An 18-year-old in the Sharpstown area has died after he was shot while handling a handgun with his girlfriend, according to the Houston Police Department.
The shooting happened in the 6000 block of Fondren Road just before 9:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
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Police say the teen was reportedly showing the weapon to his girlfriend, also 18, when the gun discharged.
Family members inside the home heard the gunshot and rushed to the teen’s aid.
Life-saving measures were performed at the scene before the teen was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
It’s unclear who was holding the weapon when it fired. Police say the girlfriend was taken to an HPD station to provide a statement to investigators, but no charges have been announced at this time.
At the scene, HPD Sgt. Mark Holbrook urged the public to take firearm safety seriously.
“Be careful,” Holbrook said. “Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and don’t allow people under 21 — minors — to have access. Take care of your firearms.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Police announced that the case will be referred to a Harris County Grand Jury.
It’s unclear whether anyone involved will face charges.