Gunman Opens Fire at Texas Bar, Killing 1 and Injuring 6

No one walks into a bar thinking they might not make it home. A night out in Cleveland, Texas, turned into horror when a stranger sitting at the bar suddenly opened fire.

The attack happened just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Alas Locas Sports Bar, about 45 miles northeast of Houston.

Drinking alone before firing off rounds into the crowd.

Witnesses told investigators the man had been sitting alone at the bar for nearly an hour before slipping outside. Minutes later, he came back onto the patio and began shooting without warning.

Deputies say he fired at least 20 rounds into the crowd, sending people scrambling for cover. One victim, who had been at the bar with his wife, died at the scene. Five men and one woman were also hit, with two of them listed in critical condition.

Surveillance images released.

Overnight, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance images of the suspected shooter and the white van with no side windows, which they believe he used to escape. Officials are urging anyone who spots the suspect or vehicle to contact investigators immediately.

Capt. David Myers said the man arrived between midnight and 2 a.m., ordered a beer, and “was not really conversing with anyone” before unleashing the violence. The Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation, and dozens of shell casings have been recovered from the scene.

The manhunt is ongoing, and the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. A motive is still unclear.