HOUSTON – A party among young people in the South Park neighborhood turned violent when gunshots rang out, leaving one young girl injured.
Thankfully, police say the girl is okay.
KPRC 2’s Jaewon Jung spoke to someone who heard the shots. He said there appeared to be dozens of teenagers at the party happening right at the local park.
The witness, 32-year-old Broderick Smith, described the scene as one filled with dancing and loud music. Alcohol bottles, red cups, and caution tape remained visible at the park hours after the scene had cleared. Shell casings were also spotted.
“We just heard gunshots, like they having a shootout or something,” Smith said.
This park is located right next to Kelso Elementary School, where many children were seen playing and biking earlier in the day. But last night, the atmosphere turned violent.
This shooting is one of several instances of teen violence in the greater Houston area in recent weeks and months.
A few weeks ago, two officers shot a 15-year-old who was armed with a rifle. Police said that teenager was among an armed group firing at officers.
There was also a stabbing incident in Northwest Harris County where a 15-year-old was taken into custody for allegedly stabbing two people.
KPRC 2 spoke to Judson Robinson of Houston Area Urban League earlier this month about the alarming rise in teen violence.
“Teen violence has increased by 108% over the last five years. We need to respond to this,” said Robinson.
Smith said the violence he sees among young people now is unlike what he grew up with.
“Back in the day, this stuff ain’t happen,” said Smith. “These young kids, they’re out of control.”
Police are still looking for information on the suspect or suspects in Saturday’s shooting.
Police are still searching for information on the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-TIPS.
