Woman Killed, Suspect in Custody After Shooting at texas Indoor Theme Park
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – A 21-year-old woman was fatally shot in the parking lot of Malibu Jacks, the largest indoor theme park in Texas, late Sunday night. North Richland Hills Police have arrested 18-year-old tychriston Reed and charged him with murder in connection with the shooting.
Deshayla jones, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, died at the scene. A 23-year-old man was also injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to recover.
According to police, the shooting occurred shortly before midnight, as Malibu Jacks, wich opened in June, was preparing to close. “An altercation apparently had begun between a group of individuals inside the business, and it escalated and went outside,” said Carissa Katekaru, the public affairs administrator for the North Richland Hills Police Department.”Reed produced a gun and began firing at individuals, striking 21-year-old Deshayla Jones, as well as another man.”
Investigators confirmed Jones and the male victim knew each other, but the motive for the initial altercation remains under examination.
The situation escalated further when Reed allegedly fired toward two uniformed,off-duty North Richland Hills police officers who were working security inside Malibu Jacks. “I do no that there is evidence that shows that he was shooting at the officers,” katekaru stated. One officer returned fire while the other provided immediate first aid to the injured man.
Reed fled the scene but was apprehended nearby, just outside the North Richland Hills city limits. Police recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon at the time of his arrest.
Reed now faces a total of nine charges, including murder, two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of reckless endangerment.
Malibu Jacks was closed on Sunday following the shooting but reopened on Monday. Police have assured the community there is no ongoing threat.
“We work really, really hard to keep them safe,” Katekaru said. “I would encourage people to continue to frequent establishments like that.”