Man Wounded While Booby Trapping Home: Cops

TOMBALL, TX — A 73-year old man who was injured while setting booby traps in his home could face criminal charges, police said. Harris County Sheriff's deputies were called to 26100 La Fouche Drive in the Boudreaux Estates subdivision for a report of shots being fired.

When deputies arrived, they found a man outside his home that had been shot several times and was incoherent. The man told deputies that they were in danger and that there was danger inside the home, police said.

When one of the deputies went into the home, a gun went off and the deputy, who was slightly injured, ran for cover. Deputies initially believed someone was inside the home firing at them, officials said.

The incident sparked a short lockdown at some Tomball schools in the area, officials said. SWAT officers were called when they determined the house could be booby-trapped with explosives.

Investigators learned that the man had a fear of burglaries and had installed a 12 of booby traps inside his home that would fire a shotgun blast at all of the windows and doors, police said. SWAT officers and deputies were able to get inside the home and dismantle the devices.

Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland said because it's illegal for anyone to booby trap their home, it's likely the homeowner will face felony charges. The case has been referred to the Harris County District Attorney.

The homeowner is being treated at an area hospital.

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