HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating three separate shootings that happened within hours of each other across different parts of the city. Officers say the cases are not connected, but all happened during a busy overnight stretch.
The first shooting happened on Homestead Road, an area where neighbors have raised concerns before about large gatherings getting out of control. From there, police were called to Eastwood Street and later to Telephone Road.
Homestead Road shooting happens in area with past safety concerns
The first and most serious shooting happened around 8 p.m. in the 11300 block of Homestead Road.
Police say officers were already nearby because a large trail ride and block party had drawn a big crowd to a strip center. Neighbors in this area have complained in the past about similar events, saying crowds have blocked streets, taken over parking lots, and made it difficult for people to get in and out of their neighborhood.
While officers were trying to get people to leave the area Saturday night, things turned violent in the back of the shopping center. Shots were fired, and people ran in different directions.
Six people were shot. Two were listed in critical condition, including a possible 15-year-old. The others range from teenagers to adults in their early 20s and are expected to survive. Police say some victims were taken to hospitals by Houston Fire Department crews, while others drove themselves.
Investigators say hundreds of people were in the area at the time, which made it harder to quickly figure out who was involved and how many people were shooting.
This is not the first time this stretch of Homestead Road has drawn attention. In previous incidents, residents have spoken out at city meetings, saying large parties and trail rides advertised on social media have led to chaos, blocked emergency access, and safety worries for families who live nearby.
Eastwood Street shooting follows argument on residential street
Hours later, just after midnight, police were called to the 6700 block of Eastwood Street.
Officers say a man and a woman were arguing on the street when another vehicle pulled up. Several people got out of that car, and one of them pulled a gun and fired.
The man who was shot was taken to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. Police say the people involved appeared to know each other.
Investigators are now looking for the people in that vehicle and asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.
Telephone Road shooting leaves two young people injured
Not long after the Eastwood shooting, police were sent to the 10500 block of Telephone Road.
Officers say a group of young people who regularly go to a club in that strip center started arguing in the parking lot. Gunfire followed.
A 17-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man were shot. Both were taken to hospitals and are listed in stable condition.
Police say the people involved were familiar with each other from past visits to the area.
What police are asking
Police say all three shootings are still under investigation and stress they are separate cases.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Houston Police Department Major Assaults Division.
Officers are also reminding people that walking away from heated situations can prevent someone from getting hurt.