In a Houston apartment complex across the street from Minute Maid Park on Monday, September 25, an off-duty Texas state trooper discharged his firearm through the closed door of his apartment, mistakenly injuring his neighbor. The trooper believed the man was attempting to break in.
The trooper, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted hearing noises that he associated with an attempted break-in. He claims to have issued several warnings before deciding to shoot without visually identifying the individual outside. As a result, his neighbor, a Black man in his mid-30s, suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
Following the incident, the injured man ran down the hallway where he was quickly detained by the police. Immediate medical attention was given as officers applied two tourniquets to his injury. Subsequently, he was transported to a nearby hospital where he is expected to fully recover.
Interestingly, both the victim and the trooper resided in the same building, merely a floor apart. Their apartment units even shared the last two digits of their addresses. Given that each floor has a similar layout and access is provided through a key fob, it’s conjectured that the victim might have unintentionally approached the trooper’s apartment, believing it to be his own.
The community’s response to the incident has been varied. Some neighbors empathize with the trooper’s apprehension of a possible break-in. However, others question his decision to use his weapon without obtaining a clear visual.
This case is set for a grand jury review to determine any possible indictment of the trooper. Concurrent investigations aim to ascertain the neighbor’s state during the event and whether the trooper genuinely felt his life was under threat.
Tony Leal, a former chief of the Texas Rangers, has brought forth pressing inquiries regarding the trooper’s choice to not contact 911 or wait for reinforcements. The Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers are collaboratively handling the investigation.