HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department is in search of two suspects following a shooting that left six men injured at an after-hours club early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at the Latinas Sports Bar located in the 6400 block of Hillcroft in southwest Houston.
Assistant Chief James Skelton with the Houston Police Department (HPD) reported that officers responded to multiple calls about gunfire and discovered that several individuals had been struck. At least four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting remain unclear, but authorities have stated that they are on the lookout for a black Toyota Corolla or Camry. Eyewitness accounts indicated that two Hispanic men were seen driving the vehicle shortly after the shooting. Skelton mentioned that surveillance footage recorded people fleeing the scene for safety as the shots rang out.
HPD disclosed that an argument reportedly escalated between the suspects before one of them discharged a firearm toward the club's entrance. The club was found to be serving alcohol past the legal hours, which is prohibited in Texas unless it has a late permit.
“Establishments like this within our city contribute to crime, so we are targeting these locations and we are going to shut them down. It harbors DWI's and assaults, and this is exactly what we saw here tonight,” Skelton said during a press briefing. The Houston police have been actively working towards shutting down after-hours clubs due to their association with criminal incidents.
Following the shooting at Latinas Sports Bar, another shooting occurred at a separate club on the opposite side of town just an hour later. At approximately 3:56 a.m., a man was shot and killed after an altercation at the Gulf Freeway near Bellfort. While further details on the club's operations are yet to be confirmed, Detective Sharp from HPD noted that it appeared to function as an after-hours establishment as well.
“This is concerning; we see a pattern developing with these types of venues,” Skelton remarked. “The preliminary investigation suggests that the individuals involved in the Latinas shooting knew each other, but we are still looking into the motivations behind these violent outbursts.”
HPD continues to review witness statements and video footage as part of the investigation. They have stressed that public safety is a priority, and they are committed to reducing the risks posed by after-hours clubs.
This shooting incident and the subsequent one underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing nightlife violence. Additionally, Assistant Chief Skelton emphasized that live music and nightlife can coexist with community safety only when such venues are properly regulated.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the police to help deter violence within the community and ensure safer nightlife experiences for all.
