Guard your pipes!

[Drifter]

Legislator: Man threw knife at him

12:27 PM CDT on Monday, July 9, 2007

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News



The home is still under construction. A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.

According to police, the suspect's injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.

Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.

When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.

Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.

Also online

Legislator shoots suspect
"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.

Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.

His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.

"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."

Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.

The wounded suspect was charged with aggravated burglary.

[BrassMonkey]

Good

[seamusTX]

While we hate to see an honest citizen's weekend interrupted this way, it's a perfect example of the system working as designed.

Here's Mr. Miles's web site: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist146/miles.htm

They are not exaggerating about copper theft. The thieves go after construction materials, plumbing, wire (sometimes live wires ) , and air conditioners.

- Jim

[BrassMonkey]

Round here, they take all of the foundation copper the day before they pour the foudations. The zone cops take it personally...

[portsider44]

Wonder if Miles is second guessing his vote against the Castle doctrine??

[Dougmyers5]

Legislator: Man threw knife at him

12:27 PM CDT on Monday, July 9, 2007

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News



The home is still under construction. A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.

According to police, the suspects injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.

Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.

When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.

Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.

Also online

Legislator shoots suspect
"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.

Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.

His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.

"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."

Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.

The wounded suspect was charged with aggravated burglary.

I would say he should be charged with Aggravated burglary and attempted murder!

[seamusTX]

I didn't recall that he was against it. I sure hope he has a change of heart, because incidents like this are exactly what it was intended to cover.

- Jim

[seamusTX]

I would say he should be charged with Aggravated burglary and attempted murder!

Aggravated burglary is a first-degree felony, good for 5 to 99 years. It's the same as attempted murder and easier to prove.

He might still be charged with other offenses.

- Jim

[Will938]

No joke, we walked to our construction site a couple weeks ago and someone had stolen the tile floor.

And yes, I hope he understands the irony of his vote now, especially if he gets sued.

[flintknapper]

. "The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," .

Sounds like the thief got some copper (and lead) after all, (jacketed maybe...but copper nonetheless).

[stevie_d_64]

"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to."

Word!

And yeah, I bet those "pro gun-control" votes sure sting right about now...

There's this word that starts with an "H" that comes to mind...But I'll be nice and not rub it in too much...

[Renegade]

OP, Your subject line needs some work.

I hope he gets sued, he would deserve it.

I know facts are always sketchy, but I do not see anything that suggests deadly force was immediately necessary, maybe he was in fear for his life.....

[txinvestigator]

Legislator: Man threw knife at him

12:27 PM CDT on Monday, July 9, 2007

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News



The home is still under construction. A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.

According to police, the suspects injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.

Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.

When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.

Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.

Also online

Legislator shoots suspect
"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.

Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.

His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.

"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."

Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.

The wounded suspect was charged with aggravated burglary.

I would say he should be charged with Aggravated burglary and attempted murder!

We don't have aggravated burglary in Texas. Crimes become aggravated generally if serious bodily injury occurs OR of the suspect uses or exhibits a deadly weapon.

Burglary is a first degree felony IF; 1) the premises are a habitation; and
(2) any party to the offense entered the habitation
with intent to commit a felony other than felony theft or committed
or attempted to commit a felony other than felony theft.

This case does not meet the requirement of 1st degree felony burglary. I don't even see ANY level or burglary, as they were OUTSIDE.

I realize the report used the term, "aggravated burglary", but as usual the media is wrong.




Have I ever mentioned I hate the media?

[MrKrinkle]

From Fox 26 News at 9...
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages ... geId=3.2.1

[lrb111]

I see why he didn't vote for the "castle doctrine", 'twas 'cause he didn't understand it.

The BG had already thrown his weapon down, why did he shoot? [/sarc off]