A security guard was shot several times Sunday at a popular hotel in Galveston.

Police said the security guard, who was dressed in a uniform very similar to Galveston Police Department uniforms, was walking the property at San Luis Resort Hotel in the 5200 block of Seawall Boulevard around 10:15 p.m.

While patrolling the back of the property, police said, guard Philip Mollis noticed three black men acting suspiciously near cars in the parking lot. As he approached the men, police said at least one of the men opened fire, shooting Mollis multiple times.

"He got shot 11 times. That's he going to do, point his finger at them? ... what kind of justice is that?" said Phillip Terry, the security guard's uncle.

Mollis, 23, was taken to UTMB and underwent surgery. Officials said he is listed in critical but stable condition.

The three men got away.

The Galveston, Texas City, and Lamar Police Departments, along with UTMB and K-9s, were searching for the trio, police said.

“The security guards here wear a uniform very similar to the Galveston PD uniform, light blue shirt, light blue pants. Really, just the differences are the patches,” Galveston Police Capt. Joshua Schirard said. “These suspects don’t care if it was a police officer or a security guard, they just turned and shot. Clearly these guys are armed and dangerous."

Police said they are questioning a person of interest who was located near the scene during the search. They are not sure if that person was involved.

Paul Schultz, vice president of hospitality for Landry's Inc., released a statement:

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with our employee and his family. We can confirm that there were no other injuries and no evacuations during this isolated incident."



Anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of the three men is asked to call 911 or the Galveston police non-emergency number at 409-765-3702.