Pct. 7 deputy constable shot during traffic stop in southwest Houston

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - A man who shot a Harris County Precinct 7 constable's deputy during a routine traffic stop early Wednesday morning is charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer, according to Houston police.

The shooter has been identified as Romando Lorenzo Powell, 24. 

Deputy Quentin Goodwin was released from the hospital late Wednesday morning after being treated for minor injuries. He was shot in the chest just above his heart, and a bullet also struck the flashlight he was holding, according to Pct. 7 Constable's spokeswoman Pamela Greenwood.

"He was wearing his bulletproof vest, and had he not, we might have a different situation," said Greenwood.

Houston police are leading the investigation.

The shooting happened on Fondren Road near the intersection with Sam Houston Tollway at about 12:40 a.m., police said.

The incident started when Deputy Goodwin saw a car going backwards in traffic, said Greenwood.

"He was walking over trying to get him to stop," said Greenwood.

"The Deputy came under fire immediately," said Lt. Grant with the Pct. 7 Constable's Office.

Goodwin did not return fire, said Greenwood.

"He was asking the suspect to show his hands, and that's when the suspect started shooting when he had the flashlight held up, and when he realized he was being shot at, he ducked, and he ran for cover," said Greenwood.

Police say the suspect got as far as Orem and South Post Oak—about three miles away—before more officers pulled him over and made the arrest.

"The suspect actually did us a favor," said Asst. Chief Henry Gaw with the Houston Police Dept. "He actually was traveling without lights on."

Police say in the suspect's car they found a gun, body armor, and shell casings matching the caliber of those found at the crime scene.

The motive for the gunfire is unknown, said Greenwood.

"The deputy was caught off guard, because it was just a routine traffic stop," said Greenwood.

Deputy Goodwin is going on five years with the department, and he's a chef on the side, said Greenwood.

"He's really neat, and we really like him, and we're just happy that he's gonna be okay," said Greenwood.