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By Anezka Pichrtova
Live News Reporter
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A 16-year-old boy is on the road to recovery after being shot in the chest while protecting his stepmother during a violent carjacking in Deer Park, Texas.
The incident unfolded on the evening of July 23, leading to a police chase that ended in southwest Houston.
Per authorities, the carjacking took place as William Hammond and his stepmother, Charlotte Tucker, were leaving work at an I Heart Mac And Cheese restaurant on Spencer Highway.
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A man confronted them with a firearm, according to the court records, and without hesitation, Hammond stepped in to shield his stepmother.
Police told local news channels that after the shooting, the shooter fled the scene in Tucker's car, initiating a high-speed chase with police that spanned 21 miles and reached speeds of up to 115 mph. The chase ended when the stolen vehicle crashed into the driveway of a home, damaging multiple cars but causing no injuries to the residents, authorities say.
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A dashcam belonging to an ABC13 photojournalist captured footage of part of the chase, as the car nearly hit the photojournalist head-on, the outlet reported.
Speaking to local news channel KTRK-TV, Hammond described the events. "He pulled out a gun and shot me. It was this close to my heart," he recounted, pointing to his chest.
Hammond sustained a gunshot wound that pierced his chest between the fifth and sixth ribs, narrowly missing his heart. Despite the severity of his injuries, he managed to stay conscious.
"I pulled up my shirt, and I was completely covered head to toe with blood that was gushing," he said.
Hammond told the outlet, "I was scared, but I knew what could have happened to my stepmom, and I didn't care."
Police identified 28-year-old Matthew Hubbard as a suspect in the incident. He is facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and evading arrest.
During a court hearing, a judge reportedly set his bond at $1 million, citing the severity of the events and the harm caused to a young victim.
"This ended the best possible way it could have after the incident," Lt. J.P. Horelica, of the Houston Police Department said, per KTRK-TV. "The only thing that could make it better is if the kid gets better and turns out fine."
The outlet reported that Hammond now has a status of a hero in his community.
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