HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — An ex-employee walked into a Katy-area business and fatally shot one worker before killing himself, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman says.
The victim has been identified as Michael Dawid.
Police have identified the suspect, now deceased, as 65-year-old Marion Guy Williams.
It happened before 9 a.m. Wednesday at Knight Transportation on Franz Road, west of Houston.
Sheriff Hickman says Williams was fired two weeks ago but returned to the business with two weapons. He allegedly fired several shots while approaching the building and then entered the business where he fired more shots, killing Dawid.
"He apparently became disgruntled because his payments had ceased, we understand he came to this location with a shotgun and a handgun," said Ralph Gonzales with HCSO. "He came into the building and said something like 'you ruined my life' and then fired a round straight through the building and then started shooting."
He then turned a weapon on himself, Hickman says.
Raw video: Views of shooting scene from Air 11
Two workers were struck by shrapnel, and a deputy was injured as he ran into the building. All three were treated at the scene.
The crime happened around 8:45 a.m. across the street from Morton Ranch High School, forcing Katy ISD Police to place nearby schools on lockdown.
Katy ISD says the situation was under control, and classes are returning to normal. Parents were being asked to stay away from the scene as police were still blocking nearby roads.
Views from Air 11 showed more than a dozen police vehicles and a couple ambulances around the property.
Hickman says Harris County Pct. 5, Texas Rangers, Katy Police and Katy ISD Police all responded to assist; the sheriff's office is handling the investigation.
Knight Transportation offers truck and trailer sales across the country, according to its website.
KHOU 11 spoke to two employees off-camera who said the office is small and everybody knows everybody. The employees said the suspect worked at the office for at least two years. They said they knew the man was getting laid off, but they didn't know why.
Co-workers said the shooter was a quiet man who kept to himself.
Knight Transportation released a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying:
It is with deep sadness that we confirm a shooting at our Katy, Texas facility, and the death of a Knight Transportation employee. Our deepest sympathies are with the family during this difficult time. This was the action of a lone former employee, who also died as a result of today’s events. One other employee was confirmed to have injuries, and was treated at the scene and released. We appreciate the quick response of authorities and are closely monitoring the situation. Knight is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of all of its employees. Counselors will be on site to support our employees. We have suspended all work at our Katy facility pending completion of the investigation.