Police issue warrant for man accused of killing store owner during robbery

HOUSTON – A warrant has been issued for the arrest of  Nadonte Pugh, 19, after police say he robbed a store and shot and killed the owner during a robbery in northwest Houston on March 12. He is being charged with capital murder.

The robbery happened Saturday around 8:20 p.m. at a RaceWay gas station in the 8500 block of FM 1960.

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Police identified the victim as 51-year-old Zia Siddiqui. The man accused of shooting him is now on the run from authorities. 

Police said a man wearing a red cap entered the store and looked around for a few minutes before going to the register, where he placed a soda on the counter. Investigators said the man pulled a gun and pointed it at an employee.

When the suspect demanded money, the employee ran to the kitchen, which was connected to Siddiqui's office, investigators said.

According to police, Siddiqui held a gun in his hand while the two tried to push the door close. Police said the suspect forced himself into the doorway, eventually making his way into the office, where he started shooting. Siddiqui collapsed on the ground and died at the scene. 

The store clerk was not injured.

Investigators said the suspect may have been shot. After the shooting, police said the man ran toward a field that leads to the Wellington Apartments on FM 1960. Police checked surrounding hospitals Sunday to see if anyone with bullet wounds checked in. 

Investigators described the suspect as a black man in his early 20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing between 130 to 145 pounds with a fit build. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.