Outrage Ensues After Houston Police Announce that they are Seeking Man Who Fatally Shot Robbery Suspect For ‘Questioning’ and that he is not Charged ‘At This Time’

Outrage has ensued over a tweet made by the Houston Police announcing that they are seeking the man who fatally shot a robbery suspect for “questioning” and that he is not charged “at this time.”

The police department included a picture of the man in a quote tweet as well as his truck, which appears to be an antique Ford.

The original tweet said, “Shooting/Homicide: 6800 S. Gessner. Male shot deceased inside restaurant. #hounews CC8”

In the quote tweet, the department announced, “UPDATE: Surveillance photos of the male (and his vehicle) wanted for questioning in this fatal shooting of a robbery suspect last night (Jan. 5).”

“Know the man’s ID? Call HPD Homicide 713-308-3600. He is not charged at this time,” the department added.

The tweet then directed Twitter users to a news release which said that “Surveillance photos of the male and his vehicle, a 1970s or ’80s model pickup truck with no bed, are attached to this news release.  Investigators want to speak with the man for his role in the shooting.  No charges have been filed.”

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. Arrington, C. Duncan and Detectives S. Overstreet and L. Lovelace reported:

Officers were dispatched to a shooting call at the restaurant at the above address and observed an unknown black male in all black clothing, a black ski mask, and black gloves had been shot multiple times inside the business.  Paramedics pronounced him deceased.

Witnesses told officers the suspect entered the restaurant and pointed a pistol at patrons as he demanded their money.  As the suspect collected money from patrons, one of the patrons, described as a white or Hispanic male, produced a gun of his own and shot the suspect multiple times.  The shooter collected the stolen money from the suspect and returned the money to other patrons.  He and other patrons (victims) then fled the scene.

Investigators are asking the shooter and the victims who left the scene to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 to provide statements regarding the incident.

In response to the tweet, which has been badly ratioed, conservative commentator Tim Young said, “It better only be to give that man an award.”

It better only be to give that man an award.

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 8, 2023

Author Michael Malice wondered in a reply, “Have you ever considered the possibility that you are the bad guys?”

Have you ever considered the possibility that you are the bad guys?

— Michael Malice (@michaelmalice) January 8, 2023

Another Twitter user noted, “Brother if you pull up to a restaurant to rob it and you see a truck like that parked in front, walk away.”

Brother if you pull up to a restaurant to rob it and you see a truck like that parked in front, walk away

— bobby (@bigmad52) January 7, 2023