A man in San Antonio, Texas, faced a deadly confrontation when he attempted to retrieve his stolen vehicle on Thursday, leaving one person dead and two injured.

As reported by KENS-TV, the man’s vehicle was taken from a mall parking lot while he was shopping.

The owner located his vehicle elsewhere in the same lot.

On finding a man and a woman inside his truck, the owner ordered the pair out at gunpoint.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stated that the male suspect then shot the owner, who retaliated by returning fire, hitting both suspects.

The male suspect was declared dead at the scene, while the woman and the vehicle’s owner were hospitalized.

Police report the woman is in critical condition, and the owner is stable.

Acknowledging the owner’s right to pursue his stolen property, Chief McManus noted, “We would prefer that [you] call the police before taking that into your own hands, but he did what he felt he needed to do.”

Weighing in on the incident, defense attorney Nico LaHood told KENS that the owner was within his rights.

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“Citizens have a right to prevent the consequences of a theft,” LaHood said.

“You can use force to prevent a theft. You can use physical force, but the law also says you can display a weapon.”

LaHood suggested that as the alleged car thief used deadly force, the owner was justified in doing the same to prevent injury, stating, “He should not be facing any charges from this incident.”

However, Jose Garcia, the deceased man’s brother, viewed the incident differently.

He labeled his brother a “victim” and the owner “a vigilante, not a hero.”

Garcia contended, “A vehicle is not worth taking someone’s life. … You don’t take the law into your own hands.”

This incident brings up ongoing discussions about the right to self-defense, property protection, and individual responsibilities.

As the story unfolds, it will be a case to watch for those interested in these debates.

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