Houston Convenience Store Owner Pistol-Whipped and Robbed by Armed Suspects

Armed Robbery at Harvest Food Store

• 🎯 Harvest Food Store on Yale Street in Houston's Independence Heights was targeted by two armed robbers early Wednesday morning.
• 💡 The suspects entered through a glass door and over the counter, armed and wearing masks.
• ⚠️ They pistol-whipped the store owner, Muhammad, multiple times in the face.

Stolen Items and Escalation

• 💰 The robbers fled with approximately $3,000 in cash, cell phones, and packed cigarettes.
• ⛓️ Zip ties were found at the scene, believed to be intended for restraining the owner, but were not used.
• 💥 Three shots were fired by the suspects during the incident.

Owner's Recovery and Community Impact

• 🏥 Muhammad was hospitalized and required nearly 10 stitches to his head.
• 🚗 The suspects escaped in a red truck parked nearby.
• 💬 Muhammad expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal.

Community Response and Security

• 🤝 Bobby Harris, a friend of the owner, expressed anger and highlighted Muhammad's 30+ years of service to the community.
• 🗣️ Both Muhammad and Harris noted that crime is not common in the area, making the incident particularly shocking.
• 🔒 Business owners plan to tighten security and emphasize the importance of community solidarity.

Appeal for Information

• 🔍 Authorities are seeking public assistance to identify the suspects, who were seen fleeing with the store's cash register.
• 📞 Anyone with information is urged to contact Houston police or Crimestoppers.