Grand Jury To Decide On Charges For Customer Who Fatally Shot Robber At Houston Taqueria

A man shot and killed a suspect in a robbery at an argentia. Houston Authorities say that a grand jury was referred to the case last week, before any money was returned to other patrons.

Houston police stated that the 46 year-old armed customer was interrogated by homicide detectives Monday in the presence of his attorney.

“After consulting with members of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, it was determined the shooting will be referred to a grand jury,” Houston Police Department Monday’s statement. “Since the male is not arrested or charged, his identity is not being released at this time.”

The incident took place at The Ranchito #4 on Thursday around 11:30 PM. Houston police said that witnesses told them that a masked African American man in all black, with a black ski mask and gloves, entered The Ranchito #4 at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

Caught on Video: Police say that a customer at a taqueria shot a robber at the restaurant at S. Gessner, in southwest Houston.

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— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) January 6, 2023

Police have identified the suspect as Eric Eugene Washington, 30, and he was seen walking around the restaurant, taking money from customers. However, a customer sat in a booth with Washington quickly rose up when Washington passed by, and pulled out a gun.

Washington fell to the ground after being shot by the patron. As the 46-year-old customer fired more shots, he approached Washington and took his gun. At least nine shots Could be heard in the footage.

FOX 26 Houston reported that the Security video the 46-year-old patron apparently realizing the alleged robber’s firearm was fake, as he throws it against the wall. According to police, the man took the money and returned it to others. The man and his patrons fled the scene.

Paramedics declared the suspect dead after responding officers discovered that he had been robbed. According to authorities, no other injuries were reported.

UPDATE – Surveillance photos (and the vehicle) of the male wanted for questioning in relation to last night’s fatal shooting of a suspect in robbery (Jan. 5).

What is the ID of the man? Contact HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600. He has not been charged.

You can find more information at a>=”https://t.co/ldFdhIXy1g”>https://t.co/ldFdhIXy1g#hounews https://t.co/CIqpLEQmmM pic.twitter.com/FrL42qkjxu

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 6, 2023

Houston police Lt. R. Wilkins stated that Washington was brandishing “a plastic pistol possibly an aero soft or possibly a little BB pistol,” KHOU 11. Pedro Lopez, who is also the owner, continues to be the proprietor of the restaurant. The armed patron was hailed as an inspiration “hero,” According to an English translation by the news outlet.

The 46-year-old’s attorney released a statement to ABC 13 Eyewitness News saying they are confident the grand jury will conclude the shooting was justified under Texas law.

“In fear of his life and his friend’s life my client acted to protect everyone in the restaurant,” The statement stated. “In Texas, a shooting is justified in self-defense, defense of others and in defense of property. The customer has met with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Investigators with HPD homicide. He fully intends to continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”