Houston attorney Jeffrey Limmer shot & killed at McDonald’s after trying to calm down customer irate over his food order

A PERSONAL injury attorney has died after being shot outside a McDonald's while trying to de-escalate an incident with a customer over his order.

Jeffrey Limmer, 46, was shot and killed at the McDonald's in Houston's west side on Saturday.

Houston police said the suspect became irate at the fast-food workers with his order and wanted a refund.

An argument with the staff ensued as Limmer stepped in and tried to calm the situation.

The suspect then turned his attention to the attorney as the dispute spilled into the parking lot.

Police said Limmer pushed the customer to the ground, then the suspect went to his car, pulled out a gun, and allegedly shot Limmer.

Law enforcement officials said the suspect fled the scene in an early 2000s blue Ford pickup truck after shooting Limmer twice.

Houston police said Limmer ran back into the McDonald's after he was shot, and paramedics were called.

The 47-year-old attorney died from his injuries.

Limmer was an attorney for Lewis Brisbois, a law firm based in Houston.

He graduated from the University of Texas and received his law degree from South Texas College of Law.

'DEEP GUT PUNCH'

Childhood friend Greg Monteverde called Limmer's death a "gut punch."

"It's a deep gut punch. I know a lot of us are in shock," Monteverde told Fox affiliate KRIV.

"I feel for his family, his sister, Angie, their dad.

"They're great people, and I know they're just devastated. Jeff and I, we grew up together.

"He was my quarterback. I call him Q1," Monteverde said, reminiscing on their days playing on Memorial High School's football team.

Monteverde called his childhood friend a hero for defending the fast-food workers, "I thought it was brave. I respect it."

"I think a lot of us knew Jeff to be that type of individual. In school, he would invite somebody who wasn't the most popular student to a party or things like that," he added.

Limmer's sister, Jennifer Thomas, mourned her brother's loss.

"He loved fiercely his family and friends," she told ABC affiliate KTRK-TV.

"Always laughing, making jokes, and just loving life. Knowing Jeff, he's the one who always says, 'Calm down. It's not that big of a deal,' and divert the situation.

"He's always wanted to fight for the little guy and do the right thing."

Thomas said her brother lived near the McDonald's and frequently visited the location.

Police are still searching for the gunman.