HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A man is now dead after being shot while near a gas station in north Harris County Thursday night.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place around 10:20 p.m. near the store located on Ella Boulevard and Barren Springs.
Deputies said when they arrived, they located a man in his 60s with at least one gunshot wound. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
Investigators said they believe the victim was an innocent bystander to the shooting. Deputies at the scene reportedly found about two dozen shell casings in the road.
KPRC 2 obtained surveillance video that showed 69-year-old Ernest Brooks standing in front of the Shop N’ Save store off Ella Boulevard around 2:30 a.m., moments before gunfire erupted.
“Waking up in the middle of the night because of this is a tragedy. I just don’t understand what’s going on,” said Keenan Robinson.
Robinson has known Brooks for years. He affectionately called him by the nickname, “carwash.”
“He’s a great man, he wouldn’t hurt anybody, said Robinson. “He would always try to help, ask you if you wanted your car washed. That’s why he got the name car wash.”
KPRC 2 spoke with Brooks’ sister and caretaker who said he was always happy and an amazing person.
Several bullet holes were spotted on the side of the store. Employees said witnesses were standing on the other side of the store that faces Barren Springs Drive. Investigators believe at least two shooters fired shots from multiple weapons in a dark colored car. The bullets hit Brooks, killing him.
“It’s cowardly. That’s the most cowardly thing you can do,” said Robinson.
It’s unclear who the shooters were targeting, but the bullets were not meant for Brooks.
Detectives said violent crimes have been an ongoing issue near Ella Boulevard.
Pastor EA Deckard has been involved in crime prevention in the area. He said there have been at least five murders in that area this year.
“Unfortunately, violence and murder is almost like second nature now,” said Deckard.
18 days before Brooks was killed, 21-year-old Tre Jefferson was shot and killed at the Now and Forever gas station across the street.
“Tre’s murder happens to have been one to the fourth murder store in that same spot,” said Deckard.
Jefferson’s mother, Tykeia Jefferson said the past few weeks have been a nightmare.
“That was my little protector. I called one of his friends and I said, Is my baby okay? And he said, No, ma’am, he’s passed away,” said Jefferson.
Jefferson hopes for justice so that other families won’t have to live her same nightmare.
“People need to put themselves in another person’s shoes. Do you want your family members, your parents, to feel that same loss and pain?” said Jefferson.