Pet store owner accidentally shoots, kill woman
The owner of a northwest Houston business who was trying to stop a man from entering the place of business Friday night accidentally shot and killed a woman, officials said.
Gloria Cruz, 31, was shot in the head outside Sunny Fish and Pets, in the 2900 block of Gears Road about 10:30 p.m.,officials said. She died at the scene.
Able Abrego told investigators he would not let the man in because he looked suspicious and thought he was going to commit a crime, said Sheriff's Department spokesman Sgt. Dana Wolfe.
Abrego got his shotgun when he saw the man was carrying a handgun, Wolfe said.
While letting other patrons in, Abrego told investigators the man began walking toward the door, Wolfe said. Fearing for his safety, Abrego shot at the man but struck Cruz, who stepped in the path of the bullet.
The man then fled on Gears Road toward Veterans Memorial on foot, officials said.
He was wearing a white T-shirt and stonewashed (faded) blue-denim pants. Investigators think he may have been shot during the incident, officials said.
No charges have been filed. Wolfe said the case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man who fled the scene in this case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
anita.hassan@chron.com
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