Woman hospitalized after ex allegedly shot her and took off with their 4-year-old, deputies say

Authorities in north Harris County are investigating a shooting incident believed to be a case of domestic violence, wherein a woman was shot by a man suspected of attacking her previously. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that the man, identified as 25-year-old Quandarrius Gardner, allegedly returned to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment Thursday morning, shot her, and fled with their 4-year-old son.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at the woman’s apartment on Ella Boulevard near the Cypress Creek Parkway. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the woman was hospitalized after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Gardner was apprehended by deputies walking near the apartment with his son. The child was subsequently reunited with other family members.

The victim’s mother, speaking to ABC13, expressed gratitude that her daughter is awake and expected to recover physically. She revealed that her daughter had been attempting to seek help for years.

Court documents revealed that Gardner had five outstanding warrants, including three felony charges related to previous assaults on the victim. Gardner had a history of violence against her, with incidents dating back to 2020. Despite being arrested and released on bond, he continued to pose a threat, leading to a revoked bond in November 2020.

In May 2023, Gardner reportedly assaulted the victim again, prompting her to seek a protective order due to fears for her safety and the safety of her children.

Neighbors recounted witnessing frequent fights between Gardner and the victim. The sheriff’s office confirmed previous interactions with the couple, including a recent incident where the victim reported Gardner for drug use and aggressive behavior.

The victim’s neighbors expressed frustration and disbelief that the situation escalated to such a tragic outcome, emphasizing the need for accountability and support for victims of domestic violence.

For individuals seeking assistance in leaving a domestic violence situation, resources such as the Houston Area Women’s Center hotline (713-528-2121) or AVDA (713-224-9911) are available for support and guidance. Additionally, online chat options are provided for accessibility, and specialized assistance is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.