Laredo, Texas, January 12, 2026
A 17-year-old boy in Laredo was critically injured in a drive-by shooting early Sunday. He was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio after being shot in the face. Police are searching for the suspect, who remains at large as the investigation continues. This incident adds to a worrying trend of gun violence in the area, prompting local authorities to ask for community assistance in apprehending the shooter.
Laredo Teenager Airlifted After Drive-By Shooting; Suspect at Large
Laredo, Texas – A 17-year-old male was critically injured in a drive-by shooting early Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, in the 400 block of Merlin Road. The suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
Incident Details
At approximately 1:50 a.m., the teenager was seated in a white truck outside a residence when an unidentified vehicle drove by and opened fire. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the face and was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio for medical treatment. As of now, there is no description of the suspect vehicle, and no arrests have been made.
Investigation Status
The Laredo Police Department is actively investigating the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the responsible individual. The case remains open, and further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Recent Related Incidents
This shooting adds to a series of recent violent events in Laredo. In October 2025, a 20-year-old man was fatally shot on West Clark Boulevard; the suspect, Victor Manuel Valadez, 19, remains at large. Additionally, in December 2024, a 17-year-old was arrested in connection with a Thanksgiving shooting near the 2300 block of Newport Avenue. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about gun violence in the community.
Community Response
Local residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The Laredo Police Department continues to work diligently to ensure the safety of the community and to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
Contact Information
Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Laredo Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 956-727-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously, and all information is treated confidentially.
About Laredo
Laredo is a city in southern Texas, situated along the U.S.-Mexico border. Known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community, Laredo faces unique challenges related to border security and public safety. The city continues to work towards enhancing safety measures and fostering community engagement to address these issues.
Related Articles
- Teenager Arrested for Thanksgiving Shooting in Laredo
- Laredo Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on West Clark Boulevard
- Community Urged to Report Suspicious Activity Amid Rising Gun Violence
FAQ
What happened in the drive-by shooting on January 11, 2026?
A 17-year-old male was critically injured when an unidentified vehicle drove by and opened fire on the truck he was seated in outside a residence in the 400 block of Merlin Road. The victim was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio for medical treatment. The suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
Has the suspect been identified?
As of now, the suspect has not been identified, and there is no description of the suspect vehicle. The Laredo Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Laredo Police Department is actively investigating the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the responsible individual. The case remains open, and further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
How can I report information about this incident?
Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Laredo Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 956-727-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously, and all information is treated confidentially.
What other recent incidents have occurred in Laredo?
In October 2025, a 20-year-old man was fatally shot on West Clark Boulevard; the suspect, Victor Manuel Valadez, 19, remains at large. Additionally, in December 2024, a 17-year-old was arrested in connection with a Thanksgiving shooting near the 2300 block of Newport Avenue. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about gun violence in the community.
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Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Location | 400 block of Merlin Road, Laredo, Texas |
| Victim’s Age | 17 years old |
| Injury | Gunshot wound to the face |
| Medical Treatment | Airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio |
| Suspect Status | At large; no description available |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; authorities seeking public assistance |
| Recent Related Incidents | October 2025: Fatal shooting on West Clark Boulevard; December 2024: Thanksgiving shooting near 2300 block of Newport Avenue |
| Community Response | Residents urged to report suspicious activity to authorities |
| Contact Information | Laredo Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 956-727-TIPS (8477) |
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