HOUSTON — A man was hit by a stray bullet while riding in a car in northeast Houston early Monday morning, according to the Houston Police Department.
Police said the bullet was likely from celebratory gunfire.
This happened shortly after midnight on Homewood Lane just east of Mesa Drive. The 22-year-old man was in the car with his cousin.
Houston police said when officers responded to a call of a shooting a driver told them she heard gunshots and saw her cousin had been hit in the upper left shoulder.
The driver was heading east on Homewood when she approached the intersection of Mesa. The sunroof was open when she said she heard a thud. Her cousin, who was in the passenger seat, then started complaining of pain in his shoulder.
The driver then pulled over after noticing the wound in his shoulder.
Police said they were heading to a family’s home to celebrate the holiday when the man was hit.
“Unfortunately, it's (celebratory gunfire) not uncommon during this time of year,” HPD Lt. Va'Shawnda McLean said. “We always, as an agency, remind everyone that celebratory gunfire is never OK. It's quite dangerous. What goes up must come down. Those rounds will come down.”
The family of the victim said the bullet appeared to hit his shoulder underneath the collarbone before the bullet bounced out. The bullet was found in the backseat of the car.
He was taken to the hospital and has since been released, his family said. They're thankful that he's okay but hope the police find out who is responsible.
"We’re definitely going to be looking and we need information coming in from the public," said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.
HPD said when residents hear celebratory gunfire they ask that it be reported to their non-emergency line at 713-884-3131 or Crime Stoppers.
With New Year's celebrations right around the corner, Chief Finner said Houston police, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be keeping a close eye.
“The DA's office is going to be out with us on that night,” said Chief Finner. “I'm not going to say that we can catch everybody, but we're going to get some people. We're going to get them locked up and we want to send that strong message.”
Police said if you do discharge a firearm it is reckless conduct which is a felony.