HOUSTON (AP) --
Police are searching for a Houston-area gunman they believe is responsible for a series of random shootings this month that left a man dead and three injured.
In each instance, the suspect drove a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee and fired at men along city streets in Houston and the nearby suburb of Missouri City, according to investigators.
Pak Ho, 34, suffered multiple gunshots Feb. 17 and died at a hospital, police said. Hours later, two other men were shot and wounded at separate locations. Another person fled Feb. 17 when the gunman's weapon jammed, and days later, police said, yet another man suffered two gunshot wounds.
Investigators are reluctant to identify the gunman as a serial shooter, but Houston police Sgt. Tommy Ruland said at a news conference this week that "it's very likely these five cases are related."
Investigators were told by victims that the gunman did not say anything before firing or offer any warnings. He either fired from his SUV or stepped outside the vehicle to shoot.
Missouri City Detective Andy Robb said Thursday the suspect appeared to be targeting people walking alone who he could surprise. "It's more a case of opportunity," Robb said.
Missouri City police have added additional patrols, Robb said, and investigators are trying to determine what he may do next. He urged people to "be observant of your surroundings" and to travel in pairs whenever possible.
Houston Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward in the case.