Houston lawmaker shoots suspected intruder

Monday, July 09, 2007

(7/09/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A state representative is opening up about his wild night, which ended with him shooting a suspected thief.

Representative Borris Miles was working on his new house near the intersection of MacGregor and Scott last night when he heard a noise and confronted two would-be thieves.

"I did fear for my life," said Miles.

That fear, according to Rep. Miles' communications officer, forced the lawmaker to fire his gun at one intruder.

"When he verbally confronted the men, one took off running and the other turned and threw a knife at Mr. Miles, who fortunately ducked to avoid being hit," said Donald Fields, Rep. Miles' spokesperson.

Miles, who has been advised not to talk about the actual shooting, was at the house which is under construction fixing a leak when he heard the men. He shot one in the leg and the other one got away.

"The brazen nature of these thieves renders them extremely dangerous and they will stop at nothing to steak this valuable metal," said Fields.

Miles, who is a former police officer and has a license to carry a concealed weapon, knew about the possibility that someone may target his home.

"My neighbor who lives across the street just took his fence down," said Rep. Miles. "He had a 12-foot fence with razor wire around his house. He's had two incidents there, as well."

Because of this incident, he will now fight for tougher laws and penalties for those who buy the stolen copper so no other homeowner is forced to do what he says he was forced to do.

The suspect in this case is expected to make a full recovery. He has been charged with aggravated robbery and assault. The second suspect is still on the loose.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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