A man suspected of an armed robbery at a Dollar General store in Houston, Texas, was fatally shot by the store manager. He subsequently crashed his car into a METRO bus and succumbed to his injuries, as reported by local authorities.
The incident began when a deputy from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, en route to work, received notification around 1:16 pm on Wednesday, December 20, about a robbery at the Dollar General store. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported that the suspect had parked his car in front of the store and entered wielding an Airsoft pistol, which closely resembled a real firearm. He then coerced the store manager at gunpoint to open the safe.
After being shot by the manager who was armed, the suspect escaped, drove for a brief period, and then collided with a METRO bus at the intersection of Ella and Airtex Boulevard. Sheriff Gonzalez observed that the suspect was probably suffering from severe blood loss, a theory supported by the condition inside his vehicle. The crash affected six people on the bus, including the driver, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The passengers opted against seeking hospital care.
The identity of the suspect, who died, has not been disclosed. However, Sheriff Gonzalez mentioned the possibility of the vehicle’s involvement in another recent incident in the vicinity. Investigations to establish this connection are ongoing.
The neighborhood where the incident occurred is recognized for elevated crime levels. Sheriff Gonzalez, however, highlighted the area’s reputable businesses and inhabitants, noting that this incident is not reflective of the broader community. He alluded to forthcoming grand jury proceedings concerning the store manager, suggesting that the manager’s actions might be considered self-defense in response to an armed robbery.
