Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

Neighbor Shoots, Kills Donut Shop Robber

A Fort Worth homeowner shot and killed a man who broke into a donut shop next to his house.

According to reports, the man heard commotion coming from the parking lot of the neighboring store in the 100 Block of Roberts Cut Off Road and went to investigate.

Police said the would-be robber broke the glass and demanded money from the female donut shop owner, who was back in the store Friday morning after talking to police.

Chong Im Randle said her promises to customers prompted her return to the store despite a headache and possible bruise on the back of her head.

"We have orders that have to be delivered," she said.

Authorities are questioning the neighbor, but it's not expected he'll face any charges.

Just last week, this same Happy Donut location was robbed. Randle believes it was the same man who attacked her this morning.

When asked if she was scared at the early morning break-in, she shrugged her shoulders and said: "If he shoots me, I know I go to heaven."

Labels: business robbery, TX

A robbery suspect is in critical condition at a hospital after he was shot by a pawn shop manager during an attempted hold-up, Houston police said.

The 17-year-old and two other masked men were holding pistols and rifles shortly before noon Wednesday when they forced their way into Mason's Pawn Shop on Cullen near Bellfort, police said.

"They immediately started yelling for everybody to get on the ground," said Houston Police Sgt. Brian Harris.

The teenager jumped over the counter and threatened to kill everyone inside the store, police said.

"The manager was able to pull a pistol and shoot the man," Harris said.

The teenager was struck in the neck. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and is now facing a charge of aggravated robbery, police said.

Labels: business robbery, minor offender, TX

Security guard shoots, kills man outside northwest Houston club

A man is dead after an altercation with a gentlemen's club security guard northwest Houston.

The shooting happened just after 1 a.m. on Antoine near Hempstead Road at the Casanova Men's Club.

Witnesses said it started when the security guard refused to let in two men who appeared to have been drinking. When the son tried to fight him, the guard sprayed them with pepper spray.

The father came over to the guard and started to threaten him, witnesses said. Then the father left, but returned with a gun.

The witness said the security guard pulled out his gun and ordered the man to drop his, and when he didn't, the guard fired two shots. Witnesses said he was forced to shoot to protect himself.

The victim died at the scene, and Houston police spent the morning interviewing witnesses. Houston police said the guard will not likely face charges, but the case will be referred to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Labels: private security, TX

Clerk, Suspect Shot During Robbery

A clerk traded shots with two men during a robbery at a northwest Harris County convenience store late Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said the men held up the clerk at the Phillips 66 station on Veteran's Memorial Drive near West Road at about 11:25 a.m.

The men opened fire on the clerk, who was working by himself, investigators said.

Deputies said the clerk pulled out a gun and fired back, wounding one of the men several times.

The clerk suffered one gunshot wound and was taken to Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital for treatment. He is expected to be OK.

The wounded suspect was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.

Investigators said the second man got away.

Labels: business robbery, defender shot, TX

Homeowner shoots, kills burglary suspect

Police said a homeowner shot and killed a burglary suspect inside a Northeast Side home this morning.

The 18-year-old man male suspect was shot about 2:30 a.m. in the 5800 block of Midcrown after a male homeowner noticed the youth inside the man's house.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released this morning.

One night after burglary, San Antonio man kills intruder

After his home was burglarized earlier this week, Thomas Thames decided to arm himself in case the intruder returned, police say.

The following night, he heard another noise at his home in the 5800 block of East Midcrown, so Thames, 39, walked downstairs. It was about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday when he once again saw a young man in his kitchen. The back door was open.

This time, Thames fired a gun at the man, who ran into the backyard, where Thames shot at him again, police said.

Ronnie Scarborough, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene.

San Antonio police spokesman Sgt. Gabe Trevino said the resident had pulled the man into his house and waited for police to arrive.

Police said the man killed at Thames' Northeast Side home Tuesday matched the description of a burglary suspect the resident said he chased from the home the night before.

Police said Tuesday that Thames likely won't be charged with a crime because Texas law gives homeowners latitude in protecting their property and themselves.

"A property owner, by Texas law, has the right to prevent the consequences of a burglary by utilizing deadly force if necessary," Trevino said.

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Labels: residence burglary, TX

Restaurant Owner Fatally Shoots Intruder

A restaurant owner fatally shot a man who broke into his east Harris County business on Sunday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said an alarm company notified the owner of 4 Corners BBQ that someone may have been inside the restaurant on Decker Road shortly before noon.

Investigators said the owner went to the business and found a broken window and a man inside.

The owner fired one shot inside the building, fatally wounding the man.

The man's identity was not released.

Detectives said the case would be referred to a Harris County grand jury without charges.

Labels: business burglary, TX

Labels: altercation, street property theft, TX

An Oak Cliff homeowner told police that he was awakened around 1:30 Friday morning by the sound of breaking glass.

The man grabbed a handgun and discovered two men inside his home in the 6100 block of Teague Drive, according to police.

One of the men was still holding a board that they had used to break the window.

Police said the homeowner started shooting and hit one of the suspects in the upper chest and jaw. That suspect is in critical condition at Baylor Hospital.

The other burglar ran from the home and has not been found.

The case will be referred to a Grand Jury, but investigators said the homeowner appeared to be justified in protecting his life and property.

Labels: residence burglary, TX

Woman Shoots At, Terrifies Intruder

Police said a woman shot at an intruder, scaring him directly through a glass door.

Officers with the Friendswood Police Department said they responded to a residence in the 400 block of Regency Court after a homeowner shot at a man that had broken into her home.

The woman said that at about 11:15 a.m. on April 12, she awoke to a loud noise followed by her alarm system sounding. She then heard footsteps going up to her second floor.

The woman said she grabbed her pistol and walked into the living room where she saw a man standing in her house. She fired a shot in the man's direction, which sent him running through -- and shattering -- a glass door as he fled the scene.

The homeowner was not hurt.

The intruder was described as a dark skinned black man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt with white lettering, dark shorts and dark colored tennis shoes. He was clean-shaven, had a short hairstyle and appeared to be well groomed.

Officers said they searched the surrounding neighborhood and businesses but were not able to find the man. They said the investigation is ongoing.

Labels: female, home invasion, TX

Homeowner Shoots Suspect After 2 Break-Ins

A southeast Houston homeowner shot a burglary suspect Thursday afternoon after he was victimized twice in a week, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Thomas Williamson lives in the 6000 block of Bois D'arc. He said he stayed home from work on Thursday after a burglar hit his home twice in a few days.

Williamson said he looked out his window at about 1 p.m. and saw a man walk across his back yard. The man went into Williamson's garage and tried to steal an air compressor, worth about $400, he said.

When the burglary suspect walked out of the garage with bolt cutters, Williamson said he grabbed his shotgun.

"He came to the door and I went, 'Get on the ground. Get on the ground.' He got on the ground and I told him, 'Do not move,'" he said. "I was shaking. I had him on the ground with my shotgun and I told him, 'Do not move.' I was even yelling. I fired one shot in the ground just to show him I meant business."

