Teen Utility Worker Critically Injured In Magnolia Shooting Incident

MAGNOLIA, Texas - A 19-year-old utility worker was left in critical condition after being shot on the job during a heated dispute with a homeowner. Authorities say the incident happened while the man was installing fiber optic cable in a job that had been going on for several weeks, turning a normal workday into a life-threatening emergency.

What We Know

53-year-old Keith Matthews was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a 3rd-degree felony, when a dispute broke out between him and 19-year-old Briley Delacruz Rodas. Rodas was installing fiber optic cable, which is typically used for high-speed data transmission for internet, phone, and television.

The installation job had been going on for several weeks, according to Matthew's neighbors.

Police were called to the 19000 block of Rustic Lane in Magnolia about the disturbance and discovered Matthews had shot Rodas multiple times. Currently, there is no word on what started the conflict.

Rodas was rushed to the hospital, where he is listed in "critical but stable condition" at this time. Matthews was booked into Montgomery County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Texas Law Changes

Earlier in the year, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 482, which increases the penalty someone faces if they assault or harass a utility worker. The punishment for such is now equal to the punishment you'd receive if you assaulted a first responder. Unfortunately, the heightened penalties will not apply to this case. The law does not go into effect until September 1st.

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