Overnight shooting in Houston, 1/6/2006

[KBCraig]

Homeowner not facing any charges.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/5882839/detail.html

Owner Opens Fire On Teens Breaking Into SUV
1 Of 4 Teens Taken To Hospital

POSTED: 7:14 am CST January 6, 2006
UPDATED: 7:34 am CST January 6, 2006

HOUSTON -- A teen was rushed to a hospital Friday morning after officers said he was shot as he tried to break into a man's car in northwest Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston police said four teens, ranging between 13 and 18 years of age, broke into Andre Waldrup's car parked outside his apartment on West Little York Road and T.C. Jester Boulevard.

Waldrup told KPRC Local 2 that he shot one of the teens when he went outside to see why his vehicle's alarm kept sounding and found the group had broken into his SUV.

"When I came around, I heard a gunshot or something that sounded like a gunshot and I returned fire. I'm protecting my property by any means necessary," Waldrup told KPRC Local 2. "I feel bad for the guy, but at the same time I work too hard for the things that I have and I'm not going to let nobody take it."

Harris County deputies found out about the break-in after the car the teens fled in was pulled over for running a red light on F.M. 1960 near Windfern Road in northwest Harris County.

During the traffic stop, the deputy discovered the teen had been shot and called for paramedics to respond to the scene.

The teen was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with non-life-threatening injures; however, Waldrup said he thought the teen was in critical condition when he went to the hospital.

Waldrup said he had never shot anyone before and that he hopes he will never have to do it again.

Police said Waldrup would not be charged with shooting the teen since he was defending his property.

[HighVelocity]

NO charges against the vehicle owner. Good. I hope that the teens involved LEARN SOMETHING from this, and not just that they might get shot if they steal. More like changing their path now is the right thing to do.

[rgoldy]

Unfortunately, my guess is that what they will learn is that they should also be armed. The mind set that says it is OK to rob folks of what they own does not seem much inclined toward the more positive aspects of learning experiences. Thinning the herd does not seem to help. Let us hope that as a minimum they will learn that when they next chose to rob someone they will keep a better lookout and run away sooner.

[ghentry]

Unfortunately the shooter may still have to face the civil side of the court system.

[dws1117]

Unfortunately the shooter may still have to face the civil side of the court system.

I was thinking the same thing. It doesn't seem like a good idea to be talking to the media.

[jbirds1210]

I hate to be the person to ask.......BUT is it worth the trouble? From a financial standpoint, I could stand to lose my car and all of the items contained within, but I do not think I could readily afford a lawyer to defend myself in civil court if I did shoot someone over my property. I am in no way saying that someone should not have the right to defend their property......what I am asking is what do you guys think in terms of how much sense it makes to shoot over a car being broke in to? For some reason it seems to me that my home being entered or my personal space becoming occupied by a stranger would be a different story....Just my opinion as I have often wondered how you guys feel about this. I must also mention that I would rather replace my truck than have to give up one of my handguns to the police during the investigation....I think I would pound the street with my fist if somone took my SIG

[anygunanywhere]

I hate to


We need civil protection when we act within the law. The legislature needs to fix this.

[yerasimos]

I hate to be the person to ask.......BUT is it worth the trouble?

The way I see it, if the property is insured (ie, car, home furnishings, regular stuff like that), it is not worth shooting the punk. "Be a good witness" to help the blue suits collar him later, then recover your property or collect on the insurance. But if the punk tries to steal firearms or ammunition, then blast him. (I concede there is a school of thought that those items should be insured, too, but I do not agree with such thinking as it relates to the individual gun owner.)

[tomneal]

If your armed, a resonable response to someone stealing your car, is to tell them to stop, in a loud and clear voice.

In the article it said the car owner heard a gun shot and that is when he shot the perp.

Once the thief starts shooting. It's no longer a question of car theft.


Civil
The guy lives in an appartment. He could be sued but, he won't have a homeowners policy to pay the settlement. I suspect the car owner is not "rich". How many lawyers would take that case unless "the bad guy" could afford their fee?

[stevie_d_64]

Unfortunately I am beginning to have a concern as to why (I actually do understand the moral and legal jeopardy in this) it is a problem for some who value their property to just allow it to be stolen...

Now before everyone thinks I have lost it, bear with me...

Deep down I do not think my personal belongings are worth a human life...And I would have to make a split second decision to either let it go and "be a good witness" or take the shot...Odds are that I'd probaly wave goodbye to my stuff...

But...

Certainly all bets are off if I receive fire during the course of a theft...Or a weapon (or the threat of one) is directed at me...

I think we all know what our thresholds are...

