A 60-year-old armed citizen was shot in the leg while defending himself against at least two would-be burglars early Saturday morning in Houston, but authorities say the man was able to fatally shoot one of his attackers in an exchange of gunfire.

Police say the shooting took place around 3:30 Saturday morning when the 60-year-old first used his surveillance cameras to spy two men trying to break through a fence on his property. The homeowner went outside to demand the men leave, but told authorities the suspects began shooting at him instead.

The homeowner, also armed with a gun, fired back several times, police said.

Police say the 60-year-old was shot in the leg, and one of the suspects was shot multiple times.

The injured suspect ran back through the fence and stopped at a stairwell. First responders were called to the scene, and the suspect was taken to the hospital, where he died, officials said.

The second suspect’s location is unknown at this time.

“The other suspect he must have left with a gun because we can’t find the other weapon. And he did leave on foot. We have a decent video we’re working with,” Lt. R. Willkens said.

Police said there have been several thefts and car break-ins in the area, so neighbors are on high alert.

The homeowner was taken to a local hospital, and thankfully is expected to recover from his injuries.

Authorities haven’t said if they’ve been able to connect the two suspects to any of the recent break-ins and burglaries in the area, but clearly residents in the neighborhood had been rattled by the incidents. I’m just glad that the homeowner decided to arm himself before going out to confront the thieves. Having his gun on him didn’t guarantee that he’d be able to fight back, but it at least gave him a fighting chance. A similar incident in Modesto, California last week ended up with a beloved husband and father being shot and killed after he confronted several men trying to burgle a neighbor’s car.

The victim has been identified as Emmanuel Gomez. Police said Gomez was following three suspects who he saw burglarizing a neighbor’s car.

When the suspects started to flee, police said one of them pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds at Gomez causing him to crash his truck into an orchard along Monticello Lane.

A growing memorial put together by Gomez’s children now lies in this spot. They were all too heartbroken to talk about their father who died while trying to be a good neighbor.

“My neighbor was a great guy,” said one neighbor who did not want to be identified. “We used to trade fruit all the time. Say hi to the kids and his wife as well.”

Gomez was described as a family man by other neighbors.

“There was like an argument, and I guess he did his best to try and stop them,” said one neighbor.

Modesto police arrested shooting suspect Austin Deshawn, 20, for the homicide of Gomez. The two other suspects with him were both 16-years-old and charged with burglary.

It’s one thing to be a good neighbor, but I wouldn’t put myself at risk unless I was carrying, even if I lived in a state like California with it’s supposedly strong gun control laws that politicians like Gavin Newsom claim prevent criminals from getting ahold of a gun. The 20-year-old suspect charged with Gomez’s death is too young to lawfully purchase or carry a firearm under California law, yet he apparently had little trouble getting one illegally.

Gun control won’t protect you from a home invasion or an armed career criminal, but it can absolutely prevent you from being able to defend yourself if you’re ever the unwitting target. I’m glad this gentleman in Texas was able to shoot back in self-defense. I just wish Emmanuel Gomez had the same chance.