputy who was shot stayed at the scene and held the perimeter until SWAT units arrived; the deputy was later given medical treatment and released, Pct. 4 said. Investigators said it was later determined that the weapon was a shotgun loaded with pellet projectiles.

Pct. 4 deputies described the incident as a dangerous situation for anyone in the area.

"Keep in mind, you have a male walking through the complex with a shotgun, discharging it. It's a pretty dangerous scene. Pretty chaotic and definitely frightening to the public," Pct. 4 Assistant Chief Danny Garza said. "Both agencies were able to quickly respond and isolate the male, get him to retreat into his apartment, where SWAT was able to make contact with him, and eventually get him into custody."

The suspect was later apprehended after a K-9 unit bit him, authorities said, adding that the suspect is in custody at the hospital for treatment from the bite.

The suspect, whose identity authorities did not release, is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, officials said.