Amarillo, Texas

From Amarillo‘s KVII.com of May 12, 2006

No charges filed in shooting of teen during car burlgary

Texas law says it's OK to protect your property using force.

But what's the definition of “force” and how far can you go?

Police say Michael Ray McKay, 52, shot a 15-year-old boy early Thursday morning.

McKay says the teen and some friends were breaking into his car.

State law allows the use of force to protect your property, but defense attorney, Paul Herrmann says the question is, “Was aggravated assault with a deadly weapon the proper force in this case, or was it too extreme?”

“That's the problem, sometimes you think you are justified in using deadly force, but you have to ask yourself. Other people have to believe that you are,” explains Hermann

At this time no charges have been filed against either McKay or the 15-year-old.

The teen was shot in the back and is being treated at a local hospital.