Man armed with AR-15 kills 2 in rush hour traffic in Texas, police say
HOUSTON -- A gunman is on the run after Houston police say he shot and killed two people with an AR-15 in the middle of rush hour on I-10 near John Ralston.
Just before 6 p.m. Thursday, investigators said a car hit another vehicle, causing it to spin out. The shooter and another person got out of the sedan that caused the crash. One of them quickly got the attention of witnesses in the area.
"A Hispanic male, holding a really big gun, shooting at another car," reported a police dispatcher.
"One of the witnesses saw the weapon," Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Bobby Dobbins said. "He's familiar with guns and he believes it was an AR-15."
Police say as the victims' car rolled toward the gunman, he fired multiple rounds. Both men inside were killed.
According to HPD, the victims were 25 and 33 years old. Police have not released their identities yet.
Video shows bystanders rushing to help the victims, performing CPR on the freeway, but the men couldn't be saved.
WATCH: Police say man armed with AR-15 killed 2
According to police sources, a large trash bag with marijuana was in their car. Investigators are looking at all possible motives.
"Road rage? An accident? Narcotics? We don't know yet," Dobbins told reporters.
WATCH: HPD release details on shooting that killed 2 people during rush hour traffic on I-10E
The suspects took off, leaving behind a crime scene on the freeway.
Friday morning, police released a description of the shooter saying he is a Hispanic man in his early 20s. He's about 5'7" with a thin build, and he wore a red shirt.
The vehicle he took off in is described as a newer model, dark-colored, 4-door sedan with unknown license plates.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything to call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600.
You can also give anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest or charges.
"This is a scary event to happen at 6 o'clock at night on a busy freeway," Dobbins said.
A driver who carries a pistol in his vehicle for personal protection feared for his life, police say, and fired at the shooter. They do not know if he was hit.
