How RodeoHouston is working to keep visitors safe
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Whether real or perceived, some rodeo-goers on Thursday believed security has been enhanced on the grounds in the wake of a panic on Wednesday night, after gunshots were heard on the midway.
A shelter-in-place was issued over loudspeakers at the rodeo concert. In the area where the incident is believed to have happened in the carnival area, cell phone cameras captured some people trying to run for cover.
A person of interest was charged early Thursday with evading arrest, and a spent 9 mm bullet casing was recovered in the area. No weapon was found, but the incident is still under investigation. The 17-year-old said to have "fit the profile of the suspect description" by HPD bonded out of jail this afternoon.
EYEWITNESS VIDEO: Hundreds run for cover at RodeoHouston
Metal detectors have been in use for the thousands of people who visit NRG Park during the rodeo season.
"My purse was searched [and] and I was 'wanded,'" said Minnie Booker.
There was also a report of one guest complaining because he couldn't take his knife on to the property. For the record, all weapons are prohibited by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including concealed and open carry handguns.
During the chaos, some parents complained they were separated from their children, and there was no designated meeting place to go to in such a situation.
RAW VIDEO: Police update on the investigation at RodeoHouston
"We know throughout the grounds, there was a lot of confusion," said CEO Joel Cowley. "Some of it likely caused by notifications being received by newsfeeds and social media. I witnessed one after the incident occurred where 200 or 300 people came running through the gate and nothing apparently to set them off."
The Rodeo Security Committee focused on the event at a meeting Thursday afternoon. As yet, no update on the meeting has been released.
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