The shooting was reported just after 11:30 a.m. at Lowe's at the Gulfgate Center Mall.
According to deputies, the Lowe's employee confronted a suspected shoplifter when the suspect opened fire, wounding the worker.
The injured employee was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to be OK.
The suspect fled the scene.
The Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office released the following photo of a man they're calling a person of interest in the case.