HOUSTON – Police have released a partial description of a vehicle believed to be involved in the Monday evening ambush of an armored truck guard at a northwest Houston ATM.
The shooting happened about 6 p.m. at a Wells Fargo Bank branch near Highway 290 and Hollister Road.
Houston police said they believe the gunman may have shot the guard, who was refilling the ATM with cash, from a distance before robbing him. The guard, identified as 25-year-old David Guzman, died at the scene.
"All I saw was the one security officer on the ground, witness Rachael Nix said. “I saw the other guy from the armored vehicle, cause there's always two, it looked like he was trying to help him up.”
Guzman attended Aldine High School and worked as a technician for several local car dealerships before joining Brinks.
He was engaged to marry his long-time girlfriend. She tells Channel 2 News they had just started planning their wedding and looking for venues.
"I loved him with all of my heart," Guzman's fiancee, Lorin Martinez said. "He was a loving respectful person. His smile lit up the room. He was a beautiful soul and he was loved by many."
Robert Bliler, a security guard who was inside a parking garage near the scene, said he heard at least five gunshots.
"I had just enough echo from the building I was in that I couldn't place it directly," Bliler said.
Police said Guzman's partner was inside the armored truck at the time of the shooting, but was not injured.
“That's a real shock to me. I just can't imagine that,” local business owner Sam Lyle said.
He said he sees the Brinks guards at the ATMs when he stops.
“I'll come through and make deposits after 5 p.m.,” said Lyle. “I look around a lot and I'm usually armed.
Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance video and canvassing the area to find the person responsible.
Police said they are looking for a blue Toyota Camry that is believed to be connected to the shooting.
Michael King, a spokesman for Wells Fargo Bank, said in a statement that the company is doing everything it can to help police with their investigation.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and grieving family members during this tragic time. We are doing everything we can to support HPD in their efforts to gather facts and to help them identify and apprehend any suspect(s). We have also made arrangements for counselors to be available for our team members."
Brinks, the company that operated the armored truck, also released a brief statement:
"The attack in Houston, and the resulting death of our employee, remains under investigation. We have no additional comment at this time, other than that our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our employee."
Anyone with information about the case was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
