7 shot at Snapchat house party in Texas, police say

Mycah Hatfield Image
Saturday, August 17, 2019
7 people shot at Snapchat party in east Houston: Police
Police say it was an "instant party" in which invitations are sent at random via Snapchat.

HOUSTON, Texas -- Seven people were shot Saturday morning at a house party in Houston, Texas that formed after it was posted on Snapchat, police said.

It happened around 2 a.m. It's unclear what caused the shooting, but a detective on the scene told ABC13 it began as a verbal altercation at the party.

Police said three people were found shot at the home when they arrived. Several people tried to run away from the shooting and took off in a car.

Police said the suspect began following them down an interstate and shot inside their car, striking three additional people.

The victims managed to pull over to get help.

Police said the seventh shooting victim showed up at the hospital.

The house party included between 30 and 50 guests, and were all teens and young adults, according to police.

Police said it was an "instant party," in which invitations are sent at random via Snapchat, a messaging app that allows users to exchange pictures and videos, commonly referred to as "snaps", that disappear after they're viewed.

Police believe there were up to three shooters involved. They described the suspect's vehicle as a large, tan, newer-model SUV.

All seven victims suffered non-life threatening injuries and are expected to survive.

People who live in the neighborhood told ABC13 they heard between 20 and 25 gunshots.

Witnesses said a shooting victim showed up at a gas station a few blocks from the scene looking for help.

A car was seen outside the home where the party was believed to be held with a shattered windshield.

Carlos Ramirez said he heard a young woman crying outside of his home and yelling on the phone. He learned she had been shot in the hand and called her an ambulance.

"I came outside and I heard this lady crying and she was yelling on her phone, so I peeked and looked and the gunshot was going on. I told her to come inside and wash her hands because you don't know if the people are still out there," Ramirez said.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Houston Police.