HOUSTON – A 50-year-old man was shot and killed after he and a family friend tracked down his son’s stolen pickup truck using GPS data, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began around 2 p.m. Saturday when deputies responded to the 11800 block of Tidwell Road for an aggravated robbery.
Detectives said the victim was at a gas station when a man approached him and asked questions about his blue Chevrolet Silverado. During the conversation, the suspect pulled a gun and stole the truck.
Authorities said the victim was able to track the vehicle through a GPS application that provided live location data.
Family tracks stolen vehicle
According to investigators, the victim notified family members and friends about the theft. The victim’s father and a family friend later located the stolen truck near Loop 610 and Airline Drive.
Detectives said a collision involving the stolen vehicle followed, leaving the truck disabled. Two suspects then got out and ran toward a nearby Chevron gas station.
Investigators said the victim’s father pursued the suspects. During the confrontation, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and opened fire.
“The male suspect had produced a firearm, discharging the firearm and the victims sustained a gunshot wound,” HCSO Detective Sergio Torres said.
Father dies, second victim injured
The victim’s father and another man were both struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital. Torres said the 50-year-old victim later died from his injuries.
“Both were transported to a nearby hospital, at which point the 50-year-old victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased,” Torres said.
A second victim, believed to be between 24 and 25 years old, was hospitalized in stable condition, according to investigators.
Witness describes chaotic scene
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the suspects fled.
“I think the people that robbed the truck, they panicked. They were trying to get away. They crashed. They ran that way down North Loop, towards the freeway,” one witness said.
“It was shocking. Nothing like that ever happened like that in front of me,” the witness added.
Investigation continues
Investigators said the suspects left in another vehicle after the shooting.
“We do have a description of the suspect vehicle that they had entered and fled,” Torres said.
The sheriff’s office is looking for two suspects, a male and female, that fled in a black pick-up truck.
Authorities have detained several people while investigators determine whether they were involved in the incident or witnessed what happened.
“We do have some people detained. We’re trying to figure out if they’re witnesses or whatnot,” Torres said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division is leading the investigation. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance video from the gas station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.