Three women are recovering after a barrage of gunfire erupted outside a convenience store in southeast Houston Tuesday night, according to the Houston Police Department.
The shooting happened around 10:40 p.m. outside a convenience store in the 9100 block of Scott Street.
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Investigators believe someone fired approximately 30 rounds from a grassy area across the street from the business, striking three women before fleeing the scene.
According to HPD, two women in their mid-30s were standing in the parking lot when they were each shot once in the arm. A third woman, in her mid-40s, was inside a vehicle leaving the area when bullets pierced her car, striking her in the hand.
The third victim drove away from the scene before stopping in the 1200 block of Vera Lou Street, where officers located her.
All three women were taken to hospitals and are expected to recover.
Police said officers were already nearby when the shooting began and arrived within moments after hearing the rapid gunfire.
“Our officers were right down the road from here, and they actually heard the shooting. So they got here pretty quick,” HPD Lt. Willkens said. “From what they’re saying, they heard possibly 30 rounds. And it was rapid fire, so possibly an automatic weapon. Possibly a rifle.”
Investigators said it has not been confirmed whether an automatic weapon or rifle was used.
One bullet also hit the convenience store, passing through the building and hitting a cooler inside. No customers or employees inside the store were injured.
Police believe the suspects may have fled on foot before possibly getting into a vehicle. An HPD helicopter searched the surrounding area but did not locate anyone.
As of Wednesday morning, investigators had not identified any suspects or determined a motive for the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Houston.