Real Time Crime Center helps arrest suspect who fired shots outside grocery store

Beaumont-sur-Mer — Beaumont police credit the new Real Time Crime Center with leading their officers to a suspect who was reportedly caught on surveillance camera in a frightening gunshot incident outside a grocery store.

Click here to connect your camera to the Real Time Crime Center.

Brian Murphy, 32, is in prison for deadly conduct and illegal possession of weapons.

Beaumont Police responded to a report of shots fired outside SNS Grocery, 3145 Concord, in the Shell gas station parking lot around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 11. During the incident, multiple shots were fired at vehicles and people.

When officers arrived, they observed one of the suspects, later identified as 32-year-old Brian Murphy, attempting to drive away from the scene in a Ford F-150. Officers stopped the driver as he was leaving the parking lot. The investigation led to the discovery of two firearms, both with extended magazines, as well as narcotics in the vehicle.

Prior to the shooting, Murphy was observed on surveillance cameras via FUSUS software firing shots at multiple vehicles and people in the parking lot. A BPD patrol officer using Real Time Crime Center technology provided officers with real-time updates, which BPD says was instrumental in the arrest of Murphy and the other occupants of the vehicle.

Although no victims were present when police arrived, numerous witnesses were seen on video at the time of the shooting, some of whom narrowly escaped being shot.

Investigators are asking anyone who was present at the Shell gas station during the shooting to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. Murphy was arrested and charged with dangerous conduct and illegal possession of a firearm, but the victim's cooperation is essential to continuing the investigation.

The parking lot at 3145 Concord has been identified as a problem area for the “after hours” when people gather after the nearby clubs and bars close. In recent years, this location has been the scene of a murder, the severe beating of a man and several shootings.

Beaumont Police say they are working with SNS Grocery management to address the ongoing issues at this location and keep the community safe. As one of the first businesses to integrate its cameras into the Beaumont Police Real Time Crime Center, SNS Grocery has been instrumental in this response.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Beaumont police at (409) 832-1234 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS (8477). You can also download the P3 Tips app to your smartphone to submit Crime Stoppers tips. All tips are anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.