HOUSTON – An employee at a northwest Harris County smoke shop decided to fight back, and shot a would-be thief who entered the store Monday night.
Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies said a dark-colored SUV pulled into the parking lot of Happy Daze Smoke Shops on Antoine Drive and Frick Road around 10 p.m.
According to the store owner, four masked men got out of the SUV and walked inside.
At least one of the four men had a gun, but he didn't even have a chance to open fire. The store employee pulled out his gun and fired a shot, hitting one of the masked men.
At that point, all four men ran outside, including the one who was shot. That man stumbled before collapsing right outside of the store, in front of the getaway car.
The three other men took off, leaving the fourth man lying in the parking lot. He died on the scene.
Several customers were inside the shop at the time, and the owner is now considering changing his security.
The employee who shot the robber stayed with deputies for most of the night, answering questions. He was not arrested or charged.
Investigators hope surveillance video will help investigators identify the three other men.