In a tragic yet heroic incident, a 16-year-old boy, William Hammond, is being hailed as a hero after he was shot while protecting his mother during a carjacking in Deer Park, Texas. The incident occurred on July 23rd, when Hammond and his mother were closing up their workplace, I Heart Mac and Cheese, for the night. The carjacking turned violent, but Hammond’s quick thinking and bravery may have saved his mother’s life.
The Carjacking Incident
The incident began as William Hammond and his mother were preparing to leave their workplace. Surveillance footage from the scene shows a man, later identified as 28-year-old Matthew Hubbard, approaching the vehicle armed with a gun. He threatened Hammond’s stepmother, Charlotte, and demanded that she get into the car. In a desperate attempt to protect her son, Charlotte quickly closed the driver’s side door.
William Hammond, realizing the imminent danger, grabbed a glass bottle from inside the car and, without hesitation, exited the vehicle. In a brave but risky move, he threw the bottle at the armed man, attempting to thwart the attack. Unfortunately, the bottle missed its target, and Hubbard fired his gun at Hammond, striking him in the chest.
A Life-Threatening Injury
The bullet entered Hammond’s chest and exited through his back, leaving him gravely wounded. Despite the severity of his injuries, Hammond managed to flee the scene as the gunman took control of the vehicle and sped away. The surveillance footage captures Hammond running before collapsing to the ground, his strength waning from the gunshot wound.
Nearby, a worker from the sandwich shop rushed to Hammond’s aid, along with his stepmother, who tried to keep him conscious while applying pressure to the wound. The gravity of the situation was clear as Hammond’s stepmother recounted her desperate plea to God to take her instead of her son. Hammond was swiftly transported by LifeFlight to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
The Chase and Arrest
As Hammond fought for his life, the suspect, Matthew Hubbard, led police on a high-speed chase that spanned several miles. The pursuit began in Deer Park and ended in southwest Houston, where Hubbard crashed the stolen vehicle on Creek Bend Drive. Police quickly apprehended Hubbard, bringing an end to the dangerous ordeal.
Hubbard, who has a lengthy and violent criminal history, was taken into custody at the Harris County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, robbery, and evading arrest. His actions not only endangered the lives of Hammond and his mother but also put the public at risk during the reckless chase that followed the carjacking.
A Mother’s Gratitude and a Miraculous Recovery
In the aftermath of the terrifying event, William Hammond’s family is overwhelmed with gratitude, not only because the suspect is off the streets but also because Hammond survived the ordeal.
His stepmother expressed her profound relief and gratitude, stating that if it weren’t for Hammond’s bravery, she might not be alive today. She emphasized how much her family needed her and attributed her survival to her son’s courageous actions and divine intervention.
Hammond himself downplayed his heroism, stating that he acted instinctively to protect his mother. His family, however, views his actions as nothing short of heroic. Despite the severity of his injuries, Hammond is expected to make a full recovery, a fact that his family regards as nothing short of miraculous.
The Suspect’s Criminal Background
Matthew Hubbard, the man responsible for the carjacking and shooting, has a history of violent crime. His criminal record includes multiple offenses, and the charges he now faces add to his already lengthy rap sheet. Hubbard’s arrest brings some measure of justice to the Hammond family, though they are more focused on William’s recovery and the fact that they are still together as a family.
A Community’s Response
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from the Deer Park community, with many people hailing William Hammond as a hero. The local community is rallying around the Hammond family, offering support and prayers as they navigate the recovery process. While the traumatic event has left emotional scars, the strength and unity of the Hammond family, coupled with the support of their community, are helping them heal.
In conclusion, this harrowing event highlights the dangers of violent crime and the unpredictable nature of such encounters. It also underscores the bravery that can emerge in the face of danger. William Hammond’s actions on that night undoubtedly saved his mother’s life, and his miraculous recovery is a testament to his resilience and the support of those around him.
