“The shooting took place early Friday morning in Beaumont’s North End. Officers responded to a call about a burglary in progress in the 5300 block of Wildwood Avenue just after midnight, according to a Beaumont Police Department release.
“While police were on their way to the scene, dispatch told officers the homeowner had shot the suspect who was now inside the residence.” That’s the report from 12newsnow.com.
When the 5-0 arrived, they found Jason Omar Cruz on the homeowner’s bathroom floor, rapidly exsanguinating thanks to a bullet fired by the un-named homeowner. The police reportedly saved Cruz’s life with the application of a tourniquet. Cruz is currently recovering in a local hospital.
As for any question regarding who’s at fault in this little drama, the Beaumont PD’s public affairs officer explained the situation in such a way that even a member of the media could understand.
Police said the homeowner acted under Texas law and will not face any charges.
“Even though they are the ones who shot the suspect, they are still the victim,” Beaumont Police Spokesperson Haley Morrow said. “The suspect is the one who broke the law and committed a crime and as a result, he was shot.”
We don’t know if the University of Texas has any openings in its criminal justice program in the LBJ School of Public Affairs, but we’re pretty sure that Officer Morrow could impart some valuable knowledge to the young skulls full of mush in Austin.