HOUSTON, TX – A tragic shooting outside a southeast Houston bar has left the community reeling and calling for change. In the early hours of Sunday, a doorman at Latina’s Bar on Telephone Road was shot and killed after a confrontation with a customer. A bystander was also injured but is expected to recover. The suspect remains at large.
Residents in the Gulf Gate area are no strangers to such violence, with many expressing frustration over the lack of attention given to these incidents. Don Mead, a familiar face in the neighborhood, described the violence as all too common. He regularly witnesses the area’s nighttime activities during his early morning walks.
The absence of community infrastructure is a significant issue for locals. Mead highlighted the lack of a homeowners association, police patrols, and civic organizations, which leaves residents feeling unsupported and vulnerable to crime.
Houston Police Department crime data reveals a worrying pattern. In 2023, the area saw numerous aggravated assaults and robberies. Although the number of robberies decreased in 2024, aggravated assaults doubled, reflecting ongoing safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, residents like Mead remain hopeful that city officials will step up and provide the necessary resources to improve safety. He called on leaders to invest in the neighborhood, emphasizing the presence of many good people living in southeast Houston.
The community’s plea for intervention highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and support from local authorities. As they cope with the recent shooting, residents continue to seek solutions to reduce violence and enhance their quality of life.