An early morning gas stop in Arlington turned violent today when a man shot a woman who police say attacked his vehicle with a knife while he was pumping gas. The 58-year-old woman was hit in the leg and taken to a hospital in serious condition, according to officials. The man and his wife, who were inside their Jeep during the encounter, were not injured and stayed at the scene. The shooting happened in the 2600 block of East Lamar Boulevard at about 4 a.m.
Police Say Woman Followed Couple, Struck Jeep With Knife
Arlington police told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the woman followed the couple to the gas station while carrying a knife, then hit the man's Jeep before walking toward him as he pumped gas. Officers said the man warned her before firing, striking her in the leg. Detectives have not filed any charges in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains active, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
How Texas Self-Defense Law Factors In
Under Texas law, a person can be justified in using force, and in some situations, deadly force, when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect against unlawful force. That includes specific protections for someone in their vehicle, as outlined in the Texas Penal Code. The statutes also include a no duty to retreat rule for people who are lawfully present. Whether any particular shooting is legally justified, however, depends on the full circumstances and the judgment of prosecutors, and those provisions help guide both investigators and any charging decisions.
Detectives Still Gathering Evidence
Arlington police say they are still collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses and have released only limited information so far. The man and his wife spoke with officers at the scene, and the woman was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. As of the initial report, investigators had not announced any charges, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
