Armored car guard shot in failed robbery

A robber shot an armored car guard during a holdup attempt Friday afternoon outside a northwest Houston bank, FBI agents said.

The guard was shot about 2:30 p.m. Friday as he was returning to the armored car from the Bank of America branch in the 5200 block of North Shepherd.

“He had just opened the door to get inside when a suspect came from the side of the bank,” FBI Special Agent Shauna Dunlap said.

The robber didn’t say anything but began shooting at the guard with a rifle. The guard was hit at least once, officials said.

“The guard was able to make it into the vehicle while he was under fire,” Dunlap said. “He got back inside and closed the door.”

The robber did not get any money from the holdup, officials said.

The wounded guard and the armored car driver saw the gunman leave in a light blue Honda parked on the street behind the bank. Investigators believe a white Jeep sport utility vehicle found beside the bank with the door open is linked to the hold-up. It had been reported stolen.

The wounded guard was taken to an area hospital. His condition wasn’t known, FBI officials said.

Investigators also are looking for the driver of the Honda.

FBI agents are examining surveillance video for the bank and neighboring businesses for any clues into the armed hold-up.

Friday’s armored car robbery was the fourth in the Houston area this year. There were seven in 2014 and 11 the year before, FBI officials said.

On Feb. 12, veteran Brinks armored guard Alvin Kinney was gunned down during a robbery outside a Capitol One branch in the 5700 block of Westheimer.

A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the Kinney slaying. Call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.