Texas deputy ambushed, shot in back after traffic stop

HOUSTON — A Texas deputy constable was shot in his back during an ambush in Houston late Wednesday.

The shooting occurred about 11:30 p.m. CT.

Harris County Precinct 7 officials said a female reserve deputy constable made a traffic stop, and a male deputy constable pulled in to offer assistance.

After the traffic stop wrapped up, the male deputy was leaning into the reserve deputy's passenger window to help with the patrol unit's audio-visual equipment. That is when a man approached from behind and fired at least six shots, four of which struck the deputy in his back.

La. trooper shot during traffic stop

Constable May Walker said the deputy was rushed into surgery with four gunshot wounds. After several hours, he was transferred to critical care where he was said to be doing well.

Walker said, Alden Clopton, the wounded deputy, never saw the attack coming.

"It was virtually an ambush, is what it was," said Walker.

The reserve deputy returned fire, and the suspect fled.

Walker said Clopton is a married father of five children.

A man matching the suspect's description later showed up at a nearby fire station. He is being questioned as a person of interest, not a suspect, in the case.

Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the force who mentors new officers, said Lt. Holland Jones.

"I would just like to say our prayers are with him and his family. I hope the community's prayers are with us and his family, and that he pulls through surgery in an excellent manner."

Walker said Clopton was wearing his bullet-proof vest at the time of the shooting, and the vest may have saved his life.

"It's going to be a recovery period, we're just asking everyone to pray for him and his family," Walker said.

In addition to his wife and children, Clopton has three brothers and one sister. All of his brothers are officers, Walker said.