Self-defense is a defense to many crimes in Texas if it’s proportionate to the offense. Recently, in Burnet County, a man said he disarmed and beat unconscious an attacker who targeted his family.
A man from Cottonwood Shores said his family was targeted by a gunman as he drove along RM 1431 in Burnet County.
The American-Statesman reported he disarmed and beat unconscious the assailant who he said was aiming at his wife and son.
Johnny Henderson told the Statesman he and his family were shaken up but not hurt after the attack. He said an off-duty police officer shot and wounded the gunman and Henderson jumped him. Henderson broke his hand in the ensuing fight.
Henderson said he was not sure what provoked the attack. However, it seemed to be tied to road rage. Authorities did not release the name of the police officer involved or the 55-year-old suspect. The Burnet County declined to say whether the suspect, who was hospitalized after the attack, had been arrested.
Road rage incidents occur more often than we might think in Texas. On occasions, they turn deadly.
Henderson told the Statesman he was driving with his wife and their 17-year-old son back to their home south of Marble Falls last December. He took his son to a tour for prospective students at the Art Institute of Austin. Henderson said he drove past a red Camaro stopped in the road.
Henderson said the Camaro raced up behind them after they passed it and rammed the Hendersons’ Ford Explorer twice. Genice Henderson was driving. She put her foot on the gas to avoid the Camero driver. Both cars spun off the road, away from each other.
Henderson told the Statesman he then got out of the SUV and walked down the road toward the Camaro. He thought it has been in a serious wreck. Another passing car stopped nearby. Henderson said he spoke to the driver, but was not aware he was an Austin police officer.
He said the Camero then drove up close to him and the driver pulled out a gun. Henderson said he tried to pull the trigger. However, the gun didn’t fire.
His wife and son had a few moments to hide in the bushes. Henderson said the Camero driver then opened fire.
The driver of the other car then approached and yelled that he was an off-duty police officer. He ordered the driver of the Camaro to drop his gun.
Henderson said the two men then exchanged gunfire. Henderson said the shooter was injured but continued to crawl toward the bushes where his wife and child were hiding.
Henderson, who is a personal trainer and former MMA fighter and boxer then jumped on the shooter and beat him unconscious.
Austin interim Police Chief Brian Manley said after the incident, what transpired on the road highlights how police officers are never really off duty.
We note on our website how assault can be a serious offense in Texas. However, self-defense can be a defense. If you have been charged with an offense, call our Austin criminal defense attorneys for experienced representation at (512) 399-2311.