Texas Deputy Constable Released From Hospital After Being Shot During Ambush Attack
What to Know
- Deputy Zepeda was shot during a response to gunfire at an apartment complex in Harris County.
- He sustained injuries to his hip and upper arm from shotgun pellets and was hospitalized for treatment.
- The suspect barricaded inside an apartment was apprehended with SWAT team assistance and faces charges of aggravated assault.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Dante Zepeda was released from the hospital Sunday night following injuries he sustained after being shot in the line of duty while responding to reports of a gunman at an apartment complex Friday night.
According to Constable Mark Herman, Zepeda was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for gunshot wounds suffered during an incident that occurred around 10 p.m. when Precinct 4 deputies responded to reports of a man discharging a firearm at an apartment complex in the 15800 block of Woodland Hills Drive.
Authorities said Zepeda and several other deputies arrived at the scene and were allegedly ambushed when the suspect opened fire on responding officers. Multiple deputies returned fire, and the suspect retreated into an apartment.
Investigators later determined that Zepeda and another deputy were struck by shotgun pellets during the exchange. Zepeda suffered injuries to his hip and upper arm. Deputies immediately transported him by patrol vehicle to Houston Northeast Hospital before he was transferred to the surgical trauma center at Memorial Hermann Hospital in downtown Houston for additional treatment and surgery.
The second deputy who was struck remained on scene and helped maintain the perimeter until tactical units arrived. The deputy later received medical treatment and was released.
Following the shooting, the suspect barricaded himself inside a nearby apartment. With assistance from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez's SWAT unit, law enforcement officers took the suspect into custody. Authorities said the suspect sustained a police K-9 bite and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
According to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office, the suspect has not been publicly identified. The District Attorney's Office has accepted a charge of aggravated assault against a peace officer, pending the suspect's release from the hospital.
In a statement, Herman praised Zepeda's recovery and thanked community members and fellow first responders for their support.
"Deputy Zepeda's strength, courage, and determination have been nothing short of inspiring. While his recovery journey continues, today's milestone is a testament to his resilience and the incredible support he has received from his family, fellow deputies, first responders, and community members," Herman said.
Zepeda is assigned to patrol duties in the Atascocita area and has served with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office since 2025.
The agency asked the public to continue supporting Zepeda and his family as he continues his recovery.