A local pastor killed during a reported burglary at a west Houston home was accidentally shot by a man he lived with, police have said. 

Houston Police Department was called to a residence in the 1200 block of South Kirkwood shortly after midnight on Saturday, following a report of a break-in. Responding officers said they heard at least one gunshot upon arrival.

Inside the property, officers discovered Pastor Pedro Cantu with a gunshot wound. He was transported to hospital but later died from his injuries.

Investigators said that a 35-year-old resident of the home discharged the firearm - they believe he was attempting to shoot a suspected intruder, but he struck Cantu instead.

The alleged intruder, identified as 44-year-old Rodney Dushaw Yoder, was taken into custody and charged with burglary. Police said he sustained a minor gunshot wound and was also treated in hospital.

Cantu served as pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Amor y Restauración, according to the church’s website.

“It’s shocking to me because of the type of person that he was -- a pastor, a leader, and I just can’t see anyone hating this man,” church member Israel Paniagua told ABC-13.

Members of the congregation gathered on Sunday for a service honouring Cantu’s life. 

Detectives said it is not yet known whether the attempted burglary was random or targeted, and said that no items appear to have been stolen.

The case remains under investigation.