3 boys shot by man they reportedly tried to rob at gunpoint in NW Harris County, deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Three boys ages 12 to 15 are in the hospital, having been shot by a man Harris County investigators believe they attempted to rob at gunpoint Christmas evening.

The shooting happened at the Willow Plaza Apartments on N. Houston Rosslyn Road near Smiling Wood.

ABC13 spoke off camera with the girlfriend of the 25-year-old man who allegedly shot the three boys.

She said the couple was coming home from a Christmas party at the time of the incident.

The woman said she had fallen asleep, and her boyfriend opened the vehicle door to carry her inside when at least four armed boys surrounded them.

Initially, she said her boyfriend thought the robbery was a prank because the boys were so young.

One of the boys, who authorities say is 12 years old, is reportedly in critical condition.

"One of the police officers was trying to keep him coherent and everything, and he said, 'What did you get for Christmas?'" Bruce Bailey, who witnessed the shooting, said and referred to the 12-year-old as a baby.

"Being that age, you're supposed to be with your family," Willow Plaza resident Monique Robledo said.

A public information officer for the Harris County Sheriff's Office said the 25-year-old cooperated with investigators. At this time, he is not facing charges.