HOUSTON – A man was shot to death by a bystander after he robbed someone at a gas station in northwest Houston early Saturday, according to the Houston Police Department.
The incident happened around 12:37 a.m. in the 11000 block of Ella Boulevard just north of the Sam Houston Tollway.
Police say a man and his girlfriend, who was sitting in the car, were getting gas when another man approached him and demanded his wallet. The robber then pistol whipped the victim and started running.
A bystander was parked in front of the gas station. He got out of his car, police say, and shot the robber at least two times.
The robber was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“The guy that did the shooting told the individual that was being robbed, he said, ‘hey, go ahead and get your stuff.’ Then, he left. So, the guy that did the shooting is not here anymore. He left. We’re going to try to locate him,” HPD Lt. Willkens said.
The robbery victims are cooperating with police.
Surveillance video captured the moment the bystander shot the robbery suspect. He is then seen talking to the robbery victim before getting in his car and leaving.
HPD said the man who shot the robbery suspect contacted and met with detectives later Saturday. After he provided a statement, he was released.
Detectives contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office who said the case will be presented before a grand jury.