Loved ones are mourning the loss of a Texas woman who was gunned down during an attempted robbery at a Cracker Barrel on Saturday morning, KTRK-TV reports.
Family members identified the victim as Robin Baucom, who they said cherished her job at the restaurant, where she had diligently worked for more than three decades, according to the television station.
Around 6:15 a.m., a female employee was waiting to be let into the building when a man got out of a vehicle and asked if the restaurant was open. It was closed at the time.
During this exchange, Baucom attempted to let the employee inside the restaurant, but the man allegedly forced his way in and tried to steal the female employee’s purse, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
When Baucom pushed the man back, he shot her in her chest. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery, but she later died, KHOU-TV reports.
Baucom is survived by a husband, three children, and three grandchildren. Family and friends say Baucom should be remembered for her heroic efforts in trying to protect her employees.
In a statement to KTRK-TV, the family said,
“Robin was one of the hardest working women I have ever seen. It didn’t matter if the job required 12 hours or 23 hours, she was there. Many nights she didn’t get home until 2 or 3 a.m. She worked for Cracker Barrell for 34 years. She loved her job, her customers and her employees and her family.
She absolutely worshipped her three grandchildren, two boys, Brent and Brandon, her newest granddaughter, Lilah who is 10 months old. She had three children, Mark, Matthew and Tina whom she loved with her entire heart. They always had a mom with out reaching hands if they ever needed anything.
She was always trying to help wherever she was needed. She is our hero and we hope she will be remembered as a hero because she lost her life trying to protect her employees and Cracker Barrel. She was always taking care of business wherever she was needed. Please if you know anything call and let someone know.”
The family is reportedly devastated and Baucom’s husband is not taking the loss well, KPRC-TV reports.
Cracker Barrel also issued a statement.
“We can confirm that there was a criminal shooting at our Houston store on North Freeway prior to opening this morning which resulted in our store’s associate manager sustaining fatal injuries as she protected other employees from harm. All of Cracker Barrel is solely focused on supporting our manager’s family, her fellow employees, and local law enforcement as we grapple with this tragedy and grieve.”
Investigators say the shooter escaped in what appears to be a 2018 or newer metallic gray Dodge Charger. Surveillance footage shows the shooter wearing black shoes, black pants and a black hoodie, according to KPRC-TV. Someone else was also in the vehicle, according to Gonzalez.
In a tweet, Gonzalez called the killing “heartbreaking” and remarked about how the day had started so normally for the victims.
“Our condolences go out to her family,” Gonzalez tweeted. “Sad to think these victims were simply starting their day, working.”
To report information about the case, call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
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