Police: man shot, killed after argument over dog

HOUSTON – Police found a man shot at an apartment complex in northwest Houston and said he was killed over a dog.

Houston police responded to the Cherry Creek Apartments on 5801 Hollister Street after reports of a shooting at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday.

They found a 21-year-old man who had been shot in the chest.  According to reports, the apartment renter, who was the accused shooter, was letting the other man stay in the apartment temporarily. 

"A couple of guys would come visit from time to time, but other than that he lived there alone," said Harold Davis, a neighbor.

Officers referred to the two men as roommates, but they said they were unsure of the exact living arrangement.

For some unknown reason, the 21-year-old started choking the renter's dog.  The renter tried to stop him, and police said the visitor attacked the renter.  Fearing for his safety, the renter grabbed a gun and shot the other man once in the chest.

"The secondary roommate was apparently attempting to choke a dog that was inside the apartment belonging to the primary lease holder," said Officer Brian Evans, with the Houston Police Department.  "They became involved in a physical altercation where the lease holder obtained the gun and subsequently shot the individual."

Emergency crews took the victim to Memorial Hermann, where he later died.

Detectives said they are considering the shooting self-defense, but will continue investigating and turn the case over to the District Attorney's office.

The renter was questioned and released.