METROLift driver shot in northeast Houston, police say

HOUSTON – A METROLift driver was shot Monday in northeast Houston, officials said.

The shooting was reported just after 3:30 a.m. in the 2800 block of Quitman Street.

Houston police said that after the driver was shot, he ran to a gas station along Eastex Freeway and collapsed at the entrance of the convenience store. 

“The clerk inside the store said he heard a gunshot, looked outside. There was another person inside the store with him that also heard the gunshot, went outside. The metro driver walked up to him and said he had been shot,” Lt. Larry Crowson said.

“He (the victim) just ran and said he had got shot, so I took the shirt off and I saw the blood,” said one employee.

According to METRO, the 22-year-old driver was shot in the torso. He was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Investigators said they believe the driver was shot outside the gas station, possibly while waiting for a call.

METRO said the victim was a contract worker with First Transit. 

Police said they will review surveillance video from the store in hopes of getting clues about what happened.

The shooting remains under investigation.