Police say an argument between a father and son escalated when the father returned to the grocery store with a handgun, prompting an intervention that ended without injuries.
UVALDE, Texas — A man was taken into custody Monday after police said he returned to an H-E-B grocery store with a handgun following a disagreement with his son, leading to a confrontation in which a shot was fired inside the business.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Uvalde store, prompting an emergency response and the temporary closure of the grocery store. Authorities confirmed that no one was injured.
According to the Uvalde Police Department, the father and son were working as third-party contractors at the store when they became involved in an argument earlier in the day. The father was asked to leave the property but later returned carrying a handgun.
Investigators said the man entered the store intending to confront his son in the deli department. An H-E-B manager noticed his arrival and followed him toward the department.
When the father displayed the handgun, the manager physically intervened. A struggle followed, during which the weapon discharged once, police said.
Despite the gunfire, no employees, customers or other individuals were struck by the bullet.
As the armed man attempted to leave, a customer intervened and restrained him until responding officers arrived. Police subsequently took the man into custody and recovered the handgun.
Authorities have not publicly identified the father or son. Investigators also have not announced specific criminal charges stemming from the confrontation.
The incident disrupted operations at the grocery store as employees and customers sought safety. Uvalde County Precinct 6 Constable Emmanuel Zamora reported that employees gathered in an upstairs management area during the emergency.
H-E-B confirmed that the incident involved a third-party contractor and said all store employees were safe and accounted for. The company closed the location for the remainder of Monday and announced plans to reopen Tuesday morning.
Uvalde Police Chief Homer E. Delgado credited the manager and customer with helping prevent a potentially more serious outcome.
The confrontation remains under investigation as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge and determine what charges may be appropriate.