A Houston man successfully defended himself during a “gun jugging” attempt after being followed home from a gun range by three suspects. One suspect was shot in the chin and is in stable condition, while the other two fled the scene after trying to steal the victim’s firearms.

HOUSTON, TX — A routine trip to the shooting range nearly turned fatal for a Houston man on Tuesday afternoon. Around 5 p.m., Houston Police Department (HPD) officers responded to the 5300 block of Rampart Street in southeast Houston following reports of a shooting. Investigators determined the incident was a “gun jugging”, which is a term used for a specialized robbery where criminals stalk patrons leaving a gun range or store to steal their firearms.

The intended victim had just left a local range when he was followed by three men in a vehicle. Upon arriving at his destination, the suspects ambushed him, successfully grabbing a bag containing several firearms. However, the suspects made a critical tactical error: the intended victim was still armed with other firearms. The intended victim drew his firearm and engaged the attackers, striking one suspect in the chin. The wounded suspect is expected to survive, while the two remaining accomplices fled the scene in a getaway vehicle.

The Rising Threat of ‘Gun Jugging’

This incident shows us a dangerous trend in major metropolitan areas where criminals target individuals they know are likely to be carrying high-value items. By following someone from a gun range, the suspects in this case operated under the assumption that the intended victim would be distracted or overwhelmed. Instead, they encountered a citizen who maintained his situational awareness and the ability to stay in the fight even after his initial property was taken.

HPD investigators remained on Rampart Street late Tuesday to gather evidence and track down the two outstanding suspects.

Safety Tip: “Gun jugging” relies on the element of surprise and the intended victim’s predictable route. When leaving a range, always perform a “clearing turn” or drive a few blocks out of your way to ensure you aren’t being followed. If you notice the same vehicle behind you for several turns, do not pull into your driveway; drive to a well-lit public area or a police station. Additionally, always keep at least one defensive firearm on your person and not just in a range bag.