Teen wounded in apparent drive-by shooting while sitting in vehicle outside southeast Houston home overnight

What investigators say happened

A teenage girl was shot while sitting inside a vehicle outside a home in southeast Houston early Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, prompting an ongoing investigation by Houston police into what detectives believe may have been a drive-by shooting.

The shooting was reported shortly after midnight in the 7100 block of Kinney Street, near Telephone Road and close to Carothers Street. Officers arriving at the scene found the victim—identified by police as an 18-year-old woman—inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound.

Emergency medical responders transported her to a hospital. Police said she was expected to survive.

Vehicle description and possible suspect vehicle

Investigators described the victim as being seated in a red vehicle when gunfire struck. At the scene, visible damage consistent with gunfire was observed on the vehicle’s side door.

Police indicated a pickup truck may have been involved, but no detailed suspect description or confirmed identification has been released. Authorities have not said whether the shooter fired from a moving vehicle or from nearby, and no arrests were announced Friday.

Unclear motive, limited public details so far

As of Friday evening, police said the motive remained unclear. Authorities have not publicly characterized the incident as targeted or random, and they have not released information about any prior dispute, relationship, or threat that could explain the shooting.

Investigators also have not disclosed how many shots were fired, whether there were witnesses who saw the shooter, or whether surveillance video has been recovered from nearby homes or businesses. Police have not released the victim’s name.

How the case is being handled

The investigation is being handled as a serious assault case. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department’s Major Assaults Division at 713-308-8800, or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

• Location: 7100 block of Kinney Street, near Telephone Road (southeast Houston)

• Time: Around 12:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

• Victim: 18-year-old woman; hospitalized; expected to survive

• Working theory: Possible drive-by shooting; pickup truck possibly involved

Anyone with information that could help identify a suspect or vehicle is asked to contact police or submit an anonymous tip.