VIDEO: Gunman shoots clerk in face during botched robbery attempt at west Houston convenience store

The armed suspect fled the scene empty-handed when he couldn’t figure out how to open the cash register

Screenshot of surveillance footage recovered from the scene (Houston Police Department)

HOUSTON – On Monday, a gunman shot a store clerk in the face and hand before jumping over the counter and beating him – all in an attempt to get at the money in the store’s register. When he couldn’t figure out how to access the cash drawer, the armed suspect fled empty-handed, the Houston Police Department said.

Security footage recovered from the west Houston convenience store captured the brutal attack in graphic detail. The video shows the suspect entering the store, located in the 8600 block of Memorial Drive, at 9:30 p.m.

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In the video, the man walks up to the counter, and, without saying a word, pulls out his gun and shoots the store clerk in the face. While sliding over the counter, he shoots the store clerk again, striking him in the hand. Once behind the counter, the gunman punches the clerk before attempting – and failing – to open the cash register.

Empty-handed, the gunman fled the scene in a two-door, newer model black Mercedes Benz, police said.

While the armed suspect was fiddling with the register, the store clerk ran outside and flagged down help.

The clerk was rushed to the hospital in serious condition, but is expected to survive, police said.

Watch the episode unfold in the video below.

Note that the YouTube video, which was released by HPD’s Robbery Division, shows the gunman shooting the store clerk. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

The gunman’s description, as provided by Houston police: Black male, 25 to 35 years old, heavy build, 5′7 to 6′1, 230 to 280 pounds, black jacket and tan pants.

Please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston DIRECTLY if you have any information related to this investigation. Information leading to the charging and/or arrest of any felony suspects may result in a cash payment up to $5,000. Tipsters MUST contact Crime Stoppers DIRECTLY to remain anonymous and to be considered for a cash payment by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.

MORE: Caught on camera in 2021: Videos offer glimpse at Houston area’s year in crime


About the Author:

Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.