Pantego has temporarily shut down a local event venue after a gun was fired during a private gathering last Friday, yanking its permission to operate while police dig into what happened. The town says it has revoked the business’s certificate of occupancy and ordered the space closed as the investigation continues, and residents who are rattled by the news are being urged to bring their questions straight to town leaders at an upcoming council meeting.
Town Pulls Occupancy Certificate, Keeps Venue Name Quiet
In a written statement, town officials confirmed that gunfire was discharged during a private event and that they had “revoked the business’s certificate of occupancy” so the venue cannot operate while the case is under review, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The statement did not identify the business by name or spell out what led up to the shot being fired. Pantego Police Chief Robert Rife could not be reached for further comment, the paper added.
Cops Probe Gunfire as Officials Call for Tips
A separate account from a local TV affiliate said the town directed anyone with information to the Pantego Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and noted that officials could not discuss specifics while the case is active, per Yahoo News. That report quoted a town release saying the move to close the venue was made out of concern for public safety and reminded residents they are welcome to use the public-comment period at the next council meeting if they want to speak up.
How Shutting a Venue Works Under Local Rules
Pantego’s municipal code gives the building official authority to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy when a structure is found to violate town ordinances or regulations, and an order can include cutting off utilities to deal with immediate hazards, according to the town code. The process is essentially a safety lever, allowing the town to pause operations while inspections, investigations, or corrective work are carried out. The full code language is posted online.
Council Meeting On Deck, But Shooting Stays Off Agenda
The Town of Pantego’s online meeting dashboard lists a Town Council regular meeting for February 23 at 6 p.m., and officials have invited residents to speak during the public-comment period, according to the town calendar. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the town said the shooting itself is not included on the official agenda, although leaders are still encouraging people to attend and ask about safety concerns.
What Neighbors Need To Know Now
Pantego police investigators are still working the case and are asking anyone with information to contact the department directly or submit tips through Town Hall. Contact details for the police department and town offices are listed on the municipal website. For now, town leaders say specific questions about the incident are being funneled to the Mayor’s Office, the City Manager’s Office, or the chief of police while the investigation remains active.
