HOUSTON—Homeowners in the Memorial Villages were on alert Thursday after an elderly woman who tried to defend her property from a pair of burglars died.
Police said the burglary, which occurred on Wednesday, involved a man and a woman who posed as utility workers and convinced a homeowner to let them inside.
"The homeowner became suspicious and pulled out her gun," said Chief Haril Walpole, of the Memorial Villages Police Department.
The homeowner fired twice at the couple, who got away. She called 911 and police arrived. Authorities said she collapsed moments later and died at the hospital from an apparent heart attack.
"We’re definitely going to be vigilant in trying to catch them," Walpole said.
On Thursday, the police alerted homeowners about the fake utility workers.
"It’s very, very scary," said Kim Zander. "I would not answer my door for anyone at this time."
Authorities said the crime appeared similar to a rash of burglaries last spring with suspects who matched a similar mode of operation.
The victim was 81 years old. Police said she was a long-time resident of the villages and had a lot of friends on the police force.
