Two teens were killed and four others wounded in a shooting what Houston police are calling a “makeshift night” club. Photo courtesy of KHOU-TV.
Dec. 15 (UPI) — Two teenagers were killed and four others were wounded in a shooting at what officers called a “makeshift” nightclub Saturday night, Houston police reported.
The shooting happened at an empty business on Jensen Drive near the Eastex freeway, police said during an update posted to social media.
“(Officers) saw a very hectic scene, a large crowd of people running out of a makeshift club. It’s kind of like one of these last-minute parties, pop-up parties that have been popping up lately. It’s kind of like a social media deal. Seems like the crowd was a majority of juveniles,” HPD Asst. Chief Luis Menendez-Sierra said.
Police said a 14-year girl and a 16-year old boy were killed by gunfire. The boy died on the scene and the girl was pronounced dead at Texas Children’s Hospital. The four other victims who were wounded are female, police reported.
A13-year-old is in critical condition, an 18-year-old is in serious condition, and a 17-year-old and 19-year-old are both listed in stable condition.
Menendez-Sierra said during the briefing that police currently have no suspects or motive in the case, nor are they searching for a specific vehicle.
But witnesses at the scene told police they saw a Black male suspect, who was described as tall and thin, and seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a black mask covering his face, KTRK-TV reported.
Menendez-Sierra surveillance video is often useful in these crimes, but since the business was unoccupied, that may not be available. He added during the briefing that these “pop-up” parties are becoming more prevalent in the city.
“Since it’s non-sanctioned and they’re not under any regulations, which is what causes the problems with these kinds of events. With no regulations, there’s nothing guarding it. Nothing to make sure it’s a legit establishment,” he said.
Houston police are asking anyone with more information to contact them with tips that could aid in the investigation.
“We are assuring the public that we are going to put all our resources in finding out what happened here tonight,” Menendez-Sierra added.
