HOUSTON – A business owner in northeast Harris County shot a suspected burglar trying to steal car parts, deputies said.
The shooting happened at A Plaza Auto Parts at 904 Hill Road and Hardy Toll Road at around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The owner said he arrived at his shop to find two masked men attempting to steal expensive car parts.
"When someone breaks into your place, you don't know what their intentions are," said the business owner, who did not want to be identified. "I don't know if they are armed or if they are there to kill or what they are there to do."
Investigators said the business owner was not sure if he hit anyone.
Owner shoots burglary suspect
"He got here, confronted the two individuals, fired several shots, not knowing if (he) hit anybody," said Pete Cupial, with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said after several shots were fired, the men ran off. Deputies said one man was shot.
The business owner said this was not the first robbery at his shop.
"It's not only here, we have been hit several times. Recently, a couple of days ago, they went in and stole some tires and things and wheels," the owner said.
It is not yet known if the burglary on Tuesday night is connected to the others.
Investigators said the injured suspected burglar was spotted a short time later at the hospital. Deputies said he will be arrested.
The owner will not be charged.