Suspect was killed by officer-involved gunfire at the end of the chase

Orange County – A suspect involved in a car chase is dead and a police officer suffered a minor leg injury after an officer-involved shooting in Orange County, according to information Orange County Sheriff’s Detective Colton Havard provided to KFDM/Fox 4 News has provided.

The chase began just after 9 a.m. Tuesday when a suspect fled following a disturbance in Bridge City. According to DPS, he opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, shooting at several homes.

The chase ended on Highway 73, where a Chambers County District 6 deputy constable was struck while riding a motorcycle and participating in a heavy equipment convoy. He suffered a broken leg and is undergoing surgery.

Det. Havard says the chase continued to Green Avenue near 15th Street, where it ended when the truck came to a stop and the suspect got out, with officers firing several shots. The suspect was killed and a police officer suffered a leg injury, probably from a ricocheting bullet.

It all happened near West Orange Stark Middle School, where school officials have sheltered students and staff until the scene is secure.

DPS is investigating along with OCSO.

Victor Morales was in his truck near the area and recorded video of the officer-involved shooting.

While Morales’ camera is rolling, a yellow school bus drives past the intersection. Seconds later, you see a line of officers approach the suspect, who is lying on the grass near the sidewalk in front of the school’s athletic field.

DPS Sgt. Shana Clark says the man initially followed officers’ commands to put the gun down and get on the ground. She says he began to lie down, but as officers approached, he picked up the rifle and pointed it at the officers. They fired several shots and he died at the scene.