Two Houston New Year's parties end with shootings; 7 confirmed injured, police say
Two shootings injure 7 at Houston New Year's Eve parties, police say
Several people are spending the first day of the year in hospitals after two shootings at separate short-term rentals in Houston. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle spoke to locals and explains the new rule for short-term rentals in the city.
HOUSTON - Seven people were injured in two separate shootings at vacation rental properties in Houston early New Year’s Day, incidents that unfolded as the city began enforcing new regulations aimed at curbing large, unruly gatherings at short-term rentals.
Houston New Year's shootings
Houston police confirmed one shooting was reported in the Third Ward at about 12:15 a.m. Thursday.
The second was on the Northside at about 2:45.
Shootings reported at two New Year's parties in Houston
Third Ward New Year's shooting
What we know:
The Third Ward shooting happened on Live Oak Street near Elgin Street.
A lieutenant at the scene confirmed five people were injured in this incident. They're all expected to recover.
Police reportedly saw multiple people running from the scene. Some people were detained for questioning as witnesses, but police say no one cooperated with the investigation.
What we don't know:
No one involved has been identified at this time.
There is no information regarding any suspects.
What you can do:
Anyone with information can call one of the following agencies:
- HPD Major Assaults: 713-308-8800
- Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
Northside New Year's shooting
What we know:
The Northside shooting was reported on Yorkshire Street, near East Crosstimbers Street and Irvington Boulevard.
Police say two people were confirmed to have been shot.
One male was shot in the chest and went into surgery in critical condition. A female was also shot and taken to a hospital in a private vehicle.
Police have a brief description of a suspect, but they're not seeking help from the public at this time. Investigators are looking to find camera footage from nearby homes.
What we don't know:
No one involved has been identified.
The female victim's condition is not clear at this time.
What they're saying:
The property manager at the Yorkshire home told FOX 26 the rental listing was removed from Airbnb's platform after the shooting and that the reservation was only approved for six people. Police estimated roughly 300 people were at the party.
Houston Police Capt. Ryan Watson credited Mayor John Whitmire with prioritizing new regulations for short-term rentals.
"I gotta give full credit to Mayor Whitmire for making this a priority and passing more city ordinances to try and tightly regulate Airbnbs that get out of control like this," Capt. Watson said.
New measures for Houston short-term rentals
What's next:
The shootings occurred as a key deadline took effect for owners of short-term rentals in Houston.
Beginning Jan. 1, such properties must be registered with the city at a cost of $275. Under the ordinance, owners could face fines or have their registrations revoked if renters repeatedly commit certain crimes at the property.
Property managers at the Yorkshire location said the home is currently registered with the city and its new rules. Officials said they are still working to confirm the registration status of the Live Oak property.
City officials also announced Thursday that, due to a high volume of applications, enforcement to de-list unregistered short-term rental properties will be delayed until April.
Some neighbors say the changes are overdue. Cecil Barnett, who lives near one of the properties, said renters are not adequately vetted.
"They rent them out — they don’t background check," Barnett said. "All they gotta do is see the money."
Another neighbor, Tommy Johnson, said the area has changed. "It was a chill, relaxed area, and now it’s becoming more of a party central," he said. "People come to meet up and hang out, and they don’t show no respect for the area."
The Source: Houston Police Department, City of Houston, and locals near the shooting scenes.