HOUSTON -- A robbery victim turned the tables on his attacker in a grocery store parking lot late Wednesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston police said a gunman approached a man as he got out of his vehicle at the HEB store at Gulfgate on the South Loop East near the Gulf Freeway at about 10 p.m.

The gunman demanded money from the man, police said. The man decided to fight back.

"The complainant was able to draw his own weapon and shot and killed the suspect," Sgt. Robert Odom said.

The gunman died at the scene. Detectives said he may have had an accomplice.

"The suspect attempted to get into a car but fell out the door," Odom said. "He didn't get all the way in, so we don't know if this guy was involved or if it was a situation where the suspect just tried to jump in his car."

A 24-year-old man was later detained and questioned, police said.

Investigators said several people witnessed the shooting.

The man was taken in for questioning. Police said he had a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.

The case will be referred to the Harris County grand jury.

Police said patrols in the area would be increased to keep shoppers safe.