Williamson said he shot the man when he tried to run. The burglary suspect was taken to Ben Taub Hospital with a gunshot wound. His condition was not released.

The District Attorney's Office said charges would probably not be filed because Williamson was protecting his property.

Labels: trespassing, TX

Clerk shoots, kills suspected thief

Houston Police still have some questions about an overnight shooting that left a reported thief dead.

Police say the apparent victim, a store clerk, pulled the trigger.

It happened at a store on Broadway and Glover just after 11 p.m. in southeast Houston.

Police say two suspected thieves went into the Colony Express Market and robbed the clerk inside.

It happened at closing time.

When the two were leaving, police say, the clerk shot the men.

One of the suspected thieves was killed and the second man got away.

The search is on for that suspect.

Police are also looking into to see if there is surveillance video of the crime.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Woman Shoots Robber, Husband During Home Invasion

A woman shot and killed an intruder and accidentally wounded her husband in a northeast Harris County home invasion, investigators told KPRC Local 2 Thursday.

According to deputies, a couple found themselves staring down the barrel of a gun in their apartment in the Northshore Meadows complex in the 300 block of Audrey Lane shortly before midnight.

A man had just broken into their apartment and was making demands.

According to investigators, he wanted cash and drugs, and made the couple remove all their clothing.

Then, gunshots rang out. However, the would-be robber wasn't the one squeezing the trigger, officials said.

"The husband got into a physical altercation with the suspect," Harris County Deputy A.J. Kelly said. "The wife was able to retrieve a handgun that they had up in the room and she fired shots, striking and killing the suspect."

The husband was also shot. Deputies said he was hit in the arm. They believe he may have been hit by friendly fire from his wife.

The couple told investigators that they did not know the man or why they were the targets of a home invasion.

"Seems like, at this point, they did what they had to do," Kelly said. "They were in fear that this individual who broke into their house was going to harm them."

Deputies said they believe the intruder may not have been alone.

"We have a female detained that was in the parking lot at the time of the incident and we're questioning her know," Kelly said. "She's definitely a person of interest. We think she was with him."

According to Kelly, the woman was downstairs in the parking lot waiting in what appeared to be the getaway car.

Investigators said that the husband suffered from an exit wound to the arm.

He was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover.

Labels: female, home invasion, TX

A homeowner shot an intruder early Friday morning, and North Richland Hills police were investigating whether criminal charges would be filed.

The incident occurred about 12:30 a.m. in the 7900 block of Laura Street, said North Richland Hills police Sgt. Greg Trickey.

The 30-year-old homeowner heard some noises outside and confronted a person in his backyard. The homeowner told the person to stay put, but the man advanced, police said. Samuel Thomas Ford, 27, was shot in the shoulder and taken to John Peter Smith Hospital with a non-life threatening injury, police said.

Police declined to release the name of the homeowner.

Labels: altercation, TX

HIDALGO COUNTY - Two gunmen involved in a home invasion were chased away by the victim's wife.

"I was in shock. I'm still in shock. I can't believe this happened," she tells us. We're hiding the woman's identity and will call her "Michelle."

She tells us her husband is extremely careful on who he lets on his property. But last night's incident started when the homeowner went outside to close the gate.

According to "Michelle," two masked men pulled into the driveway with guns in hand, demanding drugs and money.

She tells us, "He said, 'I don't have anything. I don't know what you're talking about. I just have children and my wife inside. Y'all need to leave.'"

The men reportedly tried to force "Michelle's" husband to open the door to his home. But the former security guard fought back.

"Michelle" says she was watching it all from inside her home.

She tells us, "I reached for the gun. It was up here. Then I got some shells from in here."

She says, "I keep telling him, 'Duck and I'll shoot! Duck and I'll shoot.' And he said, 'No, don't! Don't!' And I was debating whether to shoot or not."

"Then i just shot that way. The truck was right there."

The shots spooked the intruders and forced them to flee. A tree outside is still marked by the pellets.

"You hear about thing like this happening, but you never think it will happen to you," "Michelle" tells us.

The shotgun was taken by deputies for the investigation. But the couple says they'll be buying another gun.

"We should feel at home in our own home. We shouldn't feel frightened or afraid of anybody. This is our home," says "Michelle."

Labels: residence robbery, TX

Burglary Suspect Shot Dead In East Oak Cliff

A recent rash of burglaries in the east Oak Cliff area of Dallas may be over after a suspect was shot dead on Wednesday morning.

The incident started Tuesday night, when someone threw a brick through the window of a home, located in the 2200 block of Scotland Drive in the east Oak Cliff area of Dallas. The home belongs to an elderly father by the name of Otis Fagan Sr.

According to Fagan Sr., he's been burglarized six times in the last six months. His son, Otis Fagan Jr., had come over on Tuesday to help board up the window. He drove past the house again several times Tuesday night to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

While driving past the house at about 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, Fagan Jr. noticed a beam of light coming from the backyard. He stopped to check things out and discovered a man inside the backyard tool shed.

Fagan Jr. confronted 43-year-old Gerald Foley, the suspected burglar, with a gun. Police say Foley had $2,000 worth of Fagan's property. According to police, the suspect then attacked Fagan Jr., who fired off possibly four bullets.

After the encounter, the suspect fled the scene down an alleyway and fell dead into Bakari Thomas' yard, a neighbor on Locust Street.

"It's very scary," said Thomas. There's only so much you can do when you got a house, and you try to be safe in your own home."

CBS 11 News spoke with the elderly father on Wednesday afternoon. He said that he did not see anything, but heard noises outside in the moments just before the shooting. Fagan Sr. also said that he had triggered his home security alarm in hopes of scaring away the suspected burglar, but that it did not work.

According to his sister, Fagan Jr. was licensed to carry the gun. Attempts to speak with Fagan Jr. were not successful. He rushed inside the home before issuing a comment.

"He's under a lot of stress and inner pain associated with what all took place, but hopefully the Lord will see us all through," said Fagan Sr.

Both generations of Fagans were taken to police headquarters on Wednesday for questioning. Police have said that this appears to be a legal shooting, but are continuing to investigate the case. In the meantime, police have not charged anyone with a crime, but they will refer the incident to a grand jury, as is routine.

"What the individual did – he was protecting his parents property – was absolutely not a crime," said Dallas Police Lt. Craig Miller.

Labels: concealed carry permit, residence burglary, TX

Clerk, robbery suspect exchange gunfire

A woman store clerk and a would-be robber exchanged gunfire late Saturday night but police report no one was injured.

The female clerk at EZ Food Mart, 1006 North Fourth St., told police she bent down behind the counter to get some cigarettes for a customer. When she stood up, a man was standing next to the customer pointing a handgun at her.

The woman told police she ducked behind the counter as the suspect fired. She grabbed a gun that was behind the counter and as the suspect was running out of the door, she fired one shot toward him but missed.

Neither the clerk nor the suspect were injured.

Police said the suspect was wearing a red bandanna over his face.

Labels: business robbery, female, TX

One Arrested In Home Burglary

Dallas police arrested one person in connection with a home burglary, but not at the crime location. In fact, no one was inside the home that SWAT police surrounded for hours Thursday afternoon.

