WOOD COUNTY, Texas – On Saturday afternoon, a family’s birthday celebration for a five‑year‑old boy was interrupted by a burst of gunfire near a home on County Road 3875, just outside the small community of Hawkins. While the party featured a Nerf‑gun play area and a skeet‑shooting setup, the unexpected discharge of live rounds sent guests scrambling for safety.
Family’s account of the incident
Mother Caidyn Hope described the scene as “heartbreaking.” She said the party had about 25 to 30 guests when the shots rang out. Hope’s husband managed to get the children away from the house, and no one was physically harmed.
Her son, Coy Anderson, recounted seeing sand kick up as rounds struck the ground. “Me and another boy, we look at each other again and see more rounds hitting the ground, and we realize we are getting shot at. We end up going around the house to get away from all of it,” Anderson said.
Community reaction
Neighbors expressed concern over the safety of local gatherings. “It’s frightening to think something like this could happen at a family event,” one nearby resident, who asked to remain unnamed, said. The incident has sparked a conversation among parents about the need for increased vigilance and secure environments for children’s activities.
Law‑enforcement response
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation immediately after the report. Deputies are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes, and speaking with party attendees to piece together a timeline of events. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Officer Mark Anderson (no relation to the family) said, “We are treating this as a serious public‑safety matter and are working diligently to identify the individual(s) responsible.”
Authorities have asked anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information about the source of the gunfire to contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 555‑0123.
What’s next?
While the investigation remains ongoing, local officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Lisa Martinez noted that “prompt tips from residents are often the key to solving cases like this.” The department also reminded the public that Texas law permits the open carry of firearms, but unlawful discharge of a weapon is a criminal offense that will be pursued aggressively.
Parents in the area are encouraged to review safety plans for future events, consider secure venues, and stay informed about local law‑enforcement resources. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as the case develops.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
