Police: Owner Shoots Suspect Using Stolen Wrecker To Steal Car (TX)

Click2Houston ^ | June 24, 2005

[datura]

I could see moving to Texas just to enjoy the laws there.

[NRA2BFree]

That was a lucky break for the cops. He put car thieves out of business. Hopefully they will catch the guy who got away. He's very lucky he wasn't shot too.

[skinkinthegrass]

The best part is that if the shooter applies to the Crime Victims' Fund, he can get reimbursed for his expended ammo...HA! HA! LOL! :D

[LibKill]

Then, he said he saw his neighbor running after his car and shooting a gun at the two men inside the wrecker.

The car's owner fired a total of six shots at the wrecker, hitting Antonio Devon Hunt, 29, who police said was driving the tow truck. He was shot once in the head and transported to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.

Special mention for marksmanship under difficult conditions. While running on foot he hit a moving perp in the head.

That's good shooting!

Thieves should leave Texas as fast as they can.

[deport]

June 26, 2005, 9:28AM

Police ID suspect in attempted car theft

Man is in fair condition with head wound

Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

A Sugar Land man is in fair condition at a hospital after police say he was shot while trying to steal a car from some northeast Houston apartments, police said.

Antonio Hunt, 29, of the 16200 block of Soaring Eagle, was shot in the head about 4 a.m. Friday. Another suspect in the alleged car theft got away.

Hunt has not been charged with a crime. The man who shot Hunt has not been charged, and the incident will be referred to a Harris County grand jury for review.

Police say Hunt and an unidentified accomplice were in a stolen tow truck when they tried to haul away a new Buick from an apartment complex at 9603 Homestead. The 20-year-old man who owns the Buick heard his car alarm sounding, grabbed a handgun and went outside to confront the thieves, investigators said. He chased the fleeing tow truck through the apartment complex, then shot out its tires to force the suspects to stop.

Hunt and the man with him then jumped out of the wrecker, trying to run away. The man chasing them said Hunt reached for his waistband, as if he was grabbing a weapon. Fearing for his life, the man chasing the suspects opened fire, hitting Hunt in the head.

Investigators later found tires had been slashed on several vehicles parked around the Buick.

[Ladysmith]

Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect their property or, under certain circumstances, to stop someone they believe is committing a crime.

Oooh, I feel an "I told you so!" moment coming on... heh heh!! Way to go, Texas!

[Ladysmith]

No kidding, that's no easy shot by any means!

[Mr. Mojo]

Oooh, I feel an "I told you so!" moment coming on... heh heh!!

Were you arguing with a Freeper about that particular law?

[Ladysmith]

No, my Business Law instructor last semester. LOL

[Mr. Mojo]

That's right, I remember you mentioning that guy a few times in the past. (He should stick to his speciality).

I'd like to send some articles to his campus email addy.

[Ladysmith]

Actually, the instructor was a tough, ol' female one. She expected discipline and she got it. I respected her for that. We just didn't see eye-to-eye on the Second Amendment.

As for sending her email, I probably should forward anything you've got. It would be friendly, I-know-where-you-stand bantering between us. ;o)

[cpdiii]

At night on your own property since you can not see if they are armed it is assumed the bad guy is armed and deadly force is lawful. In the day if someone is fleeing you may not shoot them as they do not constitute a mortal danger to you. However if they are fleeing with your property you may shoot them to prevent the theft. If someone breaks into your house day or night, you may use deadly force.

God, we are civilized in this state. I love living in Texas.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect their property or, under certain circumstances, to stop someone they believe is committing a crime.

In Wisconsin you're supposed to beg for your life and hope your call goes thru to some 911 operator (Except for me, of course).

[zip]

Hunt reached for his waistband, as if he was grabbing a weapon. Fearing for his life, the man chasing the suspects opened fire, hitting Hunt in the head.

Yep, "fearing for his life" is a wonderful statement. I, personally, am just sorry the other one didn't get a shot to the head. It definitely slows down the crime rate.

[basil]

I agree with you! There's no place on earth I would rather be than in the Lone Star State of my birth!

Good shooting by the intended victim--but unfortunately, the later report seems to have upgraded the condition of the perp from critical to serious. Too bad about that!

[moog]

Yup, one of many reasons I live here in TX.

I guess you don't mess with Texas, or they will make a mess of you.

[moog]

You aren't the same person as 2ndamendmentmama are you? She also lives in Texas.

[moog]

Hunt reached for his waistband, as if he was grabbing a weapon.

Guess he didn't have "anything" down there.

[basil]

No, I'm not 2nd Amendment Mama--I am basil!

2nd Amendment Mama does not live in TX. She is in SC.