An armed shopper in a southeast Houston convenience store thwarted a robbery attempt by four masked assailants, resulting in three of the suspects being hospitalized.
Houston police reported that at least one robber was armed during the incident at a Circle K store located within a Valero gas station at 8040 South Loop East. The event unfolded around 7:55 p.m. on Thursday.
Assistant Chief Ernest Garcia stated that the masked suspects entered the store and began robbing customers at gunpoint. In response, an armed customer drew their weapon and fired at the robbers, hitting three of them.
Eastside officers are at a shooting scene 8000 South Loop East. One male transported from the scene. Three other males were transported to the hospital by private vehicle. All are expected to survive. 202 pic.twitter.com/0tVqkZGmWo
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) April 14, 2023
An innocent bystander was also injured during the confrontation, although it remains unclear whether the customer or one of the suspects caused the injury. The bystander was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
After the failed robbery attempt, all four suspects fled the store and joined a fifth accomplice waiting in a nearby car. The injured suspects later arrived at a hospital, with one in critical condition and two in stable condition.
Houston police currently have four suspects in custody, while one remains at large.
