Texas Grandmother Killed During Attempted Robbery While Trying To Save Coworker

A Texas grandmother is being hailed a hero after she died protecting her coworker during a robbery.

Robin Baucom, 59, was working at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in north Harris County on Saturday morning when a female employee arrived for work.

While the employee was walking toward the restaurant from the parking lot around 6:15 a.m., a man sitting in the front passenger side of a Dodge Charger got out. He attempted to rob the woman's purse while she waited to be let into the restaurant, the NY Daily reported.

Baucom noticed the altercation and rushed to help her coworker. She opened the restaurant door to let the woman in. But, the suspect forced his way into the building and tried to snatch her purse, said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.

When Baucom tried to push the man back, he shot her in the chest. Baucom was rushed to a hospital where she underwent surgery but she did make it through.

Baucom had been an employee of the restaurant for the past 34 years. Her family said she was working as the joint’s manager and loved the job.

"She loved her job, her customers and her employees and her family. She absolutely worshipped her three grandchildren, two boys, Brent and Brandon, her newest granddaughter, Lilah who is 10 months old," the family said in a statement to KTRK.

"She was always trying to help wherever she was needed. She is our hero and we hope she will be remembered as a hero because she lost her life trying to protect her employees and Cracker Barrel," the family added.

Police said the man fled the scene in a metallic gray Charger. Authorities have closed the location for further investigation.

"Our condolences go out to her family. Sad to think these victims were simply starting their day, working," Gonzalez said in a tweet.

In a statement to KTRK, Cracker Barrel said that they are aware of the incident and are supporting the victim’s family, the employees and law enforcement. Baucom’s family and the police are urging anyone with information about the attempted robbery to contact authorities.