Man shot and killed allegedly trying to steal tip jar

HOUSTON The incident occurred around 2:45am on June 5 in the 8300 block of La Porte Road. The suspect, Benito Pantoja, 24, suffered a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he later died. The male shooter was not injured.

Police responded to a shooting call at Broadway near Lawndale and found Pantoja being treated by Houston Fire Department emergency personnel. An investigation determined Pantoja had stolen the tip jar from a nearby mobile taco truck. As he attempted to flee, Pantoja was confronted by the truck owner and shot.

The case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury.