Houston police apologize for erroneous tweet announcing death of teen who was still alive
While leaving the Astros game Tuesday night in Houston, David Xavier Castro was shot in the head. Then local police mistakenly announced on Twitter that he died from his injuries, though he actually was on life support.
On Wednesday morning, Houston police apologized to the Castro family for their initial report.
“We have learned the victim is not deceased & sincerely apologize to his family. The teen is currently on life-support. Please join us in praying for this young man and his family,” the Houston Police Department tweeted.
At about 11 p.m. Tuesday, Castro, his father and brother left the Astros game. The father was driving when they encountered the suspect in a white Buick sedan, according to a Houston Police news release. The two drivers exchanged "hand gestures" and the suspect continued to follow Castro's father.
Police search: Police searching for suspect in Georgia country club shooting that left 3 dead
Freeway tragedy: Detroit freeway shooting kills toddler and leaves nine-year-old fighting for life
The suspect then fired "several shots at the father’s truck, striking one of the male passengers at least one time," the release said. The father drove to a nearby highway and called 911. By the time police arrived, Castro was being loaded into an ambulance and taken to the nearest hospital.
Castro remains in the hospital on life support, and the suspect has not yet been identified.
Follow Gabriela Miranda on Twitter: @itsgabbymiranda
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston police send wrong tweet claiming teen on life support had died
