Texas Family Severely Burned in 4th of July Road Rage Incident
A road rage incident in Harris County escalated into gunfire Thursday night, and ended with two toddlers and their parents being hospitalized with severe burns.
In a media release, HCSO reported that two drivers got into a dispute and stopped to confront each other at a gas station on Highway 249. During their argument, one of the man brandished a gun and fired it at the other man's truck. The owner of the truck got back in his vehicle and drove away.
Surveillance footage shows fireworks exploding inside the truck. Police believe the gunshot ignited a package of fireworks the family had purchased earlier that evening. The truck soon became engulfed in flames, and the man and two children in the truck - a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old - were severely burned. Witnesses were able to transport them to an urgent care center. The children were then airlifted to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical condition.
Police say the shooter was a Hispanic male who was travelling with a woman and children. They believe he was driving a white Ford Explorer SUV filmed driving away from the scene.
They're asking anyone who may have information about the incident to call them at 713-274-9100. Tips can also be submitted to Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.