According to court records, an unlicensed security guard at a restaurant in Houston allegedly fatally shot a customer suspected of using counterfeit money and celebrated afterward.
Hugo Daniel Bahena Dominguez, 25, faces a murder charge in connection with the shooting that occurred on Dec. 21. He was apprehended at his residence in Pasadena on Tuesday.
The incident unfolded when Houston Police Department officers were summoned to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in the 7600 block of Beechnut in response to a shooting victim being brought in.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Eric Colin, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Bahena Dominguez, reportedly employed as a security guard at Ruchi’s Mexican Grill restaurant in the 3200 block of 610 South Loop West, allegedly confronted two male patrons who attempted to leave without settling their bill. The restaurant did not offer a response to inquiries from .
According to court documents, Bahena Dominguez pursued the individuals to a waiting vehicle and discharged his firearm twice after yelling at them to stop. He purportedly justified his actions by claiming the patrons attempted to pay with counterfeit currency.
Following the shooting, the driver transported Colin to the hospital, where he passed away.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, the presiding officer argued for a substantial bond, citing the severity of the accusations against Bahena Dominguez.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured Bahena Dominguez exchanging fist bumps with restaurant staff after the incident. He also reportedly retrieved two cartridge casings and re-entered the establishment without contacting emergency services. The casings, along with the counterfeit money, were later recovered by law enforcement.
Bahena Dominguez admitted to being employed by a security company but lacked proper licensure, as per online records. He asserted that he was in the process of acquiring his license at the time of the shooting.
A bond of $500,000 was set for Bahena Dominguez.
