HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating a deadly shooting that broke out in the parking lot of the Paradise City Gentleman’s Club early Saturday morning on the Gulf Freeway.
HPD said officers received a call at 5:02 a.m. for a shooting in progress at 12330 Gulf Freeway. Police said the first officers arrived within about three minutes to a large crowd and chaotic conditions, and found multiple victims on the ground.
Investigators said one man, described as Hispanic and in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, a Black male, was transported to the hospital and was conscious. Police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.
Police believe the violence may have started with a disturbance inside the club before spilling into the parking lot, where at least one shooter fired into a crowd. Officers said the victims appear to be innocent bystanders and not involved in the initial conflict.
No one is in custody.
Police said possible suspects were described as Hispanic or white males who fled in a light-colored vehicle with multiple people inside. Investigators have not confirmed how many shooters were involved.
HPD said a security guard returned fire during the incident, though it is unknown if anyone was hit. The guard was detained, questioned, and is cooperating with investigators. Police expect the guard will be released without charges.
Detectives spent the morning collecting ballistics and other evidence, but said the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
Investigators are also working to review surveillance video, though police said there are blind spots that may limit what cameras captured. HPD is asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information about the suspects to come forward.
Police said the man who died was described as not involved in any conflict and had been at the club with a group of friends. Officers said his wife of 20 years was at the scene and ran to him after hearing the gunshots.
Paradise City typically operates from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Police noted the business does not serve alcohol and is a BYOB establishment.
The motive for the shooting has not been released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).