One teenager was slain and two others were shot while attending an apparent pool party at a northeast Harris County apartment, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to Major McConnell of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to The Henry at Liberty Hills apartments on Liberty River Drive around 11:50 p.m.
A large group of teenagers aged 15 to 17 gathered by the apartment complex’s pool.
Authorities claim that for unclear reasons, several people began firing into the gathering, killing at least three people.
Authorities pronounced a teenage boy deceased immediately. Major McConnell said a 15-year-old boy and girl were shot and transferred to a local hospital.
There has been no update on their conditions as of yet.
The investigation is now ongoing.
It is unclear what prompted the shooting, and no suspects have been identified.
WOMAN HELPS SHOOTING VICTIM
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were approximately 30 teenagers at the party. A woman detailed the moment she raced to aid the boy before emergency responders arrived.
“I ran downstairs and as soon as I ran to the pool, I saw kids running everywhere,” said a tenant. “I ran over to the little boy who was laying there…he couldn’t move, and I tried to help him.”
Tenants Want Stricter Security
Despite the pool’s intended closure at 10 p.m., some renters have consistently complained about after-hours parties this summer. Tenants claimed they had protested to management and phoned the police, but the gatherings continued.
“It’s been a trend this summer. People who don’t live here are throwing pool parties. It’s been all summer. I’m always calling the police because it gets out of hand,” said a tenant.
“All summer long, every weekend from Friday to Sunday, they last until three in the morning. There would be police that come and break it up. A lot of the residents say they have complained. I’ve complained to the front office,” said a tenant.
Some renters say they no longer feel safe living in the complex and want enhanced security measures. Some claim they are ready to go because they are afraid to stay.
“I think we need security patrolling at all times, better managing access to the pool. There’s a lot that can be done,” said a tenant.
According to the sheriff’s office, there were no other notable occurrences reported prior to this incident. Authorities are still searching for the gunman or shooters. Six witnesses were detained. However, there have been no arrests thus far.
Anyone with information on the incident, or if you have a child in attendance who may know something, is requested to call HCSO at 713-221-6000.