There was a shootout on the southwest side of town overnight, and investigators believe it involved a human smuggling operation. Three people were sent to the hospital after apparently arriving in the country illegally just hours before.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, a white van was being followed by another SUV when someone in that SUV opened fire on the white van.
The white van then came to a stop in front of a McDonalds on Beechnut and Eldridge. A side door opened up and those four males between the ages of 15 and 22 were pushed out onto the road. Both of the vehicles involved kept going, heading towards the city.
One of the victims had been shot in the neck, but is said to be stable. A second victim was hospitalized with road rash. A third victim injured his leg and the fourth victim was not injured.
According to deputies, all four are from Honduras and had just arrived to the country illegally yesterday. They were believed to be headed to their final destination when this shooting happened.
This case is now under investigation by Immigration, Customs and Enforcement.
