HOUSTON — Houston Fire Department paramedics witnessed a deadly domestic violence shooting early Tuesday morning, according to the Houston Police Department.
The suspect got away after getting into a shootout with a deputy, stealing his car, then returning and firing more shots.
Investigators believe the gunman has a history of domestic violence involving the woman who was killed. They haven't released his name.
Alvin ISD later identified the victim as Teresa Houston, 44. The district said she was in her first year with AISD and worked as a paraprofessional in a fundamental skills class at Shadow Creek High School.
Investigators said this started around 12:30 a.m. when HFD paramedics were at a gas station on MacGregor Way and Almeda Road near the Museum District.
They saw a man and his girlfriend arguing. Gas station employee Pranav Patel said his coworker saw them too.
“Suddenly, saw a lady asking for help. Knocking on the glass, running through the store in the coffee area, through the entire store,” Patel, a gas station clerk, said.
Then the paramedics and the store clerk said they witnessed the man shoot the woman nine times.
They flagged down a Harris County Precinct 7 deputy constable who was driving by. Police said the deputy tried to take the suspect into custody.
“Immediately went into a shooting. The officer retreated, exchanged rounds. The suspect then got into the deputy’s vehicle and drove away,” HPD Assist. Chief Jessica Anderson said.
Houston police said the shooter actually came back to the scene. They said another shootout took place as the suspect got into his original car and sped away from the scene.
Police said the deputy constable fell and hit his head during the shootout. He was taken to the hospital to be checked out and is expected to be OK. Police said he’s been with the constable’s office for 14 years.
Police initially said they were actively tracking the suspect. They found the Camaro he took off in ditched on the side of the road. The suspect wasn’t there.
“It’s pretty bad, that’s what it looks like to us. He’s definitely going to be armed and dangerous. He’s already had one shootout with a police officer. That’s our highest priority, getting this guy identified and off the streets,” HPD Sgt. D. Lane said.
Shortly after the shooting, police said they knew who the suspect was, but in a news release sent out just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, HPD said they had not positively identified him.
Alvin ISD statement:
"Alvin ISD extends our deepest condolences to the family of Teresa Houston, a valued member of the Shadow Creek High School staff. Teresa's dedication and commitment to our students will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."
Anyone with additional information about the in this case is urged to call the HPD Special Investigations Unit at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.