Fake Cops Attempt Home Invasion in Houston, TX—the Homeowners were Better Shots

In a tense encounter late on August 23, two men impersonating police officers shot through a front door of a Houston, Texas home—only to be fatally wounded by the suspicious homeowners.

Around 11 p.m., the men showed up wearing ski masks, bullet-proof vests, and badges hung around their necks. Claiming to “serve a warrant,” they offered no police vehicle, no lights, and no announcement, raising the alarm for those inside the home.

Lieutenant Amber Khan of the Houston Police Department explained, “Thankfully the owners are okay. They became suspicious because, you know, they have a Ring camera, too, and the suspects were saying they had a warrant, but it was just two people and they’re masked up and no police cars, no lights or anything like that.”

Authorities say the intruders opened fire while standing at the door. The homeowners returned fire—also through the door—and killed both attackers. A neighbor estimated about 22 gunshots were exchanged. Fortunately, no one inside the home was harmed, including a child who was in the home, according to KTRK.

Detective Kyle Stringer encouraged the public to be vigilant. “Obviously, a police car with some sort of lights and sirens… Police don’t wear ski masks, either,” he told KHOU.

Although this incident occurred in Texas, it raises questions about self-defense rights in other states—such as Alabama—where laws like the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground apply.

Under Alabama law (Ala. Code § 13A-3-23), if someone reasonably believes another is attempting a forced, unlawful entry into their dwelling or vehicle, they are legally presumed justified in using deadly force. This means homeowners may not have to retreat before defending themselves, under the Castle Doctrine.

Alabama’s Stand Your Ground law removes any duty to retreat if a person is lawfully present and not engaged in illegal activity and reasonably believes deadly force is needed.

To summarize:

• You must be in a place you legally belong.
• You must not be committing a crime.
• You must genuinely, and reasonably, believe you face imminent deadly harm.

Victims meeting these criteria may claim immunity from prosecution, though courts will carefully examine each case.

At a Glance: Alabama Law vs. This Houston Incident:

This Houston incident tragically underscores the real danger of police impersonation. While Texas has its own relevant laws, a similar event in Alabama would likely afford legal protection to homeowners under both the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law—assuming they were lawfully present, not committing a crime, and reasonably believed they were defending against imminent deadly force.

Ed. Note: the above piece contains citations from Alabama firms Patriot Law Firm, LLC and Luck Law, LLC, which are intended for informational purposes only, and not intended to convey any legal advice. All persons are encouraged to contact an attorney for legal advice and counsel.