A Lufkin shooting occurred when a man fatally shot a truck thief to protect his family in an incident deemed self-defense by the police. During the attempted theft, a baby was inside the truck. The case is under review by the District Attorney’s Office.

LUFKIN, TEXAS (2-minute read) — A self-defense incident unfolded in Lufkin last night when a man was shot and killed during an attempted truck theft. The suspect, identified as Jarvis Houston, 47, was fatally shot by Marco Leyva, 25, who was defending his wife and baby daughter.

Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Leyva, along with his family, stopped at his business located in the 1800 block of Lufkin Avenue. As they paused at the business, Houston, who had been released from Angelina County jail less than an hour earlier after serving time for assault on a family member, entered the truck with Leyva’s wife and daughter inside.

A physical confrontation ensued between Leyva and Houston, ultimately leading Leyva to use his firearm to protect his family. Houston sustained critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Security footage from Leyva’s business captured the entire incident, supporting Leyva’s claim of self-defense. As a result, the police have not filed any charges against him. However, the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office to ensure all legal protocols are observed.

This unfortunate event highlights the critical importance of self-defense and responsible gun ownership. Leyva’s quick response was a desperate measure to protect his loved ones from imminent danger. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise unexpectedly and the importance of being prepared to defend oneself and one’s family.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are with your family. Keep your vehicle locked at all times and have a self-defense plan in place.