1 killed, several injured after mass shooting at club parking lot in NW Harris County, deputies say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — One person was killed, and four people were hospitalized after more than 50 shots were fired at a club in northwest Harris County, according to deputies.

On Sunday at about 2 a.m., deputies responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Touch Lounge near FM 1960 and Greenwood Forest Drive.

When deputies arrived, five people (two men and three women) were shot and transported to the hospital. Investigators said one of the men died from his injuries at the hospital. They believe all of the victims are in their 20s.

Multiple people reportedly rolled up in a car, got out, and began shooting at patrons who were standing outside of the club near a food truck. Investigators said at least one AK47 was used.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez if deputies believe this was a targeted shooting.

“If the information is correct, that somebody exited from a vehicle and began opening fire, then that’s probably a good indicator that they were coming with purpose and maybe it was targeted at somebody. Maybe there was some type of beef before inside the club that spilled out. At this point we don’t know that,” Gonzalez said.

One of the victims was identified by family as 20-year-old Amariah Pridgen. Her father, Clarence Pridgen, spoke only to ABC13 and said he was woken up Sunday morning to a phone call about the shooting.

“Me and my wife just woke up panicking. We live in Louisiana, so it was a four-hour ride. We just jumped in the car and drove down here,” he said.

Pridgen shared that Amariah is in the National Guard and is currently a student at Texas Southern University, studying the medical field. He said she is still fighting for her life after undergoing surgery at the hospital.

Coming back to the crime scene, he expressed how devastating it was to see the damage left behind.

“Just to see and know that’s my baby’s blood on the ground. It’s so much blood. You don’t know(which) is hers. Blood is all over the side of this truck. I’m ex-military, and this is just like a war zone,” Pridgen said.

Dozens of evidence markers were visible at the scene and at least four cars were hit by bullets. ABC13 crews saw investigators confiscate a large firearm from one of the cars parked there. They said it was part of standard procedure and would return it to the owner if they were found to not be related to the shooting and did not have a felony.

Deputies are working to locate surveillance video and witnesses, most of whom left the scene. This is an ongoing investigation.

Authorities urge you to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston directly if you have any information related to this investigation. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.