Deputies said a caller followed the fleeing car and relayed information that led Houston officers to the accused gunman.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A witness who followed a car leaving a deadly shooting scene while speaking with a 911 dispatcher helped authorities locate a 19-year-old man later charged in the attack, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.
The shooting killed 18-year-old Jonathan Mata and wounded a 20-year-old relative early Sunday outside a business near the North Freeway and West Airtex Boulevard. Deputies said the surviving victim was expected to recover.
Authorities said two groups had argued in the parking lot outside Mexcal Cantina Pacifico shortly before shots were fired about 1:30 a.m. Investigators allege that a man went to a vehicle, obtained a gun and opened fire.
After the shooting, the accused gunman drove away in a black Chevrolet Camaro, according to the sheriff’s office. A person who had been with Mata began following the vehicle and called 911.
Deputies said the caller continued providing information about the fleeing car. The sheriff’s office credited that account with helping law enforcement locate the vehicle after it traveled away from the shooting scene.
Houston Police Department officers found the suspect at a location on the city’s south side and detained him, authorities said. The sheriff’s office identified him as Juan Lopez.
Lopez was later charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Harris County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Mata and his relative were both taken to a hospital after deputies arrived. Mata was pronounced dead, while authorities said his relative’s wounds were not expected to be fatal. Officials did not release the surviving victim’s name.
The investigation remained active Monday. Authorities had not announced whether investigators recovered a firearm, released details about what started the argument or identified other people who may have been involved in the confrontation.
The accusations against Lopez have not been proved in court. No information about an initial court appearance or future hearing had been released.
Author note: Last updated July 20, 2026.