Texas Police Officer Shot in Head During Shotgun Gunfight After Traffic Stop

A Texas police officer underwent surgery after being shot in the head with a shotgun during a gunfight that followed a traffic stop and chase.
March 28, 2026

What to know

  • A South Houston police officer was critically injured after being shot in the head with a shotgun following an attempted traffic stop and vehicle chase early Friday morning.
  • Police said the driver fled a South Houston traffic stop, led officers on a low‑speed chase, then opened fire with a shotgun after exiting his vehicle in a residential driveway.
  • The driver was found dead at the scene, possibly from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound, while the wounded police officer underwent surgery and was later listed in stable condition.

A Texas police officer was critically injured early Friday after being shot in the head with a shotgun during a gun fight following an attempted traffic stop and a chase.

The shooting happened at about 1 a.m. after a driver fled a traffic stop by South Houston police, KHOU-TV reports. A chase ensued, lasting about 10 minutes and not exceeding 45 mph.

Eventually, the driver pulled into a residential driveway and exited his vehicle. When police arrived, they orded the driver to surrender, but he pulled out a shotgun and opened fire.

An officer was shot in the head, and police returned fire. When the exchange was over, the driver was dead, and he was possibily injured by a self-inflicted shotgun wound.

The wounded officer was rushed to the hospital in critical condtion. The officer underwent surgery and is in stable condition in the ICU.

The incident is under investigation.

About the Author

Joe Vince
Email

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Related

Book Excerpt: Tips for Improving Situational Awareness Through Training
Shooting Rhythm: How Shooters Overcome a Training Plateau
First Responder Health & Wellness: An Agency Roadmap
Sponsored
Historic Collaboration, Innovation for the Future
Sponsored

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!