Security Guard, Customer Critically Injured in Shootout Following Dispute Over Dog at Houston Supermarket

Houston Police Department

HOUSTON, TEXAS — A security guard and a customer were critically injured Friday night after an argument over a dog inside a southwest Houston grocery store escalated into an exchange of gunfire, according to the Houston Police Department.

The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Great Wall Supermarket, located at 9800 Bellaire Boulevard in Houston's Chinatown district, near Beltway 8.

According to Houston Police Lt. Larry Crowson, a man believed to be in his 20s entered the supermarket with his girlfriend and their dog when a security officer confronted the couple over the animal's presence inside the business.

Police said the security guard informed the couple that the dog was not permitted inside the grocery store due to health concerns.

An argument followed between the customer and the security officer, eventually escalating into an exchange of gunfire that left both men wounded.

ABC 13 News

Houston police officers responding to a reported disturbance at the supermarket heard gunshots as they arrived at the location. Officers requested additional assistance and subsequently located the two injured men.

Both the security guard and the customer were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, where they underwent surgery.

The customer's girlfriend and the dog were not injured during the shooting. Police said the woman remained at the scene and was questioned by investigators.

According to FOX 26 Houston, an officer responding to the incident pursued the customer following the shooting and took him into custody.

Authorities reported that no suspects remained at large and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Houston police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

No additional injuries were reported.