TX Deputy Slain in Ambush, Suspect at Large

A man who authorities say ambushed two Harris County Precinct deputy constables, killing one, critically wounding another, and shooting a third as he responded to the shooting remained at large Monday, ABC 13 reports.

The man reportedly opened fire on the deputies with an AR-15 rifle from behind while they were arresting another man over an apparent robbery attempt at a nightclub where they were working an extra job as security, authorities say.

Deputy Kareem Atkins was killed in the ambush. Deputy Darryl Garrett was shot in the back and critically wounded.

Deputy Juqaim Barthen was wounded when he heard the shots and ran to the aid of his fellow deputies. There are conflicting reports of whether he was hit in the foot or leg. He is stable and recovering.

The suspect is described by authorities as a Hispanic man in his early 20s. They said the man was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He was also described as being heavy-set with a beard.

Both Garrett and Barthen remain hospitalized.

Garrett's fiancée Lajah Richardson told KHOU that the three men are like brothers.

Because Garrett is in critical condition, she said she hasn’t told him that one of his best friends is dead. She said she doesn’t know how she’s going to tell him.

Richardson said Garrett has been in and out of surgery since Saturday. She said he was shot in the back and the priority for the doctors was to remove the bullet fragments that were inside him that damaged some of his organs. She said doctors had to remove both of his kidneys and gall bladder. He will eventually need a kidney transplant.

 GoFundme account to help with the medical expenses because they say he will have a long recovery ahead.

Atkins was only 30 years old and had just returned to work from paternity leave, according to Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman. 

He leaves behind his 6-month-old son, a 2-year-old daughter and wife Nadia, family members told KHOU 11 .