Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy shot near East Freeway; suspect may have fled in patrol car

A Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy was shot Wednesday night near the East Freeway in east Harris County, and a possible suspect may have fled the scene in a patrol car, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said in a social media post that the deputy was taken to a hospital and was in fair condition. He did not identify the deputy.

The sheriff said the patrol car was later located near Dell Dale Street near the East Freeway. The suspect was not found with the vehicle, and Gonzalez said an active search was underway.

In an update around 8:30 p.m., Gonzalez said authorities were still searching for the person believed to have fled in the patrol car.

The sheriff's office had not released a description of the suspect as of early Wednesday night.

Gonzalez said media partners were staging at 1100 Sheldon Road.

The sheriff's office asked anyone with information to call 713-221-6000.