HOUSTON — Police are investigating after they say three people were shot, one fatally, in the parking lot of an after-hours nightclub in southwest Houston Saturday morning.
It happened el Tucanazo just before 8 a.m. in the 7200 block of Clarewood.
During a news conference, police said the club's DJ noticed a commotion and stopped the music. Several people were removed from the club.
About 10 minutes later, police say shots were fired in the club's parking lot. Three people -- a customer, a security guard and a club employee -- were hit and rushed to the hospital. The customer died from his injuries.
Police say the shooter took off southbound and may have gotten into another vehicle. They say a club employee might have helped them escape but they're hoping for tips to help identify him.
Investigators found two guns at the scene.
It's not the first time police have had problems with after-hours clubs.
"Last year, Chief Finner was very strong on clubs that caused a lot of crimes and after-hours clubs. He had big meeting with all the business owners throughout the city," Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir said.
HPD said they'll continue to keep an eye out on the clubs.
Sean Teare with the Harris County District Attorney's Office says they received a grant to prosecute after-hour clubs that are serving alcohol. They have a team that investigates the clubs.
Teare said owners and operators could face criminal penalties and up to a year in jail.
At this time, we don’t know the condition of the other victims. We also don’t have any information on the suspect, but no one is in custody. Police say they do have leads.