This week’s Good Guy with a Gun story has the entire nation talking. What began as a terrifying armed robbery in a Houston taqueria ended with an armed citizen taking decisive action to protect everyone inside.
The Incident: A Fake Gun, a Real Threat
It was around 11:30 p.m. when 30-year-old Eric Eugene Washington entered El Ranchito Taqueria on South Gessner. Wearing a ski mask, gloves, and holding what appeared to be a handgun, Washington began pointing the weapon at customers and demanding cash.
In the surveillance footage, patrons can be seen hiding and tossing money to the robber as he moved through the restaurant, still holding his weapon.
What Washington didn’t know: one of the customers was armed and quietly preparing to act.
The Turning Point: The Armed Patron Acts
As Washington made his way toward the exit — gun still drawn — the armed customer stood up. Timing his move as the robber’s back was turned, the customer fired multiple rounds.
Washington collapsed to the floor, but the customer continued to ensure the threat was neutralized. In total, nine shots were fired.
It was only after the shooting that the customer discovered Washington’s weapon was a plastic replica. But in the heat of the moment, neither he nor any of the patrons could have known that.
Aftermath: A Complicated Legal Discussion
Following the shooting, the customer calmly returned stolen money to the patrons, threw the robber’s fake gun against the wall, and quietly left the restaurant before police arrived.
The Harris County District Attorney’s office has stated that the case will be presented to a grand jury. In Texas, any use of lethal force is subject to review, but legal experts say this appears to fall clearly within the state’s self-defense statutes.
The Robber’s Background
Washington’s criminal history revealed a troubling pattern. He was out on bond at the time of the attempted robbery, with recent charges for assaulting a family member. A decade earlier, he had been convicted of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, a case that tragically resulted in a homicide.
Key Takeaways for Gun Owners
-
Perceived Threat Is What Matters in the Moment
The gun turned out to be fake — but in a high-stress defensive situation, what matters is the reasonable belief that the threat is real. -
Timing and Awareness Are Critical
The customer acted when the robber’s attention was elsewhere, reducing the immediate risk to bystanders. -
Legal Process Always Follows Defensive Use
Even in Texas, where self-defense laws are strong, any lethal force encounter will be reviewed. Being prepared mentally for that process is as important as being prepared physically.
Conclusion
This incident is a stark reminder of why ordinary citizens carry — to defend themselves and those around them when danger appears without warning. While the legal process will take its course, one thing is clear: lives were likely saved that night.
Preparedness at Home and Beyond
At TimberVaults, we believe in readiness — whether at home or out in public. Our concealment furniture, from sleek concealment shelves to discreet hidden gun safes, helps you store firearms securely but accessibly, so you’re always prepared when seconds matter.
