HOUSTON -- A convenience store clerk fatally shot a thief late Wednesday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said a man stole three 18-packs of beer from a Conoco station on Studewood Street near White Oak Drive shortly before midnight.

The man got into an argument with the clerk, Huy Huu Dang, 31, outside the store, investigators said. The two struggled and the man used force to fight the clerk away, police said.

Officials said the man reached toward the right of the driver's seat, and fearing for his life, Dang shot the man once in the chest.

The clerk called for police and paramedics, but the man died in the parking lot. His identity has not been released.

Dang was taken into custody, but not arrested. Police said the case would be reviewed by a grand jury.

Officials said the man was also driving a stolen car.

Dang was not injured.