Off-Duty Deputy Shot During Fort Bend County Bank Robbery

SUGAR LAND, Texas - An off-duty sheriff's deputy was shot twice during a bank robbery in Fort Bend County, officials say.

He was sent to the hospital by LifeFlight and was undergoing surgery as of 11 a.m.

It all started at 9:19 a.m. Thursday at a Wells Fargo inside a Randalls store on New Territory Blvd. The store is located in unincorporated Fort Bend County near Sugar Land.

Witnesses reported that at least two armed suspects walked up to the counter and held up the bank.

The deputy, who was a customer inside the bank, exchanged gunfire with the suspects. He suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and the chest.

According to Fort Bend County officials, the injured deputy works for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He was identified as 46-year-old Sgt. Michael Ellison. He's been on the force for 26 years.

Once at the hospital, Ellison was said to be "alert and talking." He was listed as being in "good condition."

Despite an earlier report, Ellison was off-duty and was not working security inside the store.

Witnesses told investigators that after the robbery, at least one other suspect was waiting in a dark colored Honda outside the grocery store. The suspects left the scene in the Honda. All of the men were wearing masks.

As of 2:30 p.m., deputies were still looking for the suspects. A Houston Police Department helicopter was called in to assist with the search.

It was not immediately known if any of the suspects were struck by the officer’s bullets. No other injuries were reported.

Those assisting in the investigation include the FBI, HPD, the Texas Rangers, and the HCSO, and the FBCSO.