A Texas police officer is fighting for her life after being critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head, inflicted by a suspect wanted for homicide earlier this week.

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

Upon arrival, the police found a man who had been shot multiple times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.

Within the hour, officers identified the suspect’s vehicle in a close-by area and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, according to FOX 4.

Officer Alexandria Cano-Castro, aged 38, was gravely wounded during this encounter with the homicide suspect in Corpus Christi, Texas, on January 23, 2026. The incident has left her in a critical condition, as confirmed by Constable Mark Herman’s Office via Facebook.

However, authorities say the 38-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and began firing on the three officers. 

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.