Gun 'malfunction' in College Park shooting may have saved victim's life – WFTV

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two men suspected of committing a series of car burglaries and a shooting early Sunday morning will remain in jail while their case unfolds.

A day after their arrest, a judge denied bond for James Houston and Kenny Mason on Monday.

Police said the two men walked on Ivanhoe Road in College Park and broke into about 10 cars.

Investigators said the men stole credit cards from several of those cars, but also found a loaded handgun in an unlocked vehicle.

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According to an arrest affidavit, Houston then decided to steal a man's car down the street.

The report describes how, when the victim ran from his SUV toward his home, Houston fired two shots.

Police said the victim was shot in the forearm and abdomen.

Investigators said that when Houston chased the man, he tried to fire his gun again, but it “malfunctioned,” possibly saving the victim's life.

Police said the carjacking failed and the men left on foot.

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About 30 minutes later, officers said they located Houston and Mason in the area of ​​North Westmoreland Drive and Seville Place.

Police said the men eventually turned on each other and confessed.

In the police report, Mason said no one was supposed to be hurt, while Houston claimed Mason urged him to commit the carjacking.

Both men face several charges, including carjacking. Houston was also charged with attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.

The victim remained at the hospital in good condition Monday, police said.

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