A youth baseball coach was struck by a stray bullet while leading a pregame prayer in Katy, Texas, sending shockwaves through a local sports community just west of Houston.

The coach was injured on September 21 when gunfire from a nearby pasture traveled nearly 700 yards, prompting felony charges against three suspects and the temporary closure of the baseball facility, as New York Post reports.

The shooting occurred just before 10 a.m. at The RAC, a baseball complex located roughly 15 miles from Houston. The coach, who was affiliated with the Houston Warriors youth team, was in the middle of a team prayer when he was hit in the upper arm by a bullet.

According to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement responded quickly to reports of gunfire near the facility. The incident disrupted the event and raised safety concerns for the families and young players gathered at the field.

Authorities later determined the gunfire came from individuals engaged in recreational shooting in a nearby pasture approximately 700 yards from the field. Investigators said that although the shots were fired toward the field, there was no indication that any athletes or coaches were intentionally targeted.

Coach Recovering After Hospital Release

The coach, whose identity has not been publicly released, received medical attention at a local hospital before being discharged to recover at home. Andy Baize, founder of the Houston Warriors program, told KENS5 the coach was “engaged in a pregame prayer with his team” when he was wounded.

A video taken during the incident shows people in the field reacting to the sound of gunfire. While the exact moment the coach was hit was not captured, the footage illustrates the confusion and fear that followed.

The RAC initially issued a statement the day of the incident, calling attention to suspected illegal hunting in the area as a possible explanation. That explanation was later revised as investigators confirmed the suspects had been “target practicing” nearby.

Three Suspects Charged With Felony Offenses

Following the investigation, authorities arrested three men on Wednesday in connection with the shooting. The suspects were identified as Mahmood Abdelsalam Rababah, 23; Ahmad Mawed, 21; and Mustafa Mohammad Matalgah, 27.

All three face charges of deadly conduct and discharge of a firearm, both considered felony crimes. They are currently being held on $100,000 bond each as legal proceedings continue.

Officials emphasized that while no one else was injured, the potential for harm was significant due to the distance the bullets traveled and the number of children and adults present at the event.

Sports Facility Responds With Safety Measures

In the aftermath, the RAC decided to pause all team practices until September 29 and tournaments until October 4. The organization also announced plans to bolster its safety protocols during public events moving forward.

In a public statement, the RAC said they were eager to welcome back teams and families while prioritizing their "safety and peace of mind." They also expressed gratitude to the local baseball community for their support and understanding following the incident.

The RAC said, “We will continue to keep those affected by this accident in our thoughts and prayers,” adding that new security measures will be enforced at future tournaments.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The shooting has left many in the Katy community shaken, especially families with children involved in youth sports. While the events are described as accidental, the proximity of recreational shooting to a crowded youth field has prompted broader safety concerns.

The Waller County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the gunfire. Officials hope the charges filed will help prevent similar incidents in the future through greater awareness and accountability.

As practices resume and tournaments eventually return, the RAC and local organizations are working to restore a sense of normalcy while addressing the rare and dangerous situation that occurred on the field that Saturday morning.