1 dead, toddler injured in Livingston shooting

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRE) - One man is dead and three others injured including a 3-year-old girl after a shooting Wednesday at a Livingston home.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. the Livingston Police Department reports receiving two 911 calls regarding gunshots fired inside a home and several people being struck.

Officers arrived at the 200 block of Maple Lane finding multiple gunshot victims and one man laying on the floor.

A 3-year-old female child was among the wounded according to Livingston police.

Witnesses positively identified two of the alleged three suspects who had fled the scene. The suspects are Cole Byron Tucker, 20, of Livingston, Jared William Hope, 22, of Livingston and the third suspect has not been identified.

According to witnesses, Tucker began firing, forcibly entering the home, and a man inside returned fire. He was later identified as Ashton Allen Smith, 22, found dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

All the victims except for Jimmy Douglas sustained gunshot wounds and are being treated for their injuries, including the child.

The Livingston Police Department is continuing with the investigation and arrest warrants have been issued for Cole Tucker and Jared Hope for the felony offense of Murder.

The Livingston Police Department has received several tips in regards to the locations of the alleged suspects and Tucker has been arrested in Houston, Texas. The investigation is continuing by the Livingston Police Department and is being assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers.

Police reported after noon that the Hope was arrested without incident.

Livingston resident Wyndi Cooper recalled what she say when she arrived home last night.

“There were probably about 20 cops lined up outside my house. I asked the officer if I should go inside, lock doors, I have three kids and keep my gun on me and he said ‘yes,’ so that’s what I did. It was pretty scary. I was debating whether or not to leave with my kids or not, but we stayed.”

Cooper said it was a tense situation for hours.

“I turned out all the lights, watched through the windows,” Cooper said. I kind of just paced the floors with my gun until an officer around 10 or 10:30 told me they were close to apprehending a couple of the suspects. So, I was able to be a bit more at ease.”

Cooper said what happened shocked her and says people in the neighbor usually keep to themselves unless you need something.

“I’ve been here since March and it’s pretty quiet,” Cooper said. “My kids play out in the front yard, no problem. It was a little scary.”

The investigation is ongoing.

No word yet from Livingston Police on a motive or the conditions of those injured in Wednesday’s shooting.

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