HOUSTON – Extra police officers and lighting were added at different locations around RodeoHouston on Thursday according to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials following concerns of gunshots Wednesday.
"I'm very confident because RodeoHouston always takes care of the people. I feel very safe coming in with the metal detectors, so I knew nothing would transpire tonight,” said Alisha Fears, who brought her daughters to the Rodeo on Thursday night.
Fears said she was shocked to hear about the reported gunshots Wednesday night, but felt safe enough to come to the Carnival on Thursday night.
“They checked everything, made you place your keys and cellphone in the bin and they made you walk through the metal detectors and if it buzzed or anything, you know other people went back,” Fears said.
Wednesday night, people panicked after reports of gunshots on the carnival grounds at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Carnival goers ran and hid after people started screaming and telling others there was a gun. One Channel 2 viewer captured audio of what she described as gunshots.
Houston Police said they found a 9 mm shell casing on the northeast side of the carnival grounds near Kirby, but police say they haven’t found a gun or any eye witnesses.
“Still no firearm has been recovered. So we believe there was one shot fired. And that part of the investigation continues. So, our homicide division will continue the investigation in regard to any complainant or witnesses that we have to see if we can positively identify the person who shot that round,” said Capt. Dwayne Ready with the Houston Police Department.
Some people who went to the carnival Thursday night said they felt safe and were not concerned because there are a lot of loud noises.
"Right here there's balloon popping, it sounds like a gun shot, just like that,” said Robert Colella as a balloon popped.
To read the full- story go to KSAT 12's sister station, KPRC by clicking here.
Sign up for email alerts today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox.
All of the day’s important news keeping you up to date wherever you are.