HOUSTON, TX – A night of revelry turned tragic outside a bustling nightclub in northeast Harris County, where a shooting left one man dead and injured two others. As dawn broke on Sunday, law enforcement officers continued their search for the suspect responsible for the violence that marred the festive atmosphere.
The incident unfolded in the early hours outside the Stampede nightclub, located off the East Texas Freeway. The scene remains active, with investigators piecing together the night’s events. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, who addressed the media at the site, lamented the senselessness of the act, noting the tragic timing as it coincided with Father’s Day celebrations.
Sheriff Gonzalez reported that the parking lot was teeming with people around 1:30 a.m. when gunshots erupted. Patrons were just exiting the venue, marking the end of their night, when chaos ensued. According to preliminary reports, a group of men approached another group and opened fire, resulting in three casualties.
Among the victims was a 25-year-old man who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The other two victims, a man and a 19-year-old woman, were also hit. The man is currently undergoing surgery, fighting for his life, while the young woman is expected to recover.
The sheriff mentioned that a confrontation might have sparked inside the club earlier in the evening, though it remains unclear if this led to the shooting. Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments as the tranquility shattered, describing the scene as chaotic and frightening.
One witness recalled the pandemonium, saying, “We were having fun, and then suddenly, shots were fired. It’s heartbreaking to see such violence after a night of dancing and fun.” The sentiments echoed the collective shock and sadness felt by those present.
The suspects managed to flee the scene, prompting investigators to comb through surveillance footage from nearby establishments. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information or recordings that might aid in identifying the perpetrators. Crime Stoppers is accepting anonymous tips at 713-222-TIPS.