Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Video: Texas Deputy Constable Shot, Wounded in Apparent Ambush

A Harris County, TX, deputy constable was shot multiple times last night in what investigators say was an "ambush" attack. Deputy Constable Alden Clopton was in surgery for nearly six hours and has now been moved to critical care.

April 14, 2016
Video: Texas Deputy Constable Shot, Wounded in Apparent Ambush

 

2 min to read


Ad Loading...

A Harris County, TX, deputy constable was shot multiple times last night in what investigators say was an "ambush" attack, reports KTRK.

Deputy Constable Alden Clopton was shot four times. He was in surgery for nearly six hours and has now been moved to critical care, Constable May Walker says.

"We think he is going to be okay," Walker says. "He's a strong guy."

Investigators say around 11:20pm, Deputy Clopton and a reserve deputy were wrapping up a traffic stop on Alabama Street when someone opened fire on them. Deputy Clopton was standing beside the reserve deputy's patrol car when several bullets struck.

The shots came from across Alabama where there is a bike path. The reserve deputy then got out of her car and shot back in the direction of the gunfire.

Ad Loading...

Four bullets struck Clopton in the back, two of the shots entering Clopton's patrol vehicle, Walker says. Another bullet went into the ground. In the operating room, surgeons found a bullet was lodged near his heart, while three others were in his abdomen.

A person of interest is being interviewed by deputies, but Constable Walker could not give any other details. The person was taken into custody at a nearby fire station after they matched a description of the suspect.

Constable Walker says the deputy constable has "a road to recovery" ahead of him.

Deputy Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the Constable's Office. Deputies says his wife works for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and that his family is at the hospital.

More Patrol

Woman kneeling with a Bloodhound in front of a white pickup truck.
PatrolMarch 1, 2026

K-9s Play a Critical Role in Finding Missing Persons

Real-world scenarios show that a tracking canine can detect and follow a human track several hours after it was made.

Read More →
Man in a blue blazer lifting his shirt to reveal a concealed handgun in a waistband holster while standing outdoors.
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty

What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.

Read More →
Black background with image of police car light bar, logo for POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips, and headline What are the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 25, 2026

Garmont Tactical’s LE Boot Lineup

In this video, we get a look at the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical, both for men and women. Kyle Ferdyn, sales manager, showcases four of the latest boots.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Person in protective CMRN suit and breathing gear.
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Avon Protection Launches EXOSKIN-S2 High-Performance CBRN Protective Suit

With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.

Read More →
Sky background with logos for Versatern and Aloft
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Versaterm Acquires Aloft to Unlock a New Era of Drones for Public Safety

Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.

Read More →
Clooudy sky background with a lot of blue, logo for DroneSense, and dates and location of an upcoming event.
PatrolFebruary 11, 2026

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations

The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips featuring a black background with police car lights and headline What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 11, 2026

What Makes a Good LE Boot?

Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.

Read More →
Red fabric background with blue and white Folds of Honor logo.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders

The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.

Read More →
Closeup of hands reaching to pick up a ballistic helmet and a Team Wendy logo in a white box top center in the image.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals

With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
backgroudn image of desert with inset 5.11 logo and images of pant and boot.
PatrolJanuary 28, 2026

5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show

5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.

Read More →