Armed Sports Bar Customer Fatally Shoots Gunman Who'd Just Killed Employee: Cops

The shocking scene unfolded in Texas.

A scene of both tragedy and heroism unfolded in Texas on Wednesday when cops say a man walked into a sports bar and fatally shot an employee.

But before the suspect could get away, an armed patron of Arlington's Zona Caliente Sports Bar reportedly drew his own weapon and opened fire on the gunman, killing him.

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Cops did not clarify whether a third person who was also injured was a customer or employee of the bar. The person was reportedly injured by shattered glass.

What cops have said, however, is that the quick draw customer may have saved lives.

"[He] prevented further loss of life," a spokesman for the Arlington Police Department told Dallas News

Police on Thursday reportedly identified the suspect as 48-year-old James Jones of Grand Prairie.

The customer, who cops say had a licensed to carry a concealed weapon, had been dining with his wife when he saw the initial shooting.

In a statement, Arlington police said: "This customer was armed with a handgun and engaged the shooter by firing his weapon towards the suspect, striking him. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is too early to determine a motive or whether the suspect knew the employee."

Witnesses reportedly said the suspect was engaged in a verbal dispute with the employee prior to the shooting.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, but on Thursday morning, the slain employee was identified as Cesar Perez.

Read: Army Veteran Tied Service Dog to Tree, Shot It 5 Times on Camera: Cops

In a post to his Facebook, one of a slew of comments memorializing the 37-year-old, a woman identifying herself as Perez's sister wrote:

"Unfortunately my brother did pass away today, I still don't believe it myself. I received comments from co-workers saying he did a brave thing. As of now, detectives are still working at the scene trying to puzzle everything together.

"I will post funeral details when I get the chance. It's a blessing to see all these comments and posts about Cesar. Please keep my family in prayers as we're going through this difficult trial."

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