Deputy shoots robbery suspect outside north Harris County business

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Family Dollar, off Kuykendahl Road in north Harris County, reopened Thursday morning after a robbery attempt sent a suspect to the hospital.

While the doors may now be unlocked, customers and employees fear the violence won't stop. Shoppers like Janice Collins and Cedric Kissan voiced their frustrations to Eyewitness News.

"They're afraid for their life. They out here trying to make an honest living and someone keep coming and interfering with that," said Collins.

"It's horrible. Like I said to that guy, you're gonna need to get security up in this place," said Kissan.

In the span of just 15 days, gunfire interrupted store business twice. Deputy shot a would-be robber after investigators claimed the man ran out a back door, wielding a pistol at law enforcement. The store manager had called 911 around 9pm about a suspicious person. He said he was fearful of a robbery.

Deputy J. I. Gonzales, a 6 year veteran assigned to patrol, encountered the suspect as he ran out the door. The suspect, armed with handgun, ran towards the deputy as he attempted to flee.

The deputy, fearing for his life and that of other deputies, discharged his weapon striking the suspect.

On May 20th, two thieves terrorized customers and employees. They fired bullets into the ceiling before making off with cash through a back door. This morning, customers offered up their advice to those crooks.

"The bad guys need to go get them a job and leave Family Dollar alone," said Collin.

The suspect, who has yet to be identified, was transported by EMS to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition. Deputy Gonzales was not injured.

The Harris County Sheriff's Internal Affairs and the Office of Inspector General will investigate this incident. The Harris County District Attorney's Office will also conduct an independent investigation of the shooting