A robbery suspect is dead after a Missouri City, Texas, police officer was shot in the face and a foot following a car chase early Saturday, authorities said.
The Missouri City officer was identified as 29-year-old Crystal Sepulveda, a three-year veteran of the force. Sepulveda was rushed to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery, said Lance Bothel, Missouri City assistant police chief.
“She is a strong officer and she will make it through this,” Bothel said.
The pursuit began after 2 a.m. when officers spotted a stolen vehicle linked to an aggravated robbery call at a gas station, police said. The driver of the stolen vehicle allegedly refused to pull over and led officers on a chase before stopping his vehicle in front of a house.
LAPD RELEASES FOOTAGE OF OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING THAT KILLED GUNMAN WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT AT POLICE
The suspect ran from the vehicle into the backyard of the home and fired at officers, according to authorities. Police said he struck Sepulveda in the head and a foot.
While Sepulveda was being rushed to the hospital, officers set up a perimeter and located the suspect. He shot at the officers, who returned fire, striking the suspect.
The suspect was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police did not immediately release the suspect’s identity.
Police said the suspect had two automatic handguns in his possession when he was shot.
The investigation is ongoing.
