HOUSTON—Former Houston Congressman Craig Washington has worked out a deal with prosecutors to avoid going to trial for firing a gun at two teens in a car.

On Monday, Washington agreed to a pre-trial diversion. Attorney Kent Schaffer said that means if Washington stays out of trouble for the next two years, the case will be dismissed. 

Washington, himself a criminal defense attorney, will also be required to do 60 hours of pro bono legal work.  

The agreement came just as jury selection in Washington’s trial was to begin on Monday.

Washington expressed disappointment, “It’s kind of like kissing your sister. It’s a kiss but it’s not the kiss you were looking for.” 

Still, Washington said he believed in the legal system and said it worked in his case.

The shooting incident happened on New Year’s night in 2008. 

Washington said two teens were in a car in his office parking lot and that he fired at them in self-defense when the car started coming at him in reverse.

Taylor Brooks, an 18-year-old Cy-Fair High School student was driving the car. The passenger was Evan McNulty.

Neither teen was hurt.

They claimed Washington confronted them in the parking lot and fired at them as they were driving away.

The two men showed up to court with their mothers but both families declined to comment on the outcome of the case.

Washington represented Houston in Congress from 1989 to 1995.