Doctor recovering after parking lot shooting

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Ben Taub doctor is recovering after being shot in a grocery store Thursday, Baylor Medical officials said.

Police received the call to the Kroger's store near Old Spanish Trail and Cambridge Street at 6:30pm Thursday. They say Dr. Stephanie Wuest, 28, was in the parking lot after shopping inside the store.

That's when a suspect, identified as Anthony Jerome Bell, 40, approached her next to her vehicle. A struggle ensued, say police, before Bell pulled a pistol and shot Dr. Wuest several times, including once in the neck.

A Precinct 6 deputy constable -- identified as Vernon Matthews -- who was working security at the store was able to apprehend Bell without incident. Matthews also recovered the gun believed to be used in the shooting.

'"He (Bell) did it a gunpoint," Constable Victor Trevino, from Harris Co. Precinct 6, said. "The suspect started talking fast, saying he was just trying to help. But because of witness statements, Deputy Matthews knew Bell was a person of interest."

Wuest was transported to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition. On Friday morning, medicial officials reported Wuest was alert and stable, recovering from the incident.

Dr. Wuest is a first year medical resident at Baylor College of Medicine. She's a resident in the family medicine program.

"We consider ourselves a family here and we were shocked," said Claire Bassett Baylor College of Medicine. "However, we are also pleased to know she is in stable condition, alert and recovering in the hospital."

Wuest's family, who did not want to be interviewed, issued a statment about the shooting: "We are grateful that a suspect has been apprehended. We are deeply appreciative of the rapid response from police and emergency teams and the comprehensive and continuing care of Ben Taub and the Baylor Medical family."

Bell remains in custody without bond. He's charged with attempted capital murder. He has a criminal history dating back to 1989, including convicted on drug, theft and assault charges.

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