Police searched for a man Wednesday they said tried to break into a southwest Houston apartment and then shot a woman when she tried to stop him.

Investigators said it started when the man tried to break into a unit at the Crown Garden Apartments in the 7000 block of Hillcroft Avenue shortly after 12 a.m.

Mirna Nava, 36, was in a nearby unit and heard the burglar, so she told him to go away, police said.

The man then fired gunshots into Nava's window, hitting her twice, according to authorities.

Nava's 10-year-old son woke up when he heard the shots.

"I was asleep and then when she got shot, I was like, 'What happened?'" Jose Torres said. "I got scared. I thought she was going to die."

Nava was rushed to a local hospital. She is expected to survive.

Police said the gunman also robbed an apartment resident when she answered her door.

Witnesses said they believe the shooter may have been on drugs.

"He was just laughing uncontrollably," said witness Elijah McPhail. "He was like crazy."

The gunman ran off and escaped.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.