Houston, Texas

From the Click2Houston.com of November 22, 2005

Homeowner Fatally Shoots Intrusion Suspect

Slain Suspect Told Homeowner He Was Searching For Lost Dog

A homeowner fatally shot a man who refused to leave his southwest Houston home Monday night, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Police said a couple was sitting inside their home when someone broke into the home on Lacy Street at Detering Street in the Rice Military area at about 9 p.m.

"He came in armed with a bat, went through a side door, shattered the glass to make his way into the residence," Houston Police Department Homicide Detective Mike Walker said.

The husband told the intruder he had a gun and to leave, but police said the intruder persisted up the stairs, forcing the homeowner to shoot him. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

A relative of the family told KPRC Local 2 that the homeowner saw the intrusion suspect in his back yard and confronted him earlier in the evening, but the suspect told him he was looking for a lost dog.

The homeowner believed the suspect's story, not realizing the suspect was casing the home and planning to break in moments later.

Police believe the suspect did not work alone.

"The only description we have gotten of a vehicle is a dark-colored PT Cruiser that apparently let the intruder off," Walker said.

Investigators said the homeowner would not be charged in the man's death because the shooting appeared justified.