A pickup basketball game at a southeast Houston 24 Hour Fitness turned chaotic Thursday night when an argument escalated into gunfire inside the gym off the Gulf Freeway, leaving one person injured by flying glass, according to police.
Houston police say several men pulled guns and fired at each other during the dispute on the court. The incident unfolded at the 24 Hour Fitness on the Gulf Freeway between Rowlett Road and Almeda Genoa Road, and while bullets flew, the only reported injury came from shattered glass rather than a direct gunshot, FOX 26 Houston reported. What exactly set off the argument was not immediately clear, and there was no word yet on potential charges.
Guns and gyms have collided before
This is not the first time a gym has turned into a crime scene. In August 2022, a confrontation at a Brentwood, California, 24 Hour Fitness ended in tragedy when multiple people opened fire, killing one person and injuring others, according to ABC7 San Francisco. Closer to home, local outlets have documented earlier shootings at Houston-area 24 Hour Fitness locations, a reminder of how quickly tempers in crowded workout spaces can escalate, as noted by ABC13 Houston.
HPD reviewing video, talking to witnesses
Investigators are now trying to untangle exactly what happened on that court. Police told FOX 26 Houston they are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation. At the time of that report, no arrests or charges had been announced. Authorities are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to come forward.
If you were at the gym during the shooting and have footage or details, preserve what you have and contact the Houston Police Department. This story will be updated as HPD releases more information.
