Houston police are investigating after a man was shot during an altercation in the parking lot of Eleanor Tinsley Park.
The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday near the 1600 block of Allen Parkway. Investigators say the victim’s girlfriend got into an argument with others in the park’s parking lot, which quickly escalated. A man pulled out a gun and shot the 19-year-old victim in the chest before fleeing in what may have been a truck.
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The victim was taken to a hospital by ambulance and is expected to survive. No one else was hurt.
The shooting comes as safety concerns grow at Eleanor Tinsley Park, where late-night gatherings and illegal scooter vendors have drawn criticism from officials and community members.
“We’ve had issues with these vendors showing up with big trucks and motorized scooters, ignoring park rules,” said Anne Olson, president of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “They attract crowds that sometimes linger well past dark.”
Last week, video captured gunfire at a separate late-night gathering at the park. Residents say the atmosphere has shifted.
“I usually come here to walk alone,” one parkgoer told KPRC 2. “Now, I stick to well-lit areas and avoid staying past sunset.”
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City officials are now considering new regulations to improve safety. A City Council vote is scheduled for later today to decide whether to expand the city’s scooter ban to include downtown and areas like Eleanor Tinsley Park.
HPD has also increased patrols in the area and is deploying bike units to maintain a visible presence. Officers recommend residents avoid parks after dark and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about the overnight shooting is asked to call HPD’s non-emergency line at 713-884-3131.