1 dead after manager of Showboat Drive-In opens fire on would-be robbers, deputies say

HOCKLEY, Texas – A robbery at a drive-in theater in northwest Harris County ended with one of the suspects dead after a manager opened fire, authorities said.

The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. Monday at the Showboat Drive-In Theater on FM 2920 in Hockley, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said preliminary information suggests two men sneaked into the concession stand while it was still open and waited for it to close. 

They came out when they thought everyone was gone, but two managers were still upstairs and they heard rummaging, authorities said. 

Owner Andrew Thomas said one of the managers went to investigate and encountered the men.

"At least one of them had a bat and hit her a couple times," Thomas said. "That's when she pulled her gun out (and opened fire)."

One of the men was killed at the scene, the other took off running across the empty parking lot, authorities said.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez commended the women for being in tune with their surroundings and jumping into action. 

"These two ladies were pretty alert and sharp, it seems, and took care of business," Gonzalez said.

Authorities say the man who was killed was wearing a mask. The would-be burglars had a baseball bat and at least one knife, deputies said.

Deputies tried tracking down the second person, but so far have been unable to find him, authorities said.


About the Authors:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.