One Dead in Back Alley Shooting near Beaumont Club, Two Suspects Apprehended

On Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 1:57 AM, Officers working off-duty security at 2325 Calder(The Park on Calder), advised shots had been fired in the alley east of their location. Officers began responding to assist. While enroute, the off-duty officers advised that a victim was discovered lying in the alley, and the possible suspects fled the area in a black vehicle. EMS pronounced the victim deceased.

Responding officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Calder/IH10N. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver began evading. After a short vehicle pursuit, the driver pulled over in a parking lot. The front right passenger exited the vehicle and began evading on foot. Officers apprehended the passenger and located evidence linking the passenger to the murder subsequent to his arrest.

Both suspects were transported to the station to speak with detectives.

The driver was identified as Horace Peterson, a 39 year old Houston man. The passenger was identified as Augusta Simon Jr., 21 year old Houston man.

JP Collins signed a warrant for Augusta Simon Jr for Murder, with a $995,000 bond.

The driver, Horace Peterson, was arrested for Evading in a Motor Vehicle with a Previous Conviction- 3rd degree felony- $50,000 bond.

The victim was identified as Leroy Smith, a 30 year old Beaumont man.

There was a large crowd at the location during the shooting and Detectives are asking that witnesses with information about the incident and anyone with cellphone video contact Beaumont Police Department at 409-832-1234.

If you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a possible cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas:

CALL -409-833-TIPS, LOG ON to 833TIPS.com or use the P3 TIPS app and submit your tip using a smartphone or tablet. All tips to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas WILL remain anonymous and you MAY qualify for a cash reward.

It is worth noting the exemplary teamwork displayed by both our officers in the field and dispatchers during this incident. It involved multiple scenes and inclement weather. Officers were able to locate the suspects and crucial evidence before they fled back to Houston.