Suspected home intruder shot in head by apartment resident

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A suspected home intruder is in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head after an attempted home invasion in northwest Houston. And now, police are looking for the other suspects they say broke down a man's door at an apartment complex.

The home invasion and shooting happened at the Cherry Creek Apartment complex in the 5800 block of Hollister around 3am.

After busting down the door, the suspects argued with the resident inside and the resident pulled out his own gun, according to authorities, shooting one suspect in the head. The others took off.

"Upon arriving, they located (what) would turn out to be a home invasion," Houston Police Department senior officer Ken Nealy said. "The door was kicked in. Multiple shots had been fired."

Several neighbors say they heard the scuffle.

Heather Whitfield said, "We heard the rattling. We heard the fighting with him. Like he was fighting with the intruder and and heard the gunshots. We ran into the bathroom, not knowing where to hide, you can't run from a bullet."

They didn't know several people were trying to get into an apartment next door.

Paul Ramirez said, "I heard something dropping, like bullets or something. And all I heard was POW!"

The suspect was taken to Bed Taub hospital. He underwent surgery this morning and is now listed in critical condition.

HPD homicide detectives are saying several weapons were found inside the home. It's unknown at this time who owned those weapons.

Police say several suspects are still missing in this case. Police say one of those suspects is a black male with a light-colored jacket and a red hat. The other suspects' descriptions are not known at this time. They are said to have fled in a dark-colored Chevy, perhaps a Suburban.

Neighbors say this isn't the first time something like this has happened at their complex.

Whitfield said, "I was just talking to the police because a couple days ago someone tried to break into our home. So, it's just that it can happen anywhere."

Another resident understands this fear. Her family's was recently the victim of a burglary at knife point. "On Friday, someone broke inside my car, someone tried to come inside my apartment and they come with the knife on me," Malieg Enwar said. "It's not safe no more."

Residents are glad this victim stood up for himself and want these crimes to stop.

Ramirez said, "I don't know why they don't find a job or something, instead of robbing."