HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- A 40-year-old man was shot as he was exiting his vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Northeast Harris County Friday night, Local 2 reported.

The man was not shopping at the store at Beltway 8 and Wilson Road. Instead, investigators believe he just pulled over to park.

The man's pickup truck with a trailer attached was parked in the far north side of the parking lot, away from the entrance of the store.

Harris County deputies said the man opened his door to get out of the vehicle and was met with a man with a gun. The victim was shot in the stomach and is recovering in the hospital.

Deputies called this a crime of opportunity. And with the busy holiday shopping season approaching, they are hoping everyone will take notice that criminals are out there waiting for an opportunity to make their move.

"It is the holiday season. It's scary. I know a lot of people are out of work and you just don't know how desperate someone is," said shopper Tremenl Manley.

Manley, like other shoppers, said they are more aware today than they have been in the past.

"I try not coming out too late. Watching your back and look around to see if there are any suspicious people," said Manley.

During the holidays, many people are too preoccupied with lists, kids and crowds to pay attention to everything else.

But for shopper Carolyn Harris, she said she is not letting her guard down.

"I don't carry a purse. Because most people can snatch your purse and I'd rather be safe than sorry because you don't know what might happen," said Harris.

As for the shooting investigation, Harris County Sheriff's Office is handling the case.

According to Wal-Mart headquarters in Arkansas, the store handed over surveillance footage taken from the parking lot.

Investigators said all they know right now is the shooter took off in a white four-door sedan.