ELLIS COUNTY, TX – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that left three people injured at a large, unauthorized outdoor party and trail ride event near Red Oak on Sunday morning.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on August 3, deputies responded to a shooting in the 800 block of Batchler Road. They found three individuals with gunshot wounds, all of whom were transported to area hospitals. One victim is in intensive care.
According to a preliminary investigation, the victims and most of the attendees were not residents of Ellis County but had traveled from other parts of Texas to attend the event, which was advertised as a day-long back-to-school supply giveaway, water balloon fight, and trail ride with live music.
Sheriff Brad Norman stated that large-scale events, or “Mass Gatherings,” are required to obtain a permit under the Texas Health and Safety Code, and no such permit was issued for this event.
“We take public safety seriously, especially when it comes to large, unregulated events that draw crowds from outside our county,” Sheriff Norman said. “These gatherings create unnecessary risks for our community and strain local emergency services.”
It is currently unknown if any suspects are in custody. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office at 972-937-6060 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Ellis County at 972-937-PAYS (7297).