It all started around 3 p.m. when a homeowner interrupted a burglary in progress in the 2800 block of W. 8th Street near Westmoreland Avenue. A neighbor had called him at work and told him three people were breaking into his house.

The armed homeowner, who says he has several other weapons and lots of ammunition at the house, arrived with his own weapon drawn and confronted the three intruders.

"He had a gun with him and fired a couple of rounds and he believes he struck one of them," said Sr. Cpl. Geraldo Monreal of the Dallas Police Department. "Two of the suspects fled. The third suspect ran back inside the house where he has barricaded himself inside the residence."

Police threw tear gas into the home, but later discovered it to be empty. They later found one person with gunshot wounds at Parkland Hospital and arrested him in connection with this crime. Two others are still on the run.

Labels: residence burglary, TX

WWII vet sends armed burglar suspect to hospital

Police said one man is in the hospital after an elderly North Texas man took action into his own hands when confronted by two armed brothers inside his home Saturday night.

Police said they believe the brothers went to 80-year-old James Pickett's home with the intent to rob him, and even possibly kill him. However, Pickett - a World War II veteran, former fighter and lifelong John Wayne devotee - wasn't about to let that happen.

It all began Saturday night when Pickett said he opened his door and two men barged inside.

"He just come through that door stabbing and beating," he said.

However, Pickett said just before he went to answer the door, he had first placed a pistol into his pocket.

"And he jumped and turned, and I shot him there," he said.

The two brothers, Paul and Holden Perry, ran, but didn't get far before calling an ambulance. One of the bullets just missed Paul Perry's spine.

"He's my hero," said one neighbor of Pickett.

"Well, I ain't got no business being a hero, by no means," he said.

Both brothers face assault, burglary and robbery charges. Deputies assured Pickett they aren't likely to get out of jail anytime soon. However, he didn't seem that worried anyhow.

"I think I'm a ten times better shot than he is," he said. "... But, they best not come back."

Labels: home invasion, TX

Fort Bend homeowner shoots suspected thieves

Two men were shot Sunday when they allegedly tried to steal auto parts from in front of a home near Stafford in Fort Bend County.

The men, whose names were not immediately known, were shot about 2:30 a.m. in the 2700 block of Oakdale Court, said Fort Bend County Sheriff's spokeswoman Terriann Carlson.

Carlson said the homeowner heard unusual sounds coming from outside his house and then saw a man approaching his front door.

The homeowner got a weapon and told a woman in the house to call police.

"In an attempt to protect themselves and their property, several persons inside the residence discharged their weapons numerous times, hitting one suspect in the head area and the second in the back," Carlson said in a released statement.

One man was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and another man was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Both were in serious condition.

The identities of the homeowner and the others who fired weapons were not released.

The case will be sent to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office and then will be reviewed by a grand jury.

Labels: street property theft, trespassing, TX

Accused clothing store robber who was shot remains in hospital

A man accused of robbing a clothing store remained in critical condition Monday after being shot by the business owner. Jerrod Jamian Royal, 20, will face a charge of aggravated robbery after he is released from the hospital, Dallas police said.

Police say three men, two of them armed, entered the Stay Fly Urban Wear store in the 7800 block of South Loop 12 about 6:40 p.m. Sunday. The store was open at the time and about five people were inside, police said.

The store owner, whose name had not been released, fired and injured Mr. Royal and possibly one of his accomplices, police said. The two other men fled in a vehicle that police later discovered in the 200 block of South Jim Miller Road.

Anyone with information can call police at 214-671-3584. The shooting will be referred to a grand jury.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Police said the man forced his way into the unlocked apartment of a 22-year-old woman around noon. Five children were in the apartment, some of whom belonged to her.

Authorities said he sexually assaulted the woman, and some of the children fled. After he laid down the knife and started getting dressed, the woman ran outside to tell her boyfriend.

The boyfriend and some others confronted the suspect in the apartment, and a fight began. Police said the fight led out into the parking lot, with an unknown number of people taking part.

The suspect in the rape eventually broke free and ran into another apartment, where he was shot.

Labels: home invasion, rape, TX

Store owner fatally shot suspected thief

The owner of an office supply business shot and killed a would-be thief.

It happened on Reveille and Bradford in southeast Houston. The owner heard someone trying to get into his business at midnight. He went outside with a gun and caught a man trying to steal a trailer parked behind his business.

The would-be thief then tried to run over the business owner with his truck and the business owner fired back through the truck's rear window.

Despite being shot, the suspect kept driving his truck for three blocks until he fell out of his truck and died on the road.

Police officers also found tires in the back of that truck, which may have been stolen.

Labels: assault, trespassing, TX

Man fights back against would-be robber

A would-be robber was shot and killed by the person he was trying to rob in the parking lot of a grocery store in southeast Houston.

Investigators told Eyewitness News the would-be robber had the tables turned on him when the person he was trying to rob pulled out his own gun and shot the man.

It was just after 10pm last night when the victim told police he pulled into the parking lot at the H-E-B in the Gulfgate shopping center on Winkler near the Gulf Freeway. Tha'ts when a man walked up to his car and pointed a gun at him. What the robber didn't know is the man had a gun and he retaliated with gunfire.

"He had just parked and as he was about to get out the car, the guy came up to his door," said Sgt. Robert Odom with the Houston Police Department.

"Do you know if he was going to carjack him?" we asked.

"I don't know. He told him to get back in. I don't know what he was planning to do at that point, if he was planning on taking the truck or if he was just going to rob him," said Sgt. Odom.

The would-be robber was shot several times. He tried to get away by jumping into a car that was parked nearby. However, he fell out of the car and later died.

Police did arrest the driver of the car and believe he may be the second suspect in the case.

Labels: carjacking, TX

Dallas Store Clerk Turns Tables On Would-Be Robber

Dallas police say a store clerk came face to face with a would-be robber, but this time it's the suspect that ended up in the hospital.

The Motions Convenience Store, in the 800 block of South Corinth Street, is open 24 hours and sadly that sometimes makes it a convenient target for criminals.

On Wednesday police say a man came into the store at 4 a.m. and found that clerk Benny Brown was more than a match for him.

Brown wouldn't talk about details of what turned into a shooting incident, but said he remembers feeling fear as it unfolded. "Kinda rough, kinda rough. I really feel bad," Brown said. "I'm just, I'm still kinda nervous."

Police say what Brown did was defend himself when he saw the suspect with a semi-automatic handgun. Brown took a gun, that's left at the store, and fired it three times.

"This is something I wouldn't want to wish on anybody," Brown explained.

The suspect staggered away from the store empty handed and hours later a man, matching the suspect's description, showed up at Parkland Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

"Parkland Hospital called us regarding this gunshot victim," explained Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse with the Dallas Police Department. "We're not sure if he had been in the hospital that entire time or if he tried to tend to his own wounds."

The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Christopher Marquis Wade. Wade, who was listed in fair condition at Parkland, will be charged with aggravated robbery.

