'Dumb' house burglar shot after locking homeowner inside his own GUN CLOSET



The victim of an armed home invasion in Houston has turned the tables on the brazen intruders after they stuffed him into a closet that turned out to be the place where he stores his gun.

Police say it all started at around 2pm Tuesday when three men broke into a home in the 8200 block of Braeburn Valley Drive and assaulted the resident.

After a brief scuffle, the hapless perpetrators shoved the man into a closet, not knowing that there was a gun in there.



Bad move: A trio of intruders who broke into this Houston home shoved a man who lives there into a closet, not knowing that he keeps his gun in there

Comeuppance: The resident came face-to-face with one of the suspects and the two exchanged fire, with the intruder getting shot in the shoulder and leg

When the homeowner thought the burglars had left, he went downstairs, carrying his gun in case the suspects were still around, the Houston Chronicle reported.



On the first floor, the man confronted one of his assailant and the two exchanged gunfire, according to police.

The resident, who shares the house with his parents, escaped unharmed, but the armed suspect was much the worse for wear after being struck in the shoulder and leg.

He fled on foot down the street, but did not get far before he collapsed. His two suspected accomplices took off from the scene in a Chevrolet Tahoe.

Gristly scene: The wounded man ran out into the street and collapsed on the pavement a few houses away

The wounded man, believed to be in his 20s, was heard crying out in pain as he lay bleeding on the pavement. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment.

Pro-gun stance: Neighbor Craig Gaddis said there have been at least two other burglaries in the area, and he and other local residents are staying armed and vigilant

According to neighbors, at least two other local homes have been targeted by robbers recently. The latest incident happened a week ago when burglars kicked in the door on a nearby house.

Craig Gaddis, who told the paper that he owns several handguns, said he and his neighbors are certain that the home invasions are related.

‘What happened today is exactly what guns are supposed to do - to protect your home and defend your life and your family,’ Gaddis said.

Police say the homeowner who shot the burglary suspect will not be face charges.



Texas has a self-defense law based on the 'castle doctrine.' The legislation has a 'stand your ground' clause, meaning the person using physical or deadly force against an attacker does not have a duty to retreat.