Authorities in Houston, Texas are on the lookout for a 24-year-old suspect following a shooting incident outside a bar on Washington Avenue. The suspect, Luis Gerardo Rios, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault-serious bodily injury, aggravated assault of a security officer, and aggravated assault of a peace officer in connection with the March 2 shooting outside Lincoln Bar.
According to the Houston Police Department, the incident began around 11:30 p.m. when two men got into a fight inside the bar and were asked to leave by two off-duty deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. After leaving the bar, the men allegedly engaged in an argument with the deputies outside, insisting on reentering the club. The situation escalated when the men got into a black SUV, and someone from the vehicle opened fire towards the entrance of the bar.
Despite the gunfire, the officers did not retaliate to avoid injuring innocent bystanders in the crowded area. As a result of the shooting, two men, aged 29 and 24, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while two others, aged 44 and 38, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
One of the victims, Darien Mann, spoke exclusively to ABC13 from his hospital bed at Ben Taub Hospital, where he revealed that he was not involved in the initial altercation but was caught in the crossfire. Mann described feeling excruciating pain and collapsing after being struck by a bullet, leaving him paralyzed from the stomach down.
Authorities have identified Rios as the suspect who allegedly fired the shots from the black Chevrolet Tahoe, and he has been charged by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. However, Rios is currently at large, prompting a plea from law enforcement for anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Anyone with information on Rios or the case is urged to contact the HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS to provide information anonymously.
The search for the suspect continues as authorities seek justice for the victims of this senseless act of violence.