Shot fired, officer assaulted as police respond to crowd of over 500 people in parking lot: HPD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department said an officer was assaulted while authorities responded to gunfire that erupted in a large, chaotic crowd overnight.

Police said they received calls at 11 p.m. Saturday reporting a large crowd in the parking lot on the North Freeway near Fallbrook.

According to HPD, about 500 people were in the parking lot, and another 500 were inside Cowgirls Bikini Bar when someone fired a gun.

Officers said the gunfire scared the crowd, and people started to run.

Before the incident was over, police said one of their own was assaulted, but was not injured.

Investigators said they don't know if the shot was fired accidentally or intentionally.

HPD said the fire marshal was called to the club, and it was closed. By 8:30 a.m. Sunday, an ABC13 crew on the scene heard music coming from the club. A large sign was posted on the door, affirming it was a private club with a bring-your-own-bottle policy.

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

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