LIBERTY COUNTY, TX- Cleveland Police are investigating multiple reports of shots fired Sunday afternoon in the area of Neal Funeral Home, as a grieving family gathered for a viewing.
Around 2:45 p.m., CPD responded to the 200 block of S. Washington Avenue, where the funeral home is located. Witnesses, many of whom were family members and mourners standing outside of the funeral home, said a green Jeep Cherokee was driving past when shots rang out. Several witnesses were certain the shots were fired from someone inside of the Jeep. Those standing outside in the open, when they heard what everyone believes were gunshots. panicked and ran for cover. They said the SUV sped away after shots were allegedly fired, heading southbound on Washington Avenue.
CPD Chief Darrel Broussard says call takers at the dispatch center received multiple 911 calls from citizens who were not attending the viewing but also heard what they believed to be gunshots in the area. Despite being distracted, surprised, and not too far from the roadway, none of the outdoor witnesses were shot. Even so, Chief Broussard was extremely disturbed to by the incident that occurred in the middle of town in broad daylight, and seemed to be directed at grieving people.
“The family was going through enough with the loss of a dear family member,” he said. “For someone to drive past shooting near them was very heartless.”
The Chief said Cleveland Police assured the family they’ll provide whatever security they may need for the pending funeral services.
The case is part of an active investigation, assigned CPD’s Criminal Investigations Division. They’re asking whoever is responsible for the alleged discharging of a firearm to come forward and discuss the case.
Anyone with information regarding the incident and / or identity of those involved should call CPD at (281)592-2622, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867. All callers will remain anonymous.
