Man wanted in gas station robbery

HOUSTON – Police need help finding a man who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint.

Houston police said the New Tony Express service station in the 4000 block of Synott near Ashford Pointe was held up about 11 p.m. on Nov. 12.

The man pointed a gun at the store's owner, Mike Vora, and jumped over a counter to get to the cash register, investigators said.

Vora did not hesitate and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and the robber tried to leave through the front door, but he couldn't get out because Vora flipped a switch that locked the door, police said. The man then climbed through ceiling tiles and got into a neighboring business to escape, officials said.

Vora said he did have a gun, but he thought pulling it out would make the situation worse, so he did not use it. He decided it was safer to lock himself in his booth and wait for police.

Police have not released a detailed description of the man. Investigators said they don't know if the man has been involved in other robberies in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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