Harris County teen dead, 1 injured after shootings involving two groups then off-duty officer

Teen killed after series of shootings involving two groups then off-duty officer

Officials say an off-duty officer shot at two teens who were in his backyard as they were running from another shooting. Family members of the teen who died spoke to FOX 26's Jillian Hartmann about what led up to the initial shooting.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - An off-duty San Jacinto City Police Department officer was involved in a deadly shooting after two teens were seen on his property, Harris County Sheriff's Office reports.

Crosshaven Drive shooting 

What we know:

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says deputies were initially called to a drive-by shooting in the 13800 block of Crosshaven Drive.

In an update, Gonzalez says a group of males were outside a home when another group approached them. The groups got into an altercation and gunshots were fired.

Officials report multiple people ran from the scene.

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The off-duty officer heard the gunfire as two teens jumped over his fence and into his yard.

Gonzalez says it is unknown what happened, but the officer used his weapon to shoot at them.

One teen was pronounced dead at the hospital. Family members identified him as 17-year-old Ashton LaVan, a junior at North Shore High School. 

The second teen, believed to be 16, was taken by private vehicle to the emergency room.

What we don't know:

The sheriff says it is unclear at this time if they were shot by the officer or if they were already wounded in the initial shooting involving the other group of males.

The condition of the second teen shot is unknown at this time.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Teen killed in shooting

Ashton LaVan (courtesy of family)

What they're saying:

"This baby didn't deserve that. He was such a humble kid, very respectful...These kids need to put these guns up. Put your guns down, ya'll. Please. It's too much," said Walker, Ashton's family member. "He got a text message and whoever text him said they was comin' and they came."

In a letter to Galena Park ISD families, Superintendent John Moore says there has been no official information stating any students from the district were involved.