LUFKIN PD: Suspect in Vehicle Theft Fatally Shot in Self Defense

Lufkin Police have released details on a shooting incident that took place Wednesday night.

The Lufkin Police Department is investigating a fatal overnight shooting stemming from an attempted vehicle theft with the victim’s family inside. 

Marco Leyva, 25, told officers that he stopped at his business in the 1800 block of East Lufkin Avenue around 9 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday).

Leyva said that an unknown black male entered his running 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.

Upon police arrival, Leyva was detained while the suspect received medical aid but later died at a local hospital. 

Despite initial difficulty in identifying the suspect, officers discovered a paper sack at the scene, suggesting a recent jail release. The Angelina County Jail is just a few blocks away from the site of the shooting.

Subsequent contact with the jail confirmed the suspect's identity as Jarvis Houston, 47, of Lufkin. Jail officials informed officers that Houston had been released less than an hour prior on charges of assault/family violence causing bodily injury and an active warrant.

Surveillance footage from the business confirmed Leyva's account of what led to the shooting. 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. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Prayers to all of those involved in this tragic incident.