Grand jury to decide whether Houston taqueria vigilante will be charged for fatally shooting robber
HOUSTON – Houston police have identified and questioned a man who fatally shot a robber at a Houston taqueria last week and say the case will be referred to a grand jury.
Police did not release the man’s name, but said he was 46 years old.
The deceased suspected robber has been identified as Eric Eugene Washington, 30.
The incident happened Jan. 5 at a restaurant in the 6800 block of South Gessner Street.
Police said that around 11:30 p.m., Washington entered the restaurant wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask and gloves. He pointed a handgun at customers and demanded their money.
According to KPRC, his gun was later revealed to be a fake, plastic gun.
As the suspect collected money from people in the restaurant, a man pulled out a gun and shot Washington nine times. He then collected the stolen money from Washington and returned it to customers at the restaurant.
The shooter and other patrons fled the scene before officers arrived.
Houston police released images of the man and his truck in hopes of learning his identity.
According to KPRC, the man was questioned by homicide detectives after his attorney contacted investigators on Sunday. He has not been charged with a crime.
The client’s attorney, Juan L. Guerra Jr., released the following statement Monday:
“My client who wishes to remain anonymous was having dinner with a friend at El Ranchito Taqueria and as seen on video a robbery suspect entered the restaurant, pointed a gun at my client and other customers demanding money. Fearing for his life and that of his friend, my client acted to protect everyone in the restaurant. In Texas, shooting is justified in self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property. The client has met with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and HPD homicide investigators. He fully intends to continue cooperating with ongoing investigations. When the investigation is complete, this case will be presented to a Grand Jury. We are confident that a grand jury will conclude that the shooting was justified under Texas law. This event was very traumatic, taking a human life is something that he does not take lightly and will burden him for the rest of his life. For this reason, he wishes to remain anonymous. Because of the overwhelming coverage, we ask the media and the public to respect his privacy.”
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