Houston Police Seek Public Help in Identifying Gunman Who Shot Teen Employee
A violent armed robbery at a cell phone store in southeast Houston left a teenage employee critically injured after being shot 11 times. The incident, which took place on Sunday, January 26, was caught on camera, and authorities are now seeking help from the public to identify the two suspects involved.
Shocking Security Footage Captures the Crime
Surveillance footage from the store near Cullen and Belfort shows the terrifying moments leading up to the shooting. Two suspects, believed to be as young as 17, entered the store armed with a handgun outfitted with an extended magazine. They forced two employees to hand over their personal belongings before taking one of them into the back room, demanding the passcode to his phone.
One of the suspects, described by authorities as particularly aggressive, escalated the situation as the robbery continued. The security footage, which Houston police decided to release early due to the severity of the crime, also shows the gunman opening fire inside the store.
Victim Shot 11 Times but Miraculously Survives
The violence did not end inside the store. The suspect chased one of the employees outside and continued firing, hitting him 11 times. According to Detective Willie West, the victim, an 18-year-old store employee, sustained gunshot wounds to his back, arm, and neck but managed to survive. The other employee present during the robbery was unharmed.
“This is a heinous crime,” Detective West said. “A man was shot 11 times. We can’t have that.”
Authorities Urge Public to Help Identify Suspects
Houston police and Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two suspects. Both will face charges of robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, regardless of whether both were armed. At this time, police have not yet been able to interview the injured victim due to the severity of his condition. He remains in critical care, according to the latest update.
While the suspects managed to flee the scene with money and stolen items, evidence remains at the location, including shattered glass from the gunfire.
HPD Takes Swift Action Due to Crime’s Severity
It often takes months for the Houston Police Department to release security footage in robbery cases after internal leads have been exhausted. However, in this case, authorities acted quickly due to the brutal nature of the crime. The level of violence displayed by the suspect prompted police to prioritize the release of the video in hopes that someone will recognize and report the individuals responsible.
The incident has left the local community shaken, as it highlights the dangers employees face while working in retail establishments. The Houston Police Department is urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward to ensure they do not pose a further threat to the public.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the case and are working on gathering more details about the suspects’ identities. The store employee who survived the attack remains hospitalized, and his condition is being closely monitored.
Police encourage anyone with information about the suspects to contact HPD or Crime Stoppers. Investigators hope that public assistance will help lead to arrests and justice for the victim.
