LAWYER IN NAZI UNIFORM OPENS FIRE IN HOUSTON

HOUSTON • A disgruntled lawyer reportedly wearing a Nazi uniform randomly shot at drivers in a Houston neighbourhood Monday morning, hitting six people, one critically, before he was shot and killed by police, authorities said. Another three people had injuries from glass or debris.

The first report of the shootings came in at about 6:30 a.m., Police Chief Martha Montalvo said at a news conference, and the suspect began firing at officers when they arrived. Montalvo did not identify the man; Mayor Sylvester Turner told KTRKTV that the lawyer was “disgruntled” and was “either fired or had a bad relationship with this law firm.”

Numerous weapons were found at the scene, a bombsquad robot examined a Porsche that’s believed to belong to the shooter and bomb squad officers also were scouring the suspect’s residence, Montalvo said.

The entrance to the condo complex, which is near the affluent enclave of West University Place, was still blocked off with police tape late Monday morning. Several cars with bullet holes and shattered windows were at a nearby strip mall.

Jennifer Molleda and her husband live in the same condo complex as the shooter. Though she heard gunshots about 6:12 a.m. and called 911, her husband left for work. The 45-year-old called him not long after, and he told her “I’m hit, I’m hit.”

After the shooting stopped at 7:15 a.m., Molleda found her husband, 49-year-old Alan Wakim, several blocks away in the parking lot of a nearby strip mall. His Mustang had two shots that went through the windshield, and he told her that he saw a red laser beam before the shots were fired. He was taken to a hospital to be treated.

“He got out of his car, we hugged, we cried,” Molleda said, adding that after she saw everything he believes the man was “aiming to kill.”

Molleda said the suspect brandished an assault-style weapon at roofers in the complex a few weeks ago. She said she didn’t know him very well but described him as quiet. “He’s a normal, average Joe,” she said.

Lee Williams left his home in the neighbourhood upon hearing gunshots and began directing traffic away from the condo complex, noting that people usually cut through the area to avoid some busier intersections. One car ignored the gunman, he said, and was immediately shot at. Williams couldn’t see the gunman because it was dark, but believed he saw the muzzle flashes.

“Whatever cars were going by, he was shooting at them,” the 55-year-old said, noting he heard at least 50 gunshots over 40 or so minutes.

Of the nine people hurt, Houston Fire Department spokesman Ruy Lozano said six were shot and three had minor injuries related to glass. Montalvo said one person was hospitalized in critical condition and another in serious condition.