Crime
Houston Police Investigating Fatal Shooting at Red Roof Inn on East Freeway
HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Police Department (HPD) is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Saturday morning, May 11, in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn, located off the East Freeway near Centerwood Drive.
According to investigators, officers responded around 1:30 a.m. following reports of a shooting in the motel’s parking area.
Upon arrival, they discovered a man in his 20s suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary information suggests the shooting stemmed from an altercation between the victim and another individual, which escalated into gunfire.
A man believed to be in his 50s or 60s was detained at the scene and is currently being questioned by detectives.
He has reportedly told police that he acted in self-defense.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any weapons were recovered or if surveillance footage is available.
The Homicide Division is continuing its investigation to determine the sequence of events and assess whether criminal charges will be filed.
The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
HPD is asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact their Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.