Surveillance video from the vape shop next door shows the men running away. One had the store’s cash register tucked under his arm, the other appeared to hold a gun.
HOUSTON — A longtime store owner in Houston’s Independence Heights says he feels blessed to be alive after being beaten during a robbery.
Surveillance video shows two armed robbers sprinting out of Harvest Food on Yale Street in north Houston overnight after pistol-whipping the owner.
The robbery happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Houston Police Department.
Two men wearing masks entered the store armed with guns and attacked the owner, who was working alone at the time.
Mohamed told KHOU 11’s Michelle Choi by phone that the suspects hit him in the face multiple times and even fired three gunshots. He said he tried to fight back before passing out. Mohamed was later rushed to the hospital, where he needed nearly 10 stitches to his head.
The victim said the men got away with about $3,000 in cash, cell phones and even packs of cigarettes before leaving in a red pickup parked nearby.
Store employees pointed out zip ties left on the floor, which they believe the suspects brought in to restrain Mohamed before the situation escalated.
Surveillance video from the vape shop next door shows the men running away. One had the store’s cash register tucked under his arm, the other appeared to hold a gun.
Bobby Harris, who owns that vape shop and has been friends with Mohamed for years, said he rushed over to help after hearing about the attack.
“I was pissed off,” Harris told us.
He said Mohamed has operated the store for more than 30 years and didn’t deserve this.
“He’s a great guy, great businessman, helps a lot of people, does a lot for the community,” Harris said.
Both Harris and Mohamed said crime isn’t common in the area, which is why they were shocked.
“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to feed our family and go home safely,” Harris said.
He added that they are now considering tighter security.
“We all got to stick together because we’re business owners,” Harris said. “If we don’t stick together and watch out for each other, this is what happens.”
Mohamed said he is thankful to God that he survived. He also explained that, because he was covering for an employee, the sliding bullet-resistant window at the counter wasn’t shut, and the interior glass door behind the counter wasn’t locked, leaving him more vulnerable.
The suspects also took the store’s surveillance monitor, which employees believe they mistook for the hard drive. HPD said the video is still retrievable and will soon be reviewed.
Anyone with information is asked to call HPD or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
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