HOUSTON — A clerk at a north Houston corner store returned fire and killed a robbery suspect late Monday night, police said.
The gunfire was reported after 10 p.m. in the 8000 block of Fulton.
The 56-year-old suspect, whose name has not yet been released, allegedly went into the Super Qwik Food Store and tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. The clerk called out the fake currency, and then the suspect made his way into the clerk’s secured area, police said. Police believe the gunman fired at least one shot, missing the clerk by just inches.
That's when the clerk pulled out a gun of his own.
“Luckily and fortunately for the convenience store clerk, he had a gun with him. He was able to return fire,” said Sgt. Horn with the Houston Police Department. “The suspect or the robber collapsed here at the store. He was transported to the hospital where he died later.”
Police said the suspect was struck by gunfire multiple times. Investigators at the scene said the situation would be treated as a robbery.
The clerk was not hurt, Horn said.
“He’s very fortunate to be alive right now. We’re thinking that the bullet that the robber or suspect fired was only a few inches away from him.”
Police said records show the suspect had a criminal past and was out on parole for a similar crime that happened last summer.
ALSO POPULAR ON KHOU.COM