At least two attempted burglars fired at a business owner who confronted them as they tried to break into his company vehicles.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. last Saturday in the Meadows of Clear Creek subdivision in southeast Harris County.
Pablo Covarrubias was alerted by his 19-year-old son, who noticed the suspects attempting to break into two vehicles used for their HVAC business.
“There was no time to react. I had my pistol right next to my bed. I just got up,” Covarrubias recalled.
Surveillance footage shows Covarrubias and his son stepping outside. Almost immediately, the suspects open fire.
Covarrubias fired back, and the suspects fled, possibly in a black BMW. One of the bullets struck a jack-o’-lantern on Covarrubias’ porch, but it’s unclear if any of his shots hit the suspects.
“We don’t know if the suspects were injured,” said Sgt. Hector Vega of the Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.
The suspects remain unidentified, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Officials also warn residents to be cautious when defending their property.
“We have a right to protect our property, but we must be mindful—we don’t know what they’re carrying or their mindset,” Vega advised.
Covarrubias hopes the confrontation serves as a deterrent. “I think next time they’ll think twice before trying to take someone’s property,” he said.
