Injured deputies released from hospital after Houston shootout
HOUSTON -- A Houston police spokesman says two constable deputies injured while responding to a shootout at an auto shop have been released from the hospital.
John Cannon says four other people remain hospitalized with injuries that aren't life-threatening, including a person police say is a possible suspect. The three others still in the hospital have told police they were in their cars when they were shot.
Houston Police Union President Ray Hunt said one deputy who was injured was hit several times in the chest was wearing both a metal breastplate and a bulletproof vest. The second officer was shot in the hand.
A customer at the auto detail shop was killed Sunday morning when a man reportedly carrying an AR-15 and a pistol walked in and began shooting. CBS affiliate KHOU reports the victim was getting a car wash when the gunfire erupted.
"This man was here getting his car detailed and somebody decided that wasn't good enough and his life wasn't worth what it is," neighbor Adam Binder told the station.
The gunman was later killed by a SWAT officer.
Cannon says at least three police vehicles sustained damage during the shootout, one of which was struck 21 times. A police helicopter was hit five times. Acting Police Chief Martha Montalvo said the helicopter was shot at with a "high-powered" weapon.
A possible motive remains unclear.
A bomb squad remains at the scene searching for unspent ammunition. Cannon says the county medical examiner's office may identify the gunman on Monday.
KHOU reports investigators were on Monday investigating a bag left at a nearby gas station, which erupted in flames amid the gunfire. Officers say the bag, which contains documents and ammunition, could belong to the suspect.