HOUSTON – Houston police hope surveillance video will help them catch the gunman who killed a security guard in front of a convenience store Tuesday morning.
Investigators responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in front of Anderson Market, located on the 4700 block of Anderson Road in southwest Houston.
Officers found a security patrol car with Saul Cruz in a security uniform slumped over the steering wheel. They said Cruz, 71, was shot before 5:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said two suspects, seen in surveillance video, approached Cruz from behind and ambushed him, firing shots at the car. The two men then robbed Cruz and fled, according to police.
According to neighbors, a security guard was often be parked in the area late into the evening and overnight.
"I've seen him several times in that car," Linda McDowell, who lives in the area, said."It's hurting because I've lost my daughter at the hands of a deranged individual," McDowell continued.
Resident Lenore Cooley said she saw the security guard around midnight Tuesday.
"It's crazy because he's patrolling. What was the outcome of it? What was your gain?" she questioned.
The two armed suspects are described as Hispanic males, both wearing purple pants and purple hoodies with their faces covered.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.