Crime
14 Shot, 1 Dead After Gunfire Erupts at Family Gathering on Cherryhill in Houston
Houston, TX — A family gathering turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted at a residence near Cherryhill Drive, close to South Loop and Mykawa Road, leaving 14 people shot, including one confirmed fatality, and several others critically wounded.
The Houston Police Department responded to a 911 call placed shortly before 1:00 a.m., reporting an active shooting.
Officers arrived on scene within three minutes and encountered ongoing gunfire as they secured the area.
According to Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu, the incident began during a family party at the residence.
Witnesses reported that an uninvited guest was asked to leave.
As he exited the gathering, the individual allegedly opened fire, prompting return gunfire from some of the residents.
“There were multiple scenes and several victims scattered throughout the property,” said Cantu. “It was chaotic from the start. Officers were still hearing gunshots when they arrived.”
Of the 14 individuals shot, one person was pronounced dead, and several others remain in critical condition, with some undergoing surgery.
Others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition.
Emergency medical services transported many of the injured via ambulance, while others were self-transported by private vehicles, including three victims who were dropped off at a Jack-in-the-Box on Long Street near Loop 610.
As of now, several individuals have been detained for questioning, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the suspected shooter is among them.
Police are actively working to process multiple connected crime scenes and gather witness statements.
The Houston Police Department is urging anyone who attended the party or may have relevant information to come forward.
Witnesses are encouraged to contact HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
“Homicide detectives will begin releasing suspect information as it becomes available,” Cantu stated. “We are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the shooter.”
This remains an active investigation.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.