SAN ANTONIO – An alleged thief is recovering after being shot in the head by a homeowner.
Police say David Lee Arbuthnot was shot because he tried to steal a potted plant off a porch.
"These are crimes of opportunity. We know that suspects, for whatever reason, will take just about anything," said SAPD Sgt. Chris Benavides.
Police said Arbuthnot, 43, had just dropped his kids off at school at around 8 a.m., then stopped by a home in the 700 block of Shadwell Drive to steal items off the porch.
That's when he got an unexpected surprise.
"The homeowner saw that someone was trying to steal his plant, he used his firearm, shot several times at the suspect. The suspect was struck one time in the head area," said Benavides.
Police say the bullet just grazed Arbuthnot's head. He left the scene in a van, but police caught up with him at his apartment complex, just a few blocks away, in the 400 block of Sunshine Drive.
He was taken to an area hospital with what police said was a minor injury.
The homeowner, Joe Vasquez, was questioned by police but they said he probably won't face any charges.
"At this point he is protected because he was trying to prevent theft on his property," said Benavides.
Police say Arbuthnot will likely be charged with theft or burglary.