Officials say the suspect was belligerent before the shooting.
CONROE, Texas — A Precinct 2 constable’s deputy shot a suspect during a traffic stop at Carl Barton Park in Conroe on Tuesday afternoon, according to Montgomery County authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:12 p.m., just before the entrance to the park. The driver, identified as 34-year-old John Laredo, immediately exited his vehicle during the traffic stop and became belligerent and uncooperative, refusing to follow verbal commands, according to Assistant Chief Rick Bass of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The confrontation escalated, and the deputy fired three shots, striking Laredo once in his left hand. After being shot, Laredo reentered his vehicle and drove further into the park before exiting and running. Additional deputies responding to the scene arrested him without further incident, MCSO said.
Laredo was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery for non-life-threatening injuries. He remained in stable condition and faces potential multiple charges. Laredo has a prior criminal history that includes assault and narcotics charges, authorities said.
The deputy, a four-year veteran of the Precinct 2 Constable’s Office, was also transported to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. He was not physically injured.
Officials did not share why Laredo was pulled over. They also couldn’t say if he had a weapon. A spokesperson said they have not yet interviewed the deputy.
A baseball game was taking place at the park during the shooting, but it continued without disruption, Bass said. Authorities expressed relief that the situation did not escalate further, given the families and park visitors.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is leading the criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office. Investigators are still reviewing body-worn camera footage and collecting evidence from the active crime scene. Officials have not yet interviewed the deputy involved.
District Attorney Mike Holley emphasized the importance of complying with law enforcement during traffic stops.
“Complying with an officer’s directions, with the deputy’s directions, resolves almost every problem,” Holley said during a news conference at the scene. “We can always talk things out, but when you’re at the scene of the road and the officer’s there, not complying can result in bad things.”
Constable David Easting of Precinct 2 thanked the deputy for his actions in controlling the situation and was grateful no bystanders were harmed.
Authorities said they will release additional information as the investigation progresses.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.