Houston, Texas

From the ABC13.com of July 9, 2007

Houston lawmaker shoots suspected intruder

A state representative here in Houston shot a suspected burglar Sunday night, claiming his life was threatened.

Rep. Boris Miles was working on a leak at his house on Scott and South MacGregor around 7:30pm Sunday when he heard a noise. Miles says that previously, he had heard noises or people around the house while he was doing work there. Because of that, he had his gun with him.

"He came out and approached the two suspects, confronted them," said HPD Officer Joanna Abad. "At that time, one of the suspects threw a knife at him. Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

Miles says the two men were either pulling piping or cutting wires at the house, which is why he confronted him.

One of the suspects was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital. The other intruder got away.

At this point, no charges have been filed in the case. Miles represents District 146.

From the Brownsville Herald of July 9, 2007

Texas lawmaker shoots would-be thief, police say

A state lawmaker who opposed a bill giving Texans stronger right to defend themselves with deadly force pulled a gun and shot a man he says was trying to steal copper wiring from a construction site, police said Monday.

Rep. Borris Miles told police he was fixing a leak on the second floor of the Houston house he's building Sunday night when he heard a noise downstairs and saw two men trying to steal the copper. After Miles confronted the pair, one of the men threw a pocketknife at him, Houston Police spokesman Victor Senties.

Miles, a former law enforcement officer, shot the man in the left leg, police said. The wounded suspect was being treated at a Houston hospital. Police were trying to identify the other suspect.

Charges of aggravated robbery are pending against the wounded suspect, Senties said.

Police said Miles, who is in his freshman term, is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. No charges have been filed against Miles, Senties said.

Miles, a Democrat, voted against a bill that gives Texans stronger legal right to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes, vehicles, and workplaces.

The so-called "castle doctrine," passed by the Legislature this year, states that a person has no duty to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force. The law goes into effect Sept. 1.

Self-defense for me, but not for thee.