HOUSTON – A 17-year-old Westbury High School senior was shot and killed near the southwest Houston campus on Friday, and authorities are searching for the person responsible, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said.
The student’s name has not been released.
“This happened just outside of the school,” Diaz said. “School is safe. Staff is safe. We’re working diligently to make sure we get someone in custody as soon as possible — to make sure this area is safe.”
HPD said the call came in around 8:21 a.m. The shooting happened just outside the campus grounds on Dryad Street near 11911 Chimney Rock Road, according to HPD. Police said there was never an active threat inside the school, and students and staff are safe.
Investigators have recovered video from a nearby apartment complex and are canvassing the neighborhood for additional surveillance footage and information. Police are also interviewing two witnesses, while homicide detectives remain at the scene. Authorities said the community has license plate readers that could help investigators.
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“We’re looking at leads,” Diaz said. “This is something that should not happen in our community. Young people at the moment making bad decisions. We have got leads. We have got video cameras. The community has license plate readers all around it. Witnesses at the moment are being interviewed. Homicide detectives are at the scene, and we’re working toward making sure this gets resolved.”
HPD is receiving help from 25 additional state troopers as the search continues, Diaz said.
Diaz said he spoke with the victim’s grandmother, mother and aunt, who are “beside themselves.” HPD is providing support to the family.
Westbury High School was placed in secure mode — meaning no one in, no one out — after the shooting, according to Houston ISD. Authorities said the campus will allow parents to pick up their students in a controlled release.
Counseling services are being provided to students and staff, according to authorities.
HPD is asking anyone with cell phone video, dash camera video, home surveillance or any additional information to contact the Houston Police Department.
This is a developing story.
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