A man is in critical condition after being shot once during an argument over who owns a southwest Houston lounge, according to police. The shooting happened outside Costa Lounge VIP in the 6200 block of Bellaire Boulevard, where officers responded to a call around 10:15 p.m. on Monday night.
Investigators say the shooting stemmed from an argument between two groups over ownership of the lounge, as reported by Click2Houston. During that dispute, police say a man pulled out a gun and shot another man once before fleeing. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where according to Houston Stringer, he remained in critical condition and was undergoing treatment.
Suspect Described, Getaway Vehicle Identified
Police described the suspect as a heavyset Hispanic man, and the same report notes he was wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans at the time of the shooting. Investigators say he left the scene in a black Ford Raptor pickup truck, and no firearms were recovered at the scene.
Investigators also said a man with blood on his shirt was seen helping the victim immediately after the shooting. It remains unclear what role, if any, that man played in the dispute itself. The investigation is ongoing, and the Houston Police Department has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Not the First Shooting at a SW Houston Nightlife Spot
The Costa Lounge VIP shooting follows a separate, far larger incident on June 11, 2023, at another southwest Houston venue. On June 11, six people were shot in the parking lot of Tabú Restaurant and Lounge at the corner of Richmond and Fountain View, and another person was injured by broken glass, according to ABC13. Charging documents in that case indicated the shooting stemmed from an argument over money, and Carl Douglas Green was later arrested on three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The city went on to file a lawsuit against people associated with Tabú, which resulted in the facility being shut down.
There is no indication the two cases are connected, and the available evidence does not establish a broader trend in shootings tied to Houston nightlife venues. For now, the Costa Lounge VIP case remains an active investigation, and the victim is still fighting for his life.
