Homeowner shoots, kills man during car break-in, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A man suspected of breaking into a car was shot and killed Monday by a homeowner in northwest Harris County.

According to investigators, the suspect was breaking into the homeowner’s pickup truck just before 5 a.m. The vehicle was parked in front of a house in the 12100 block of Oak Park Drive when the owner, who was tipped off by his barking dogs, spotted the man inside the truck, called 911 and went out with a gun.

Deputies said the 54-year-old homeowner and the 27-year-old suspect had an altercation and the homeowner shot the suspect one time, killing him.

Investigators said the injured man tried to run away before he collapsed in a ditch near a neighbor's house. 

Deputies said he was alive when the ambulance arrived but died before Life Flight landed. 

The homeowner's vehicle was seized as part of the investigation. 

One neighbor said crime in the neighborhood has gotten worse since Christmas. She said after hearing news of the break-in and shooting, she is taking swift action. 

"I'm actually going to buy a gun right now," she said. " I'm not wasting any time. 

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide team is investigating.

A grand jury will determine if the homeowner will be charged.