HOUSTON, TX — One Dead, Security Guard Injured in Shooting Following Burglary Attempt in River Oaks Area
A deadly shooting unfolded in Houston’s upscale River Oaks neighborhood Monday afternoon, leaving one person dead and a private security guard hospitalized. The incident, which authorities say stemmed from an attempted burglary, took place on the 3200 block of San Felipe Street around 2:50 p.m., just blocks from River Oaks Elementary School.
Burglary Call Escalates into Gunfire
According to Houston Police Detective Ivelys Barrett, officers were initially dispatched to assist River Oaks security personnel in response to a burglary in progress. A man was reportedly seen attempting to break into a residence in the area and fled when confronted by neighborhood security.
The foot chase began on Bellmeade Street, a quiet residential road, before making its way into an alley behind San Felipe Street. It was during this pursuit that the confrontation turned violent.
Detective Barrett confirmed that during the altercation, gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and a security guard. The suspect was fatally shot and was pronounced dead at the scene. The security guard also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
At the time of reporting, the guard’s condition has been listed as stable, though further updates on their medical status have not yet been made public.
A Quiet Afternoon Shattered
Residents in the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets and multimillion-dollar homes, were startled by the sudden outburst of violence.
“We heard several shots, maybe three or four,” said one local resident who lives near San Felipe Street. “This is usually a very safe area, so it’s shocking to see something like this happen in broad daylight.”
Nearby River Oaks Elementary School was not placed on lockdown, but parents expressed concern due to the close proximity of the shooting to the school grounds. Houston Police confirmed that the area was quickly secured and posed no ongoing threat to the public.
Ongoing Investigation
Neither the deceased suspect nor the injured security officer has been publicly identified as of Monday evening. Authorities say they are still working to confirm the identity of the suspect and determine whether he had any prior criminal history.
Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses in the area to piece together the timeline of events and verify exactly how the confrontation unfolded.
Detective Barrett emphasized that while the scene is now secure, the case remains under active investigation. “We’re working to gather all evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage,” Barrett said. “We want to ensure a full understanding of what led to this exchange of gunfire.”
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The River Oaks neighborhood, often considered one of Houston’s most prestigious and secure residential areas, has seen relatively low crime rates. Monday’s shooting, however, has prompted questions about safety and the role of private security patrols in responding to active crimes.
“We rely on our security to keep us safe, and they responded quickly,” another resident shared. “It’s just tragic that it came to this.”
Houston police are asking anyone with information related to the incident or possible witnesses to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details become available.