1 dead after vehicle burglary leads to shootout near Channelview ISD elementary school, HCSO says

HOUSTON – Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a vehicle burglary led to a shooting near a Channelview ISD elementary school Thursday, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

HCSO units were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. to the 16700 block of Wallisville after receiving reports of a body lying in the middle of the roadway. When deputies arrived, they discovered a man dead.

Further investigation revealed his death was related to a vehicle burglary that happened in the 14100 block of Conover Court.

In that incident, HCSO Major S. Suarez said a homeowner was notified by his neighbor that someone broke into his vehicle. The homeowner then followed the suspects to Wallisville while on the phone with deputies, and gunfire was exchanged. Suarez said they believe the person that was shot was pushed out of the suspects’ vehicle. It is unknown who fired first.

Watch HCSO’s full news conference below:

The victim was believed to be between 16 and 20 years old.

Deputies are looking for multiple suspects that were in a small, four-door sedan vehicle.

“We do have a rise of burglaries of more vehicles recently in the area,” Suarez said. “I do want to remind the community to continue to call us. Continue to not put yourself in danger. Call 9-1-1 when you do see any type of incidents like this occurring.”

An investigation is taking place in front of Channelview ISD school Harvey Brown Elementary. The school postponed classes until 10:15 a.m.

Deputies currently have a person of interest. A grand jury will decide if that person will face charges, HCSO said.

Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to contact HCSO at (713) 221-6000.