KATY, Texas – An armed woman was fatally shot in front of her two young children during a confrontation with driver in a Katy neighborhood, according to officials with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez provided details at a press briefing, describing a series of events that unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday in the 6700 block of Rusty Ridge Lane.
“This is a very bizarre and tragic situation,” Sheriff Gonzalez said.
Deputies had initially been responding to a separate report from the same woman, coded as a “terroristic threat.” The woman reported that a bullet had been left on her vehicle near her home.
While a deputy was en route, separate calls came in reporting a shooting, and the deputy arrived on the scene moments later. When they arrived, the woman’s children were panicked and screaming.
According to Sheriff Gonzalez, the incident began when a man driving a small work trailer stopped to allow the woman’s vehicle to pass. The two individuals do not appear to have a known connection, and both are believed to reside in the area.
The woman exited her car appearing “irate or upset” and confronted the man. The two exchanged words, with the man reportedly attempting to de-escalate the situation.
At some point, the woman allegedly retrieved a pistol, and the man also armed himself.
Authorities say the man then fired shots, striking the woman. She collapsed at the scene and was later pronounced dead.
During the shooting, the woman had two children with her — an 8-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy — as well as a dog.
Neither child was physically harmed, but both reportedly witnessed the shooting and were visibly distraught. Deputies and neighbors are caring for them at the scene.
The man reportedly called 911 himself, telling dispatchers he had shot someone before hanging up.
The location of the shooting is near Duryea Elementary School, a Cy-Fair ISD campus. KPRC 2 contacted the school, and officials confirmed they were aware of the shooting and followed necessary safety protocols.
Homicide officials are still processing the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved.
Residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant as deputies continue their investigation.