A masked suspect remained on the loose Tuesday after a brazen robbery in the Spring Branch Walmart parking lot left a 70-year-old man critically wounded, Houston police said. Investigators believe the suspect forced the victim at gunpoint to withdraw cash from an ATM in the lot, then shot him after he handed over the money. The wounded man managed to drive a short distance before collapsing; a tow truck driver found him along the Katy Freeway feeder near Taste of Texas and called 911, as per KHOU.
The ambush unfolded Monday evening at the Walmart in the 10750 block of Westview Drive near Beltway 8, where the masked suspect compelled the man to withdraw cash before opening fire, according to KHOU. Investigators have not released a detailed suspect description and are still working to determine whether more than one person was involved.
Victim Found Along Katy Freeway Feeder
A tow truck driver spotted the victim on the right side of the eastbound Katy Freeway feeder near Taste of Texas and called police; the man was transported to a local trauma center, where he remains in critical condition, according to FOX26 Houston. Police said the victim was able to get into his vehicle and drive a short distance after being shot before losing consciousness.
Police Seek Any Video or Witnesses
Houston police are asking anyone with cellphone video, dash-cam footage, or information about the robbery to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers, per KHOU. Detectives are canvassing nearby businesses and reviewing surveillance video as they follow leads.
Part Of A Violent Night For Houston
The robbery and shooting were among several serious incidents across the city Monday night, according to KTRH. Investigators plan to comb surveillance footage from the Walmart and surrounding businesses in hopes of identifying the masked suspect, FOX26 Houston reports.
