The shooting was reported shortly before 4pm near a KFC on Highway 6 and Rancho Mission Drive in southwest Harris County.
The woman was transported to a hospital via Life Flight but deputies say her condition is not life-threatening. The people who work and shop there say they're amazed no one else was struck by the gunfire.
"I just heard the shots," witness James Paddie said. "I was going to my work to get my check and I come around the corner and heard the shots and I (saw) her laying on the ground and two guys were running the other way."
Yellow crime tape circled two scenes, one just steps from a sheriff's office storefront and another at a day care center.
"It is very scary and I'm concerned. I really don't know what happened but I'm getting her home, that's all that I'm worried about," parent Carol Valencia said.
About eight staff members were inside with 80 children when the woman was shot in the parking lot.
"We're just really in shock right now," day care worker Bridgette Washington said.
Sheriff's deputies say the female victim was having car trouble outside a fast food restaurant when a man approached her to help. The gunfire came shortly after. Investigators found several shell casings in the parking lot.
"We come out to go to lunch, and it could have been any of us walking out in the crossfire," Washington said.
The woman was flown to the hospital with several gunshot wounds. Detectives say the men who shot her drove away.
"It just goes to show you can't go anywhere. You're not safe," Washington said.
At last check, the woman was stable.
The victim works at one of the shops at the center but her coworkers didn't want to comment.
