10-year-old boy in critical condition after being shot during parking lot fight, sheriff says

Investigators are seeking video evidence in a shooting incident in northeast Harris County that left a 10-year-old boy hospitalized. The incident occurred at an apartment complex parking lot on Tidwell Road at C.E. King Parkway around 8 p.m. Wednesday, with approximately 20 to 30 individuals present, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Following an argument that escalated into a physical altercation, an individual produced a pistol, leading to the shooting, as per Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. The motive behind the altercation remains unclear. The 10-year-old victim underwent surgery and is in critical condition.

Sheriff Gonzalez stated uncertainty regarding whether the child was the intended target or if the shooter fired into the crowd indiscriminately. Investigators are actively working to establish the sequence of events leading to the gunfire and identify the perpetrator.

Appealing to the public for assistance, Sheriff Gonzalez emphasized the importance of anyone with information coming forward, even anonymously. Given the sizable gathering, it’s believed that someone may have captured the incident on a cellphone. Such footage could be pivotal in resolving the case.

The incident is not the first shooting involving a child at the same apartment complex. Darius Dugas Junior, 11, was fatally shot over two years ago while retrieving a jacket from a car. A 19-year-old has been charged with his murder, with the trial scheduled for June. Additionally, Darius’ family pursued legal action against the apartment complex, alleging insufficient security measures. An undisclosed settlement was reached in the lawsuit after overnight checks confirmed its resolution.