Officer clings to life after homicide suspect allegedly unloads gun on police during high-risk arrest

A Texas police officer is in critical condition after being shot in the head by a homicide suspect earlier this week. 

The incident unfolded just after 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 23, when officers with the Corpus Christi Police Department responded to a shooting in the 4900 block of Ayers Street, located approximately 145 miles from San Antonio, according to FOX 4. 

When authorities arrived, they reportedly located a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. 

Less than an hour later, officers located the suspect’s vehicle in a nearby area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, FOX 4 reported.

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However, authorities say the 38-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and began firing on the three officers. 

Two officers were reportedly struck as they exchanged gunfire with the suspect. A third officer also sustained injuries after being struck by shrapnel. 

“Officer (Alexandria) Cano-Castro, a 36-year-old senior officer, was shot in the head while attempting to apprehend a homicide suspect,” Constable Mark Herman’s Office in Harris County said.

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Cano-Castro was subsequently transported to a hospital in critical condition. The other officer who sustained gunshot injuries was listed in stable condition, while the third received treatment for their injuries, FOX 4 reported. 

The homicide suspect was shot multiple times in the exchange and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in custody and is expected to survive. 

Authorities have not released the name of the suspect or the identities of the other two officers involved. 

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“This was a homicide suspect that we found pretty quick. Unfortunately, it ended like this,” Police Chief Mike Markle reportedly said. “We’re praying that these officers are stable. We have one critical officer, a female officer, and we’re going to make sure we’re checking on her.”

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, as the investigation remains ongoing, FOX 4 reported. 

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The Corpus Christi Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.