Harris County Constable Mark Herman provided an update on Deputy Deteryon Fontonet, who was allegedly ambushed and shot by a robbery suspect following a police pursuit.
Harris County, Texas - A deputy constable in Texas was "ambushed" and allegedly shot by a robbery suspect following a high-speed police pursuit on Friday, according to Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman.
The deputy constable, identified as Deteryon Fontonet, was transported to a local hospital after being shot in the face. His condition is expected to be stable, but he will require surgery.
Deputy Constable Ambushed and Shot in Harris County, Texas
"PLEASE PRAY FOR CONSTABLE DEPUTY DETERYON FONTONET," Herman wrote on social media. "Please keep Deputy Deteryon Fontonet in your prayers. He was transported to a local hospital after he was ambushed and shot by a robbery suspect today."
The unidentified suspect was later taken into custody, Herman said.
Deputy Constable Ambushed and Shot in Harris County, Texas
"Our deputy is going to be OK, he's just going to need some surgery on his face," Herman later said during a press conference.
Herman expressed relief that Fontonet survived the attack, noting that his patrol car sustained 16 bullet holes, including through the window where he was standing.
Deputy Constable Ambushed and Shot in Harris County, Texas
"The good Lord was looking out for our deputy and I guess you could say the good Lord was looking out for this suspect that we didn't kill him because we would have been within our rights to do so."
Herman said he plans to seek attempted capital murder of a peace officer charges against the suspect.
Deputy Constable Ambushed and Shot in Harris County, Texas
"This is just the world we live in," he said.
The shooting occurred in the 5300 block of Slashwood Lane in Spring, Texas. The high-speed chase began after the suspect allegedly robbed two different Academy stores in Harris County with an AR-15.
Deputy Constable Ambushed and Shot in Harris County, Texas
Fontonet recognized the suspect's vehicle and attempted to stop him, but the suspect failed to comply. The suspect fired shots at Fontonet while fleeing into a residential neighborhood.
After a search, the suspect was taken into custody after deputies surrounded the home where they were hiding.
The motive for the ambush is still under investigation. Herman commended Fontonet's bravery and dedication to his duty.
"Our deputy was simply doing his job, trying to protect our community. He put his life on the line to apprehend a dangerous criminal. We are all praying for his quick recovery and we are grateful that he survived this cowardly attack."
