Man with rifle who shot at deputy also stole from Academy stores, constable says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A deputy constable has been released from the hospital after being shot at by an armed theft suspect in northwest Harris County on Friday, authorities report.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman stated that the suspect committed thefts at two Academy Sports & Outdoors stores within an hour. One store is near Willowbrook Mall, and the other is located at Kuykendahl and the Grand Parkway.

Deputy Constable Deteryon Fontonet identified the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect led Deputy Fontonet on a chase that ended in the 5300 block of Slashwood, according to Herman.

The suspect allegedly ambushed and shot at the deputy with an AR-15 before fleeing into a relative’s house, said the constable’s office. Herman noted there were 16 bullet holes in the deputy’s patrol car.

Law enforcement surrounded the house and apprehended the suspect on the lawn outside. A gun was recovered near the front door, visible from SkyEye overhead.

Deputy Fontonet was taken to the hospital with injuries from shattered glass. “Please pray for our Deputy Constable,” Herman requested on social media.

The suspect’s family expressed gratitude to the deputies for not using lethal force. “From what I’m hearing, (Fontonet) is going to be OK. He just needs surgery on his face. The good Lord was looking out for the deputy,” Herman added.

By 8:40 p.m., Herman confirmed that Fontonet had been discharged from the hospital. “Deputy Fontonet will have follow-up doctor visits and will be resting at home,” he said.

The suspect, aged 23, has not been named.