Galveston man in critical condition after being shot by his father

A 24-year-old Galveston man was shot once in the stomach Sunday morning by his father, who told authorities that he had "feared for his life."

Malcolm Burns, 24, was listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery, Galveston Police Sgt. Joshua Schirard said.

Gregory Burns, 55, who told authorities he fired his pistol in self defense, was not charged or taken into custody.

According to investigators, the 24-year-old had earlier become involved in a verbal argument with his mother at the family's apartment at 4504 Ave P 1/2 that ended with him striking her. His father said he came to his wife's rescue and became embroiled in a physical confrontation with his son, until he retrieved his handgun and ordered him to vacate the apartment.

"At first, the father said his son complied with the request. But the 24-year-old soon quickly returned to fight some more," said Schirard.

The father told investigators that his son then began to choke him, cutting off his air supply and causing him to fear for his life. At this point, the father said he fired the bullet that penetrated his son's stomach.

Schirard said the case remains under investigation and will be presented to a grand jury for review.