Dallas Robbery Turns Into Fatal Shootout
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A suspect is dead after an attempted robbery turned into a shootout in front of a Dallas restaurant late Sunday night. It took place at the Benihana location in the 7700 block of Banner Drive, not far from the High Five interchange.
Witnesses told police that two people were leaving the restaurant and heading toward their vehicle after 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night, when they were approached by a man. The suspect asked the people for a lighter, but then pulled a mask over his face and a gun out from his waistband.
The robbery victim was able to get his own gun out from his car, and the situation resulted in a gun battle, with several shots being fired in the restaurant's parking lot. Both individuals were struck during the shooting.
Security guard Jesus Penaloza was nearby when he heard the gunshots. "I was patrolling the parking lot in the golf cart and, suddenly, I heard some gunshots," he said, "maybe about from six to eight."
The suspect, identified only as a 28-year-old black male, was taken to Medical City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The victim, a 30-year-old black male, was taken to a different hospital in stable condition.
It is not clear if the victims were targeted or if this was a random crime. Police have also not said if the two victims were restaurant workers or customers.
Police focused their investigation on an area near a white Chevrolet Camaro which was in the parking lot, but it was not clear if this vehicle belonged to anyone involved in the incident. There was even a firearm located on the ground not far from this car.
Initial reports stated that there were two suspects involved, and that one had managed to escape. Police later confirmed that there was only the one suspect.
The restaurant opened at 11:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Employees said that they could not comment on the Sunday night incident.
