Teen dies, 16-year-old injured after running from gunfire into off-duty officer's backyard: HCSO

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A 17-year-old was shot and killed, and another teenager was injured after running away from a fight and into an off-duty officer's backyard on Thursday morning.

Officials said the shooting happened in the 1300 block of Crosshaven just before 5 a.m.

When deputies arrived, they learned there was a confrontation between two groups of young men at a home, which led to gunfire and people running away.

In an update, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at least two people, a 17-year-old and possibly a 16-year-old, ran and jumped over the fence of the backyard of an off-duty Jacinto City Police Department officer.

Authorities said the officer heard the gunshots and, in response, also fired his weapon, but it remains unclear what led up to the officer firing.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office later said the 17-year-old was taken to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, where he was pronounced dead.

The second teen was taken to the hospital by family and is expected to survive.

HCSO said it remains unclear if the teens were injured during the initial gunfire before the officer discharged his weapon.

Family members identified the teen who died as Ashton Lavon. They said he was a junior at North Shore Senior High School, who ran track and played football, and they are still in disbelief that he's gone.

"Ashton was a very humble kid. Like, I say, it shocked the family to know that it was him. Great athlete, known from Houston to Florida," relative Alvin Morehead said.

"Put your guns down. This baby didn't deserve that; he was such an awesome kid, and he was very respectful. It was always, 'Yes, sir.' And, 'No, sir,' 'Yes, ma'am,' 'No, ma'am.' He didn't deserve this," relative Nakisha Walker said.

There is no official word on other injuries, but officials said they believe everyone involved has been talked to.

An investigation is still underway, HCSO said.

Jacinto City PD says the officer involved has been with the department for more than nine years and is now on administrative leave.