2-year-old boy shot during drive-by shooting while playing in yard near Fourth Ward, HPD says

Houston, Texas (KTRK) — A drive-by shooting near Fourth Ward has left a 2-year-old boy hospitalized, prompting an investigation by the Houston Police Department on Friday evening.

According to a social media post by the Houston Police Department, officers responded to the shooting at 1300 Gillette Street around 7:30 p.m.

Initial reports suggest that the toddler was playing in the front yard when several vehicles passed by, and gunfire erupted, with at least 30 shots fired.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers found multiple witnesses who described seeing a black car, a black lifted truck possibly equipped with a light bar, a silver car, and another unidentified vehicle passing through.

The child sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach area and arm. The family promptly transported him to the hospital using a private vehicle.

Authorities are investigating the possibility of the crowd being targeted. Evidence recovered at the scene includes casings from both a handgun and a rifle, leading investigators to search for two shooters.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Houston Police Department’s Major Assaults Division at (713) 308-3100.