HOUSTON – Houston police responded Wednesday to reports of a shooting in northeast Houston in the 2400 block of Sumpter Street.
Joseph Parker, 66, told police he heard noises in his backyard around 10 a.m. and went out to find a man crawling over his back fence. There was a confrontation, and police said Parker shot the man, hitting him once in the head.
The apparent intruder was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition and is on life support.
"At this time we're still trying to talk to him. He's a little nervous and upset, but hopefully in subsequent investigation we'll know what was said and what was not said," Houston Police Department homicide investigator Wallis Huff said.
A neighbor who asked not to be identified, said Parker's home has been burglarized several times recently.
"We was talking about it yesterday. They broke into his tool house." the neighbor said.
Neighbors heard the shots Wednesday morning, but many say gunfire is an everyday occurrence in the near north side neighborhood.
Kimberly Reyes is the mother of three small children who said she would like to find a better neighborhood to raise her family.
"I'm getting tired of it. Personally, I don't think my kids are safe in this neighborhood. They might be safe right now in school. But then again, you know, they want to play out or ride on their bikes. We can't do that in this neighborhood," she said.
The case will be referred to a Harris County Grand Jury.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.