Durham Felon Arrested After Morning Shotgun Shooting Injures Woman on Lowry Avenue
DURHAM, N.C. — A mid-morning shooting inside a Durham home sent a woman to the hospital and ended with a convicted felon in custody, after what police describe as a targeted incident between two people who knew each other. The case is now raising renewed concerns about illegal firearms and violence in residential neighborhoods just east of downtown.
Shooting Reported Near Downtown Durham
Durham Police responded just after 8:40 a.m. Tuesday to reports of a shooting at a home in the 1000 block of Lowry Avenue, near North Alston Avenue and Holloway Street.
When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from gunshot wounds.
- The victim was transported to a nearby hospital
- Her injuries were reported as not life-threatening
Police quickly secured the area, placing crime scene tape around the property as investigators began processing the scene.
Suspect Identified and Taken Into Custody
Authorities arrested Christopher Lamont Houze, 48, of Durham, in connection with the shooting.
He is facing multiple charges, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
According to arrest warrants, Houze has a prior 2008 felony conviction in Durham County for selling or delivering a counterfeit controlled substance, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Victim and Suspect Were Known to Each Other
Investigators say the shooting does not appear to be random.
“A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect and victim were known to each other,” police said in a statement.
Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of their relationship or what led up to the shooting.
Court Appearance and Custody Status
Houze made his first court appearance Wednesday in Durham County.
- He was denied bond
- His next court date is scheduled for May 18
Officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Ongoing Investigation
Durham police say the case remains active and ongoing.
At this time, investigators have not released:
- Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting
- Whether there were other individuals present inside the home
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Durham Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Durham CrimeStoppers.
Conclusion
While the victim is expected to survive, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and illegal firearm possession in Durham neighborhoods. As the case moves forward in court, investigators continue working to determine what led to the shooting—and to ensure accountability in a situation that could have turned far more deadly.