It happened just before 9pm in the 700 block of West Gulf Bank Road near the North Freeway.
Investigators tell us 22-year Houston Police Department veteran C. Rodriguez was out of uniform and in his own pickup truck with a passenger when he noticed two men hiding behind a dumpster outside a convenience store.
That's when HPD says the off-duty officer saw the two men jump out and start beating a man who was walking out of the store with groceries.
According to police, Rodriguez opened his window and ordered the suspects to stop. Officials said one of them responded by showing his gun and walking toward the officer, so Rodriguez shot him.
The wounded suspect ran to a neighboring house where he collapsed and died. Police said they recovered a pistol at the scene.
Police arrested the second suspect. We're told the robbery victim who was beaten will be OK.
This officer-involved shooting is still under investigation and has been referred to the district attorney's office.
Find Samica on Facebook at ABC13SamicaKnight or on Twitter at @SamicaKnight13
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
