The security guard, identified as 23-year-old Philip Mollis, was walking through the San Luis hotel's back parking lot at about 10:15 p.m. Sunday when he saw at least three men involved in what investigators call "suspicious activity."
Security guard shot at San Luis Hotel
WATCH: Jeff Ehling reports from San Luis Hotel shooting scene
Security guard shooting under investigation
When Mollis approached those three men, they turned and fired shots, hitting him. Mollis was immediately taken to UTMB where he was rushed into surgery.
Officers with the Galveston Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff's Office and Texas DPS, K9 units from the Texas City Police Department, La Marque Police Department, and UTMB Police Department, and an air unit from the Houston Police Department all responded to search for the three suspects, described only as black males.
"It is important to note that the security guards here wear a uniform that is very very similar to our own here at Galveston PD," said Galveston Capt. Joshua Schirard. "A light blue shirt, dark blue pants -- really the biggest differences are the patches on the sleeves."
RAW VIDEO: Police investigate security guard shooting in Galveston
Raw video: San Luis Hotel security guard shot
Galveston police are interviewing a person of interest who was located near the scene during the search efforts to determine his possible involvement in the crime. As of Monday afternoon, police said Mollis was out of surgery and listed in critical but stable condition.
The Galveston Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information concerning the shooting to contact detectives at 409-765-3702.
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