PALESTINE, Texas — A Palestine man is in critical condition after being shot while reportedly burglarizing a home early Wednesday morning.
According to the Palestine Police Department, around 1 a.m., officials responded to a residence in the 100 block of Clearview after a resident reported their home was being burglarized.
PPD dispatch also received multiple calls from neighbors reporting hearing shots fired. Officers were to the area looking for a prowler that had been reported by a resident in the 200 block of Parkcrest about 30 minutes earlier.
Officers arrived and found a man, identified as Oscar Oliver, 39, of Palestine, lying in the yard in front of the residence.
After placing Oliver in handcuffs, police say they discovered that he had two apparent gunshot wounds to the neck and abdomen. Officers also reportedly found nearly six grams of suspected methamphetamine in Oliver’s pocket. EMS was then called to the scene.
Officers spoke with the homeowner, who stated he and his wife were woken by someone making noises in their home. The homeowner checked his home and reports seeing Oliver exiting the front door.
The homeowner said Oliver had broke into their vehicle which was parked in the driveway. The homeowner then fired multiple shots from a 9mm handgun at Oliver, striking him two times
Police say a doorbell camera installed at the home captured Oliver breaking a window and entering the home.
Oliver was lifeflighted to a Tyler hospital where he remains in critical condition. Upon his release, Oliver will be charged with burglary of habitation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Because of Governor Greg Abbott's recent state disaster declaration, both charges will be upgraded to a first-degree felony and third-degree felony, respectively. Oliver is also being charged with possession of a controlled substance.
“This homeowner acted well within his rights to protect his family and his home.” PPD interim Police Chief Mark Harcrow said. “Based on the facts of this case, we will recommend that charges not be filed for the shooting. Ultimately, that is for the grand jury to decide.”
PPD Detectives are working to see if there is a link between Oliver and other crimes in the area. The PPD has increased patrols in the Westwood area in recent months. Anyone with any information related to this case or the suspect is urged to contacted the PPD Criminal Investigations Division at (903) 731-8484.
For more local news, text "NEWS" to (903) 600-2600.