Given the circumstances and the history of the area, store patrons and police feel Brown's actions were justified. "Your safe during the day and a night you kinds gotta watch for yourself," one customer told CBS 11 News. "I think a person has a right to defend their property."

According to police reports Brown had seen the suspect several times in the past. He told authorities that when the man showed up at the store today it seemed 'suspicious'.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Clerk shoots at would-be robber

A Bosque County store clerk refused to be a crime victim for a second time in less than a year by shooting at a masked man who tried to rob him Tuesday morning.

No customers were in the Lake Stop Store at 340 State Highway 22 in Laguna Park at 10:16 a.m. when a man wearing a mask entered, said owner Balbar Deo, who wasn’t at the store at the time of the attempted robbery. The masked man was carrying an unknown weapon under his jacket, according to a Bosque County Sheriff’s Department press release. When the clerk saw this, he reached under the counter and pulled out a .22-caliber gun and shot twice at the would-be robber.

The store clerk, in his mid-30s, left early because he wasn’t feeling well, Deo said Tuesday afternoon.

Deo said the clerk had been robbed and badly beaten at the store last summer.

But Tuesday, the would-be robber fled the store after the clerk fired. The man drove away in a silver vehicle, according to the sheriff’s department.

A vehicle matching that description was stopped later that day by deputies in Hill County.

Officers arrested Stafford L. Jones, of Waco, in the case. Jones, 28, confessed to the attempted robbery and told deputies he had been grazed by the clerk’s bullets, the release stated. He was treated at Goodall-Witcher Hospital in Clifton, then booked into the Bosque County Jail on a robbery charge, the release stated. His bond had not been set late Tuesday, officials said.

Deo said he plans to install a glass barrier around the cashier’s desk for future protection.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, TX

Grocery Store Guard Shoots At Shoplifting Suspect

A grocery store security guard opened fire on a shoplifting suspect on Tuesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston police said the guard at the Fiesta store on Hillcroft Street near Bellaire Boulevard spotted the man inside the store at about 6:45 p.m.

The guard was waiting for the man as he left the store, officials said. The man elbowed the guard as he tried to stop him, police said.

Investigators said the guard fired a warning shot as the man ran away.

Police tracked the man down about a block away. An ambulance was called out to treat the man for an injury he suffered when he fell on concrete.

Labels: business burglary, private security, TX

Attempted robbery ends with shootout in north Houston

An attempted robbery outside a convenience store in north Houston on Friday afternoon ended in a shootout between the robber and his intended victim, police said.

Both men were taken to hospitals and described as stable with gunshot wounds to their torsos following the shooting in front of Handi Food Mart in the 500 block of Yorkshire.

According to police, the gunman approached the son of the store's owners in the parking lot and tried to rob him at gunpoint about 3:20 p.m.

But the intended victim managed to pull out his gun, said Sgt. Robert Odom of HPD's homicide division.

Several shots were fired and both men were wounded, Odom said.

The suspect was taken to Memorial Hermann-The Texas Medical Center while the intended victim was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was in surgery. The names of both men were withheld.

Residents living on street where the store is were shaken by the shooting.

When Mary Rogers drove home Friday afternoon to find police tape cordoning off The Handi Food Mart down the street, she felt tears well in her eyes.

"I was getting ready to start crying," said Rogers, 54. "I hate this happening because this neighborhood is basically quiet."

The little family-owned and operated store has been a neighborhood fixture for years, she said. The store owners have a large brood of grown children, many of whom help out at the store, Rogers said.

"Most of the people here know them," Rogers said. "They're just as sweet as they can be. Always give people credit when they need it."

"They help everybody out and they know everybody pretty much by name," agreed Debra Sanchez, who lives across the street from the Handi Food Mart. Her 16-year-old son was inside the store getting quarters to do the laundry when the shooting happened.

"Man this is just too close to home, you know?" Sanchez said, shivering in the cold as daylight began to fade.

Labels: defender shot, street robbery, TX

Security guard shoots, kills man

A shootout at a Richland Hills apartment complex early Sunday left one person dead and a security guard in the hospital, according to reports.

The incident happened about 4 a.m. Sunday at the Bellaire Apartments, 7030 Baker Boulevard.

It is unclear what started the incident, but according to NBC5 and CBS 11, an armed security guard was shot and returned fire at several people attempting to flee in a minivan.

One of the bullets hit the driver of the van in the head, and after jumping a median on Baker Boulevard (also known as Highway 10), the van came to a stop off the road, the reports said. The driver died at the scene, the reports said.

Two people were in custody, the reports said, but CBS 11reported that two others had fled the scene.

The condition of the guard, who was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, was not known.

Labels: defender shot, private security, TX

GLENN HEIGHTS - An attempted break-in early Sunday morning led to a terrifying and unexpected wake up call for a woman in Glenn Heights.

While four men failed to break into Carrie Shannon's home on Brentwood Street, their attempt was captured on surveillance video.

Shannon was home alone when the men tried to kick in her door around 4:35 a.m.

"I immediately jumped up," she said of when she heard the loud kicking.

After hearing the men, Shannon said she got out of bed and called police on her cell phone.

"I grabbed my handgun and I proceeded right to the back, because as soon as I saw a shadow, I was going to go ahead and start shooting," she said.

After several kicks, the men gave up and took off.

"I just want to be safe here in my own home," Shannon said. "That's it. That's all I want."

Signs of the attempted home invasion were everywhere in the form of broken glass, damage to the door and a broken lock.

Shannon's home security camera didn't miss a beat either. It even caught one of the men cutting the phone line. The video was turned over to police.

...

Shannon said she believes the incident may be connected to a burglary that happened at her home nearly three weeks ago. In that case, four men stormed into her home through the front door.

"[I'm] just a hard working woman trying to live, trying to support her son and trying to support herself and live a better life," she said.

Labels: home invasion, TX

ALTON - Police continue to investigate a Sunday home invasion by two men that left one of the suspects with two gunshot wounds.

Two men attempted to enter an apartment near the intersection of Glasscock and Mile 6 Roads, Alton Police Investigator Armando Lopez said.

One of the invaders was shot twice upon entering the apartment, Lopez said. The location of the gunshot wounds is unknown,

The two men then left the scene and attempted to find help at the La India Mexican Food Mart at Glasscock and Mile 6 Road.

The injured suspect was transported to McAllen Medical Center for treatment. Lopez said details about the suspect's condition were unavailable Monday morning.

Both suspects are set to be charged with aggravated robbery, Lopez said. None of the victims were injured from the incident.

Labels: home invasion, TX

Home intruder shot, killed

A homeowner shot and killed a man as he forced his way into a home in Copperas Cove on Friday afternoon, police said.

Police were called to 2204 Boland St. after shots were fired inside the home. They discovered a man who had been shot several times in the upper torso, Copperas Cove police said in a statement.

Through the investigation, police learned the man was an intruder who had “entered the residence unlawfully and apparently used physical force against the homeowner,” police said.

The intruder was taken to Darnall Army Hospital where he died from his injuries. The man’s identity was not released pending notification of family, police said.

