11 News reporter Rucks Russell update

A state representative shot a suspect while defending his southeast Houston home Sunday evening.

According to police, the suspect's injuries weren't serious, and Rep. Borris Miles was not hurt.

Investigators said Rep. Miles was repairing a leak at his home on South MacGregor when he heard noise outside. He said the water leak was caused by copper thieves in the first place.

When he went to check it out, he confronted two men who police believe were trying to steal copper wiring. Copper is going anywhere from $3 to $5 a pound.

Rep. Miles said one of the suspects came at him with a weapon.

"One of the suspects threw a knife at him," HPD spokeswoman Joanna Abad said. "Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but the second one got away on foot.

Police said Rep. Miles is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

"You got time and money involved, and then you get violated," Rep. Miles said. He would not comment on the incident, saying his attorney advised him not to.

His spokesman read a statement about the growing copper theft problem.

"The theft of copper and other metals by aggressive thieves in our community is an epidemic here in Houston," Donald Fields read. "Thieves have targeted not only private residences, but commercial properties, public facilities and even houses of worship."

Rep. Miles said when he gets back to Austin he will do something about it.

He says he plans to push for tougher laws to crack down on those who purchase the stolen goods.

Recently, the city of Houston passed a new ordinance placing further restrictions on scrap metal dealers.

At C and D scrap metal east of downtown, there are all kinds of high-tech screening devices aimed to weeding out the criminals.

But owner Dennis Laviage says there’s not a lot of confidence that in the long run any law will work. “I don’t think you’re ever gonna stop it.  As long as there are drugs and people have access to making easy money, then people are gonna do what they have to do.”

Meanwhile, the suspect Rep. Miles wounded has been charged with aggravated burglary.