Gunman opens fire at after-hours club, killing 1

HOUSTON

It happened just before 5am Sunday at the Le Cave club on Breck near F.M. 1960.

Harris County Sheriff's Office authorities tell us about 600 people were inside the club, and they are getting conflicting reports as to exactly what happened.

"It was all over petty childish stuff and the dude got mad and wanted to come back and shoot up some stuff," witness Rachel Dennis said.

"I seen them throwing up gang signs," witness Danashea Hampton said. "When I looked up they was fighting."

According to police, some sort of fight started and security asked about five people to leave the club. One of those people returned from the parking lot with a gun and fired multiple shots toward the bouncers.

People ran and ducked for cover, but at least one person was shot and killed. That victim, identified as 21-year-old Timothy Powell, was found dead near the club entrance.

Deputies tell us four others were wounded. Three of them were shot and the fourth was beaten. All four were transported to area hospitals. There is no word on the extent of their injuries.

The shooter fled the scene.

Officials say they have little information on the suspects. They will be interviewing victims and witnesses for more information.

"You know what? This is not the first time this has happened," witness Kimani Arttist said. "Regardless of whether I would come back here or not, people are still going to come because that is the culture and the environment."

Le Cave has reportedly had numerous problems with shootings and other disturbances in the past. Two people were killed in a shooting at the club in 2011. Authorities tell us the county has been working on closing the establishment for some time.

"I will not be back," witness Chris Brown said. "I know this club will be shut down. I will not be back. This is the last time."

Residents behind the club say they have done everything they can. They have even installed security cameras to record activity overnight, hoping for some sort of resolution.

Security cameras are on every corner of Matthew Fresquez's house. He lives directly behind club Le Cave, off F.M. 1960 and Breck. He says since the after-hours club opened, crime has dramatically increased in their neighborhood.

"It's almost weekly we hear gunfire," Fresquez said. "Last weekend as well, and last year we had a group of folks killed after they left the club."

Other residents living near the club say the establishment is a nuisance and they want to see the place shut down.

One homeowner, who didn't want to be identified, they even had a gate installed to keep club patrons off their property.

"Its 24/7 pressure, tension, nervousness," the resident said. "You can't sleep."

Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO at 713-967-5810 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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