Corpus Christi, Texas

From KRIS-TV of April 2, 2007

Homeowner uses gun to stop burglar

COPRUS CHRISTI - A suspected burglar is behind bars after he's caught by a homeowner armed with a gun. The attempted burglary happened just before 7 a.m. Sunday morning in the 700 block of Monette, near Airline and Gollihar. (map)

6 News talked to residents in the neighborhood, who said they're glad to hear that a new law will give them the ammo they need to protect themselves from intruders.

Police said a 21-year-old was arrested after he was caught trying to burglarize this house. Neighbors said they were stunned by the incident.

"It's not common around here," Farley Frazier said.

Police said it happened when one of the residents heard a doorbell, went outside to look and didn't see anything, and went back inside and to bed. Then moments later the homeowner was awakened by the sound of footsteps upstairs.

"They got their gun, and went looking and they found two individuals upstairs," CCPD officer Allen Shelton said.

Police said one of the men jumped from an upstairs window, but the homeowners were able to hold this suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

"He was smart enough not to do anything after he was told not to, otherwise it would not have been good for him if he had," Shelton said.

Farley Frazier, who lives right across the street, said he's glad a new law signed by Governor Perry this week will soon give homeowners the right to shoot and ask questions later.

"I don't have any problems you taking it into your own hands if someone has invaded your property, I think it's a good law," Frazier said.

"Corpus Christi has long been on the downhill side of that, both with the criminal prosecution and prevention, and anything homeowners can do to protect their property, they should," Bob Pegg said.

"That law hasn't gone into effect yet, but you still have the right to defend yourself and your home, and if you're in fear for your life, or serious bodily injury, you can defend yourself, and they easily had that here," Allen said.

The new law, called the Castle Doctrine SB 378 takes effect in September. Under current state law; you have a legal obligation to find a way out of the situation before resorting to deadly force.

In the meantime, police said they're still looking for the second suspect who was able to get away.