looters

Watch this Ex-SWAT Deputy Scare Off Looters From a Houston Strip Mall

This guy isn't letting looters hit these stores!

In the wake of hurricane Harvey, we've seen a lot of devastating and heart-breaking images and videos coming from the worst-hit areas. People and wildlife have all been displaced by this huge storm. There has also been concern about people looting homes and businesses. But in a video that quickly went viral, one man decided protection of his neighborhood is in the hands of its citizens right now.

Watch this shotgun-toting former law enforcement officer run off potential looters from this strip mall. (Warning, there is some strong language in the video.)

The man in the videos has since been identified by Chron.com as Nash John and he took a hard stance against anyone using the storm as an excuse to make trouble in his community.

"As a former law enforcement officer, I understand it's not right to steal," John told Chron.com. "I let it be known that I was carrying a firearm. I'm not going to allow them to destroy my community, because this is where I live."

And as if protecting the store wasn't enough, he's also been busy cutting fallen trees and pulling people from the flooded homes in recent days. He also encouraged other locals to step up and help out in this crisis.

"This is about humanity. We need to act as one," John told Chron.com. "This storm didn't happen to a particular neighborhood. That's why everybody has to lend a helping hand."

One thing is for sure, we're betting those looters won't be back anytime soon!

NEXT: WATCH: DEMOLITION RANCH WENT TO TEXAS TO ASSIST IN HURRICANE HARVEY SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS