Woman shot during robbery at northwest Harris County nail salon

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman was shot Thursday afternoon during a robbery at a nail salon in northwest Harris County, and authorities are investigating.

"Two black males entered the business and robbed the patrons and employees," said Sgt. Joe Freeman with the Harris County Sheriff's Office robbery division.

It happened around 2:40pm in the 13100 block of Veterans Memorial. Authorities say the two armed men stormed the salon and stole a bunch of purses, wallets and cell phones from customers, including Jasmine and Maria Gomez.

"I actually closed my eyes and started praying," said Jasmine Gomez, who planned to spend a nice afternoon at the nail salon with her mother. "I just didn't want to move. I didn't want to get their attention to shoot me or anything," she said.

As the thieves tried to get more from one of the nail salon employees, she fearlessly chased after them, to get them away from the customers, and that's when one of them opened fire.

"I got out, getting ready to go in the nail shop and the lady was just face down on the ground. I'm like what happened what happened and they was like she just got robbed and shot," witness Natalie Livings said.

Detectives say a 65-year-old employee was shot at least once in the back. Jasmine Gomez called 911 and helped the woman until paramedics arrived.

"They just told me to get a clean towel and hold it on her wound," said Gomez.

The salon worker was flown via LifeFlight to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where she is in critical condition.

Officials are reviewing surveillance video. An investigation is ongoing.