HOUSTON – A father was shot and killed in his truck while his children were at his side Sunday in northwest Harris County, investigators said.

Harris County deputies are searching for Ronald Roy Smith, 32, as the possible suspect. Deputies said Smith is also wanted by the Houston Police Department for a murder charge from Dec. 27 in the 8300 block of Veterans Memorial.

The shooting was reported around 1 p.m. on Bammel Village Drive.

The shooting stemmed from an argument at the victim's apartment complex, investigators said. The victim started to walk away from Smith, who he was arguing with, and got into his black Chevrolet Tahoe, deputies said.

Smith shot the father several times in front of the man's three children, investigators said.

None of the children were injured, but family members said it was a close call, because one of the bullets struck the back of his truck.

Family identified the victim as 33-year-old Michael Ware.

Smith fled the scene and is still on the run, deputies said.

Anyone with information on Smith's whereabouts is asked to call the police.