SPRING, Texas – A 16-year-old who was selling items online is in the hospital after authorities say he was shot three times after meeting up with a group who tried to rob him during the sale.
The shooting happened in the 23700 block of Springwoods Village Parkway at the Pierpont Apartments in Spring.
Cpt. Juan Flores with the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office says it started at 7:12 p.m. when they received multiple calls of a shooting at the apartment.
They found the teenager with multiple gunshot wounds. They rendered aid before transporting him to a hospital. Flores says he had three gunshot wounds, but his injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
Flores says they believe the shooting stemmed from an online transaction over social media with the 16-year-old meeting up to sell the items to a group at the complex.
When asked what the items were, Flores said they were not going to release that information at this time, but did say it would be considered contraband because of the age of the individuals. When asked what the contraband was, Flores said possibly a vape pen.
Flores says they believe the suspects tried to rob the 16-year-old of the items, and it escalated into a shooting.
Three suspects, all believed to be young adults or teenagers, ran off after the shooting. Deputies believe they got into a vehicle nearby and fled the scene. Flores said investigators are combing through surveillance video to try to get a better description of the vehicle.
Flores said the shooting happened inside the apartment complex. KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel is at the scene, where neighbors told her they heard about six gunshots during the shooting.
Photos shared with KPRC 2 show the window of a door shattered.
Investigators are now combing through surveillance video and gathering witness statements to help identify the suspects.
Deputies warn that online meetups can quickly turn dangerous and remind people to use safe exchange zones when arranging sales.