'I thought it was road rage': Witness recalls deadly rush-hour shooting on East Freeway

HOUSTON – A new video shows the aftermath of a deadly shooting on the East Freeway during rush-hour traffic Thursday evening.

What happened

Two people were shot to death around 6 p.m., in the eastbound lanes of I-10 near the Normandy Street exit, according to Houston police.

Police said two vehicles were involved in a crash just before the shooting. One vehicle struck the other vehicle, which then spun out in the middle of the freeway, according to police. Police said at least one person got out of the vehicle that didn't spin out and started firing shots into the other vehicle.

Both occupants of the vehicle that spun out, ages 25 and 33, were struck and killed by gunfire, police said. Their identities have not yet been released.

Police said they believe an AR-15 was used by the gunman.

What witnesses said

One witness, who carries a gun for personal protection, saw what was happening and said that when the gunman turned toward him, he feared for his life and fired several shots at the man. Police said the witness was not sure if he hit the gunman.

He told KPRC 2 Investigates his first-hand account of what happened.

“Happened right in front of me. I thought it was road rage,” the man said.

He didn't want to use his name due to fears for his safety.

“He got close to me and I pulled my gun out and shot toward him,” he said. “I did CPR on the passenger. Another guy did CPR on the driver.”

WATCH: Video of I-10 shooting scene and people performing CPR

The shooter then got back in his vehicle and left the scene.

Police said narcotics were found in the victims' vehicle.

“When I pulled the guys out, there were two bags, two plastic clear bags full of marijuana, but I didn’t see weapons in there while we pulled them out,” the witness said.

Description of shooter

The shooter has not been arrested.

Police said they have witnesses and are investigating leads.

On Friday, authorities released a description of the gunman and his vehicle. 

According to police, he is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s believed to be around 5 feet, 7 inches tall. He was wearing a red shirt and was driving a newer model, four-door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houston police.

The freeway was closed while authorities investigated the scene.

 

UPDATE: investigators give update on deadly double shooting along I-10 eastbound near Holland Street

Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Thursday, August 8, 2019

 


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.

Journalistic bulldog focused on accountability and how government is spending your dollars. Husband to Wonder Woman, father to a pitcher and two Cavapoos. Prefers queso over salsa.