Investigation underway after 3-year-old fires gun, injuring off-duty Harris County deputy in Spring home

What authorities say happened

Investigators in north Harris County are examining how a 3-year-old child obtained and discharged a firearm inside a Spring-area residence, injuring an off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Law enforcement units were dispatched to a home in the 20200 block of Woodsboro Court after reports of an accidental discharge. Officials said the deputy suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transported for medical care. The deputy was reported to be in stable condition later the same day.

Details confirmed so far

Authorities described the incident as unintentional based on preliminary findings. The deputy was inside the home when the child discharged the weapon, and the injury was consistent with an accidental shooting rather than an assault, officials said.

Early information released by local law enforcement indicated the firearm was in a holster. Investigators have not publicly detailed how the child was able to access the weapon or whether additional safety devices were engaged at the time.

• Location: a residence on Woodsboro Court in Spring (north Harris County)
• Victim: an off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy
• Child involved: 3 years old
• Condition: injury described as non-life-threatening; deputy reported stable after treatment
• Status: investigation ongoing

What remains unclear

Key questions remain unanswered, including who owned the firearm, where it was stored immediately before the discharge, and whether the deputy was wearing duty equipment at the time. Officials have not released the deputy’s identity or provided information about potential administrative review steps that often follow firearm-related incidents involving law enforcement personnel.

Authorities also have not said whether any criminal charges are being considered. In cases involving unintentional shootings by minors, investigations typically focus on access, storage practices, supervision at the time of the incident, and whether any violations of applicable firearm-safety requirements occurred.

Next steps in the investigation

Investigators are processing the scene and gathering statements from people present at the residence. Officials have indicated more information may be released as findings are confirmed and interviews are completed.

Officials have described the shooting as unintentional and said the deputy’s injuries were not life-threatening, while investigators work to determine how the child accessed the firearm.

The case remains under active investigation, and additional details have not yet been made public.