HOUSTON – Houston police are searching for a person of interest after a security guard was shot and killed during a robbery inside what investigators described as an illegal game room in Sharpstown.
Investigators said the call came in Feb. 9 just before 9:30 p.m. Police said people who were inside the business fled after the shooting, but one witness called 911.
Houston police have released a photo of the person of interest and are asking anyone who recognizes him to contact investigators.
The business is located inside a strip center on the 7000 block of Bissonnet and appears to blend in with other storefronts. Houston Police Department Lt. JP Horelica told KPRC 2 it was “obvious it was made to look like something else.”
A hair salon employee a few doors down said she had heard rumors the location was an illegal gambling spot, but she was not sure.
Another employee at a nearby business told KPRC 2 she had heard the location operated as a shipping center during the day, which appeared consistent with images posted on the windows. The employee said the front area looked like a normal office, but a door behind it led to another room.
Witnesses also told KPRC 2 that some people appeared to enter through the front and leave through a back door, which could have kept the location from drawing attention.
KPRC 2 asked Houston City Council District J Councilman Edward Pollard about illegal game rooms operating in the city. Pollard said the issue has been a problem for years and said people involved in criminal activity “try to outsmart HPD and the community at large.”
Pollard urged residents to report suspicious activity, including businesses that appear closed but still have a large number of cars in the parking lot after hours. He also said people should take note of retail-style storefronts that use buzzers to get in, or locations with additional security that would not normally be expected.
Houston police said if you suspect an illegal game room is operating in your neighborhood, you should report it.
Anyone who recognizes the person of interest is asked to call Houston police or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered.