Fort worth: suspect in solicitation case shot, one in custody

A man accused of soliciting children for sex in south Fort Worth is hospitalized in stable condition after being shot Friday morning, a development that has complicated an already disturbing case. Police responded to the 3700 block of Century Place shortly after 11:43 a.m. following reports of a man allegedly soliciting minors and appearing to be under the influence.

The escalation: gunfire before police arrival

The situation took a dramatic turn as officers en route heard a single gunshot, an alert immediately broadcast over police radio. Upon arrival, they located the suspect, matching the initial description, walking towards nearby apartments and a convenience store. He was subsequently detained, but it was quickly determined he had sustained a gunshot wound to the groin.

Three individuals are believed to be responsible for the shooting, though only one is currently in police custody. The identities of the other two suspects remain unknown, and a city-wide search is underway. The victim, identified as the original suspect in the solicitation case, was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he is reported to be stable. Details surrounding the motive for the shooting are still emerging, but authorities have confirmed it is being treated as an active investigation.

The Fort Worth Police Department has released few details about the suspect in custody, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. However, the incident raises serious questions about the circumstances leading to the shooting and the potential for further escalation. The proximity of the shooting to a residential area, and the apparent targeting of an individual facing serious allegations, adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding story.

CBS News Texas will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The investigation is expected to be lengthy, given the multiple suspects and the sensitive nature of the initial allegations.