HOUSTON — A boy was fatally shot and a teen shot and killed himself Wednesday night in north Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.
It happened at around 8:20 p.m. at an apartment complex on Arto Street near Hardy Street -- just north of the North Loop near the Hardy Toll Road.
Houston police said family members ranging in age from 10 to 17 were inside an apartment when a 17-year-old took out a gun.
The teen then put the gun on the bed. Police said that is when a 14-year-old girl grabbed the gun, and thinking it was not loaded, pulled the trigger, hitting the 11-year-old.
That boy died at the scene, according to police.
Police said the 17-year-old was "distraught," took the gun, and ran to a wooded area, where he fired shots. One apartment unit was hit, but no one was injured.
The teen then turned the gun on himself and shot himself. He was transported to the hospital where he died, according to police.
Police said the first victim in this incident is believed to be around 11 years old.
It is unknown if the weapon was in the apartment or the 17-year-old was carrying it.
“He was still alive at the time officers arrived and he was transported and later was found deceased. Again, it’s one of those examples we have to keep our weapons locked up and secured and if they are going to be handled only by individuals you know legally,” HPD Assistant Chief Keith Seafous said.
An investigation is underway.