Man Shot After Pointing Rifle at Two Men in Houston Parking Lot

A man is facing aggravated assault charges after being shot while allegedly threatening two individuals with what appeared to be a rifle in a parking lot Wednesday night.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting in the 13300 block of Woodforest Drive at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 4, 2025. When deputies arrived, they found 44-year-old William Patrick Cortez suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition and is now listed as stable.

According to the HCSO Violent Crimes Division Assault Unit, Cortez approached two adult males in the parking lot and pointed what appeared to be a rifle at them. One of the men, who was legally carrying a handgun for personal protection, discharged his firearm in fear for his life, striking Cortez.

One of the victims immediately called 911 and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators. Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives supported the victims’ accounts.

HCSO detectives filed two charges of Aggravated Assault against Cortez. The investigation is ongoing.