Homeless man was killed in shooting at Fort Worth parking garage, police say

Authorities have identified a 55-year-old man killed Sunday night in a parking garage shooting near downtown that investigators say was prompted by a vehicle break-in.

Police say Steven Huckaby, 55, had been a passenger in a car driven by the suspected burglar.

According to police, a man and his girlfriend were going to their pickup, which was parked on the top floor of the parking garage of the Lincoln Park at Trinity Bluff apartments, when they spotted an unknown man, whom police have identified as 29-year-old Casey Smith, in the truck.

The truck’s owner grabbed his gun, opened the driver-side door, and told the man, “Don’t move. I’m going to call the police,” homicide Sgt. Joe Loughman told the Star-Telegram on Monday.

Police say Smith bailed out of the truck’s passenger door and opened the driver-side door of a car parked next to the truck. Believing he was reaching for a weapon, the truck owner fired shots toward the suspect, Loughman said.

Police say Smith pulled out of the parking space, then abruptly stopped, prompting the truck owner to fire more shots at the car.

The car then sped away. About 20 minutes later, Smith arrived at Huguley Hospital, and reported that his passenger had been shot.

Huckaby was pronounced dead at the hospital at 8:47 p.m. Sunday. His death has been ruled a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to his torso.

Smith was arrested on an outstanding theft warrant out of Dallas County.

Loughman said Tuesday that Smith has told investigators that he had earlier picked up Huckaby at a homeless camp to give the man a ride to Hutchins.

The two men had returned from the trip when Smith apparently stopped at the parking garage to break into the pickup truck, Loughman said.

Police say they will consult with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any charges will be filed in the case.

Dallas County criminal records show Smith has multiple convictions for attempted burglary, burglary, forgery and theft.

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 1:46 PM with the headline "Homeless man was killed in shooting at Fort Worth parking garage, police say."