Schertz car wash owner shoots burglar breaking into his business

Shooting was reported in 400 block of Main Street

SCHERTZ, Texas – The owner of a car wash shot a man after witnessing him break into his business, authorities in Schertz said Wednesday.

The shooting was reported around 5 a.m. in the 400 block of Main Street near Pickrell Park.

According to police the owner of the Main Street Car Wash happened to be driving by when he noticed someone breaking into the business.

"He usually gets there about the same time every morning,” said Officer Helen Lafitte with Schertz P. D. “He saw the car there. He went around the back. He saw the door was open. "

The owner confronted the suspect who had apparently broken into a small room where the money vault is located, police said. 

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“The business owner attempted to have the individual stop what he was doing, gave him that command at least more than once,” Lafitte said. “The individual, I guess, came towards him and he took what he thought was appropriate action to defend himself."

He told police the suspected intruder threatened him with a crowbar, causing him to shoot him.

The suspect is currently at University Hospital awaiting surgery for multiple gunshot wounds.

Officials have not said if the owner will be charged. The car wash, police said, has had trouble with burglaries in the past.


About the Authors

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.

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