The shooting remained under investigation Friday evening.

Further links:
Cove homeowner fatally shoots intruder

Labels: home invasion, TX

Two homicides may fall under new law

...

Christopher Fry, 38, was shot in the upper body at 200 S. Georgia St. Fry walked from the home and collapsed on the curb on the north side of the house in the 2700 block of West Second Avenue. The homeowner shot Fry because Fry was apparently assaulting the homeowner, who felt in fear of his life and his 2-year-old son's life. Fry appeared to have been in a physical altercation prior to knocking on the door at 200 S. Georgia. The two were arguing after Fry asked the homeowner about a dog, which the homeowner did not own. The homeowner was questioned by Special Crimes and later released pending further investigation. The case will be presented to the 47th District Attorney's office for review by a grand jury.

(More)

Labels: assault, TX

San Antonio road rage killing deemed self-defense

In an apparent case of road rage, a motorist shot a driver to death who threatened him with a baseball bat.

Police said that the shooting just after midnight on New Year's Day appeared to be in self-defense, so they didn't plan to charge 24-year-old Brian Correa.

"It was apparent to us that he was defending himself," said police spokesman Sgt. Gabe Trevino, who added that the shooter had a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Correa shot the 24-year-old driver three times with a handgun, a police report said. The Bexar County medical examiner's office identified the deceased driver as Tomas Garza.

Correa and several witnesses quoted in the report said that Garza had maneuvered his Mitsubishi Lancer behind Correa's Chevrolet Camaro around 1 a.m. Tuesday and began driving aggressively, trying to hit the Camaro.

When the cars came to a stop at a traffic light, Garza got out and hit the Camaro several times with the bat, according to the police report.

Correa told Garza to stop, but Garza began toward him so Correa fired at him, according to the report.

Witnesses corroborated Correa's account with police.

"I'm still really shaken up. I don't really want to talk about it at all," Correa told a reporter with the San Antonio Express-News when contacted at his home.

Further links:
Man Shot, Allegedly Killed In Self-Defense

Labels: concealed carry permit, road rage, TX

Man in critical condition after bar security guard shoots him

A 28-year-old man was shot multiple times by a bar security guard early Saturday morning in the 100 block of West Rosedale Street, police said.

A security guard at the Cowboy Palace bar told police he was acting in self-defense when he fired multiple shots a man in a red car who allegedly tried to run over the security guard.

Jesus Torres was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. No arrests were made. Police seized the security guard's weapon.

Fort Worth police spokesman Lt. Dean Sullivan said detectives are investigating.

Labels: altercation, private security, TX

Robber, Clerk Killed In Separate Store Shootings

A robber and a clerk died in shootings at two separate convenience stores in the Houston area, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The latest shooting happened at the Tony's Express Store in the 4000 block of Synott in southwest Houston.

Investigators said just before 3 a.m., a store clerk shot two robbers who were stealing money from the register.

The robbers ran out of the store, drove around the corner in a pickup truck, and then crashed into the cab of a parked 18-wheeler, police said. The driver of the pickup died behind the wheel.

"At that point, the passenger jumped from the truck and fled the scene, ran down the street to another apartment. He was later apprehended and he is currently at Ben Taub Hospital with unknown injuries," Houston police Detective Roger Chappell told KPRC Local 2.

Further links:
Two killed in separate convenience store robberies

Store clerk fatally shoots robbery suspect

Labels: business robbery, TX

Guard fatally shoots intruder in Dallas business

A man who reportedly sneaked into an east Dallas business late Wednesday was fatally shot by a man who was guarding the place, police said.

The shooting was a reported at 9:08 p.m. at the business in the 4300 block of Elm Street, which is east of the intersection of North Haskell Avenue. The neighborhood is a few blocks east of Baylor University Medical Center.

The man who was shot did not have an identification with him, but he appeared to be in his mid 40s, said Sgt. Bruce McDonald, a homicide detective.

A 24-year-old man who was hired to guard the business told police that he heard a garage door opening, but the remote-control opener had been stolen in an earlier burglary, McDonald said.

The guard then confronted the man, McDonald said. The guard said the man approached him in a threatening manner so he shot him with a handgun, McDonald said.

Investigators are trying to identify the dead man by means of his fingerprints, McDonald said.

The case, he added, will be turned over to a Dallas County grand jury which will determine whether or not the guard should face charges for shooting the man. Texas law states that a person can use deadly force to defend themselves or their property.

Further links:
Business Intruder Fatally Shot

Slain burglar had garage door opener from previous break-in at business

Labels: business burglary, private security, TX

Police: Bar Owner Kills Man In Self-Defense

A southeast Houston bar owner shot and killed a man, police said, in self-defense, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Officials said the shooting happened at Henry's Bar on North 80th at Avenue B at about 11 p.m. Sunday.

Police said a man walked into a bar and flashed a gun. When the owner asked him to leave, the man went outside.

"Outside the bar, there was another confrontation. He pointed the gun and the bar owner shot him and it appears to be self-defense at this time," said Sgt. E. Lorenzana with the Houston Police Department.

The man was shot in the head and died in the parking lot. His name was not released.

No charges have been filed against the owner.

Labels: altercation, TX

Confrontation ends in fatal shooting

Police said a disagreement between two men in a local bar transitioned to angry text messages after the bar closed, then escalated to a physical confrontation that resulted in gunfire at an apartment.

Conroe police said 25-year-old Austin Revel Cargill allegedly shot and killed Jordan Robert Eakins, 26, around 2:45 a.m. at Cargill's residence in the Forest Creek Apartments off of North Loop 336.

Conroe Police Sgt. Bob Berry said Cargill was answering questions, but no charges have been filed.

"Once we received his statement, compared it with the evidence at the scene and presented the case to the District Attorney's intake division, it was concluded that there would be no arrest at this time," Berry said. "So far, the information we have is consistent and reasonable to believe in this case the complainant (Cargill) acted within the scope of the law."

A grand jury will hear the case and determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

...

Berry said it has not been determined what caused Friday's fatal confrontation. While the Police Department would not release the text messages exchanged, Berry said Eakins threatened to harm Cargill in the messages.

Eakins allegedly went to Cargill's residence and "began causing a disturbance at the front door of his apartment," which Berry said was confirmed by witnesses as well as the first 9-1-1 call made by Cargill.

"Cargill advised Eakins to leave and to stop beating on his door, then Cargill observed Eakins walk down the stairs in front of the apartment," Berry said. "Cargill unlocked the door and opened the door to see if Eakins was gone, which is when Eakins allegedly charged up the stairs and confronted Cargill in the doorway."

Berry said Cargill went back inside and warned Eakins not to come inside, saying he had a gun.

"Eakins allegedly lunged at Cargill through the open door and began to assault Cargill, causing both subjects to land on the floor," Berry said. "Cargill was still holding the weapon and was able to shoot the victim in the torso."

Cargill fired seven shots into Eakins with his Smith and Wesson .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol, Berry said.

He then called 9-1-1 a second time at 2:45 a.m. and said he shot the intruder, Berry said.

