PEARLAND, Texas – Authorities in Pearland, Texas are on the hunt for a 19-year-old suspect who has been charged in connection with a Sunday shooting at a flea market that resulted in the death of a child and left four others injured. The police have identified the suspect as David Negrete and have described him as “armed and dangerous.” They are urging the public to come forward with any information on his whereabouts.
The shooting occurred at Cole’s Flea Market, where a shootout unfolded, caught in the crossfire were three innocent bystanders, including a 10-year-old who tragically lost his life. The Pearland Police Department revealed that there may be two additional suspects involved in the incident.
According to investigators, the incident is believed to have been sparked by an altercation involving two to three individuals. Multiple shots were fired, and at least two handguns were used. The injured bystanders, a 14-year-old Hispanic female and a 37-year-old Hispanic man, were also rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Pearland PD spokesman C. Rogers expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized how uncommon this kind of violence is in the area. Rogers stated, “That kind of stuff doesn’t happen in Pearland, and it’s a very sad day.”
In an effort to assist in the capture of the suspects responsible and bring justice to the victims, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday that the state is adding $10,000 to the $5,000 reward already offered by Brazoria County Crime Stoppers, bringing the total reward to $15,000 for any useful information leading to the apprehension of the shooters.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on David Negrete’s location or any other details related to the case to contact the Pearland Police Department Tip Line at 281-997-5828 or Brazoria County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-460-2222.