Homicide investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses after a fatal exchange of gunfire on East 44th Street Thursday afternoon.
HOUSTON, Texas — A man in his 70s died Thursday afternoon after being shot during an exchange of gunfire following an altercation in Houston’s Independence Heights area, according to the Houston Police Department.
North Patrol officers were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. to the 300 block of East 44th Street in response to a report of a shooting, HPD Lt. Crowson said.
When officers arrived, they found an approximately 70-year-old man who had been shot at least once. Officers provided first aid while waiting for Houston Fire Department personnel to arrive. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Victim Was Sitting in Shaded Area
According to Lt. Crowson, the victim had been sitting in a shaded area behind the location, approximately two or three houses away from where investigators were briefing reporters.
The area, which has a tarp and a tree providing shade, is reportedly used by residents of a nearby apartment complex as a gathering spot during the day, particularly to escape the heat.
Investigators believe an altercation occurred between the victim and another individual before gunfire was exchanged. The victim was struck during the shooting.
Witness Accounts Differ
Investigators are working to establish exactly how the confrontation unfolded. According to Lt. Crowson, authorities have received conflicting descriptions of the other individual’s movements.
Some accounts indicate the person may have been in a vehicle, while others suggest the individual was on foot or riding a bicycle.
Police have not yet released a description of the person involved or announced an arrest.
Homicide Investigation Underway
HPD homicide investigators and Crime Scene Unit personnel responded to the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Investigators also plan to review available surveillance footage from the surrounding area in hopes of clarifying the sequence of events and identifying the person involved.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the circumstances leading to the shooting have not yet been confirmed.
HTX News will continue to follow the investigation as more information becomes available.
This article is based on information provided during an HPD media briefing. Details may change as investigators continue their work.
Join The Discussion!
Comments