PolkCountyToday.com

On January 6, 2021 at approximately 5:45 pm the Livingston Police Department responded to a residence located at 201 Maple Lane after receiving two 911 calls in regards to gunshots fired inside the residence and several occupants of the residence had been struck. The Officers arrived on scene and found multiple gunshot victims and one white male laying on the floor of the residence. After securing the scene, EMS was summoned to the scene to treat the wounded, which included a 3 year old female child. During the investigation, witnesses were able to positively identify two of the alleged three suspects who all fled the scene after making forcible entry into the residence. The suspects have been identified as Cole Byron Tucker (20) of Livingston, Jared William Hope (22) of Livingston and the third suspect has not yet been identified. According to witnesses, Tucker began firing his weapon upon them making forcible entry into the residence and a white male inside returned fire with his weapon. The investigation continued and the white male inside the residence was later identified as Ashton Allen Smith (22) and was deceased at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. The other occupants inside the residence were identified as Jimmy Douglas, Vickie Douglas and Erin Pasket. All the victims except for Jimmy Douglas sustained gunshot wounds and are being treated for their injuries, including the child. The Livingston Police Department is continuing with the investigation and arrest warrants have been issued for Cole Tucker and Jared Hope for the felony offense of Murder. The Livingston Police Department has received several tips in regards to the locations of the alleged suspects and Tucker has been arrested in Houston, Texas. The investigation is continuing by the Livingston Police Department and are being assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers.

If you have any information on this crime and the whereabouts of Jared William Hope, you are asked to contact Detective Leon Middleton at the Livingston Police Department (936)327-3117 or Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP(7867) Callers will remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information provided leads to an arrest or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.  --  end of press release

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW

Multiple Allegedly Shot by Gunman, LIVINGSTON, January 6, 2021 - Shortly before 7 pm on January 6, 2021, there was (according to sources) a shooting that occurred at Maple Street and Liberty Avenue. One person is deceased from gunshot wounds and at least two others were wounded and hospitalized. Livingston Police Department was dispatched to investigate and was assisted by Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The gunman managed to escape before police arrived.  At time of press (11 pm) the gunman is at large. That's all the information that we have at this time.