Officer Clings to Life After Homicide Suspect Opens Fire During High-Risk Arrest

A police officer is clinging to life after being shot in the head by a homicide suspect during a high-risk arrest attempt in Corpus Christi, Texas, authorities said Wednesday. The shooting on Friday left the officer critically wounded and two other officers injured in an ensuing gunfight, police confirmed.

The wounded officer, identified as Officer Alexandria Cano-Castro, 38, was attempting to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a recent homicide when the confrontation turned violent. Police say the suspect produced a handgun and opened fire on officers, striking Cano-Castro in the head. She was rushed to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. Two other officers were also injured — one by gunfire and another by shrapnel — and both were listed in stable condition after treatment.

Officers located the suspect’s vehicle shortly after the shooting and attempted a traffic stop. According to police, the suspect again drew a firearm and opened fire at officers, prompting return gunfire. The suspect was shot multiple times in the exchange and taken into custody. He was later hospitalized and is expected to survive, officials said.

Details about the suspect’s identity and the circumstances leading up to the homicide arrest were not immediately released. Local law enforcement is continuing to investigate the incident, including whether additional charges will be filed related to the shooting of officers.

Colleagues and community members expressed support for Cano-Castro and her fellow officers, with local officials calling the shooting a tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement face daily. Police leadership said they are focused on assisting the injured officers’ families and ensuring resources are available during the recovery process.