Medics transported Eakins to Conroe Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Lanny Moriarty ordered an autopsy.

Cargill had superficial injuries supporting his claim he was attacked, Berry said.

Investigators interviewed witnesses at Molly's Pub, located on North Loop 336, where the conflict allegedly started. Manager Daniel Hallock said he was shocked about the shooting. He said Eakins was a regular customer and liked by everyone.

"I've known Jordan for years," Hallock said. "He was a very laid-back, nice guy."
Hallock could not remember Cargill but said he and other employees agreed the name was familiar.

What surprised Hallock most, he said, was hearing police say the problem started at Molly's.

"Nothing happened here. There was no fight, no brawl, no altercation," he said. "As far as I know, he left here just fine and didn't seem intoxicated."

Hallock was so troubled by the news, he questioned his staff, including the bartender.

"I looked at (Eakins') tab, and he didn't drink very much," he said.

Berry said officers did not detect the odor of alcohol on Cargill or believe he was intoxicated.

Labels: altercation, TX

Shootout at grocery leaves customer dead

A botched robbery of a Fiesta grocery store in north Houston is believed to have left two people dead — a 68-year-old woman buying cold medicine and one of the men who tried to hold up the store.

Janette Dominguez, who was caught in the crossfire Friday night between the would-be robbers and the store's security guard, died at Ben Taub General Hospital.

The body of a 27-year-old man, thought to be one of the gunmen, was found later that night at 1208 Northville with a gunshot wound to the torso.

The store's security guard, who was shot in the abdomen, is reportedly in stable condition at Ben Taub.

On the same night, the owner of a small Texas City mom-and-pop grocery store shot and killed an armed robber, authorities said. No charges have been filed against the store owner.

At the Fiesta at Fulton and Patton, two men — one armed with a shotgun and the other with a handgun — entered the store about 9 p.m. Friday, said Sgt. Robert Odom with the Houston Police Department's homicide unit.

Wearing hoods and ski masks, the gunmen threatened a male employee to try to gain access to the store's courtesy area.

"They apparently walked in and grabbed the nearest employee and demanded to be let into the courtesy booth," Odom said.

The armed security guard was taking a break in the coffee shop near the back of the store when he heard the disturbance and went to investigate, Odom said.

When one of the suspects saw the security guard come around the corner, he opened fire, said Odom, noting that the guard's uniform closely resembles an HPD uniform.

The gunmen and security guard exchanged gunfire. Dominguez, who was waiting to check out in the first express lane near the entrance, got caught in the crossfire, authorities said.

"There was a bottle of cold medicine still sitting there," Odom said.

The gunmen fled in a stolen minivan that crashed several blocks away, in a ditch behind the Irvington Pentecostal Church. Police found blood inside the vehicle, thought to be from the man later found dead, Odom said.

(More)

Labels: business robbery, private security, TX

Man killed during grocery store robbery

A would-be robber met the same fate at a Texas City convenience store Friday night as another robber did years ago.

The man, armed with what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun, reportedly went into Jones Grocery, 616 Ninth St. N., about 8:40 p.m. Friday. He demanded cash, and the owner complied.

However, when the robber grabbed the money and ran, he only made it as far as the door, police said. The store owner had reached under the counter and grabbed his own gun, a clear description of which was not available Friday night.

The owner fired three shots, one of which hit the fleeing robber in the head. The man fell, dead.

The robber had not been identified Friday night, but police described him as an African-American man in his late 20s or early 30s.

Police cars and fire trucks blocked off Ninth Street around the store, while investigators talked to witnesses, including the store owner.

The store owner was the same man who shot and killed another robber at Jones Grocery about eight years ago. In that case, an armed man became distracted while robbing the store, and the owner shot him.

Police Capt. Brian Goetchius said detectives would have to conclude interviews with witnesses and collecting evidence at the store.

Texas law does contain a provision allowing a person to shoot someone who is committing a crime on the person’s property.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Suspected Burglar Shot, Killed by Homeowner

A suspected burglar is dead after being shot and killed by a homeowner in southwest Harris County.

Deputies say when they arrived at the home early Friday morning, a man's body was found hanging out part of a window.

Investigators say the shooting happened around 2 a.m. when the homeowner heard a window break in his home. Police say the homeowner fired three shots at the suspect.

Area residents told FOX 26 News several shootings have happened in the area recently.

The case will be handed over to homicide detectives.

Suspected burglar fatally shot at Harris County home

A southwest Harris County homeowner shot and killed a man he discovered climbing into a window of his house at about 2:15 a.m. today, investigators said.

Steven Dunbar, 44, died in the window of the home in the 3400 block of Cascadia, Harris County sheriff's homicide Det. Rolf Nelson said.

Nelson declined to name the homeowner but said the man, 32, was asleep in the house with his wife, a son, 6, and an infant daughter when he heard a loud noise.

"The homeowner says he heard a loud noise, possibly a gunshot, that startled him out of bed," Nelson said. "As he got up, he said he heard another loud noise and he said the house was shaking."

The man had retrieved a pistol he keeps and was on his way to investigate the noises when he heard glass breaking in a bedroom.

"When he entered that bedroom, he said he saw a burglar coming through a broken window," Nelson said. "He shot several times and struck the burglar several times, killing him at the scene."

Exactly what Dunbar was trying to do and why there was so much noise before the homeowner discovered Dunbar remains unclear, Nelson said.

Deputies found a back screen door on the back of the house torn from its hinges, which could account for the shaking feeling the homeowner said he noticed after he awoke, Nelson said.

"He's got a pretty extensive criminal record of felonies over the last 13 years," Nelson said of Dunbar. "He has at least 12 arrests for felonies and a half dozen convictions. We don't know if he was intent on some other crime or if it was a burglary for something he could turn into money."

The area around the shooting scene was taped off by deputies at about 3 a.m. today and the homeowner was not available for comment.

The home is in the Forest View subdivision near the intersection of FM 1093 and Addicks-Clodine.

While the investigation continued late this morning, Nelson declined to say exactly how many times Dunbar was shot and where the bullets hit him.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner and the case is expected to be referred to a Harris County grand jury for review, Nelson said.

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Labels: home invasion, TX

Resident wrestles gun from suspect, shoots him

A southeast Fort Worth resident escaped severe injury or death early Thursday when a gun fired at his head did not discharge, police said. He then wrestled the gun away from the suspect and shot him in the back as he attempted to flee.

Lt. Dean Sullivan, police spokesman, said the resident -- who had noticed that the man's safety was still on -- was able to wrestle the gun away from him, take off the safety and then empty the firearm toward the fleeing suspect, striking him once in the back.

Sullivan said two friends of the suspect who had been waiting by the street then retrieved their own guns from a car and returned fire at the resident. He said the resident was able to retreat into his home and was not injured.

The three suspects fled before police could arrive. As officers were investigating, John Peter Smith Hospital alerted authorities that a man with a gunshot wound to the back had been dropped off at the hospital by occupants of a vehicle, who then left, Sullivan said.

The suspect, who has not been identified by police, remained under police guard at the hospital. He faces a charge of aggravated assault.

