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POLICE: East Texas man shoots, kills suspect who tried to steal vehicle with family inside

The suspect had just gotten out of jail an hour before the shooting.

LUFKIN, Texas — The Lufkin Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred overnight.

According to the LPD, officers responded to the 1800 block of E. Lufkin Ave. around 9 p.m., Wednesday, on reports of a shooting. 

When officers arrived on scene, Marco Leyva, 25, said he stopped at his business in the area when a man got into his truck with his wife and baby daughter inside. 

"Despite Leyva's warnings and offers of an alternative vehicle, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in the suspect being shot," the LPD said. "Upon police arrival, Leyva was detained while the suspect received medical aid but later died at a local hospital."

Police say they initially couldn't identify the suspect, but then found a paper sack at the scene "suggesting a recent jail release."

When officers contacted the jail, they were able to identify the suspect as Jarvis Houston, 47, of Lufkin, who had been released from jail just an hour prior on charges of assault/family violence.

"Surveillance footage from the business confirmed Leyva's account of what led to the shooting," the LPD said. "No charges are expected against Leyva, as the incident is believed to be a case of self-defense, however it is being sent to the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office for review."

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