PD: Officer recovering from weekend shooting, suspect in critical condition

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mission Police Department held a press conference Tuesday morning to update the community about the officer-involved shooting that took place this weekend.

Sergeant Adrian Alejandro was shot Saturday morning after confronting an armed individual. Alejandro and the suspect remain hospitalized, recovering from their injuries.

Mission Police Chief Cesar Torres said Alejandro was patrolling near south FM 494 when he encountered the gunman. The suspect fired a shotgun, striking Alejandro in the torso. “Our sergeant returned fire", Torres said, "and struck the individual two times on his torso, as well.”

Both men were transported to local hospitals, with each one requiring surgery for their injuries. Chief Torres said Sergeant Alejandro is listed in stable condition, while the other man remains in critical condition.

Torres praised his staff for their response to this incident and highlighted the training all officers receive. “Mission Police Department is currently a best practices certified city, and our officers have been trained in de-escalation. These practices have helped our officers to minimize incidents like these," Torres said.

The chief said the individual alleged to have shot Alejandro has not been charged with a crime yet and declined to release his name. “We currently have a criminal investigation through the Texas Rangers and we also have a concurrent internal investigation led by the Mission Police Department," he said.

Torres said he couldn't speculate how long Alejandro's recovery would take. He said the six-year veteran was in good spirits. The chief also said he's been in contact with the Alejandro family who are happy their loved one is making progress.

"You know, they're excited that he's alive and he's doing better. So he's improving every day, and we're happy for that," Torres said, "We also want to keep the suspect in our prayers as well. It's important, too."

Chief Torres said the response from the community has been overwhelming in its support for Sergeant Alejandro. The city plans to host a prayer gathering Wednesday evening for Alejandro and all law enforcement.