Man shot to death after argument at NE Houston gas station, police say

HOUSTON – A man was shot to death in the 11000 block of Homestead Road on Tuesday, according to Houston police.

Family members identified the victim as Bryan Smith, 54.

"My father was a good man," said Clarence Johnson, Smith's son.

Police responded to reports of shots fired at the intersection of Homestead Road and Leedale Street around 2:50 p.m. Tuesday.

When they arrived, officers found Smith dead in the median of Homestead Road. He had been shot in his truck as he attempted to flee the gunmen, according to investigators.

Police said the shooting followed an altercation between Smith and several suspects at a gas station in the 7400 block of Little York Road at Cheeves Drive. Investigators believe Smith was followed, blocks away, at Homestead Road and Leedale Street, where he was shot.

Some two dozen shell casings surrounded Smith's truck. Police said Smith's killers likely used an assault rifle, based on evidence they've gathered thus far.

Investigators hope surveillance video from the gas station and a business at the crime scene will help identify the multiple suspects.

Police did not have a description of the gunmen.

At the scene, Smith's son told KPRC2 his father patronized the gas station daily. It was along his route home from work.

"My father worked hard, went to work every day," Johnson said, adding that his father tended to his business and never bothered anyone.

"Whoever killed my father, you killed a good man," Johnson said.

Community leaders echoed Johnson's sentiments, calling for Smith's killers to be brought to justice.

"The bullets riddled in that individual's truck, that was preposterous," said Daniel Graves, a minister.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest is asked to call the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).