Laredo, Texas

From the Laredo Morning Times of April 29, 2006

Laredo man allegedly shot during conflict

A Laredo man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition after he was allegedly shot in the back by an unidentified gunman who officials said claimed to have acted in self-defense.

Police said the gunman alleged he was merely defending himself from an armed burglar who was trying to break into his southeast Laredo home.

He further claimed he did not know the suspect-turned-victim.

The incident occurred Friday at 5:49 p.m. in the 2900 block of Rosario Street, when the suspect-turned-victim allegedly tried to gain illegal entry into the gunman's home.

Instead, the suspect-turned-victim was met with gunfire.

Police said it appeared the armed burglar obviously did not know the homeowner was armed.

The suspect-turned-victim underwent emergency medical surgery Friday. Laredo police said he was in critical but stable condition Friday night at the Laredo Medical Center. No other injuries were reported.

Further details surrounding the case were not released. Officers did say charges against the alleged burglar were pending his release from the hospital.

The case was referred to the Laredo Police Department Crimes Against Persons Division for further investigation.