A store clerk in southwest Houston turned the tables on an attempted robber Friday morning.
The incident happened just after 7 a.m. Friday morning at Richmond Avenue, near Woodland Park Drive.
Police said an attempted robber stormed a Shell gas station with a pistol and pointed it at the store clerk. While the robber was taking money from the register, he turned to look at lottery tickets in the store, which gave the clerk time to grab a 45 caliber handgun and shoot the man in the lower back, an investigator said.
Houston Police say the clerk fired four shots, at least one bullet struck the would-be robber who fell through the gas stations glass door and began begging for mercy. The clerk held the suspect at gunpoint and called 9-1-1. The suspect was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive.
The shooting will be referred to a grand jury, which is standard procedure.
“Supposed to be a good Friday, but it’s a bad Friday for the robber, so he gets what he deserves,” said man identified only as Josh, who came to strip center to pick up his cellphone.
Officials said the suspect is in custody and was transported by ambulance in stable condition.
Those who frequent the area spoke highly of the clerk.
“I always talk to him, very respectful guy, very nice,” said Mariana Ramirez.
"I don’t see anything wrong with that, he is trying to defend his family that’s it,” said Josh.