Armed Citizen Shoots Carjacker
Huston, Texas – A man in Houston told law enforcement he shot a man who tried to steal his girlfriend’s car with him in it.
According to Harris County Sheriff’s Office they were called to a Walgreens near the intersection of Antoine and Gulf Bank at around 8:30 p.m. for a report of an attempted carjacking and shooting.
When officers arrived, they were told by the victim that he was sitting in the passenger seat of his girlfriend’s car when the driver side door opened, when a man slid into the seat.
The would-be carjacker appeared to have a gun and ordered the man to get out of the car. The victim did so, but on his way out he drew his own gun and turned, firing his pistol into the abdomen of the suspect.
The suspect was transported to the hospital where he is expected to survive his gunshot wound and Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies plan on charging him with the crime.
Charges were not filed against the shooter since Harris County Sheriff’s deputy K.W. Cote told KTRK this shooting appears to be in self-defense.
Deputy Cote went on to say that this is a common tactic used by criminals to carjack civilians,
“They sit in a vehicle or they just walk through hiding, looking for somebody who is in a vehicle to carjack them, or they wait until they come out to carjack them. Be extremely aware of your surroundings,” he said.
The deputy said that it is important civilians have situational awareness, so they are not ambushed like this victim was,
“The bad thing is, this guy didn’t see the guy (carjacker) until he got into the car. You want to look around anytime you get out of a car. Look around you and see who else is around you, see who’s watching you because there’s always somebody watching you,” Cote said.
When seated in a parked vehicle, it is generally considered a good idea to lock the doors in case this very situation occurs.
It’s also a good idea to pick your head up from your phone and take a look around every so often to avoid being ambushed. Use the mirrors to see if anyone is lurking around and pay attention when they approach your car.
Knowing how to fight in and or around a vehicle is a good skill to have. Read here for Vehicle Firearm Tactics Course – Online & DVD for the latest tactics and techniques.
