2 teens shot by guard during attempted robbery of armed truck in Gulfton area, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police say a guard shot and injured two teenage suspects during an attempted robbery of an armed vehicle in the Gulfton area.

According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to the 5500 block of Bellaire Boulevard at about 2:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting in progress and an attempted robbery.

Police said initial information indicated that a Loomis armored vehicle was making a delivery at an Ace Cash Express location when the driver noticed an idling truck nearby. Investigators said the driver was then approached by three suspects from the truck, who sprayed him with bear spray.

Authorities said the Loomis driver then fired multiple shots at the suspects before they fled the scene.

Two of the suspects were later found with injuries at a nearby urgent care facility, police said, adding that they are 15 and 16 years old and were taken to Texas Children's Hospital for surgery.

HPD Lieutenant Larry Crowson said a Flock camera located right next to the shopping center captured a white Mercedes, which police believe was the getaway car. They were able to use the license plate information and track the car to North Houston just hours later.

"Officers tracked that vehicle up to the north side, off Tidwell, found it at a car wash, on Tidwell," Crowson said. "There were several people trying to get blood off the backseat of the car, tampering with evidence there. Those people are detained."

Crowson said in all, HPD arrested six or seven people. Investigators believe at this point they have all the suspects involved in the attempted robbery. Charges are pending. The Loomis armored car driver was not hurt, and no money was taken, officials said.