An investigation is underway after gunfire erupted inside a store in east Harris County on Sunday, according to deputies.
At about 12:49 p.m., the Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the shooting at 5713 East Sam Houston Parkway North. HCSO confirmed they had units on the scene within four minutes of the call and had the suspect detained within eight minutes.
Investigators told reporters that one man was taken to the hospital, and the accused gunman was detained after shots were fired during an argument inside the Walmart.
In an update, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the victim is expected to be OK.
In East Harris County, @HCSOTexas units responded to a shooting inside a Walmart store located at 5655 E Sam Houston Pkwy N. Preliminary info: a male entered the store and shot someone. Our deputies responded and safely placed the shooter in custody without incident.
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— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 23, 2023
A Harris County Sheriff’s Office Major told reporters they believe the gunman and the victim know each other but would not determine how or what led up to the shooting.
“I heard people yelling running. I couldn’t make it out of the store. I ended up going into a dark room until I ended up running out the store,” a Walmart employee said.
HCSO confirms the victim was shot in the abdomen and was taken to a local hospital.
HCSO Major Suarez said the suspect called 911 from a convenience store in the same parking lot as the Walmart where the shooting unfolded.
“Only information we got is that he called 911 and advised he was at this business and he had barricaded himself,” Suarez said.
The suspect surrendered without incident, HCSO said.
As of Sunday evening, HCSO confirmed the suspect is detained and undergoing questioning.
What started the argument or how the two know each other is still under investigation.
The media relations office for Walmart corporate sent the statement to ABC13 after confirming the store reopened at 6 p.m. following the incident.
“Associate and customer safety is our top priority. We are thankful for our local first responders and will continue to work with them as they continue their investigation,” said Kelsey Bohl with Walmart media relations.
HCSO has not released the suspect’s name as of Sunday.
