Three boys in Houston were shot early Thursday, Dec. 26, after allegedly trying to rob a man, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
What Happened
HCSO deputies were called to an apartment complex on N. Houston Rosslyn Road around midnight. When they arrived, they found a 12-year-old boy lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Two other boys, ages 12 and 13, were later found at a nearby apartment complex with gunshot wounds... Continue reading here ▶
All three boys were taken to a local hospital. The 12-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds is in the ICU, while the other two boys are in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Shooter’s Statement
A 25-year-old man told police that the boys had approached him and allegedly pointed guns at him in an attempt to rob him. He was detained by authorities and is cooperating with the investigation.
Other Details
A fourth boy was also detained, and authorities recovered multiple weapons from the scene. HCSO Major Saul Suarez stated that investigators are working to determine whether the weapons used by the boys were real firearms or replicas.
Witness Accounts
The man’s girlfriend told ABC 13 that they were returning from a Christmas party when the incident occurred. She said four boys, armed with weapons, surrounded their vehicle. Her boyfriend initially thought it was a prank due to the boys’ young age.
A neighbor, Bruce Bailey, said he witnessed the aftermath and tried to help. “I screamed out to him, ‘Are you OK?’ And he just put his hand in the air and screamed for help,” Bailey told KHOU 11. Another neighbor stayed with one of the injured boys to comfort him until emergency responders arrived.
Investigation
The case will be presented to a grand jury for review as authorities continue to investigate.
