Houston, Texas

From Houston‘s Click2Houston.com of June 24, 2005

Police: Owner Shoots Suspect Using Stolen Wrecker To Steal Car

One Suspect In Critical Condition

A northeast Houston man opened fire on suspected car thieves who were trying to steal his vehicle, police told Local 2 Friday.

Officers said two men driving a stolen tow truck were trying to tow a car out of the Swiss Village Apartments parking lot on Homestead near Tidwell shortly before 5 a.m.

Roosevelt Grant is a neighbor of the car owner. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw the white Buick LeSabre hooked up to a tow truck. Then, he said he saw his neighbor running after his car and shooting a gun at the two men inside the wrecker.

"I just heard a loud, squealing noise and I just happened to see a wrecker truck," Grant said. "To take something that belongs to you is just not right."

The car's owner fired a total of six shots at the wrecker, hitting Antonio Devon Hunt, 29, who police said was driving the tow truck. He was shot once in the head and transported to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.

The other man escaped.

Police said that the men stole the tow truck a week ago and were using it to steal vehicles.

"I feel sure that they stole the wrecker for a reason and, so, it's entirely possible that other vehicles have been stolen in this manner and fashion," said Sgt. Jim Binford, with HPD Homicide.

The car theft suspects also allegedly punctured the tires of three other vehicles in the area. Officials believe they were trying to prevent anyone from chasing them.

Neighbors supported the car owner who fought back when his vehicle was being stolen.

"I didn't even know he owned a gun. I probably would have done the same thing if it was my car," a neighbor known only as Linda said.

Police do not expect to file charges against the owner because the shooting appears to be justified. The case will be referred to a grand jury.

Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect their property or, under certain circumstances, to stop someone they believe is committing a crime.