Robbery victim shoots, kills suspected thief on way to meet online date

HOUSTON – A man claims he shot and killed another man who tried to rob him during what he believed was a meetup with a woman he met online.

According to deputies in Harris County, the victim said he planned to meet the woman at an apartment complex along Uvalde Road in Northeast Houston when two men walked up and tried to rob him at gunpoint.

The victim said he pulled out his own gun and shot one of the men before taking off. He drove to a nearby gas station where he called for help.

By the time officers arrived at the apartment complex, the suspected robber was dead. Investigators said they found a toy gun at the scene.

The alleged victim was questioned. Deputies also said they weren’t sure of the ages of people involved, but said at least one may be a juvenile.