Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Texas: Robber shot by victim in South Austin

Austin, Texas

From KXAN of October 15, 2008
Robber shot by victim in South Austin

A party at an apartment on Oltorf Street in South Austin turned into a crime scene over the weekend.

Police got the call around 2:30 a.m. on Oct.11. The 911 caller said that "there was trouble." According to police reports, 26-year-old John Crayton robbed a number of party goers and ended up getting himself shot in the stomach.

"They heard a gunshot from inside the closet, and they wondered where the gunshot came from," said Sgt. Brian Miller with the Austin Police Department. "They opened up the closet, and Mr. Crayton jumped out. He proceeded to rob everybody inside the apartment."

There were seven people in the front part of the apartment. Police said Crayton pointed his gun at those in the room and even hit several of his victims with the weapon. All he got was a pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes and $3 from one victim.

Crayton apparently planned to exit out of back of the apartment and kicked in the door to a bedroom. Police said there were two other victims in that room, and one had a gun.

"I don't think he anticipated that," Miller said. "I don't think he anticipated anyone being there."

The victim in that room took aim and shot Crayton in the stomach.

"It was registered, he owns it and by Texas law, you have the right to defend your property and yourself," Miller said.

Crayton ran out the apartment and to his apartment, less than a mile away. An hour later, Crayton called police and reported that he had been a victim of a robbery. When police arrived, Crayton told them he had been shot in the stomach in this parking lot, which was located right outside his apartment.

Officers realized Crayton fit the description of the man who robbed those in a nearby apartment. Crayton was taken to the hospital and later arrested for robbery with a deadly weapon. The victim who shot him won't be charged.

No comments:

Post a Comment