HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Early Thursday morning, a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot while inside an apartment in southeast Houston, according to police. This incident is the eighth shooting recorded in Harris County by assignment desk since Hurricane Beryl struck.
The surge in violence has raised security concerns as over a million Houstonians remain without power.
The Houston Police Department reported that the shooting occurred around 12:47 a.m. at the Plaza at Hobby Airport apartment complex, located at 8501 Broadway.
“We are aware of our vulnerable neighborhoods and their various needs,” stated acting police chief Larry Satterwhite.
The teenager was shot multiple times when a gunman fired through a window into a bedroom. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“To me, it is dangerous around here,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
The suspect, described as a man in his 20s, was last seen fleeing toward the north side of the complex, wearing a dark hooded sweater and light-colored sweatpants. He escaped before police arrived.
“Bullets don’t have a name, so it could have been an accident. They just came to my apartment, so I’m like, ‘That is terrifying,'” the woman added.
Authorities believe the shooting may have been targeted but are seeking public assistance for more information.
Since Hurricane Beryl’s landfall on Monday, ABC13 has counted eight shootings in Harris County, two involving law enforcement officers. One officer is with the Houston Police Department, and the other is a 28-year-old deputy from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Seven people, including the deputy, have died from these shootings.
“Everyone in the agency is heartbroken,” Satterwhite said.
To address the violence, power outages, downed traffic lights, and overworked officers, reinforcements are being brought in. A total of 100 officers from across the state will assist HPD for the next four days, starting tonight.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston. Information leading to the arrest or charging of felony suspects may result in a cash reward of up to $5,000. To remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward, tipsters must contact Crime Stoppers directly by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or using the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
