[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5801033.htmlMay 25, 2008, 11:13PM
Robbery attempt ends in death for suspect in Houston
By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
A roofer fatally shot a suspected robber Sunday, only minutes after the man shoved a pistol in his back in the parking lot of a southeast Houston town house complex.
Identified by his employer as Juan Ibarra, the roofer was hitching a trailer to his pickup about 9 a.m. when the suspected robber moved up behind him, police said.
Ibarra "was ordered to go around to the cab of the truck and give him his money," said Ramon Cervantes, a Houston police homicide detective.
The man grabbed Ibarra's wallet and cell phone, then began walking away. Police said he stopped after noticing that some cash had fallen to the pavement.
That's when Ibarra pulled out his revolver and fired at least three times, police said.
The man was struck in the left chest area and fell to the ground, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents watched Sunday as police placed several evidence markers around the white Ford pickup.
"If it's a robber who got popped, that's his problem," said John Andre, who lives a couple of houses away.
Police said Ibarra has a license to carry a concealed handgun.
The suspected robber, 21, lived in the area, police said.
Ibarra had been working on the roof at the complex but decided to pick up the work trailer Sunday so it wouldn't remain unattended for the holiday weekend, his employer said.
Ibarra was not charged in the fatal shooting. The case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury, police said.
mike.glenn@chron.com
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