Actor shot in the face outside Deep Ellum bar

DALLAS - Dallas police are looking for a gunman who shot a community theater founder and accomplished movie actor as he left Deep Ellum.

Actor and director Matthew Posey is recovering after he was shot in his cheek and in his thigh in the parking lot outside the Cold Beer Company on Main Street near Exposition Avenue around 10 p.m. on Monday.

Witnesses said a man shot Posey as he was getting into his pickup near the back of the parking lot. There were no words exchanged before the shooting. The suspect just fired multiple rounds, jumped into a car with other people and sped away.

Police are not sure of the motive because the suspect didn’t say anything and didn’t take anything. They are looking at the possibility that it was related to a gang initiation.

The owner of Cold Beer Company says his surveillance cameras did not capture the attack or the shooter. Investigators are hoping to find surveillance video from nearby businesses.

Posey is an actor, director and the founder of Ochre House Theater in Deep Ellum. According to his biography on IMDB.com, he's held minor roles in movies including No Country for Old Men, The Magnificent Seven and Mr. Brooks. He also appeared in several episodes of the new Dallas TV series.

"We really hope he gets better soon and knows how loved and cherished he is in the neighborhood and how important he's been in the neighborhood," said Jessica Burnham with the Deep Ellum Foundation.

Friends said he frequents the bar, which is just a few minutes away from the theater. They can’t imagine why anyone would want to hurt him.

Burnham says the neighborhood continues to grow and revitalize, and the foundation is working to ensure patrons are safe.

"It's a horrible, tragic, one-off incident," she said. "It's very uncharacteristic of the neighborhood, and we are really shocked to hear that this even happened."

Family members said Posey is recovering at a local hospital. They released a statement and asked for privacy at this time.

"We appreciate all of the prayers and support for Matthew and our family," said Ralph Hodges, a spokesman for the family. "While this is a difficult time for us, we want you to know that Matthew is recovering well and is scheduled to be moved from the intensive care unit soon. Our family has faith in the Dallas Police Department to find out who did this and bring them to justice."