HOUSTON – Firefighters said it was clear to them these thieves didn't care what time of day it was or who was, in the Whataburger when they struck.
"We come here all the time," said Captain David Padovan, a spokesman for the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, referring to the Whataburger on Highway 6 and West Road.
"It was just a routine meal for everybody," said Padovan, who was not at the restaurant at the time, but was speaking for the fire department.
Four Cy-Fair firefighters in uniform were standing in line. The place was packed just before 9:30 a.m. Monday when two gunmen barged in, demanding money.
"One of our firefighters did have a gun pointed to him," Padovan said.
Firefighters said the two gunmen took an undisclosed amount of money from employees at the counter, jumped in a car and sped off. A third suspect was driving the getaway car, firefighters added.
Not only were there multiple firefighters inside the Whataburger, but the thieves bypassed their big fire truck parked right out front.
"It's bold, that's risky," said Pat Tirres, a regular customer at this particular Whataburger. "I don't know if they caught the guys, but I hope they catch them."
No arrests yet, but the community should be on the lookout for a late model dark blue Toyota Camry.
No one was hurt and the firefighters were told to take the rest of the day off.
"They're still working, they were given the opportunity to go home and relax but no, they chose to continue serving," Padovan said.
The Cy-Fair VFD's main message for first responders is to always have their heads on a swivel and always be on the lookout for dangers like this.
Whataburger issued the following statement:
“Whataburger is relieved none of our team members nor customers were injured in the incident. We appreciate the quick and thorough response of the local police. As this is an ongoing investigation, please refer any questions about the incident to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.”