Reward increases for help finding killers of McDonald's owner

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hours after Houston police released a description of a suspect in the shooting of Carroll Oliver, a beloved area McDonald's restaurant owner, officials announced a huge increase in the reward for whoever helps authorities capture the killer.

That 68-year-old owner died Monday morning after he was shot during an attempted robbery at his restaurant in the 5300 block of the East Freeway. Houston police say it happened during his morning money run to the bank.

HPD says someone was lying in wait for Oliver when he walked out the parking lot of the restaurant at Lockwood and the East Freeway. Water says a white sport utility vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe, pulled into the parking lot and approached Oliver. Someone tried to take the money from Oliver without exiting the vehicle.

However, Oliver, who was armed, pulled his weapon, and that's when people inside the car also pulled a gun and Oliver was shot, according to HPD. The suspect vehicle fled the scene at Lockwood. It's unknown whether the suspect or suspects got away with any cash.

Water said it's unclear how many people were inside the SUV at the time of the shooting, but that those involved appeared to know Oliver's morning routine at the restaurant.

Witnesses reported seeing at least two suspects. One was described only as a black male, about six feet tall and weighing 200 to 225 pounds. He was wearing black pants and a black jacket with white writing or striping on the front and back side.

Normally, Crime Stoppers pays up to $5,000 for information leading to suspects in their cases. However, employees at Oliver's McDonald's say that reward now could be up to $35,000.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

A vigil to remember Oliver is scheduled for this evening at 6pm at his McDonald's restaurant.