A 70-year-old man was forced to withdraw cash before being shot outside a Houston Walmart, and police say a tow truck driver’s quick action may have saved him.
HOUSTON — Houston police are investigating after a 70-year-old man was robbed and shot outside a Walmart in the Spring Branch area overnight.
Investigators said the man was approached by a masked suspect in the parking lot near Westview and the Beltway Monday night. He was forced at gunpoint to withdraw cash from an ATM before being shot.
After the suspect took the money and ran, the victim managed to drive away but didn’t make it far before losing consciousness. Police said he was found along the Katy Freeway feeder road near Taste of Texas.
Lt. Horelica with the Houston Police Department said help arrived quickly, thanks to a tow truck driver who happened to pull up and check on the man.
“A wrecker driver happened to pull up and see and he, you know, did his own little investigation and found the elderly male was shot in the car,” he said. “He called 911 and we responded along with the Houston Fire Department. They transported him to a local area hospital where he’s currently undergoing treatment and is in critical condition.”
Police say that a quick-thinking driver may have saved the victim’s life. Investigators are still working to determine whether more than one suspect was involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Houston Police or Crime Stoppers.
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