Suspect wanted after 10-year-old killed, 4 injured in shootout at Pearland flea market, police say
PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) -- The search for a 19-year-old, who police linked to a Pearland flea market mass shooting that killed a 10-year-old boy and injured four others, intensified Monday as authorities arrested two other people in the case.
The boy and a 14-year-old, who was injured, were among two juveniles shot.
Pearland police identified 19-year-old David Negrete as one of the suspects, releasing the following images:
On Monday, Pearland police said Julianna Espino and Cruz Meza were charged with tampering with physical evidence and making a false statement to a peace officer.
Authorities said both 18-year-olds have been arrested and were booked into the Brazoria County Jail.
The shooting happened at Cole's Antique Village and Flea Market in the 10000 block of North Main in Brazoria County shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found five people shot.
All five victims were taken to area hospitals, where the 10-year-old boy was later pronounced dead.
On Monday morning, Pearland police confirmed a 14-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man, who has since been released from the hospital, were among the bystanders injured.
The 14-year-old is expected to be OK.
Authorities said a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old, later identified as Meza, were also shot and taken to area hospitals. Police are still working to determine how the 16-year-old was involved in the shooting.
"I can tell you that the 10-year-old, the 14-year-old, and the 37-year-old victims were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire as a result of the altercation," Pearland Police Officer Chad Rogers said.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 1 dead, 4 injured after disturbance leads to gunfire at Pearland-area market on Sunday, police say
Investigators said there was an argument between Negrete and another person that escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
The shooting was a shock to the Pearland community.
"No, this is not anything that happens in Pearland. It is extremely tragic anytime someone is a victim of gun violence, especially in our community. This does not happen here in Pearland," Officer Rogers said.
Officials confirmed two handguns were used in the shooting, but it's unknown how many shots were fired.
"We believe there is at least one more, if not, two, other people that actually had handguns and fired those firearms during the scene," Rodgers said. "There are possibly three suspects."
If you know anything about this case, authorities urge you to contact the Pearland Police Department Tip Line at (281) 997-5828 or Brazoria County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-460-2222. Authorities caution the public that Negrete is possibly armed and dangerous.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that information leading to the charging and/or arrest of Negrete may result in a cash payment of up to $15,000 by calling the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or through the DPS Mobile App.
"A 10-year-old child was killed in a senseless manner, so any support we can get, whether it's financially or the public, is very welcomed in this case," Rogers said.
WATCH: Authorities identify suspected gunman in flea market shooting
