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COLUMBUS — A vet technician shot while “protecting others” from a gunman blasting away at an animal clinic remains hospitalized while a suspected assailant is behind bars facing multiple charges.
Police this week said they are still trying to determine a motive in the episode that erupted inside the Columbus Animal Clinic, 923 Walnut St., about 5 p.m. Friday, July 10.
Alerted to the commotion, a nearby businessman intervened and fired at the revolver-toting attacker after the assailant began his assault on the clinic and a food truck, police said.
The merchant’s actions “stopped the suspect from advancing…into the targeted occupied business, preventing the suspect from reaching additional occupants inside,” according to a Columbus Police Department news release. Arriving officers subdued the gunman with a TASER.
Robert Jerome Axel, 50, is charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He remained in the Colorado County Jail this week in lieu of posting bonds totaling $500,000.
Alejandro “Alex” Maya, a vet technician at the clinic, was wounded by gunfire “in an act of incredible courage and selflessness,” his niece Jezibell Carranza wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser page. Family and coworkers praised Maya’s actions.
“During the incident, he was shot while protecting others. We are incredibly grateful to share that he is currently stable and recovering,” the animal hospital posted on social media.
Maya was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition, walking and recovering well, according to officials.
Update: Maya Guerra, Alex's sister, commented on Facebook Wednesday night that he is home safe with family.
“Although we are incredibly grateful that he is still with us, his journey is far from over,” Carranza said in her post. “We are asking for your support to help ease (the financial) burden so he and our family can focus on what truly matters— his healing.”
The GoFundMe for Maya’s recovery reached 70% of its $10,000 goal in 12 hours. Update: As of 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, the GoFundMe has reached over $13,000, and a new goal of $16,000 has been set.
To donate to Maya’s recovery, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alex-recover-after-july-10-clinic-shooting.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Chris Mayfield said investigators are reviewing video from the clinic, witness statements and other evidence to piece together a motive.
“He (the assailant) came into the business. He talked to them. He left,” Mayfield said. “He stayed in the area, came back, and there was really not an argument or anything. He just started shooting.”
The chief said the man had used the clinic’s services in the past. The gunman fired eight to 12 rounds with a revolver towards the clinic and the neighboring Crunch N’ Crab food truck, according to Mayfield.
The chief called the business owner who intervened “a hero,” but also strongly discouraged “bystanders to go shooting at people.” Police did not identify the merchant, and reports do not mention whether his shots found their target.
When officers rushed to the scene, “deputies with the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office deployed a TASER to gain control of the suspect,” according to the Police Department statement. “The suspect resisted arrest but was ultimately restrained, disarmed and taken into custody without further incident.”
Columbus police Lt. Jose Lara said no law enforcement officers fired their weapons. According to the chief, the subdued man did not say anything to law enforcement personnel and did not appear intoxicated.
Austin Sherman, a veterinarian at the clinic, also took up arms against the intruder, according to officers. He noticed the incident while performing surgery, stopped, grabbed a shotgun and joined officers to defend the facility, police said. Sherman did not discharge his weapon, Mayfield added.
“We ask that you please keep Alex, our staff and everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers,” the clinic posted on Facebook. “We are deeply grateful for the love, support and understanding from our community during this difficult time.”
The clinic closed on Monday and said the closure may extend longer. A message from the clinic for owners seeking care for their pets urges them to find another facility or go to an emergency outlet in Katy until the Columbus facility reopens.
Update: The clinic announced Tuesday that it will remained closed for the rest of the week and reopen Monday, July 20. The clinic will see limited patients and keep the door locked. Patients will need to call to be let in.
Meanwhile, to thank local law enforcement for their “dedication to keeping our community safe,” Maria’s Mexican Café offered free lunches or dinners to officers and deputies on Saturday.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police at 979-7323351.
