Two female suspected burglars shot by homeowner in Atascocita

ATASCOCITA, TX (KTRK) -- First, deputies say came the sound of rocks on the window of a home in the Humble/Atascocita area.

Next came the 911 call from a frantic homeowner.

"The first call was I've got two females at my door, banging on the door," said Harris County Constable Pct. 4 Lt. Walter Stensland.

A couple of minutes later came the call that the would-be burglars were in his home, and that he had a shotgun loaded with buckshot ammo.

The next sound neighbors heard was at least three blasts from a 20-gauge shotgun used to kill deer.

"You lose all of your personal rights, when you decide to do something like that," said one neighbor who did not want to be identified.

Deputies found two women-- one 17 years old and the other in her mid-20's --- both shot in the torso. The older suspect was still in the house, while the teen ran into the street and collapsed.

Lt. Walter Stensland said it's the first encounter he's had with a case involving two female suspects, certainly suspects shot while allegedly committing a burglary.

At least one was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Both are expected to survive but they may have suffered lifelong injuries. The older suspect was out of surgery Wednesday night, but may be paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. The teen suspect, who remained in surgery Wednesday night, may lose an arm.

The car they parked in front of the house is said to have been stolen early in the morning.

"That is very unusual. This is the first time that I can think of in recent date that I have seen this," said Lt. Stensland about the fact the suspects are female.

As for the homeowner, authorities say he actually called 911 twice. The first time to report a stranger knocking at the door, the second during the actual break-in. The homeowner was unharmed in the incident.