Police: Handcuffed student shoots self in police car

By NBC News staff Updated at 2:47 p.m. ET: A handcuffed Houston-area high school student shot himself in the head Wednesday while in the back of a police car, officials said. The student was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital. His condition was not released, but officials said he was conscious and breathing when he was transported, Click2Houston.com reported. No one else was hurt. The incident began when police were called to North Shore Senior High School in unincorporated Harris County to investigate a report of a student with a firearm, said Capt. Jon Moore with the Harris County Constable Precinct 3. The student was searched, handcuffed behind his back and placed in the back of a patrol car but apparently still had a gun, Moore said. The student then shot himself, Galena Park Independent School District officials said. District spokesman Jonathan Frey gave the following account: This morning at North Shore Senior High School, a student was arrested. He was searched, handcuffed, and placed in the back of a police car. While in the car, the student retrieved a hidden gun and shot himself. Paramedics were called and quickly arrived on scene. He was transported to the hospital still conscious when he left. His family accompanied him to the hospital. Students at North Shore Senior High School remain safe. Counselors are available for students as needed. It was not immediately clear if officers had taken another gun from the student before he was placed in the patrol car, Moore said. The Harris County Sheriff's Office will investigate the shooting, Moore said. Watch the Top Videos on NBCNews.com In July, an Arkansas man fatally shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car. Officials say Chavis Carter, 21, committed suicide even though he was handcuffed from behind and had been searched twice for weapons. He had been picked up by authorities during a traffic stop in Jonesboro, Ark. More content from NBCNews.com: In 911 call, Belcher's mom begs girlfriend not to die Bob Costas: We need to talk about America's gun culture Conversion therapists: 'You can't say gay once, gay always' West Point cadet quits, cites 'criminal' behavior of officers Video: Photographer: 'No way' I could have saved subway victim Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook