LA PORTE, Texas – A man walked into a La Porte garage and shot a man Thursday morning, according to the victim’s family, because the suspect thought a vehicle parked outside belonged to his ex-girlfriend.
The shooting happened in the 700 block of Corbin Crest Trail in the Morgan’s Landing neighborhood around 6:20 a.m., La Porte Police said.
A motive hasn’t been determined and interviews are ongoing but police are investigating it as possibly a case of mistaken identity.
“We’re very fortunate in La Porte that this type of activity is very rare,” Asst. Chief John Krueger said. “This is kind of an anomaly.”
Currently, 26-year-old Andres Hinojosa is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Hinojosa showed up to the home in his work truck after driving by a couple times, according to police. Surveillance video obtained by KPRC 2 shows him pacing around the truck with all the lights on before the shooting, appearing to shout possible profanities.
The victim in his 30s, who had just gotten home from work as his wife was getting ready to leave, left the garage door open, which is where police said Hinojosa entered the house. The victim, his wife and their two children were inside.
It’s not clear exactly where the shots were fired, but a bullet his the husband in the neck.
He was flown to the hospital from the scene.
At last check, his wife told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry he’s in critical condition and the bullet hit a major artery, but he is breathing.
Police found Hinojosa when they arrived about three minutes after receiving the 911 call. Surveillance video shared with KPRC 2 shows officers charge toward him before tackling him to the ground, when they found a pistol on his waist.
According to the victim’s family, Hinojosa mistook a vehicle in the driveway for his ex-girlfriend’s and thought she was inside the home. She said Hinojosa drove up with loud music and headlights on so neither she or her husband realized what was happening as he approached, and they don’t recognize him.
Police haven’t confirmed that version of events but said they are looking into the possibility.
“I would not caution La Porte residents to be afraid to leave your garage door open in the morning. Overnight, obviously I would not, but that was not the case in this situation. The individual came home from work, got off probably at 6, and then opened his garage door on the way in when he came home,” Asst. Chief John Krueger said. “That’s just not normal for something at 6 to 6:30 in the morning to happen like that.”
Police said additional charges against Hinojosa are possible. Records show his bond hasn’t been set.
A spokesperson for the company that owned the work truck said Hinojosa was not on the clock when the shooting occurred and should not have been driving the work vehicle. They have not provided a statement on his employee status.
