Houston Police Department

February 7, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating the near fatal shooting of a man at 6600 Weaver Rd. about 8:20 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 6).

The wounded victim has been identified as Dedric Keith Bell, 30. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition. He is not expected to survive.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Torres and Officer S.R. Straughter reported:

An unknown suspect shot Bell as he drove his vehicle eastbound in the 6600 block of Weaver Rd. Investigators believe the suspect was riding in the passenger seat at the time he shot Bell. After the shooting, Bell's vehicle struck a parked vehicle and witnesses observed the suspect casually exit the vehicle and begin reaching back inside the vehicle and fumbling around in the console area. Another vehicle approached and then stopped. The suspect jumped into the back seat of the vehicle and fled. Investigators found what appears to be illegal drugs and paraphernalia inside of the Bell's vehicle.

The suspect is only described as a black male. He fled the scene in a white or gray 4-door Dodge Intrepid.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

NJM/MES 2/7/06
Inc #20818806

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.