Spring, Texas, January 28, 2026
In a concerning incident near Spring, Texas, an off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputy was unintentionally shot by his 3-year-old nephew. The child accessed the deputy’s duty firearm, which was not secured, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury to the deputy’s hand. As the investigation unfolds, the event raises critical issues surrounding firearm safety in homes with children, particularly the importance of secure storage solutions to prevent such accidents. The deputy is reported to be recovering well, and the shooting has garnered attention to the alarming statistics of child firearm injuries.
Spring, Texas
An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputy was accidentally shot by a 3-year-old child at a residence near Spring, Texas, on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026. The deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering in stable condition. The incident occurred when the child gained access to a firearm, which was the deputy’s duty weapon.
Details of the Accidental Shooting
Authorities responded to the accidental shooting at a home on Woodsboro Court in Spring just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary information indicated that the 3-year-old, identified as the deputy’s nephew, managed to get the duty weapon out of its holster, which was not being worn by the deputy at the time, and fire it. The deputy was reportedly asleep when the incident occurred and was shot in the hand. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the shooting was unintentional, and an investigation is underway.
Context of Firearm Safety and Children
This incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding firearm safety and secure storage, especially in homes with children. Unintentional firearm injuries disproportionately affect children and young adults, accounting for approximately one in five trauma-treated injuries in the Houston area. In 2023, Texas experienced 36 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 14 deaths and 23 injuries. Nationally, hundreds of children annually gain access to weapons and accidentally shoot themselves or others. Previous data from Harris County indicates that firearm-related youth offenses increased by 37.3% from 2016 to 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What happened in Spring, Texas?
An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputy was accidentally shot by a 3-year-old child at a residence near Spring, Texas, on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026.
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Who was involved in the shooting?
An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputy was shot by a 3-year-old child, identified as the deputy’s nephew.
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What is the condition of the deputy?
The deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering in stable condition.
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When did this incident occur?
The accidental shooting happened on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, with authorities responding just before 1 p.m.
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What type of firearm was involved?
The firearm involved was the deputy’s duty weapon, which the child accessed when the deputy was not wearing the gun belt.
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What is the relevance of secure firearm storage?
This incident highlights the critical importance of secure firearm storage to prevent accidental shootings, particularly involving children, as unintentional firearm injuries disproportionately affect children and young adults.
Incident Summary
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Spring, Harris County, Texas |
| Date/Time | Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026 |
| Victim | Off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputy |
| Shooter | 3-year-old nephew of the deputy |
| Cause | Accidental discharge of the deputy’s duty firearm accessed by the child |
| Deputy’s Condition | Non-life-threatening injuries, stable condition |
| Investigation Status | Underway, confirmed unintentional |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
