Deputy constable shoots suspect during traffic stop near Montgomery County park: Constable's Office

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Montgomery County Precinct 2 deputy constable shot a suspect during a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon just outside Carl Barton Park, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence and the early closure of park activities.

According to officials, the incident began on Loop 336 when the deputy constable attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 34-year-old John Loredo. Authorities say Loredo was belligerent, non-compliant, and behaving erratically after exiting his vehicle.

"The initial investigation shows he exited, was non-compliant, was not following orders, and his behavior was erratic," said Constable David Eason of Montgomery County Precinct 2.

Officials say the encounter escalated, and the deputy fired three shots, striking Loredo once in the hand. Loredo then drove into Carl Barton Park in an apparent attempt to flee, authorities said, before abandoning his vehicle and trying to run away.

Additional officers responded and took Loredo into custody inside the park. The deputy constable was not injured. Loredo was transported to a hospital for treatment of his hand injury and is expected to face criminal charges.

The main entrance to Carl Barton Park was blocked for several hours as investigators secured the scene. High school baseball players and other park visitors were seen leaving the area as crime scene tape surrounded the park entrance.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. Officials could not yet say whether the suspect had a weapon.

"Right now, we're just trying to determine what the officer's actions were, why he did what he did, and how that played out," Holley said. "We're grateful this didn't end worse. Grateful the officer is safe and grateful the suspect is not more seriously injured."

Investigators will review body camera video.

Constable Eason said the deputy has worked for Precinct 2 for four years.

Online records show that Loredo has previous misdemeanor convictions for assault, drugs, and DWI.

For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, X and Instagram.