HOUSTON, Texas — A car crash added to the holiday chaos when a 12-year-old girl, who had been shot by celebratory gunfire on Christmas Eve, was being rushed to the hospital. The accident occurred just hours after the girl was struck by a stray bullet while walking with her mother outside an apartment complex in southwest Houston.
At around 11:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve, authorities with the Houston Police Department (HPD) and Houston Fire Department (HFD) responded to a two-car collision near the intersection of Westpark Drive and Hillcroft Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered that the 12-year-old girl had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Earlier that evening, the girl and her mother had been walking outside their apartment complex when a stray bullet, likely fired as part of a Christmas celebration, struck the child. Gunfire during the holiday season is not uncommon in some communities, where people shoot guns into the air to celebrate, unaware of the dangers of falling bullets.
A neighbor driving by witnessed the mother tending to her injured daughter and stopped to offer assistance. The neighbor agreed to drive the pair to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, the roads were wet from recent thunderstorms, making driving conditions dangerous. As they made their way through the area, the car collided with another vehicle, causing a crash.
The collision did not result in any additional injuries, but it delayed the girl’s transport to the hospital. HFD officials responded quickly to the accident and transported the injured girl to the hospital. She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Authorities have not identified the person responsible for firing the celebratory gunshot that struck the girl. HPD officials are continuing their investigation, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Houston Police Sergeant Ali commented on the incident, urging the public to be mindful of their actions during the holidays. “We just want everyone to be safe,” Sergeant Ali said. “Everybody wants to be outside and have a good time. We just want everybody to do it safely.”
Celebratory gunfire has long been a cause of concern for public safety, particularly around holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s, when gunfire into the air is often mistaken for harmless fun. However, bullets fired into the sky can fall to the ground at high speeds, causing serious injuries or even fatalities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of irresponsible firearm use during celebrations and highlights the importance of remaining vigilant about safety, particularly in residential areas. Local authorities continue to encourage people to enjoy the holidays responsibly and refrain from discharging firearms.
As of now, HPD officials have not provided further details about the ongoing investigation into the celebratory gunfire that led to the girl’s injuries. However, they remain committed to finding those responsible for the reckless act.
In the meantime, the girl’s family is grateful that her injuries were not more serious and is hoping for a swift recovery as they continue to process the unexpected turn their Christmas Eve took.
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