Even though I believe most criminals who are into this petty theft are stupid, they are not when it comes to knowing that even people who take seriously our right to protect ourselves and personal property, we do so under a bit of scrutiny, which they (criminals) understand, and acknowledge the risks to continuing their activities...

They simply believe that you're not going to shoot...Odds are that is...

And in my opinion there have not been enough incidents (like these) where there could be a "social innoculation" of the criminal community to cause hesitation in their criminal pursuits...

Now they probably see a few of these incidents reported anyway, but the ones that involve no legal action taken against someone like us who defends themselves or their property are even less reported or out in public for general consumption...

Now do we (I, more importantly) wait chomping at the bit for a chance to shoot some idiot who make a poor decision to rob, steal, accost me???

That answer is obvious...

My fear is that people will become so desensitized to actually doing something about the issue, and lose focus, and not act upon what will actually curb crime rates...

The potential threat of losing ones life in the commission of a crime needs to be ingrained in the membrane of some people...

This is just my opinion, and not meant to offend anyone...

[stevie_d_64]

Also as a comparision...

"Why did we stop hanging people for stealing horses and cattle???"

Did the cessation of that punishment deter future thievery???

And if you were caught in the act of stealing said livestock, was the owner not empowered to take appropriate action to stop those persons from completing the act???

Was that action less brutal or inhumane than hanging a person for that crime???

Of course we are more civilized these days, but when the risk of severe punishment/reaction from the "civilian" public failed to become general knowledge to the criminal community, crime certainly has not decreased...

Criminal acts have actually gotten to be more crase and personal to some degree...

And it doesn't seem to have been countered very effectively or frequently for that matter...

[RPBrown]

I feel that is why a Castle Doctrine should be on the next session. If properly written, it could curb some of the property thefts.

Think about it--if the BG's are aware that we can shoot without criminal or civil recourse, are they more or less likely to think about the outcome? Not that it would matter to some, but it may cause some to think twice before doing something stupid.

The way things are now, I would confront a thief at or in my vehicle with weapon in hand, try to detain until LEO arrives. But the first sign of a weapon in his hand, mine goes bang. At that time it's a justifiable shoot.

I urge everyone to contact your state represintative and or senator and ask them to support a Castle Doctrine.

[carlson1]

I urge everyone to contact your state represintative and or senator and ask them to support a Castle Doctrine.

+1
I do not know if I would go outside my house to confront I would have 10 years ago. But, I do know if they enter my house I am praying for them between rounds.

[one eyed fatman]

I never would of talked to the media.

[carlson1]

Someone sent this to me the other day about what to do when you are involved in a shooting. It would be nice to know what Mr. Cotton says to do:
1. Secure the weapon the assailant used. Check yourself for injuries. Make a complete check of the scene, however, don't tamper with any evidence. If the person shot is no longer a threat try to help him. Do not talk to him or use abusive language. Don't touch the assailant if he appears to be dead. Don't let anyone else handle any evidence.

2. Call the police as soon as possible. Tell then what has taken place, and your location. Ask for emergency medical assistance. Don't give too many details of the incident over the phone. Put your weapon away, and keep it out of sight. Innocent people have been shot by the police because they were holding weapons when the officers arrived. Try to spot them first and attract them in a non-threatening manner. At first the police may treat you like a suspect, especially if you have a weapon. Do as you are told. Do not question or argue with them.

3. Call your lawyer. Make no statements to the police or anyone else, until your attorney is present. He should meet you at the scene if possible. Tell him exactly what happened and let him do the talking for you. If you must meet the police by yourself, be sure not to make any statements. Explain to the police politely, but firmly, that you don't want to talk until your attorney arrives. Keep in mind that anything you say can, and will be used against you.

4. When the Paramedics arrive get medical treatment for shock for yourself and any other person involved whether you are physically injured or not.

5. Stay away from the news media. Never talk or make any sort of statement to them. Let your attorney make any statements for you. Remember, the news media has NO authority. You do not have to talk to them!

6. Legal actions. You are justified in using lethal force only if you "feared for your life" or that of another person. Don't apologize for defending yourself. Avoid statements such as "I'm sorry I had to shoot," "I regret the incident happened." Such statements are equated with feelings of guilt. You are remorseful therefore your actions were inappropriate. Such statements can cost you later in a court of law.

7. There will be a great amount of stress. Persons involved in shooting incidents face a great amount of stress. Psychological problems sometimes appear, and even physical ones such a sleeplessness, headaches, diarrhea and heart problems. These problems are common and affect even trained law enforcement officers. If you encounter any of these problems, seek professional help.

The only problem I guess I have is I do not "have a lawyer." I wonder if it is smart to have one on retainer?