Multiple people shot on community college campus near Houston

NBC affiliate KPRC in Houston reports that multiple people have been shot at a north Harris County college, and a second suspect may be on the loose, Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables said.

Investigators said the shooting happened at Lone Star College's North Harris campus, 2700 West W. W. Thorne Drive near Aldine Westfield shortly after noon on today.

Officials have not said exactly how many people have been shot or the extent of their injuries. Ben Taub Hospital said it was expecting two patients. Memorial Hermann Hospital said one person was transported by ambulance.

Deputy constables said they have at least one person detained, but have not said if that person is a suspected shooter.

Investigators said a second suspect, an 18- to 20-year-old black male wearing a red shirt and Falcons cap, fled north of campus to a nearby subdivision. Deputies are actively searching for him.

Armed Harris County sheriff's deputies searched buildings and vehicles for anyone who may be involved in the shooting.

"I was waiting for my English class to start. It was five minutes before class and all of a sudden, I heard shots fired and people started rushing in the hallway. A few students even came in to our room seeking shelter and we closed the door and we pushed the table against the door and we were hiding," student Amanda Vasquez said. "You never think this is going to happen to you."

Vasquez said the shots seem to be fired in her classroom's hallway.

"They sounded very close -- the shots. (We heard) five or six gunshots," Vasquez said. "I just ducked under the table as fast as I could and hoped for the best. I saw one of the shooters when he was already under police control."

Some students said two men were involved in a dispute and both pulled at guns and began firing at each other. Law enforcement officials have not confirmed those accounts.

A shelter-in-place was ordered at the college. Students, faculty and staff were told to stay where they are.

Aldine Independent School District officials said four nearby campuses, Dunn Elementary, Parker Intermediate, Nimitz 9th grade campus and Nimitz High, were placed on lockdown as a precaution. School district officials said there is no reason to believe a shooter is on any of those campuses, but the lockdown was issued for precautionary measures.