Texas Deputy Suffers Graze Wound to Head, K-9 Shot at End of Pursuit

A Harris County, Texas, Sheriff's deputy was shot and grazed in the head during a shootout that stemmed from a chase late Tuesday night, officials said. A sheriff’s K-9 was also shot by the same suspect, officials say.

Assistant Chief Thomas Diaz of the Harris County Sheriff's Office said the pursuit began after Deputy Christian Villanueva tried to pull the suspect over during a traffic stop, but the man refused to comply, ABC13 reports.

The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Carlos Harper, then crashed out on Tomball Parkway shortly after. That is when he allegedly pulled out a weapon and shot at Villanueva, grazing his head.

Deputy Villanueva shot back, Harper reportedly fled the area on foot to a nearby residential area, the sheriff's office said.

HCSO deployed several K-9 units to locate the suspect. One of the dogs was shot and struck in the head reportedly by the suspect.

The injured K-9 was taken to an emergency veterinarian. The dog is expected to fully recover.

Deputies were able to apprehend Harper and take him to the hospital, where he was treated for gunshot wounds to the leg and hip, and a dog bite, officials said.

Villanueva, a four-year-veteran with Harris County, was taken to the hospital in stable condition.