Surveillance video shows gunfire erupting during the party. Neighbors say they fear for their safety.
HOUSTON — Residents in Houston’s Third Ward are calling for stronger enforcement against short-term rentals after a house party erupted into gunfire early Sunday morning.
Surveillance cameras captured the chaotic scene just after 1 a.m. on Dickens Road. Video shows multiple people firing guns while dozens of partygoers ran for cover.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s very unacceptable,” neighbor Dora Byrd said.
Byrd said she woke up to the sound of rapid gunfire and immediately feared for her life.
“All hell broke loose,” Byrd said. “And I just couldn’t do anything else but lay there.”
Houston police said three people were shot and taken to the hospital. All are expected to survive. Investigators said the shooters fled the scene before officers arrived.
Hours later, shell casings still littered the neighborhood, and several vehicles appeared to have been struck by bullets.
City records show the property where the party happened is registered as a short-term rental.
Neighbors said they are frustrated with the growing number of party-related incidents tied to short-term rental homes and worry about safety in their community.
“I want something done about it because we don’t have this in our neighborhood,” Byrd said. “We don’t need a hotel like this, with people coming like this. We in danger.”
The concerns were brought to Houston City Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents District D.
Evans-Shabazz said the city recently implemented new regulations aimed at cracking down on problematic short-term rentals.
“Their license could be revoked, meaning they can no longer operate,” Evans-Shabazz said. “That is the reason we are regulating — to make sure people comply.”
She added that the city is “ready to crack down on all of this.”
Attempts to contact the property owners were unsuccessful.
The city has a 24-hour short-term rental complaint hotline for residents dealing with issues involving nearby rental properties at 832-394-8802.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Houston police at 713-308-8800.
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