Gunfire Erupts Outside Tequila B’s Bar, One Killed, Another Hospitalized
Houston, TX – A tragic incident unfolded early Sunday morning outside Tequila B’s bar on the North Freeway in Houston, leaving one man dead and another critically injured after multiple suspects opened fire on a crowd. This deadly assault, which occurred just as the bar was closing at approximately 2:45 a.m., has sparked an urgent investigation by the Houston Police Department (HPD), who are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying those responsible.
The targeted crowd, numbering around 30 people, had gathered outside Tequila B’s following a night out when chaos erupted. Authorities confirmed that multiple gunmen opened fire on the crowd, sending people scrambling for cover as shots rang out in the pre-dawn hours. One of the bullets struck 28-year-old Steve Rodriguez, an employee of the bar, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Another victim, also a Tequila B’s employee, sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
When Houston police officers arrived, they encountered a chaotic and tragic scene, littered with evidence of a violent confrontation. Witnesses told police that a dark-colored sedan was seen speeding away from the location shortly after the shooting. It is currently believed that this vehicle may be connected to the suspects, and HPD has placed a high priority on locating it as part of the investigation. No arrests have been made thus far, and authorities have not yet released descriptions of the suspects or any additional details surrounding the potential motive for the attack.
HPD’s Homicide Division is now working diligently to gather any available evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses and statements from witnesses who were present. Investigators are hopeful that these sources, along with the public’s cooperation, will yield valuable leads to help identify those responsible. Given the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which unfolded in a public area with innocent bystanders, HPD is treating this as a case of urgent public concern.
The incident at Tequila B’s highlights a concerning trend in Houston and across major cities in the United States where gun violence has continued to escalate. According to recent statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, 2023 has seen a significant rise in gun-related homicides across Texas, with Houston ranking among the highest in reported incidents. Local officials and community activists have increasingly voiced concerns about the impact of gun violence on public safety, business operations, and the city’s nightlife economy.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has repeatedly expressed his determination to address the uptick in violent crimes through increased police presence and community outreach. The HPD has also responded by intensifying patrols in high-risk areas, including popular nightlife zones such as the North Freeway corridor where Tequila B’s is located. However, incidents like this one illustrate the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing violence that often stems from spontaneous altercations or targeted attacks in public places.
In the wake of Sunday’s shooting, HPD has urged members of the community to come forward with any information that might help solve this case. Police officials have emphasized the need for cooperation from both witnesses and anyone with relevant knowledge about the suspects or the dark-colored sedan seen fleeing the scene. “We need the public’s assistance to ensure justice is served for the victims and to prevent further violence in our community,” HPD Chief Troy Finner stated in a press release. The police department has set up an anonymous tip line to encourage those who may fear retaliation to share information without revealing their identity.
As the investigation continues, Tequila B’s remains temporarily closed, with management expressing shock and sadness over the tragic incident. In a statement, they extended condolences to the family of Steve Rodriguez and expressed hope for the recovery of their critically injured employee. They also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
The fatal shooting outside Tequila B’s has reignited calls for measures that can better protect patrons of bars and entertainment venues across Houston. Community leaders and city officials are scheduled to meet later this week to discuss additional ways to enhance security measures around popular nightlife spots, particularly as the city braces for more high-profile events and holiday gatherings in the coming months.
For now, the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division will continue their efforts to bring those responsible to justice. HPD encourages anyone with information regarding this case to reach out through their hotline or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
