McGregor Man Receives Probation for Shooting at Pickup

David Hottle pled down to felony deadly conduct after firing at a vehicle that was turning around on his street.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A McGregor, Texas man named David Hottle has been sentenced to 5 years of deferred adjudication probation after pleading guilty to felony deadly conduct for firing shots at an occupied pickup truck that was turning around on his street in November 2024. Hottle had originally been facing more serious charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, but was able to plea down to the lesser charge.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing property rights, public safety, and the appropriate use of force, especially in residential neighborhoods. The plea deal and light sentence have raised concerns among some in the community about whether justice was fully served.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim had become disoriented while driving to care for someone's pets and accidentally went through part of Hottle's yard. Hottle then came out and fired 2-3 rounds from a Glock 30 .45 caliber handgun, striking the victim's vehicle in the left rear wheel well. Hottle claimed he only fired 'at the ground', but police seized the weapon as evidence.

  • The incident occurred in November 2024.
  • Hottle pled guilty and was sentenced in February 2026.

The players

David Hottle

A McGregor, Texas resident who pled guilty to felony deadly conduct for firing shots at an occupied vehicle in his neighborhood.

The Victim

An individual who became disoriented while driving and accidentally went through Hottle's yard, prompting Hottle to open fire on the victim's pickup truck.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that residents feel safe in their own neighborhoods and that appropriate consequences are in place for those who recklessly endanger others, even if unintentionally.”

— Mayor Lupe Valdez, City of McGregor (McGregor Times)

What’s next

The judge will review Hottle's probation progress in 6 months to ensure he is complying with all conditions.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for better community dialogue, de-escalation training, and proportional use of force policies to prevent similar neighborhood conflicts from turning violent in the future.