Authorities: Homeowner Kills Armed Individual
Posted/updated on: April 11, 2014 at 4:56 pm
BEN WHEELER — Van Zandt County authorities say an armed man was killed by a homeowner Wednesday night. According to a county press release, during the late night hours, the Sheriffs Office and Precinct 4 Constable Pat Jordan responded to a shooting near Ben Wheeler. Upon arrival, sheriffs investigators say they determined that around 10:30 p.m. an individual later identified as Michael Todd Brown, 40, of Canton, drove to the home, apparently got out of his vehicle, and began randomly shooting a 9mm handgun and threatening the homeowner. The homeowner advised deputies that Brown had been at the home earlier and had been instructed to leave the property and not return. Investigators believe Brown returned to the home intending to assault the homeowner.
After hearing the shooting outside his home, investigators believe the homeowner went outside and confronted the armed intruder in the front yard in a second effort to make him leave the property. Brown, who was on probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, is believed by peace officers to have been under the influence of methamphetamine. According to investigators, Brown seemingly attempted to lure the homeowner into a confrontation. Investigators believe the homeowner was forced into a life-threatening altercation requiring him to shoot the intruder.
The Texas Rangers were called in to assist the Sheriffs Office with the ongoing investigation.
Van Zandt County Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray stated, It is sad and unfortunate that another law-abiding citizen was forced into a situation wherein he had to shoot and kill another individual in self-defense. Its becoming painfully apparent that decent people are tired of the drug addicts, the drug dealers, burglars, rapists and thieves who wreak havoc in our community. Officials say the case will be forwarded to the Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorneys Office for grand jury referral.
