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!
Posted on 06/26/2005 6:10:58 PM PDT by Mr. Mojo
One Suspect In Critical Condition
HOUSTON -- A northeast Houston man opened fire on suspected car thieves who were trying to steal his vehicle, police told Local 2 Friday.
Officers said two men driving a stolen tow truck were trying to tow a car out of the Swiss Village Apartments parking lot on Homestead near Tidwell shortly before 5 a.m.
Roosevelt Grant is a neighbor of the car owner. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw the white Buick LeSabre hooked up to a tow truck. Then, he said he saw his neighbor running after his car and shooting a gun at the two men inside the wrecker.
"I just heard a loud, squealing noise and I just happened to see a wrecker truck," Grant said. "To take something that belongs to you is just not right."
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.
The other man escaped.
Police said that the men stole the tow truck a week ago and were using it to steal vehicles.
"I feel sure that they stole the wrecker for a reason and, so, it's entirely possible that other vehicles have been stolen in this manner and fashion," said Sgt. Jim Binford, with HPD Homicide.
The car theft suspects also allegedly punctured the tires of three other vehicles in the area. Officials believe they were trying to prevent anyone from chasing them.
Neighbors supported the car owner who fought back when his vehicle was being stolen.
"I didn't even know he owned a gun. I probably would have done the same thing if it was my car," a neighbor known only as Linda said.
Police do not expect to file charges against the owner because the shooting appears to be justified. The case will be referred to a grand jury.
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.
I could see moving to Texas just to enjoy the laws there.
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.
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.
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.
Oooh, I feel an "I told you so!" moment coming on... heh heh!! Way to go, Texas!
No kidding, that's no easy shot by any means!
Were you arguing with a Freeper about that particular law?
No, my Business Law instructor last semester. LOL
I'd like to send some articles to his campus email addy.
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)
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).
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.
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!
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.
You aren't the same person as 2ndamendmentmama are you? She also lives in Texas.
Hunt reached for his waistband, as if he was grabbing a weapon.
Guess he didn't have "anything" down there.
2nd Amendment Mama does not live in TX. She is in SC.
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