Texas: 10-Year-Old Boy Dead, 4 Injured Following a Flea Market Shooting
Authorities in southeastern Texas are actively searching for a 19-year-old suspect, David Negrete, following a shooting at Cole's Flea Market that resulted in four injuries and the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy named Francisco Vicente Duarte.
The incident occurred just after 5:30 PM on Sunday, prompting a swift response from officers in Pearland, located about 15 miles south of Houston, according to CNN.
Pearland Police Department shared details on their Facebook page, revealing that five Texas flea market shooting victims, including a 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, an 18-year-old boy, and a 37-year-old man, were discovered at the scene and promptly transported to local hospitals.
Unfortunately, the 10-year-old Texas boy also found wounded, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
No information has been provided about the conditions of the other wounded individuals.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the Texas flea market shooting suspect, David Negrete, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities have cautioned the public to consider him "armed and dangerous," sharing his photos on their Facebook page.
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The Texas Flea Market Shooting Suspect
According to Pearland police, an altercation between Negrete and another individual at the flea market escalated into an exchange of gunfire. At least two handguns are believed to have been fired during the incident.
"No, this is not anything that happens in Pearland. It is extremely tragic anytime someone is a victim of gun violence, especially in our community. This does not happen here in Pearland," Officer Chad Rogers said, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents in Pearland.
While confirming the use of two handguns in the shooting, officials have not determined the number of shots fired, per ABC 13.
Investigations suggest the involvement of at least one if not two, additional individuals who possessed handguns and discharged them during the incident, possibly making a total of three suspects.
Governor Greg Abbott has announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of Texas flea market shooting suspect David Negrete.
The public is encouraged to contact the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online or through the DPS Mobile App.
Texas Boy's Family Speaks Up
The family of the victim, 10-year-old Francisco Vicente Duarte, known as "Chente," expressed their grief.
The Texas boy was at Cole's Flea Market to assist his working mother, a single parent with a teenage daughter, who is understandably distraught, KHOU 11 reports.
Described as a kind and "little angel," Chente's senseless death has left the community mourning.
Pearland police, committed to justice for the young victim, seek support from the public.
"A 10-year-old child was killed in a senseless manner, so any support we can get, whether it's financially or from the public, is very welcome in this case," Rogers stated.
As investigations continue, police are working to determine if the other two shooting victims, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old male, were connected to the shootout.
"Again, they're being actively investigated into their role, if any, in what happened," Rogers said.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: One killed, 4 wounded in Texas flea market shooting - From NBC News