DPS trooper shot in chest during apparent home invasion in Kirby; suspect at large

A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was hospitalized Thursday night after he was shot in the chest during an apparent home invasion in Kirby.

According to Sgt. Orlando Moreno, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, troopers were responded around 11:45 p.m. to an attempted home invasion at a trooper's home in the 5100 block of Tom Stafford Drive.

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Authorities said the trooper, who was off-duty at the time, came home and heard a noise at his backdoor. Moreno said the trooper "retrieved his service firearm, put on his protective vest and went to investigate an intruder in his backyard."

A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was hospitalized Thursday, March 16, 2017, after he was shot in the chest during an apparent home invasion in Kirby. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was hospitalized Thursday, March 16, 2017, after he was shot in the chest during an apparent home invasion in Kirby. Photo: Ken Branca Photo: Ken Branca Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close DPS trooper shot in chest during apparent home invasion in Kirby; suspect at large 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

As he walked out the backdoor, "he was immediately attacked by a male suspect who tried to force his way into the trooper's residence," Moreno said.

During the fight, the trooper's gun discharged, but the bullet was stopped by the trooper's vest.

By the time authorities arrived to the scene, the suspect had fled. The trooper, who's name has not been released, was transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center, where he is currently being held for further evaluation.

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Authorities have not provided a description of the suspect.

Moreno said the Texas Rangers are investigating the incident. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office, San Antonio Police Department and the Kirby Police Department are all assisting.

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