LEAGUE CITY, Texas – A homeowner put his karate skills to use on an armed man who may have been on bath salts when he tried to break into a home, investigators said.
Charles Brian Smith, 38, has been arrested and charged with attempted burglary of a habitation with intent to commit assault.
League City police said Ervin Brittnacher, who lives in the 3000 block McFarland, was asleep when he heard his screen door being torn open and someone beating on the door about 5:45 a.m. Monday.
"I came out there and he was coming in the house," Brittnacher said.
Brittnacher, 79, opened the door and found Smith holding a rifle, detectives said.
"I thought he was going to jump on me. I know if you don't get the first lick in, you're pretty far behind," Brittnacher said.
Police said the homeowner then karate-chopped Smith in the throat, took the rifle and closed the door while he waited for officers to arrive.
"I would like to live a little while long," Brittnacher said. "I would rather not have someone bump me off for the hell of it."
Detectives said Smith exhibited signs that he may have been on bath salts when he was arrested.
Smith has been booked into the Galveston County Jail with bond set at $40,000.