Suspect arrested after popular bistro owner killed in drive-by shooting, Texas City police say

Man shot during apparent road rage shooting in Texas City, police said

TEXAS CITY – A suspect has been arrested and charged after officers with the Texas City Police Department said he shot and killed a popular restaurant owner Wednesday.

Messiah James Pickens, 23, was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and evading arrest.

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At around 3 p.m. Wednesday, Greg Sharrets, 67, the owner of Bayou Bistro in Bayou Vista, was driving southbound on Highway 3 near 25th Avenue Extension when someone shot him from a passing vehicle.

That vehicle, police said, was driven by Pickens, who fled the scene.

Sharrets was taken to an area hospital where he later died, according to authorities.

Police said they were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle at a Texas City apartment complex.

Pickens was booked into Galveston County jail and denied bond.

Officers also took another person who was with Pickens at the time of the shooting into custody. That person had not been charged as of Thursday, according to police.

RELATED: Man shot during apparent road rage shooting in Texas City, police say


About the Authors

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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