HOUSTON, TX — A man fatally shot a woman’s ex-boyfriend Monday night after the ex allegedly launched a brutal assault at a home on Hoffman Street, according to the Houston Police Department (HPD).

The incident happened around 10:25 p.m. on September 8 at 6915 Hoffman Street. Police say the woman had argued with her ex-boyfriend earlier that day, and he later returned to pick up his belongings. Because she was afraid, she asked a male friend to be at the residence with her.

According to investigators, tensions escalated and the ex-boyfriend began beating the woman. The assault started inside the home and spilled outside. When her friend tried to intervene, the ex-boyfriend turned his attack on him as well. At some point, the defender managed to get away and walk back to his truck. While he was leaving, the ex-boyfriend continued attacking the woman.

The friend then returned with a firearm and ordered the ex-boyfriend to stop. When the assault continued, he shot the attacker multiple times.

Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the 52-year-old man dead at the scene. His identity will be confirmed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Police said two children were upstairs asleep at the time and did not wake up during the incident. Investigators also recovered doorbell video of the event, which was described by HPD Lt. Horelica as “brutal,” according to Fox 26.

The 50-year-old friend left the scene in his truck but was located shortly after and taken into custody. He provided a statement to investigators. After consultation with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, the case will be presented to a Harris County Grand Jury, which is standard procedure in fatal shootings.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

This case highlights a crucial lesson for armed citizens: having your firearm on your person can make all the difference. In this situation, the defender had to disengage from a violent assault and retrieve his weapon from his truck before he could stop the attack. If he had been unable to reach it, the outcome for the victim could have been far worse. Responsible concealed carry means being prepared not only for your own defense but also for the defense of others when they are facing an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.