Just before midnight Saturday, two people were shot at Bolivar Peninsula when a fight escalated, according to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began when two women began fighting along North Monkhouse Road on Crystal Beach, officials said. Two men got involved and one of the men began shooting, hitting two people.
Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said it is unclear if the persons shot were part of the fight or bystanders. Both victims were airlifted to area hospitals and went into surgery.
Officers are searching for the suspects.
The shooting occurred during ‘Go Topless’ Jeep Weekend, an annual event that began as a small, unorganized gathering for Jeep enthusiasts and has now become a huge event drawing hundreds to Crystal Beach each year. Law enforcement usually increases its presence to handle the influx of people to the area.
According to Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the number of arrests made during the weekend was up this year. Between Friday and Sunday morning, deputies arrested 127 people on the Bolivar Peninsula, including 79 people on Saturday.
Last year, Jeep Weekend concluded with more than 600 calls for service and 305 people booked into the Galveston County Jail, with 120 of those arrests coming from the Bolivar Peninsula alone, according to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.