Lowe's employee shot by shoplifting suspect at Gulfgate Center Mall in southeast Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A home improvement store employee was shot by a suspected shoplifter in southeast Houston.

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.