HOUSTON – A man was killed when he attempted to rob a Houston pawn shop overnight, police say.

According to police, Clifford Thomas entered the Gulf Coast Pawn and Jewelry Store, located in the 9400 block of Louetta, and approached the owner who was working behind the back counter.

Police say Thomas produced a handgun, threatened to kill the owner and informed the owner that he was there to rob the store.Thomas took out a pair of handcuffs and ordered the owner to kneel behind the counter. When the owner refused to comply, Thomas fired a single gunshot at the owner but missed. The owner was able to retrieve his own handgun and shot Thomas multiple times.

Thomas was wearing a bullet proof vest. He was transported to the hospital where he died of his wounds.

The store owner was not injured.

Thomas’ black Chrysler 300 was found parked in front of the store, the license plates had been removed.

The case is under investigation.