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HARRIS COUNTY, TX — A vehicle burglary escalated into a dangerous exchange of gunfire after a homeowner fired a warning shot from inside his home late Wednesday night, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

The incident occurred in the 21800 block of King Heights Lane, where the homeowner reportedly observed two male suspects breaking into a vehicle outside his residence. In response, the homeowner discharged a warning shot from a bedroom window in an apparent effort to scare the suspects away.

Instead of fleeing immediately, the suspects returned fire. It’s believed that during their attempt to escape, one of the suspects accidentally shot his accomplice. A 17-year-old male, later identified as one of the alleged burglars, was dropped off at a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds. He is now facing a charge of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues.

Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office are still investigating the full sequence of events and are working to identify the second suspect involved.

No injuries were reported among the residents or neighbors, but the gunfire exchange raised serious concerns about the potential risk to innocent bystanders in the area.

This incident highlights a critical issue in defensive gun use: the use of warning shots. While often thought of as a non-lethal deterrent, warning shots can escalate situations and introduce significant risk, as clearly illustrated in this case. Not only did the homeowner’s warning shot fail to deter the suspects, it triggered a return of gunfire, turning a property crime into a potentially deadly confrontation.

For more on the dangers and legal implications of warning shots

, read our detailed guide: Why Warning Shots Are a Bad Idea in Self-Defense

In any defensive firearm use, your goal should be to stop an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm—not to scare or warn. Firing warning shots is dangerous, legally questionable in many jurisdictions, and can turn a manageable situation into a deadly one. Always follow your state’s laws and seek professional training to handle high-stress encounters responsibly.