Labels: home invasion, TX

A Diboll man shot and killed his father early Saturday morning in what authorities say appears to be a case of self-defense, according to an Angelina County Sheriff's Office spokesman Monday.

Tad Wheeler Sr., 45, died after being shot multiple times during a dispute at a residence off Camp Road, said Lt. Pete Cooper, in a press release statement.

Wheeler's 22-year-old son, Tad Wheeler Jr., and a woman at the residence who witnessed the altercation were questioned by investigators after the shooting. A preliminary investigation has shown Tad Wheeler Jr. shot his father with a .22-caliber pistol in apparent self defense, Cooper said.

Details about the altercation are not being released as of yet, the sheriff's department spokesman said. Autopsy results are expected to be released this week.

The case is expected to be reviewed by the Angelina County District Attorney's Office and presented to a grand jury to determine whether any charges will be filed.

Labels: altercation, TX

Teen thieves shot at while burglarizing a West Side home

One teen was shot in the hip and another is on the run after a burglary attempt from a house being renovated.

The shooting occurred Tuesday shortly after 1 a.m. in the 200 block of Early Trail.

According to police, the contractor had employees staying inside the house after thieves had targeted the home.

The employee involved in the shooting told police he heard someone breaking into the home and shot at the pair because he thought they were armed.

The injured teen was transported to University Hospital and is expected to be okay.

Police say they know the identity of the other burglar and it is just a matter of catching him.

Both teens face burglary charges. No charges are expected to file against the employee.

Labels: home invasion, TX

Neighbors Chase, Draw Gun on Intruders

A drunken man was arrested Friday night after going on a crime spree while riding his bike near Oso Bay.

Police said the man first held up a group of kids at a Flour Bluff apartment complex with a knife.

Then, one of the kid's relatives followed the man to a Paul Jones neighborhood and tried to chase him out of two homes.

The romp ended with a gunshot.

Before then, Carol Wright was hanging Christmas lights outside when two men suddenly ran around the side of her house.

Wright said a 24-year-old man "pushed me against the wall, went in the house, closed and dead-bolted the door. I heard the lock."

Police said the man who pushed his way into Wright's home was running from another man after an attempted stabbing at the Wharf Apartments.

Officers said the man was drunk when he rode his bike up to a group of kids there.

"They were out playing in the park," said Capt. John Houston of the Corpus Christi Police Department. "He then pulled out what they describe as looking like a machete or large knife. The guy threatened him. He swung at one of the kids, allegedly."

A couple of the kids ran into an uncle's apartment nearby. The uncle, in turn, chased the drunken man to Wright's home off of Paul Jones.

The man bolted out of that home and barged into a couple's home next door.

"They ran to the front door to keep him from coming in," Houston said. "He started yelling that there was people trying to kill him and that they had guns. They called 911."

The homeowner eventually got the other man out of his home. But by that time, the kids' uncle was pounding on his front door.

The homeowner fired a shotgun into the air to get them both off of his property.

Police later arrested the drunken bicycle rider.

After watching the ordeal play out, Wright was not quick to get back to her Christmas decorating.

"I've decided," Wright said, "my lights are going up in the morning."

Labels: home invasion, TX

Port A homeowner shoots burglar

A 23-year-old man was shot in the chest about 11:15 p.m. Thursday by a homeowner who caught the man burglarizing his home, police said.

The 42-year-old homeowner confronted the intruder inside his home with a .22-caliber pistol, said Detective Mark Stokes, investigator for the Port Aransas Police Department. Police declined to release the home's location or the name and occupation of the homeowner because of possible retaliation, Stokes said.

The shooting victim was conscious while being taken by Halo-Flight to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial, emergency rescuers said. He remained in intensive care Friday in stable condition, Stokes said.

Investigators will present information to the district attorney before arresting the suspect, Stokes said.

A woman was also at home at the time of the incident, but was not involved, Stokes said, and the homeowner was not charged.

By Texas statute a homeowner has the right to defend themselves and their property, he said.

Labels: home invasion, residence burglary, TX

Homeowner shoots and kills suspected burglar in Porter

A homeowner in Porter shot and killed a suspected burglar Thursday. And the situation became so intense that the homeowner himself was taken to the hospital.

We're also learning there have been other problems with crime in the neighborhood on West Hammond near Highway 59.

Around 1:30pm, property owner Gary Southworth called 911 and said that he'd shot a man who was stealing from him and that he needed help. Paramedics rushed the suspected thief to Kingwood Hospital, but he died from his wounds.

Paramedics had to also take Southworth to the hospital after the shooting because the 60-year-old was having chest pains. Meanwhile, his wife, Alberta Southworth, says thieves had hit them several times recently.

"It's beyond awful," she said. "It's our whole life, I mean, he's been so sick and all we have left to live on is what they've stolen. We have nothing now. They took our bank account basically."

"He had reported two thefts in the past two days that had occurred in the nighttime hours," said Sgt. Bill Bucks with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. "It's my understanding that this is not his primary residence, but he does own the property. He came back to watch and make sure nobody stole anything from his house."

A new law that just went into effect in September allows Texans to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes, cars and work places. The Castle Doctrine removes the requirement that a person must attempt to retreat before using deadly force.

It's important to note that the deputy told us that when Southworth called 911, he was requesting help for the man he just shot.

Southworth is in stable condition.

Further links:
Porter man suffers chest pains after killing theft suspect

Labels: residence robbery, trespassing, TX

Store Clerk Shoots at Attempted Beer Thieves

A clerk fired shots at two people trying to steal beer from a convenience store in Balch Springs early Tuesday morning.

A woman and a man entered the 24-hour store on Seagoville Rd. at around 4 a.m. and took off with a case of beer.

The store clerk followed, and fired a gun at the suspects several times. He missed, and the male suspect dropped the beer as he ran.

A nearby police sergeant followed the suspects, who reportedly fled in a gold Contour sedan. The sedan was found wrecked further down the road.

The female suspect was discovered in the nearby woods, and she was arrested.

The male suspect is still on the loose.

The gas station was equipped with security cameras, which police hope will lead them to the man.

The store was temporarily shut down while police investigated, but has since been reopened.

Labels: business robbery, TX

Montgomery man shot, killed

An argument between neighbors ended with gunfire Sunday night, leaving one man dead and another with questions to answer.

The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. in the 4000 block of Pamela Way in Old Oak Estates, located off Texas 105 near Montgomery.

The deceased was identified as 43-year-old Dennis Clark.

Lt. Dan Norris, of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, said deputies arrived to find Clark was shot once in the abdomen while on a neighbor's property.

"The shooting incident occurred after Dennis Clark went to a neighbor's home, where an argument escalated from verbal to physical," Norris said. "The homeowner told investigators that Dennis Clark had been told repeatedly to leave, and when Dennis Clark came toward the homeowner in an aggressive manner, the homeowner shot Clark one time."

Clark was transported to Conroe Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Steve Kelley, who lives next door to the home where the shooting occurred, said he was surprised Monday morning when he heard about the shooting from his daughter-in-law, who also lives nearby.

