HCSO Deputy shot in the hand at Ben Taub Hospital by jail inmate

HCSO: Inmate shoots deputy in the hand at Ben Taub Hospital

FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace has the latest after a shooting occurred at Ben Taub Hospital on Wednesday afternoon leaving one deputy shot in the hand.

HOUSTON - An investigation is now underway after a Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy was shot in the hand at Ben Taub Hospital on Wednesday afternoon in Houston.

Authorities said the shooting occurred on the fifth floor of the hospital around 4:30 p.m.

Houston Police Department, Harris Co. Sheriff's Office provide update on deputy shot in hand at Ben Taub hospital

Officials held a press conference detailing what occurred at Ben Taub hospital, where a deputy was shot in the hand after a suspect reportedly tried take his gun from him.

Chief Deputy Toquica with the Harris County Sheriff's Office said an inmate, later identified as Thaddeus Lewis, 35, was brought to the hospital for a doctor's appointment.

Toquica said an on-duty Harris County Deputy, who has been with the department for 36 years and was assigned to the hospital, was escorting the inmate to the restroom.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 26 HOUSTON EMAIL ALERTS

Then when, according to Toquica, a struggle began inside the restroom.

Authorities said the deputy was shot in the left hand and is currently in stable condition. We're told he's in good spirits.

Toquica also praised the hospital staff at Ben Taub Hospital as four hospital workers jumped in to help the deputy get Lewis into custody.

Authorities said Lewis wasn't injured.

The Houston Police Department said they will be handling the lead in the criminal investigation of the shooting while HCSO handles the administrative investigation.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES, DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APP

The 35-year-old is now charged with aggravated assault off a Peace Officer in addition to previous charges of possession of a controlled substance and felony possession of a weapon.

News Houston