HOUSTON — A frightening scene unfolded in northeast Houston when a gunman opened fire on passing vehicles along North Wayside Drive, injuring three people before responding law enforcement officers shot the suspect.
According to Houston police, officers were called to the 6300 block of North Wayside Drive after reports of a man firing a rifle at vehicles traveling through the area. Witnesses described drivers suddenly finding themselves in the middle of gunfire as the armed man stood near the roadway and fired toward passing traffic.
Three people were struck by gunfire while inside vehicles. Authorities said the victims were transported to area hospitals and were reported in stable condition. Witnesses also tried to warn approaching motorists to stay away from the area as the shooting continued.
Houston police officers and a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper arrived at the scene and ordered the armed man to drop his weapon. Police said the suspect did not comply. Three Houston police officers and the DPS trooper then opened fire, striking the suspect multiple times. He was transported to a hospital. Authorities did not immediately release his condition or identity.
No law enforcement officers were reported injured. Houston police said the incident is being investigated alongside the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers. Investigators had not publicly announced a motive for the shooting.
The incident caused alarm throughout the surrounding community, particularly because the victims appear to have been targeted while simply traveling through the area. The investigation remains active, and officials may release additional information as it becomes available.
Sources: Houston Chronicle reporting and other local reports citing the Houston Police Department.
