In the early hours of Sunday, a gunman opened fire at the Alas Locas sports bar in Liberty County, causing one fatality and leaving several others injured, as reported by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. The incident took place shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the Plum Grove area near Cleveland, according to officials.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed six victims were shot, identifying the deceased only as a man who was pronounced dead at the scene while two others were airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition, one of whom has undergone surgery and is in critical but stable condition, the other remains in critical condition KHOU reported; three more suffered non-life-threatening injuries said Lt. Billy Myers of the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.
The suspect had reportedly been at the bar around midnight, consumed several beers, and left before returning and firing his weapon at patrons on the patio, ABC13 relayed from discussions with bar staff who mentioned that the man is not a regular at the establishment. He was last seen fleeing the scene in a white, windowless, full-size van sporting a long scratch on the side.
The search continues for the gunman, while investigators are piecing together the motive behind the shooting which remains unclear and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the bar; Myers noted that the suspect engaged in conversation at the bar about an incident from months ago that did not involve the person spoken to before the attack unfolded, and it is believed the suspect may have acted alone.
As the investigation is ongoing, the Liberty County Sheriff's Office calls for community assistance and urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can also be sent via text message to 713-526-1111.