"We didn't hear anything," Kelley said.

He and his wife, Joyce, knew of Clark, but did not know him personally.
Homes in the subdivision are scattered on large pieces of land in what Kelley says is a quiet neighborhood.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, and the MCSO has not released his name.

More

Further links:
Authorities say man fatally shot neighbor during dispute

Labels: altercation, trespassing, TX

Dallas Homeowner Shoots Home Invasion Suspect

A man was shot early Tuesday morning after he attempted to break into a Dallas home.

Police said a 76-year-old homeowner heard his dogs barking at around 3 a.m. at his home in the 3700 block of Fordham. He opened the front door and found a suspect prowling around the front yard.

When the door opened, the 28-year-old suspect ran inside. The two began fighting, and the homeowner managed to get a shotgun from under the bed.

He fired one shot, and the suspect was struck in the hand, shoulder and face.

Police arrived, and he was transported to Baylor Hospital. He was listed in serious but stable condition.

The homeowner suffered several blows to the face, but did not need medical attention.

Labels: home invasion, TX

Labels: altercation, TX

Man shot Wednesday in scuffle over son

Seventeen-year-old charged with felony firearm possession

A 20-year-old Fort Worth man was shot in the chest Wednesday night while attempting to take his 15-month-old son from a residence in Burleson after a fight with another Fort Worth man, according the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

Ashton Lamar Miles Brown, 17, is accused of shooting Damarcus King, who was transferred to John Peter Smith Hospital. Brown was arrested on a charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. Details on King’s condition were not available.

According to reports, King, the father of the child, had sent threatening messages to the mother. King said he would harm the mother and grandmother and then take the child from the East Renfro Street home.

Brown was inside the residence with the mother and child when King arrived at the home. When King entered the residence, a fight began between the two men. At 6-3 and 200 pounds, King is three years older, six inches taller and 50 pounds heavier than Brown.

During the fight, Brown fired a shot from a 9 mm handgun, which struck King in the chest. The shot entered and exited King’s chest cavity area.

Despite the wound, the fight continued while King and Brown stumbled over a love seat. King went out the front door and collapsed in the front yard, where he remained until paramedics arrived for treatment.

Both men have prior arrest records.

Although the case is under investigation, reports indicate that the new Castle Doctrine Law may apply. The law, also known as the Defense of Habitation Law, gives people the legal right to use deadly force when defending their residence from an illegal trespasser.

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, minor offender, TX

Two suspected burglars in Pasadena fatally shot

Pasadena police say an elderly man today shot and killed two men he believed were burglarizing his neighbor's house.

Captain "Bud" Corbett says the man heard noises he thought sounded like broken glass and determined the commotion was happening next door.

The man called police and then saw two men coming through a gate in the backyard of the neighbor's house.

Corbett says the elderly man had a shotgun and confronted the pair -- told them to stop -- and shot them when they refused.

One person was found dead about two houses away. The other was found dead across the street.

Police were interviewing the elderly man.

Shooting of theft suspects may test self-defense law

In a case legal experts say may "stretch the limits" of the state's self-defense laws, a Pasadena man shot and killed two suspected burglars during a confrontation as they attempted to flee his neighbor's property Wednesday afternoon.
…

Police said the neighbor, whose name was withheld Wednesday, appeared calm as he retraced his steps for police.

"He was well composed and knew what he was doing," Mitchell said. "He was protecting the neighbor's property."

It will be up to a Harris County grand jury to decide if the man committed a crime by opening fire, police said.

Wednesday's shooting "clearly is going to stretch the limits of the self-defense law," said defense attorney Tommy LaFon, who is also a former Harris County prosecutor.

If the absent homeowner tells police that he asked his neighbor to watch over his property, that could play in his favor, LaFon said.

"If the homeowner comes out and says, 'My neighbor had a greater right of possession than the people trying to break in,' that could put him (the gunman) in an ownership role," LaFon said.

The Texas Penal Code says a person can use force or deadly force to defend someone else's property if he reasonably believes he has a legal duty to do so or the property owner had requested his protection.

The neighbor, however, would have been on much safer legal ground if he had been trying to protect his own property, LaFon said.

(More)

Labels: residence burglary, TX

Intruder shot in North Dallas

Dallas police are investigating the shooting of a home invasion suspect late Tuesday night.

Investigators said the man broke into an apartment in the 9700 block of Forest Lane around 11:30 p.m. A man in the apartment shot the intruder, according to police.

Police were questioning three witnesses early Wednesday and they believe the shooter was one of the three.

The intruder was on life support at a local hospital Wednesday.

Labels: home invasion, TX

Authorities Continue to Investigate Robbery and Homicide

Authorities are still asking questions to find out what exactly happened in East Lubbock County Saturday afternoon. That's where a suspected robber ended up dead in the store clerk's Jeep.

It's expected this case will eventually go to the grand jury, but for now the investigation begins at the Carl's Corner on 98th and MLK.

Authorities say around 3 p.m. Saturday, Jesse Jermane Pearson tried to rob Carl's Corner Convenience Store. Just minutes later, a store clerk reportedly chased him and about two miles from the store, Pearson was fatally shot.

"He waited until all of the other customers left and he came up to pay and instead of pulling out money he pulled out a big switch blade," says Alex Hamil, the Carl's Corner Convenience Store Clerk who was held up at knife point Saturday.

Hamil says 32-year-old Jesse Jermane Pearson of Lubbock was a frequent customer at the store. But Saturday afternoon, he visited the store for another reason.

"He got real close and put it right there so if he needed to he could cut somebody with it. He probably took $800 tops," says Hamil.

But Pearson would not get far. As Pearson was leaving, another store employee, Jace Martin, was arriving for work.

"Follow him and get his tags and he was like ‘what?' I said follow him. He just robbed me, follow him and get his tags," says Hamil.

Barely two miles down the road Pearson's Toyota Tercell broke down at the intersection at MLK and US 84.

"Jace and I were both talking to 911 at the same time and he said he sat back and the guy looked around and got out of his car and Jace said he got out of his car because he didn't want to be in a vulnerable, prone position," says Hamil.

Pearson allegedly ran toward Martin. That's when Martin allegedly grabbed his deer rifle. Hamil tells us that Pearson allegedly jumped in Martin's Jeep Cherokee and took off.

"And he tried to hit him with the car and that's when Jace shot him," says Hamil.

Moments later, Lubbock Police and Sheriff's Deputies arrived on the scene to find Pearson sitting in the driver's seat of the Martin's Jeep bleeding from the left side of his body. Pearson died in route to the hospital.

As for Martin, he was questioned and released Saturday. He has not been arrested or charged with anything in connection with the shooting, however it is standard in any homicide, for the grand jury to look at the case to decide if it's self defense or if charges should be filed.

Labels: business robbery, TX

(11/02/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A suspected purse snatcher didn't know what he was in for when he picked a woman in a Home Depot parking lot for a victim. As soon as he grabbed her purse, the woman's husband grabbed a shotgun and opened fire.

It happened at the Home Depot on the Eastex Freewa