Houston Couple, Including Nine-Month Pregnant Wife, Fend Off Armed Attacker

In a harrowing incident on the evening of June 27, 2023, in north Houston, a couple, including a nine-month pregnant woman, defended themselves against an armed assailant. The event, captured on surveillance video, unfolded in front of a local gas station, a chilling reminder of the importance of concealed carry and the right to self-defense.

The encounter took place around 5:25 p.m. at the All Season Food Store on Fulton Road. The woman, whose identity is being kept confidential due to fears of retaliation, had parked to deliver food for her husband, who works at the store. Little did they know that danger lurked nearby in the form of two men armed inside a silver SUV.

Upon exiting her car, the woman was immediately confronted by a man brandishing an AR-15 from the passenger seat of the SUV. The man claimed she had startled him, albeit in a more aggressive tone. The woman, thinking on her feet, immediately called her husband.

The situation escalated when the armed man took the driver’s seat of a green Dodge Challenger and started picking a fight. The couple found themselves face-to-face with 39-year-old Mario Duque, who repeatedly taunted them, asking, “Do you want to die tonight?”

Despite the growing tension, the couple remained composed. The video footage shows them ignoring Duque, who pointed his weapon at them multiple times. When Duque advanced, pistol-whipping the husband, the pregnant woman pulled a gun from her bag and shot Duque, who persisted in threatening the couple. The husband, too, pulled out his gun and shot.

In her own words, the woman said, “Thank God we had our guns. I’ve never been happier to be a gun carrier.”

The couple held Duque at gunpoint until medical help arrived.

Duque, a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing firearms, remains hospitalized and is now facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful carrying of a weapon. A second suspect involved in the incident remains at large as investigators review surveillance video for more details.

This incident paints a stark picture of the value of preparedness and the right to self-defense. As concealed carriers, the pregnant woman and her husband were able to protect not just themselves but also their unborn child. It’s a strong reminder that the right to bear arms isn’t just about the individual; it’s about protecting our loved ones and our future.

As we continue to follow this story, we take this opportunity to remind all concealed carriers to stay vigilant, stay prepared, and always prioritize safety. It’s not just about carrying a firearm but understanding the responsibility that comes with it.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and carry on.