Home alone Texas 14-year-old shot dead homeless man knocking on door fearing he was trying to break-in

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS: A home alone Texas teen shot and killed a man who police suspect may have been trying to break into his house.

According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on X, an early-morning shooting occurred at a home on Houston's east side on Thursday, February 15.

14-year-old shot man trying to break into home

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office wrote on X, "@HCSOTexas units responded to a call for service at the 14400 blk of Brownsville. Preliminary: an adult male was knocking on doors, possibly attempting to break-in (not confirmed)."

"Someone inside a residence, possibly a juvenile male, shot from inside, striking the male. 1/2"

Gonzalez claimed that the man had been seen in the neighborhood knocking on doors before the shooting. Additionally, according to at least three calls the sheriff's office received, the man was reportedly rapping doors and requesting money, according to Fox26.

According to a report from deputies, the 14-year-old boy observed the man interacting with the doorknob at the front door while sporting a backpack and gloves, as reported by ABC13.

Officials told Fox26 that the boy's siblings were being dropped off at school and that both of his parents had gone out.

Terrified teen shot intruder 5-6 times

Gonzalez told the outlet that the terrified teen reached for a gun, came back to the doorway, and shot the man five or six times. Gonzalez said that he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"A 14-year-old boy who was home alone inside the residence became alarmed, grabbed a pistol, and walked to the doorway," Gonzalez said. "He saw a man he didn't recognize and reportedly fired five or six shots from inside the home, striking the man."

The man, who is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s, has not been publicly identified by the sheriff's office, but according to Fox26, officials say he is well-known to outreach workers for the homeless.

Gonzalez stated that the adolescent and his family have been helpful, according to ABC13 reported. “They have a right to protect their home. They have a right to feel safe in their home,” Gonzalez said.

“Ironically, there is a sign on the gate that basically says that something to the effect that, ‘Intruders will be met with force.’ So, I think it’s very clear on the front gate.”

The 14-year-old has not been charged and is assisting the authorities. A grand jury will hear the investigation to decide whether or not the shooting was warranted, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.