Lufkin Police Investigate Christmas Morning Shooting at Nightclub

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Apparently, the Christmas phrase 'Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Men' didn't ring true at a Lufkin nightclub during the early hours of Christmas morning.

According to a release from the Lufkin Police Department, authorities are investigating an early morning incident in which two people were taken to a local hospital following a report of shots fired at a nightclub on East Denman Avenue.

At 3:38 a.m., Lufkin Police officers were dispatched to “The Playground” at 502 East Denman Avenue, former Shipley’s Donuts, following more than ten 9-1-1 calls of a shooting in the parking lot. Callers reported hearing more than 20 rounds fired by multiple shooters.

Paramedics also responded to the scene. Two persons, a man and a woman, were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.  The man's injuries were the result of being pistol-whipped while the woman was treated from a bullet that grazed her head.

Witnesses told officers that before the shooting, a fight occurred inside the business, and those involved were told to leave. Shortly after the group exited the building, numerous shots were heard, witnesses said.

Officers recovered roughly 40 shell casings from the parking lot.

No other injuries had been reported as of 6 a.m. on December 25.

Glass windows at nearby Timberland Drive businesses - Pure Energy Audio and Family Dollar - were shattered by bullets.

Nightclub employee Titus Smith, 34, of Lufkin, was taken into custody after he allegedly assaulted an officer. As of 7 a.m., he was awaiting book-in at the Angelina County Jail. The mug shot below is from a previous arrest.

The incident remains under investigation.