Texas man shoots two alleged burglars with shotgun

ATASCOCITA, Texas -- Two alleged attempted burglars are in critical condition after a homeowner opened fire on them with his shotgun Wednesday, reports CBS affiliate KHOU.

The man, who is in his 60s, called 911 Wednesday afternoon and said someone was trying to break into his home. He then called again minutes later and reported that the would-be burglars were smashing a window with rocks.

The Atascocita, Texas man told a dispatcher that he had a shotgun.

A neighbor said he heard two shots and looked out his bedroom window to see more gunfire.

"I saw a girl run out of the house and a guy chasing after her (at) walking speed," said witness Brian Valera. "He was very, very angry. He yelled very threateningly at them."

One of the women collapsed in the street as the other one lay wounded in the man's doorway.

Police have not released the names of the homeowner or the alleged burglars.

The women allegedly drove to the neighborhood in a car that had been reported stolen earlier in the day, according to deputies.

It was visibly riddled by gunfire after the shooting.

"I saw the car this morning patrolling up the road, and I actually looked for a cop to warn him about the vehicle," said neighbor Jennifer Lechner. "I just saw how slow they were going, and the driver's side door was kind of open."

Neighbors told KHOU they support the homeowner. One said said she would have reacted the same way.

"You break into someone's house, I believe you deserve to get shot," said neighbor Derenda Carr. "Cops don't get there in time; there's no way they would've got there in time."

Both alleged burglars were taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

The homeowner has been questioned and the case will now be referred to a grand jury, which is standard practice, Harris County sheriff's officials said.