Texas teen shot in chest while defending stepmother during carjacking

A 16-year-old boy is on the road to recovery after being shot in the chest while protecting his stepmother during a violent carjacking in Deer Park, Texas.

The incident occurred on the night of July 23 and sparked a police chase that ended in southwest Houston.

According to authorities, the carjacking occurred as William Hammond and his stepmother, Charlotte Tucker, were leaving work at an I Heart Mac And Cheese restaurant on Spencer Highway.

A man confronted them with a gun, according to court records, and without hesitation, Hammond stepped in to protect his stepmother.

Police told local news outlets that after the shooting, the shooter fled the scene in Tucker’s car, setting off on a high-speed chase with police that spanned 21 miles and reached speeds of up to 115 mph. The chase ended when the stolen vehicle crashed into the driveway of a home, damaging several cars but causing no injuries to residents, authorities say.

A dashcam belonging to an ABC13 photojournalist captured footage of part of the chase, when the car nearly hit the photojournalist head-on, the outlet reported.

Speaking to local news channel KTRK-TV, Hammond described the events: “He pulled out a gun and shot me. It was very close to my heart,” he said, pointing to his chest.

Hammond suffered a gunshot wound that passed through his chest between the fifth and sixth ribs and narrowly missed his heart. Despite the severity of his injuries, he managed to remain conscious.

“I lifted up my shirt and I was completely covered from head to toe with blood pouring out,” he said.

Hammond told the outlet: “I was scared, but I knew what could have happened to my stepmother and I didn’t care.”

Police identified Matthew Hubbard, 28, as the suspect in the incident. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and evading arrest.

During a court hearing, a judge reportedly set bail at $1 million, citing the seriousness of the charges and the harm caused to a young victim.

“This ended in the best possible way after the incident,” Houston Police Department Lt. JP Horelica said, according to KTRK-TV. “The only thing that could make it better is if the kid gets better and is okay.”

The outlet reported that Hammond now has hero status in his community.

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