HOUSTON – A robber was shot Thursday while trying to hold up a fireworks stand in north Harris County, deputies said.

The incident was reported about 5:30 p.m. in the 14400 block of North Freeway, near Interstate 45 and East Airtex Drive.

Carrie Ridenour, who was visiting Houston, said he noticed something wasn't right just before the shooting.

"the gun and him in a hoodie in 110-degree weather," Ridenour. "Why would you be wearing a hoodie?"

Harris County deputies said a man walked up to the stand and demanded money. Two employees at the stand were complying with the demand.

"We believe he set the gun down on the counter and during that exchange, the complainant grabbed the gun from him, discharged a round one time at him, striking him," said E. Hazel, an investigator with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

The robber was listed in critical condition, deputies said.