It happened just before 5am on Beaumont Highway and Sheldon Road. Detectives tell us when deputies were first called out, they thought they were headed to a shooting at a tire shop. But they say the men who robbed the place knew it was an illegal gaming operation.
Deputies say the two armed men came into the illegal business to rob the place. Investigators tell us the men shot and killed a security guard and then shot the manager before taking money from his safe.
Paramedics had to lift the obese manager, who was shot in the left, through a hole they cut in the side of the business. Detectives say the man was so large that cutting a hole was the only safe way to get him out.
Surveillance video could help catch the robbers, but it could also be bad news for the manager and any possible owners. This homicide investigation is also a vice investigation because of the illegal gambling that allegedly went on the building.
The aluminum building is non-descript, and there is no evidence outside of the multiple gambling machines inside. Detectives say it is unusual to have a robbery reported to them at that kind of business.
Customers showing were saddened to hear about the security guard.
"There were times when I couldn't get out to the car and he would escort me to my car," said customer Katie Morones. "He was a real nice gentleman."
"Obviously if you are involved in some kind of illegal business, the odds of you calling or reporting it are pretty slim unless there is some sort of litigating circumstances, such as if you have somebody that is shot," said Sgt. Ben Beall with the Harris County Sherriff's Office.
There were two customers inside at the time of the shooting. They were not injured and were taken in for questioning to try to get a better description of the two men who robbed the place.
The manager who was shot in the leg was transported to the hospital and he is listed as stable.
The only description of the suspects is that they were two men in their 20s in hoodies, driving a dark color Dodge Charger. Anyone with information is being asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
