Investigators are hoping surveillance video from nearby shops can help identify that violent thief. The shooting victim was placed in an ambulance moments after being robbed outside Buzzard's Breath Check Cashing. Eyewitnesses near the strip center on FM 1960 say they heard five to six gunshots.
"They had said he got shot in the side," said one witness.
The injured businessman was rushed to the hospital by helicopter. Detectives say he'd just returned from the bank when an unidentified gunman approached him in the parking lot. The thief fired shots, stole some money and witnesses watched the crook run off.
"Short black male -- he just ran across the parking lot and got in the back of a gold Buick Century and took off, went down Falcon toward Windfern," said Steve, an eyewitness.
Witnesses say the suspect didn't act alone. They say he had a getaway car waiting at the end of the shopping center.
Many parents rushed to the complex to check on their children. The shooting happened just steps away from Whiz Kids Child Care Center.
"I was freaking out," said parent Anna Ochoa. "It's way too dangerous. I just kind of have second thoughts about having my kid right here."
Investigators say the victim was alert as he was rushed to the hospital. They say they just want to get the gunman off the streets.
"It's extremely dangerous," said Sgt. Robert Schields with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "You know, these crooks are bold. They don't care where they strike or when they strike."
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the gunman or that getaway car to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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