Fort Worth, Texas:

Lee Lively thought he was doing the right thing when he shot a drunken driving suspect who had beaten up a policeman and was running away.

His faith was shaken when Jesus Puentes demanded $1.7 million for his wounds.

But the jury said Puentes is the one who must pay — $1.75 million in punitive damages and $1,000 for Cpl. Randy Whisenhunt’s injuries.

“We just wanted to make a statement. We’re tired of the frivolous lawsuits that are plaguing our court system,” juror Elsie Bowles said.

February 17, 1990, Lively saw Puentes grabbing for Whisenhunt’s gun. The officer managed to knock it away, but ended up with Puentes sitting on his chest, beating his face.

Lively said he leaped out of his truck and beat Puentes to the gun. As Puentes began to run, Lively said he shouted twice for him to stop, then shot him twice in the legs.