Houston, Texas



From Houston's Click2Houston.com of June 17, 2004

Robbed Store Owners Fight Back



A southeast Houston convenience store owner fought back Wednesday night, shooting an accused robber, police told News2Houston.



Police said the suspect held up the Liquor Mart on Broadway and Bellfort at gunpoint when he scuffled with owner Paul Barnard.



Barnard shot the suspect."He is the nicest man. I don't understand why they tried to rob him," customer Melissa Hernandez said.



Frequent customers of the store said the suspect got what he deserved.



"I was just shocked. I can't believe it. I was really worried about him because he is real cool. I go in there and talk to him all the time," customer Avis Clunt said about the owner. "When you (rob someone), you deserve what you get.



"Two off-duty police officers, who were eating at a restaurant next door to the store, arrested the suspect.



The suspect was shot once in the stomach and was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital.



So far, no charges have been filed.