Search for teen suspect underway after Cypress Falls HS student shot near campus, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Cypress Falls High School student is hospitalized after being shot during a suspected drug deal Tuesday morning behind a shopping center down the street from campus, according to deputies.

Now, the search is on for a teenage suspect who's also believed to be a student.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened at about 7:15 a.m. at a strip mall on Huffmeister Road, less than half a mile from the school.

Detectives said the school was never in any danger as the shooting happened in between the two sections of the strip mall toward the back of the complex.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered a 16-year-old had been shot in the leg. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.

Deputies confirmed the victim is a student at Cypress Falls. As for the suspect, detectives believe he may also be a Cy-Fair ISD student but could not confirm if he attends the same school.

"You wouldn't think that something like this would happen at 7:15 in the morning behind a donut shop, but obviously, we are here because it did," Capt. Marcus Kinnard-Bing said at the scene.

Authorities believe the shooting may have been over a "dope deal," but they have not confirmed that, as no drugs were found at the scene.

Four teens are seen on surveillance footage walking between the buildings minutes before the shooting. The shooter was reportedly picked up in a white car and left the area.

Another teen, who appears to be seen with the group wearing a matching hoodie, is caught on surveillance footage running into a crowded Mr. Donut & Kolaches shop.

"We have looked at some surveillance video and still utilizing that for the investigation. We're also, like I said earlier, in contact with Cy-Fair ISD police, and they are assisting us because they know a lot of the school kids," Sgt. Andy Hulsey said.

Due to the proximity to the school, business owners and employees said the stores tend to get busier during the morning and after school. The manager at Jersey Bagels, Diane Rizzo, said the owner has asked police for added security in the past.

"A lot of kids are hanging out here, and they are smoking. Not just cigarettes, (but) other things," Rizzo said.

"We have brought it to the landlord's attention," Rizzo said. "We've asked the cops, (who) have come through the parking lot and stuff, but we think there should be security before school and after."

Detectives told Eyewitness News that the victim knows the suspect by first name only, but so far, detectives have not given a description of the suspect.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office at (713) 221-6000.