A family-owned convenience store owner shot and killed two of three attackers who attempted to rob him in a “jugging” incident after leaving a bank in Houston on Wednesday.

(Video Credit: KHOU 11)

The owner of Ruiz Cash & Carry convenience store located in Houston’s East End went to the bank to deposit funds from that day’s business transactions. He then went back to his store where he was attacked from behind, according to TheBlaze.

He was reportedly bashed in the back of the head with an unidentified blunt object. The owner then turned to see the masked men wearing gloves who were assaulting him. Unfortunately for them, he was armed and fired at the thieves, along with an employee who was also packing and ran out after hearing the attack take place.

Two of the suspects were hit by gunfire and died at the scene. A third took off in a newer model black Lincoln Navigator with Texas license plate RTS-3919.

An employee’s daughter named Jacqueline Hernandez gave an interview to KHOU-TV. She said it was usually her father, Javier Hernandez, who went to the bank but this time the owner was there to do it. Hernandez says this is not the first time robbers have targeted the store.

When criminals have no fear, the citizens have to protect themselves. At least those 2 can’t hurt anyone else.

— Cheri Stine (@Texastine) August 16, 2023

“He was a little shaken up when we got here, just because he was like, ‘You know, I got lucky,'” the daughter recounted.

“It scares us just because a situation like that had already happened here,” she commented.

According to police, there has been a significant jump in “jugging” incidents in the Houston area. The practice involves thieves identifying victims at ATMs or banks and following them home or to their businesses to rob them.

“I do want to appeal to anyone who’s watching to please consider your actions, consider your decisions because choices have consequences,” Houston Police Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher warned.

Let’s all drink a few Modelos this evening and toast the marksmanship of the jugee.

— Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis) August 16, 2023

“Unfortunately, the suspects here, I would believe, have loved ones who will now be grieving their loss, but again, choices have consequences. We don’t ever advocate violence or crime, but our citizens do have the right to defend themselves and choices have consequences,” she reiterated.

“Crime does not always pay,” Hatcher asserted.

She said the business owner is fine but pretty shaken up and concerned after the incident. Police have confirmed they believe he was followed from the bank back to his business.

“His business has been robbed in the past, so this is a traumatic experience for anyone who is involved in something like this,” Hatcher said.

Another example of the criminal justice system failing citizens. I’m glad we can carry firearms to protect ourselves and each other.

— Endodoug (@endodoug) August 17, 2023

In June, Commander Dana Hitzman warned residents to be aware of their surroundings and what is going on due to the alarming rise in “jugging” incidents.

“They work in teams; they conduct hours of surveillance, and they are watching for citizens who may walk out of the bank with a bank deposit bag or guns from a gun range,” Hitzman said, according to Houston Public Media.

“…When you leave those types of places, please pay attention to if you’re being followed. If you feel like you’re being followed please call the police department or stop by your nearest police station,” she also advised.

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