Legislator: Man threw knife at him
12:27 PM CDT on Monday, July 9, 2007
By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News
The home is still under construction. A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.
According to police, the suspect's injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.
Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.
When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.
Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.
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Legislator shoots suspect
"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."
The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.
Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.
His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.
"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."
Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.
The wounded suspect was charged with aggravated burglary.
12:27 PM CDT on Monday, July 9, 2007
By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News
The home is still under construction. A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.
According to police, the suspect's injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.
Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.
When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.
Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.
Also online
Legislator shoots suspect
"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."
The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.
Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.
His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.
"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."
Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.
The wounded suspect was charged with aggravated burglary.