HOUSTON – A man was killed Tuesday during an attempted robbery at a Food To Go in southeast Houston.
Police said two men entered the store in the 2900 block of Almeda Genoa Road around 9:30 p.m. Both men were armed and one of them shot a customer.
Surveillance video shows the customer, Joe Hillsman, 37, wrestling with the would-be robbers. Hillsman was able to grab a gun from one of the suspects and charged toward them but, was then shot.
Both robbers ran from the store to a waiting car with a driver inside, according to police.
Medics rushed Hillsman to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
"He was the best son ever," said Hillsman's father.
Hillsman's father said his son was a frequent customer and had come Tuesday night to purchase lottery tickets.
"He was my only son," his father said. "Know he was a good kid. Couldn't have asked for a better son than that."
Investigators said nothing was taken from the store. Police recovered a gun at the scene.
Police believe one of the suspect's clothing will be key in identifying him. Surveillance video shows one man wearing a tight, bright red sweatshirt, with black trim along the sleeves.
"The clothing on this individual is very distinct," said Lt. W.L. Meeler, with the Houston Police Department.
Police said the two gunmen sped away in a silver Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis. We're told the car has some damage to the right front end and the passenger side headlight was not working.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Houston police at 713-773-7000.
A Facebook page has been created for Hillsman to help get the word out about who took his life.