According to police, three boys, as young as 12, were shot by a man whom they attempted to rob at gunpoint on Christmas night in Texas.
The armed group of children appeared so young that the 25-year-old robbery victim and his girlfriend initially mistook them for a prank when the boys ambushed them outside their Houston apartment complex, as reported by ABC 13.
When the assailants attempted to rob him, the courageous 25-year-old man swiftly drew his own firearm and retaliated by firing shots, resulting in injuries to three of the assailants.
Only twelve individuals were admitted to the hospital, and one of them was in critical condition, as stated in the report.
Officials reported that two more individuals, aged 12 and 13, returned to the scene in order to seek assistance for their non-fatal injuries. Additionally, a 14-year-old boy who remained unharmed was apprehended by authorities.
The man who shot them, aged 25, remained at the scene and is cooperating with the police, according to officials. As of now, he is not facing any charges, as reported by ABC 13.
According to neighbor Bruce Bailey, he immediately contacted the police upon hearing the cries of the severely injured boy, who was in immense pain and repeatedly emphasized that he was just a young child.
Bailey recounted the harrowing moment when she called out to him, asking if he was alright. He responded by raising his hand and desperately crying out for assistance.
According to Bailey, one of the police officers was attempting to keep the critically injured 12-year-old coherent by engaging in conversation. The officer asked the young boy, “What did you get for Christmas?”
The detectives are currently investigating whether the robbers used BB guns or real firearms during the attempted robbery.
Bailey questioned the presence of a child carrying a gun on Christmas, expressing concern over the whereabouts of the child’s parent.
