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HOUSTON, TX — An attempted armed robbery at a southeast Houston donut shop ended with the suspect fatally shot by the store owner early Thursday morning.​

As reported by KHOU 11, the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. at Snowflake Donuts, located on Winkler Drive near the Gulf Freeway. According to Houston Police Department Detective Socrates Trujillo, a man wearing dark clothing and armed with a firearm entered the shop and attempted to rob the business. The store owner, who was also armed, responded by shooting the suspect. Police arrived shortly after and found the suspect deceased inside the store. 

Investigators recovered the suspect’s firearm at the scene, and the cash register was found open. Detective Trujillo noted that the donut shop is typically busy during morning hours, serving customers heading to work or school, and emphasized that the situation could have resulted in injuries to innocent civilians.​

The store owner is not currently facing any charges; however, the case will be presented to a grand jury for review. Authorities are working to determine the suspect’s identity and whether the incident is connected to other recent robberies in the area. Surveillance footage from the store and nearby businesses has been collected for further investigation.​

This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and situational awareness for business owners. While the use of deadly force is a last resort, individuals have the right to defend themselves when faced with an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Proper training and understanding of self-defense laws are crucial for responsible firearm ownership.​