HOUSTON, TX – In the early hours of the morning, Houston Police Department responded to a distress call reporting a shooting at Latina Sports Bar, a known after-hours establishment on Hillcroft Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., left six individuals injured, four of whom are currently in critical condition and undergoing surgery.
Officers arrived at the scene to find the Houston Fire Department already attending to the victims. Three individuals were transported to a local hospital by emergency services, while the other three were taken by private vehicles. Investigators are actively working to gather more details, with officers stationed at the hospital to monitor the victims’ conditions.
Assistant Chief James Skelton emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to target after-hours clubs, which are often linked to illegal activities and disturbances. “Establishments like this contribute to crime in our city,” Skelton stated, noting the department’s commitment to shutting down such venues.
The police have identified a black Toyota Camry or Corolla, occupied by two Hispanic males, as a vehicle of interest in the investigation. While the attack appears to be isolated, authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
Video footage from the scene is currently being reviewed, and investigators are working with witnesses to gather more information. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but initial findings suggest a possible preexisting conflict among the individuals involved.
The legality of the bar’s operations is also under scrutiny, as it is suspected of serving alcohol past the legal closing time of 2 a.m. Skelton confirmed that an investigation into the club’s licensing and operations is underway.
Witnesses at the scene have been cooperating with the police, providing crucial insights that may help resolve the case. All six victims have been confirmed as male, and the precise location of the shooting, whether inside or outside the club, remains part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has drawn attention to the issue of unlicensed after-hours clubs in Houston, which often become hotspots for criminal activity. The police department is urging the community to report any suspicious activities and help curb the proliferation of such establishments.