Introduction to the Incident
A dispute involving four women erupted into gunfire on Friday afternoon inside a Walmart in east Harris County, Texas. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were called to the scene at around 2:48 p.m. after reports of a disturbance that began outside the building. When deputies arrived, they found one woman had been shot.
What Happened
According to investigators, a group of four women began fighting outside the Walmart before the confrontation spilled inside, near the front registers and restrooms. Two employees attempted to break up the fight when one of the women, identified as a Walmart employee, pulled out a handgun and fired several shots. One of the other women was struck once and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Suspected Shooter
The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Breshaun Manuel, walked toward the entrance as deputies arrived, raised her hands, and surrendered without incident. Manuel has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The altercation was part of an "ongoing dispute" between the women and not connected to Walmart or the suspect’s employment, though the shooter was wearing a Walmart vest at the time.
Eyewitness Accounts
An anonymous witness told a reporter that she was checking out at the cashier when she quickly watched the situation turn violent. "The Walmart employee walked up to her and pointed her gun out. She didn’t have no emotion toward it. She wasn’t even angry no more. She literally just shot her with a straight face," said the witness. The witness also described the chaotic scene, with everyone inside hitting the ground and running, and some elderly people having panic attacks and passing out.
Reaction from Shoppers
Many shoppers were left with security concerns after the incident. One shopper, Santino Gomez, said he was just trying to buy Pokemon cards and Doritos when he saw the chaotic scene outside. "Since she decided to pull out a gun, you know, she ruined it for a bunch of the people that are trying to go to the store and stuff. So it kind of annoyed me that she acted in a cowardly manner," said Gomez.
Statement from Walmart
Walmart released a statement saying, "Violence in our stores is unacceptable and we take these incidents seriously. We’re grateful to first responders for acting quickly and we will be working with police through their investigation." The store was temporarily closed while detectives and crime scene units investigated, with customers cleared from the building.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of addressing disputes and conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner. The use of violence and firearms can have serious consequences, and it is essential for individuals to prioritize de-escalation techniques and seek help from authorities when necessary. The community is grateful for the quick response of the HCSO and the bravery of the eyewitnesses who shared their accounts of the incident.
