Drive-by shooting target was run over by same man during months-long beef, prosecutors say

HOUSTON – A man arrested in connection with a north Harris County a drive-by shooting that left another man critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head appeared in court Monday.

Alan Ruth is facing five charges – four for aggravated assault and one for being a felon on possession of a weapon.

Ruth appeared in court Monday where prosecutors laid out the case against him. 

Prosecutors said Ruth had two open warrants for a case in November at the time of the shooting on Feb. 8. 

According to the case documents, Ruth ran over two people last November, leaving one paralyzed and the other with injuries to his abdomen. 

That victim with injuries to his abdomen was driving the car when authorities say Ruth opened fire on it near FM 1960 and Ella Boulevard.

The passenger was shot in the head three times and remains in critical condition Monday. The driver’s three kids, ages 5 months to 5 years old, were also in the car and not hurt.

“From our understanding, they had some prior beef between each other, but we haven't been able to talk to the driver in order to get his side of the story," said prosecutor Lara Hogue.

The judge set Ruth's bond at $125,000 for each aggravated assault charge and $40,000 for the felon in possession of a weapon charge.

Prosecutors said the charges could be upgraded if the victim doesn't recover.


About the Authors:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.