Authorities identify, arrest man in connection with shooting at family-friendly dance

HOUSTON – A man has been charged after a family-friendly dance was interrupted by gunfire Sunday night in north Harris County, according to Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

A 30-year-old man was shot in the thigh, sheriff’s deputies said. The bullet went through his leg and struck the ground, according to officials. He’s in good condition and expected to make a full recovery. Deputies said it is believed the bullet ricocheted and hit several people in their legs: A 26-year-old woman, 43-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 26 year-old man, 29-year-old man, and 33-year-old man were transported to hospitals with minor injuries, according to deputies.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the call was reported around 7:41 p.m. at the Mercado Sabadomingo located at 8712 Airline Drive.

A male, who has been identified as 25-year-old Jose Manuel Guerrero-Reyes, was detained at the scene, officials said.

Gonzalez said the man appeared to have been drinking and claims his gun was in his pocket and accidentally went off. Investigators worked to verify his story but said evidence did not match that claim.

“The defendant stated he was intoxicated and that he accidentally fired his weapon when he was retrieving his hand from his front pocket and that he had forgotten he had cocked the trigger,” court documents read in probable cause court Monday. “When he was asked what he thought happened to those people that got shot, the defendant advised when he shot his gun, the bullet had ricocheted off the ground and hit the people.”

Guerrero-Reyes has been charged with one count of aggravated assault, a judge said. His bond was set at $40,000. The judge ordered he can’t possess any firearms if he makes bond.

Deputies said there are signs posted that say no weapons are allowed in the facility. According to HCSO, there are surveillance cameras inside.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.