A grocery shopper and store manager are being credited with helping prevent injuries after a gun discharged during a confrontation inside the store.
UVALDE, Texas — A customer with a family connection to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting helped restrain an armed man at a Uvalde H-E-B on Monday after a confrontation inside the grocery store resulted in gunfire.
The customer, identified by News 4 San Antonio as Jacinto Tres de la Garza, tackled the man as he attempted to leave the store and held him until police arrived.
De la Garza is a cousin of Eliahna Torres, one of the 19 children killed in the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
Monday’s incident ended without injuries, but it brought another frightening encounter involving a firearm to a community still closely associated with the deadly school attack.
Uvalde police said the confrontation began with a disagreement between a father and son who worked as contractors at the H-E-B. The father had been directed to leave the store following an earlier argument but returned later carrying a handgun.
A store manager spotted the man and followed him into the deli department, where the father confronted his son.
When the man drew the handgun, the manager stepped in to stop the confrontation. During the resulting physical struggle, the firearm discharged a single round.
Police said nobody was struck.
As the man attempted to escape, de la Garza intervened and restrained him until officers arrived. Police took the man into custody and recovered the weapon.
Uvalde Police Chief Homer E. Delgado praised the manager and customer for their willingness to act during a dangerous situation. He said their actions helped protect others and underscored how quickly a personal disagreement can become life-threatening.
The emergency also prompted safety measures inside the store. Uvalde County Precinct 6 Constable Emmanuel Zamora said employees sheltered in an upstairs management area while authorities responded.
H-E-B said all its employees were safe and accounted for following the incident. The grocery chain closed the store for the rest of Monday and scheduled its reopening for 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The company also said it was cooperating with law enforcement and emphasized the importance of protecting customers and employees.
Although the confrontation ended without physical injuries, the incident highlighted the risks faced by bystanders when an armed dispute unfolds in a public business.
Police have not released the suspect’s identity or announced what charges he could face. The investigation remains ongoing.