An early-morning drive in southeast Houston turned violent Thursday when a man was shot in the stomach while behind the wheel, leaving him in critical condition. Officers found the wounded driver near Bellfort Avenue and Jutland Road and rushed him to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. According to investigators, the victim told police he does not know who fired at him or why, and the Houston Police Department's Major Assaults Division has taken over the case.
Early-morning gunfire near Bellfort and Jutland
Houston police say officers were called to the area around 1 a.m. Thursday after reports of gunfire, where they discovered the injured driver at the scene. Responding officers determined he had been shot while traveling northbound on Jutland Road and suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition, according to Click2Houston. Police have not released any details about a suspect or a possible motive.
What officials have said so far
HPD Lt. Ali told reporters the shooting occurred in the 5000 block of Bellfort Avenue near Jutland Road and confirmed that the Major Assaults Division is handling the investigation, per ABC13. The victim told officers at the scene that he did not know who shot him or the reason for the attack, Lt. Ali said. Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and surveillance footage, and no arrests have been reported.
How to help investigators
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the HPD Major Assaults Division tip line at 713-308-8800 or call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS to remain anonymous, according to Click2Houston. Detectives say preserving any cellphone or doorbell video from around 1 a.m. could be critical to identifying whoever opened fire. Authorities also urged residents not to post unverified footage publicly so it can be properly turned over to investigators.
