Teenager injured in reported shootout between cars in east Houston
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There was a car in the ditch at one scene with windshield wipers on and doors open. The neighborhood was caught in the chaos as Houston Police and Harris County Sheriff's deputies sorted out what happened.
"It was loud and I came out and saw the car. I didn't hear a screeching of tires or anything," said a neighbor named Laura. The east side mom says she was worried about her children who had just gotten out of school. Police said a 17-year-old was walking down the street in a neighborhood off Texarkana when someone started shooting at him. He was struck in the back.
The teen said he got into a white SUV where four others were inside. He claimed not to know anyone as they drove to the hospital to drop him off. Investigators believe shots were fired between the white SUV and two more SUV's red and black in color.
East Houston Regional Medical Center was on lockdown for about 90 minutes. Eyewitnesses and hospital employees heard gunshots.
"There was some concern in the hospital once they heard gunshots they had seen a male coming in saying, "I've been shot." There was a lot of concern initially that somebody was even inside the hospital. That never occurred," said HPD spokesperson John Cannon.
After reviewing surveillance video they could see at least one person getting out of the SUV with a gun, police said. "These individuals who were firing shots within these three vehicles have no regard for anyone, let alone who their target was," said Cannon.
Back in the neighborhood off Texarkana some residents had to wait to return to their homes after work. "They're supposed to be in school. 17-year-old, I don't know what kind of homes they are in, or what deals they have going on. It's sad and alarming," Laura said.
