Deputy shot during struggle with inmate at Ben Taub Hospital, HCSO says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County deputy was shot in the hand during a scuffle with an inmate at Ben Taub Hospital as he was walking him to the bathroom.

It happened near the hospital’s trauma center on Wednesday. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said there was some sort of struggle between the two as the deputy was escorting the inmate to the restroom.

The inmate has since been detained.

During the struggle, the deputy’s gun went off and he was shot in his left hand. According to authorities, four hospital staff members acted fast and helped detain the inmate.

The name of the inmate was not immediately released, but authorities said he was in the hospital for an appointment.

Investigators said the injured deputy is a 36-year veteran of the department.

At the moment, there are no charges against the inmate as the investigation into the incident continues.