1 suspect dead, 1 hurt after attempting to rob fireworks stand, deputies say
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Two suspects were shot after they attempted to rob a fireworks stand on Christmas Eve in west Harris County, officials say.
It happened at a stand located at 4820 Highway 6 at around 8:30 p.m.
According to a tweet posted by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, three to four men tried to rob the stand when two of them were shot by an employee.
"He's supposed to be stumbling behind the strip center. Possibly 2 shot. One for sure is probably going to be confirmed," dispatchers told paramedics at the scene.
Gonzalez says the employee 'disarmed one of the males' and shot at the suspects.
"It either results in someone being in prison or someone ending up dead," Gonzalez said. "In this case the owner was, from early indications, trying to protect himself and the location from robbery."
One of the suspects who was shot died at the scene, while the other was sent to the hospital. His condition was not released.
The Sheriff's Office identified the injured suspect as 30-year-old Derrell Ridley. He has nine prior charges with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
"Other suspect(s) may have fled the scene," said Gonzalez.
Deputies issued a search for the remaining suspects in the area.
Earlier this summer, a 19-year-old, who also attempted to rob a fireworks stand in north Harris County, died after being shot in the face with his own gun by one of the stand's employees, according to deputies.
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