A homeowner grabbed a pistol and opened fire on a man, who he said broke into in his north Harris County home last night. (KTRK-TV)

With all the news reports of armed Texans defending their homes from intruders, one would think that burglars would think twice before entering a home unwelcome in the Lone Star State. Criminals may learn from others' mistakes someday, but not today.

A Texas man on Wednesday night was awoken by a noise in the downstairs of his Houston home, KTRK-TV reports. What he found was a home intruder, later identified as 20-year-old Cecilio Semis, Jr.

Armed with a handgun -- though it is not clear what kind -- the homeowner, Travis McNeal, confronted the burglar and, feeling threatened, shot Semis twice, striking him in the ribs and chest.

McNeal then called 911 and paramedics took the suspect to Ben Taub hospital, where he was listed in stable condition Thursday. He is extremely lucky to be alive.

Police say the homeowner's wife and kids weren't home during the home invasion. He is not expected to face charges as investigators believe it was a legitimate case of self-defense.

KHOU-TV has more, including an interview with the suspect's father: