BROWNSVILLE -- A dangerous joy ride landed a Brownsville man not only in handcuffs but also in a hospital bed.
Moises Gomez is in critical condition after being shot by Cameron County Sheriff's Department deputy Monday night.
Sheriff Omar Lucio told Action 4 News that the deputy remains on off-duty with pay pending an internal investigation into the incident.
Lucio said Gomez was behind the wheel of red Camaro and driving recklessly in a 15 mph zone on Mitchell Avenue south of Brownsville.
Gomez did not hurt any of the neighbors but Lucio told Action 4 News that the reckless driving suspect refused to obey deputies.
“Instead of stopping and slowing down, he came right at the officer,” Lucio said. “The individual in the red Camaro continued to threatened the life of the officer.”
Lucio said the deputy responded by reaching for his gun and firing at the Camaro several times.
Gomez lost control of his Camaro and crashed.
Paramedics took him to the hospital where he remains listed in critical condition.
Lucio said Gomez has a previous criminal history involving arrests for public intoxication and resisting arrest.
Although authorities are still investigating this case, neighbors believe Gomez was under the influence.
Ernesto Resendez told Action 4 News he saw the whole incident outside his home.
“One tire was on top ...came out this way backed up and then the other way,” Resendez said of the wreckage.
According to Resendez, Gomez tried to ram a family of six
“When I came outside and I saw the people right next to my car they were hiding behind my truck,” Resendez said.
This neighbor said the family was terrified and seeking help.
That’s when Resendez immediately called 911.
The Camaro was still driving in the area when deputies arrived.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT