In Houston, Texas, a tragic incident unfolded as a gunman entered a leasing office in the Westchase area, shooting two apartment complex employees, resulting in one fatality, before taking his own life, according to the Houston Police Department on Monday afternoon.
Reportedly, HPD received a distress call at 2:35 p.m. regarding an ongoing shooting at the Westchase Forest apartment complex situated at 11355 Richmond Ave., near Breezewood Drive.
In a social media update, HPD announced that its commanders, homicide detectives, and public information officer were en route to the location to investigate a potential murder-suicide shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered two individuals deceased inside the leasing office.
Executive Assistant Chief Ben Tien informed ABC13 reporters at the scene that the gunman, described as a man in his mid-30s to 40s, forcibly expelled everyone from the office, holding a man and a woman hostage. Tragically, the woman succumbed to her injuries, while the man sustained wounds. Subsequently, the suspect is believed to have taken his own life.
Tien commended the swift response of a nearby Houston Fire Department station, which rushed the surviving victim to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Authorities suspect that the shooter specifically targeted the two individuals, although four others were present in the leasing office during the ordeal.
Cristian Velasquez, who was at the office with his wife and 4-month-old son, expressed gratitude for their safe escape amidst the chaos.
While HPD could not immediately clarify the relationship between the suspect and the victims, Tien confirmed that it would be a focal point of the ongoing investigation. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.
