Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
Francisco Oropeza, 38, a Mexican national, is on the run and “could be anywhere” after fatally shooting five neighbors, including an 8-year-old child, in Cleveland, Texas. The FBI Houston warns that Oropeza is armed and dangerous, urging anyone who spots him to immediately dial 911 and avoid approaching him.
The horrific massacre took place in the Trails End area of Cleveland, Texas, on Walters Road. Oropeza allegedly opened fire with an AR-15 Style 223 rifle, killing five people and leaving five others uninjured but traumatized. Surviving victims were found “covered in blood,” with two women lying on top of three children to shield them from the gunfire.
San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers emphasized the urgent need to locate Oropeza, stressing that he poses a significant threat to the community. “We consider him armed and dangerous. And we’re not going to stop until we actually arrest him and bring him into custody,” said James Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office.
Authorities are urging the public not to take matters into their own hands but to call 911 immediately if they see Oropeza. A $5 million bond has been assigned for when he is taken into custody.
Anyone with information related to the shooting or Oropeza’s whereabouts is asked to call the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office at 936-653-4367.