Calumet Street shooting: Contractor killed, suspect pulled up on him in parking lot

HOUSTON - Houston police are searching for the suspect behind the deadly shooting of a worker in South Central Houston early Wednesday morning.

Lieutenant WIllkens with the Houston Police Department reports the victim was a male in his 30s who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Contractor shot, killed on Calumet Street

What we know:

Officers were called to 2528 Calumet Street around 12:40 a.m. about a shooting.

According to the owner, the victim was doing conreact commercial work in the kitchen and helping pressure wash different utensils and other dishes outside.

Calumet Street shooting (Courtesy of OnScene TV Houston)

Lt. Willkens says surveillance video shows the man outside washing pots and pans when a silver or gray truck pulls into the parking lot.

The person in the truck gets the man's attention, and he walks up to the truck, officials say. The two begin speaking, but it is unsure what is being said.

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Houston police report the suspect got out of the truck to speak some more to the worker. Suddenly, the suspect shot the man point-blank, got back inside the truck, and drove off.

People inside the store, including some family members of the man, heard the commotion and went outside. The victim's brother was the one who found his brother on the ground.

Homicide investigators are at the scene.

What they're saying:

Statement from Clayton Edwards, owner of OMG Seafood:

We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic incident that occurred outside our establishment after business hours. According to video footage, a third-party contractor from Tony’s Grease Clean was on-site conducting routine vent hood cleaning and pressure washing when an unknown individual approached him. After what appeared to be a brief exchange, the individual opened fire. We want to clarify that the individual who was shot is not an employee of OMG Seafood or any of our affiliates. This was an isolated act of violence and is in no way connected to our operations or business. At OMG Seafood, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our patrons, staff, and partners. We maintain strong security protocols during business hours to ensure a safe dining experience for everyone. This is a deeply unfortunate situation, and our thoughts are with the victim and his loved ones. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation.

Riverside Civic Association stated:

"This senseless act of violence underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address the increase in crime and nightlife nuisance activities in our community. For months, Third Ward residents have called on the City of Houston and HPD to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of our neighborhood. We are again urging Mayor Whitmire, city leaders and law enforcement to work collaboratively with the community to implement immediate and effective solutions that protect the lives of our residents and restore peace."

What we don't know:

Police don't know what the two men were talking about.

What you can do:

Anyone with information connected to the shooting is asked to call HPD Homicide.