A Texas police officer is fighting for her life after being shot in the head by a suspect wanted for homicide earlier this week.

The dramatic events began shortly after 2:45 p.m. on January 23, when Corpus Christi Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4900 block of Ayers Street, about 145 miles from San Antonio, as reported by FOX 4.

Upon their arrival, officers discovered a man who had been shot multiple times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Within an hour, police identified and located the suspect’s vehicle nearby, and they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, according to FOX 4.

Officer Alexandria Cano-Castro, 38, is currently in critical condition after being shot in the head during the encounter with a homicide suspect in Corpus Christi, Texas, on January 23, 2026. (Constable Mark Herman’s Office/Facebook)

Authorities recounted that the 38-year-old suspect brandished a handgun and began firing at the three officers on the scene.

Two officers were reportedly struck as they exchanged gunfire with the suspect. A third officer also sustained injuries after being struck by shrapnel. 

“Officer (Alexandria) Cano-Castro, a 36-year-old senior officer, was shot in the head while attempting to apprehend a homicide suspect,” Constable Mark Herman’s Office in Harris County said.

Three officers were injured while attempting to arrest a homicide suspect in Corpus Christi, Texas on Jan. 23, 2026.  (Google Maps)

Cano-Castro was subsequently transported to a hospital in critical condition. The other officer who sustained gunshot injuries was listed in stable condition, while the third received treatment for their injuries, FOX 4 reported. 

The homicide suspect was shot multiple times in the exchange and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in custody and is expected to survive. 

Authorities have not released the name of the suspect or the identities of the other two officers involved. 

Flags fly over office towers in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas.  (iStock)

“This was a homicide suspect that we found pretty quick. Unfortunately, it ended like this,” Police Chief Mike Markle reportedly said. “We’re praying that these officers are stable. We have one critical officer, a female officer, and we’re going to make sure we’re checking on her.”

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, as the investigation remains ongoing, FOX 4 reported. 

The Corpus Christi Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.