Gunman in Galleria shooting remains on the run

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Panicked shoppers fled for safety as a gunman opened fire Friday evening at the Galleria, striking one man in the leg.

It happened just before 7:50 p.m. as the victim was leaving the food court and headed for the parking garage, according to Houston police.

The shooter also opened fire on off-duty officers as they approached, police said.

“When the suspect saw the officer, he immediately fired upon the officer,” explained Finner during a briefing with reporters Friday night. “The officer took cover and fired back at the suspect a few times. He’s not sure if he struck the suspect or not.

The victim was taken to a hospital and was expected to recover, Finner said.

The gunman, described as a Black man in his early 20s, remained on the run Saturday. He was seen wearing a white shirt paired with black pants and was reportedly carrying a crossbody bag.

The mall was locked down for a few hours as officers searched for the suspect.

As the shooting started, shoppers began running away. Some hid inside stores until it was safe.

“My daughter was with her boyfriend. I told her to run,” one shopper said. “It was something I’ve never experienced in my life.”

“It’s just unfortunate,” said Finner. “It just doesn’t make any sense. But I’ll say this … our citizens, the majority of our people, are good people. They really are. We just have to, as a city, focus in on these violent criminals, just like this knucklehead [Friday night.] It’s really frustrating. You’ve got kids, you’ve got families in the mall and you’re shooting at somebody. It makes no sense, but just like the other suspects, we’re coming after you. Plain and simple.”