CLEVELAND, Texas – Deputies in Liberty County are searching for a man accused of opening fire outside a Cleveland bar early Sunday morning, leaving one person dead and five others hurt.
The shooting happened just before 2:30 a.m. at Alas Locas, according to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
EN ESPANOL: Amigos recuerdan a la víctima tras tiroteo en bar de Liberty County
Investigators say the man arrived around midnight, ordered a drink, and stayed at the bar for about an hour.
Deputies say he walked outside to his van, then came back and began firing into the crowd. They say he also shot into the bar before taking off.
OUR PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gunman on the run after 1 killed, 5 injured in shooting outside Liberty County bar
Surveillance images released
Detectives have released images of the suspect and the vehicle he used to get away. Authorities describe it as a full-size, white construction-style van with no windows and a long scratch running down the side. Deputies say the man was not a regular at the bar, and no one recognized him that night.
‘Then he took out the gun’
A close friend of the victims told KPRC 2 the night began as a normal gathering for their group, until the man they had never seen before started making strange gestures toward their table.
“This guy was kind of like making funny signs with his hands toward them. So, one of the guys walked over and asked, is everything okay? The man said yes. Then he took out the gun and started shooting everybody.”
‘Heartbreaking’ loss
For Yahaira, who lost her friend in the attack, the violence has left her shaken. “It’s been heartbreaking,” she said. “We come here all the time to hang out, have dinner, share a few beers, and then head home. Nobody expected something like this.”
Community left searching for answers
Friends told us the group of victims had no problems with anyone that night and were simply enjoying a night out. Now, families are left grieving while deputies continue to track down the gunman.
How to help investigators
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 936-336-4500. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867.