A robbery in Houston turned deadly when an armed business owner and an employee fought back against two masked attackers, according to Texas authorities.
The incident occurred around 11 am on August 16 in the 1700 block of South Sergaent Macario Garcia Drive on the city’s east side.
The Houston Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near a business and discovered two dead masked men.
During a news briefing, Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher revealed that the business owner had recently returned from the bank and was entering the premises when someone struck him in the back of the head with an unidentified object. Upon turning around and seeing the two masked men, the owner opened fire. An armed employee inside the business heard the commotion and joined in firing at the attackers.
Investigators believe the attackers were attempting a “jugging” – a form of theft where criminals follow a victim from a bank, targeting them for robbery at their next location.
Assistant Chief Hatcher disclosed that the store had been a previous target of robbery. “We don’t ever advocate violence,” she commented, “but our citizens do have the right to defend themselves.” The business owner, though shaken, is said to be fine.
An additional suspect was waiting nearby in a Lincoln Navigator, which fled the scene once the shooting began. Police are currently searching for the SUV with a license plate number RTS3919.
Assistant Chief Hatcher said that evidence will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether any charges should be filed against the business owner.