HOUSTON – A suspected robber was shot in Third Ward Tuesday by a Wingstop employee, police said.
Houston Police have arrested and charged Benjamin Maurice Colbert with robbery threat, suspected of robbing the restaurant in the 3700 block of Scott Street just after 11p.m.
Police said a masked man entered the Wingstop restaurant just after 11 p.m. and ordered everyone to the floor.
A customer, Corey Martin, told police that he was sitting down eating when the man came in wearing a mask and dressed in all black.
Witnesses told investigators that the man kept reaching into his waistband as if he had a weapon. He demanded money from the register and an employee handed over $350, police said.
When Colbert ran away, the employee, who had a gun, chased him and shot Colbert, according to police.
Investigators said the two exchanged gunfire.
WATCH: Third Ward Wingstop robbery surveillance video
"We all ran to the back of the restroom when we heard gunshots," Martin said. "I don't know, it was crazy."
Several customers ran to the bathroom and called police, investigators said.
Police said they found the Colbert a few blocks away at a bus stop on Cleburne and Canefield with a single gunshot wound to his leg.
He was taken to a hospital.
"The shots were pretty loud and they happened right after we seen them come to the register," Martin said. "So we're thinking that was him shooting the gun, but it turns out one of the employees had a gun and shot back at him."
Witnesses said they heard at least 10 gunshots.
The restaurant is in District 10, which covers an area south of I-10 and Buffalo Bayou down to Old Spanish Trail.
According to the Houston Police Department, from January to May, there were 174 robberies last year compared to 249 this year.
For aggravated assaults, there were reportedly 254 last year compared to 330 this year
