JASPER COUNTY, Texas - A Jasper County Sheriff's Office deputy fired his weapon during an early morning foot pursuit Sunday after believing a fleeing suspect had opened fire, according to Sheriff Chuck Havard.
The incident happened May 18 at a residence in the 255 block of County Road 190 in north Jasper County. Authorities said deputies were dispatched after receiving a report that a man was shooting at his brother at their parents’ home.
A deputy arrived at the residence around 4:52 a.m. and saw the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Jared Stephenson of Jasper, running from the property.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy chased Stephenson on foot while repeatedly ordering him to stop and show his hands. Investigators said Stephenson refused commands and continued fleeing.
Near the end of the pursuit, Stephenson entered a brush-covered embankment area. The deputy reported seeing what appeared to be a handgun in Stephenson’s right hand and simultaneously hearing a loud “pop” sound that he believed was gunfire.
Believing he was being shot at, the deputy fired his service weapon twice toward Stephenson. Neither the deputy nor Stephenson was struck.
Investigators from multiple agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the Jasper Police Department, responded to investigate the shooting.
Authorities later determined the “pop” sound likely occurred when Stephenson allegedly threw the firearm and it struck a nearby metal structure, creating a noise that resembled gunfire.
Sheriff Havard said he believed the deputy’s actions were reasonable based on the circumstances, training, and experience.
Stephenson was arrested and booked into the Jasper County Jail on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a third-degree felony. Authorities said additional charges may be filed.
The sheriff’s office said Stephenson has multiple prior felony convictions and was recently released from a Texas Department of Criminal Justice Intermediate Sanction Facility.
