Two masked suspects who allegedly impersonated police officers were shot and killed by a homeowner in Houston on Friday night after they attempted to enter a residence under false pretenses, according to local news station KHOU and the Houston Police Department (HPD).
Newsweek reached out to the HPD via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the growing concern over home invasion schemes involving criminals impersonating law enforcement officers while demonstrating how Texas’ robust self-defense laws protect homeowners in life-threatening situations.
Under the Lone Star State’s “Castle Doctrine” and “Stand Your Ground” laws, residents have no duty to retreat when faced with threats in their homes and can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury.
What To Know
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Bellnole Drive in southeast Houston, according to the HPD, with both suspects, believed to be in their 30s, pronounced dead at the scene after exchanging gunfire with the homeowner.
The suspects approached the home claiming to be police officers serving a warrant, but several factors raised the homeowner’s suspicions, according to KHOU. The homeowner’s Ring doorbell camera played a crucial role in the incident, allowing them to observe the scene before opening the door.
The suspects were equipped with bulletproof vests and wore badges around their necks, suggesting a deliberate attempt to appear authentic. However, their ski masks, lack of marked police vehicles, and absence of emergency lighting contradicted standard police protocol for serving warrants.
The confrontation escalated when the suspects allegedly shot through the door first, prompting the homeowner to return fire. The homeowner was not injured in the exchange.
Police told the local news station that if someone is unsure whether it is really the police outside their door, there are some signs to look for.
“Obviously, a police car with some sort of lights and sirens and a bullhorn where we’ll be announcing ourselves,” HPD Detective Kyle Stringer told KHOU.
What People Are Saying
Houston Police Department’s Lieutenant Khan told KHOU: “[The homeowner] became suspicious, because, you know, they have a Ring camera too, and the suspects were saying they had a warrant, but it was just two people and they’re masked up and no police cars, no lights or anything like that.”
He added: “Thankfully, no one else is hurt.”
SAMANTHA LAUREY/AFP via Getty Images
What Happens Next?
The HPD has not yet released additional details about the suspects’ identities or potential motives for the attempted home invasion.
Police are asking anyone with information about what happened to contact HPD or Crime Stoppers.