HCSO deputy opens fire, thwarts possible store robbery

Two men are on the run after a shootout with a Harris County deputy Tuesday.

According to investigators, the deputy was inside a Valero gas station convenience store when two armed, masked men entered. Officials said the uniformed deputy drew his weapon and identified himself when the men pointed their guns at him and a clerk who was behind the counter. The deputy opened fire and the men ran. The deputy chased the men down the street to a waiting vehicle described as a beige sedan and left the scene, officials said.

Investigators recovered the men's pistol and several live rounds in the parking lot of the store.

The employee inside the store were unharmed. The deputy, who patrols several convenience stores in the area, was not hurt. Investigators don’t believe the men were shot.

The Houston Police Department Homicide Division is investigating.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.