Suspect Shot After Using Employee as Shield in Houston Robbery

UPDATE: A robbery suspect was shot by police after using a female employee as a human shield outside an Ace Cash Express in north Houston, according to the Houston Police Department (HPD). The incident unfolded Monday morning around 8:30 AM at the check cashing business located off West Greens Road near I-45.

Officers rushed to the scene after receiving a hold-up panic alarm, typically activated during a robbery. HPD Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra reported that officers arrived approximately four minutes later, finding a male suspect brandishing a gun against the woman’s back inside the establishment.

As the situation escalated, the suspect exited the business with the employee, continuing to use her as a shield. Responding officers were forced to fire their weapons, hitting the suspect multiple times. “Once the suspect was down, our officers approached,” said Sgt. Menendez-Sierra. The suspect was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.

Miraculously, the female employee was unharmed in this terrifying encounter. She had just arrived to open the business when the suspect took advantage of the situation. “She’s an innocent bystander in this whole situation,” Sgt. Menendez-Sierra emphasized.

Currently, HPD has not disclosed the name of the suspect, who, according to initial reports, did not manage to steal anything during the attempted robbery. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about crime in the area, as HPD data reveals there have been 21 reported commercial robberies in the last month alone within a five-mile radius of the location. This figure is slightly down from 25 reported robberies during the same period last year.

As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant. The situation is developing, and HPD will provide further updates as they become available. Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this story.