Crime
Disgruntled Former Employee in Custody After Fires Shots Outside Walmart in Katy
KATY, TX – On Monday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed deputies responded to reports of gunfire at a Walmart store located on the Grand Parkway at Morton Road in the Katy area.
Initial reports described the situation as an “active shooter” incident, prompting a swift law enforcement response.
However, Gonzalez later clarified that it was not an active shooter event and assured the public that there was no immediate danger.
According to Sheriff Gonzalez, the incident began when a disgruntled former employee arrived at the Walmart and caused a disturbance.
Store staff intervened and escorted the individual out of the building.
As he was being removed, the suspect fired multiple shots toward the nearby freeway. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.
After firing the shots, the suspect left the store. Deputies responded promptly, locating the suspect’s vehicle a short distance away.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Sheriff Gonzalez praised the rapid response of the deputies, which ensured the situation was brought under control quickly and without harm to the community.
The incident remains under investigation, and the suspect’s identity, along with potential charges, will be released as the investigation progresses.
Residents are reassured that the situation is resolved and there is no lingering threat in the area.
Authorities have confirmed that both Cortney Bartholomew and Brad Bartholomew were detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of 22-year-old Rebecca Kay Park.
Investigators removed multiple items from the residence as potential evidence, including vehicles.
At this time, officials have not confirmed whether either individual has been formally charged.
Rebecca was last seen on the night of November 3 near her mother’s residence in Boon Township, Michigan.
Early reports suggested she was observed entering a dark-colored vehicle; however, her mother, Cortney, reportedly provided conflicting descriptions regarding the vehicle.
Cortney is believed to be the last person to have seen Rebecca alive.
Following Rebecca’s disappearance, Cortney sent a series of urgent text messages to Richard Lee Falor—Rebecca’s fiancé, the father of her unborn child, and Cortney’s former partner.
Despite having limited recent communication, the messages appeared frantic and included statements such as:
- “Call me back asap”
- “Rich it’s Cortney call me back”
- “Dude call me”
- “Ur ole lady took off with some dude in a black car”
In the days after she went missing, Rebecca’s cellphone was located on a nearby roadway.
The phone was reportedly recovered by Cortney herself, a detail that has contributed to public speculation due to reported inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Public records and online discussions also reference prior criminal histories involving both Cortney and Falor, including offenses related to sexual assault.
Law enforcement has not confirmed whether those past cases have any direct relevance to the current investigation.
After 21 days missing, Rebecca was tragically located deceased. Her body was found by her father during a search effort, approximately 15 feet off the roadway and not far from where she was last seen.
Early findings suggest her body may have been dragged to the location. Rebecca was nine months pregnant at the time of her death.
Authorities confirmed the infant was not found with her, and information regarding the baby’s whereabouts remains undisclosed.
Following the discovery of her body, both Rebecca’s sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiancé, Richard Falor, were taken into custody.
Kimberly Park has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Tampering with evidence in a criminal case
- Making false statements to law enforcement during a violent-crime investigation
- Filing a false felony report
Falor was also arrested and is currently facing drug-related charges.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Additional updates are expected as forensic analysis, autopsy results, and collected evidence are processed.
Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.