The dance studio owner said she had rented the space for a private, late-night event when the shooting occurred outside the business.

PANTEGO, Texas — A rare shooting in an Arlington suburb led the town of Pantego to shut down a dance studio, creating a backlash from dancers and their families who say the move was hasty and without due process. 

The shooting happened following a private event at United Performing Arts Company — UPAC — late on the night of Feb. 13, neighbors said. The city revoked the business’ certificate of occupancy days later. 

Pantego Police have not said whether anyone was actually hurt in the shooting, nor given any further details. 

“We’ve been shut down without any warning and it’s devastating for all the people involved, said UPAC owner Angie Meister. 

She said she had rented out her studio for a party for an “artist who wanted to showcase their talents.” Meister said the event hired security — and the shooting happened after it was over and on the street. 

“A random person started shooting guns and they’re blaming us,” she said. “I haven’t talked to the Pantego Police, I haven’t talked to the chief, I haven’t talked to anybody, nobody has talked to me about this situation.” 

She said she has contacted a lawyer — and has concerns about whether the town followed due process in shutting her down. 

Neighbors who didn’t want to give their names said people attending the event played loud music, littered and walked through lawns on a nearby residential street. They said the bullets woke them up — and pierced through a garage door and into a parked truck. 

The Town of Pantego says this incident has caused concern among residents in the area, and the city is taking the concerns seriously. 

In a statement posted online, the town says it took immediate action to revoke the business’s certificate of occupancy so the business can no longer operate there. 

“I hope that we get an appeal and that we get this reinstated as soon as possible so we can come back to our families and our kids can all be here again,” Meister said. 

The Pantego Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident and asked anyone with information to come forward. Town leaders say the safety and well-being of the community remains the highest priority. 

“We remain committed to keeping our town safe, informed and strong,” the statement said. 

While this incident remains an active investigation, the town and police cannot discuss the matter further, officials said in the statement. 

Officials invited residents to express their concerns at the next Town Council meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026.Â