5/31/07
Dover, Kentucky
From the Maysville Ledger Independent of May 31, 2007
Woman, grandchildren safe after attack by family pet
Often described as man's best friend, when a family's pet German shepherd suddenly and viciously turned on a woman and her two grandchildren last week, they found that man's best friend can sometimes also be his worst enemy.
"I'm just thankful we're all living," said Sylvia Kabler, the grandmother who has been credited with saving her two grandchildren's lives by her quick action when the dog, named King, attacked them. "I just thank God we're OK."
Describing the events of May 24, when the attack occurred, Kabler said she had just arrived home with her two grandchildren, a boy and a girl, both 4 years old, when she noticed King had broken his collar and was roaming about the backyard.
Though the children wanted to go outside to play, Kabler said she encouraged them to stay inside while King roamed about. When it appeared the dog, who had played with the children on previous occasions, had settled down a bit, Kabler and the children stepped out onto the deck of the house.
Kabler ultimately let the children go into the yard to play, and eventually they drifted around to the side of the house, out of her view.
"They played about an hour or so," she said.
Kabler, who remained on the deck, called her sister as the kids played. Then, suddenly, the young boy reappeared, and informed his grandmother the dog was "bothering" the girl.
Kabler peered around the side of the house and saw her granddaughter on the ground, the dog on top of her. What ensued next was a vicious game of tug of war over the girl.
"I just dragged her over to the side of the car," Kabler said, while the dog continued to bite at the girl's legs, pulling on the child. Kabler said she yelled for her grandson to go in the house and close the door.
Kabler managed to get her granddaughter in the car, but could not close the door as the dog was pushing his way in through the opening. Her grandson came back out of the house armed with a fishing pole, with which he attempted to hit the animal.
"He yelled, 'grandma, get in,'" Kabler recalled.
King turned on the boy, clawing his back and biting his leg, but Kabler managed to get her grandson into the car along with the girl, blocking the dog's access to the children with her own body.
Kabler still could not get the car door closed, and King continued his attack on Kabler, biting her a number of times. At one point, Kabler said she thought she was going to pass out.
Kabler pried the dog's teeth open to gain a moment's relief from the bites on her leg, and noticed another pet dog, named Rocky, nearby. Kabler said she yelled for Rocky to help her.
While she is not sure what Rocky did, King did suddenly turn and begin to pursue that dog. Kabler slammed the car door shut, safe inside.
When the door slammed, King's attention was once again redirected at the car. Kabler said the dog climbed on the door and the windows, attempting to get inside.
At one point, the dog wandered away to get a drink of water, and Kabler said she attempted to retrieve the cell phone she had dropped when the attack occurred, but the movement of the door opening attracted the dog's attention.
Fortunately, the sister Kabler had been on the phone with when the attack occurred heard what was happening and drove to Kabler's home. When she arrived, Kabler shouted directions at her.
"I told her not to get out of the car," Kabler said. "And get someone."
The sister left the three still inside the car to find someone who could shoot the dog. Two men at Ranger Steel, identified by police as Josh Vice of Maysville and Jason Smoot of Flemingsburg, followed the woman back to the home with a handgun.
The first shot was fired through the open window of the truck the men were in. The second shot killed the dog.
(More)
Mesa, Arizona
From Phoenix’ AzCentral.com of May 31, 2007
Man shoots himself in foot during attack at motel
A man shot himself in the foot as he was defending himself from an attacker at a Mesa motel early Thursday, police said.
Police said a man went to a room at the Tails West Motel, 6205 E. Main St., about 2:30 a.m. looking for another man who he said owed him money.
During an altercation, the man in the room was pushed down onto a bed, where he reached over and grabbed a handgun and fired at the attacker. The first shot hit his foot, and the next two struck the attacker in the upper thigh and hand, police said.
The men were taken to hospitals.
Police plan to release the men's names sometime Thursday.
Labels: assault, AZ, defender shot
New Haven, Connecticut
From the New Britain Herald of May 31, 2007
New Britain man takes gun, bullet in left hand from attempted robber
A 32-year-old New Britain man was shot in the hand during an attempted robbery Tuesday in Newhallville.
The victim was identified as Walter Mills.
According to police, Mills and his brother were selling sneakers on Brewster Street when two gunmen pulled up in a car and ordered them to "run it."
One had a handgun and the other a shotgun or rifle.
When one of the gunmen tried to force the victim to the ground, however, Mills resisted and grabbed the gun, which discharged and struck him in the left hand, police said.
He nonetheless managed to disarm the gunman and tossed the weapon as the robbers fled.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, CT, defender shot, street robbery
Woodbridge, Virginia
From the Manassas Journal-Register of May 31, 2007
Man shoots suspected burglar
A suspected burglar was shot in the head Wednesday after police say the unknown man tried to break into a house in Woodbridge, according to Prince William County police.
The man, who police believe may be responsible for two burglary attempts at the house in the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace, fled from the scene after being shot, leaving a trail of blood, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.
The first burglary attempt was around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Hernandez said. Police responded to the house and found that a rear window had been tampered with.
Then around noon Wednesday, police say a man tried to break into the same residence by breaking the window that had been tampered with the day before, Hernandez said.
Police said the homeowner fired a handgun at the burglar, striking him in the head, Hernandez said. When police arrived, the burglar was gone.
The burglar is described as a thinly built white man in his early 20s, with blond hair who is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.
The victim was not injured during the incident, Hernandez said, adding that at this time no charges have been brought against the homeowner.
Labels: residence burglary, VA
5/30/07
Gladewater, Texas
From the Tyler Morning Telegraph of May 30, 2007
Man Found Dead After Dispute Turned DeadlyFrom the Rosenberg Herald Coaster of June 1, 2007
Smith County Sheriff deputies are investigating a dispute that turned deadly after one man allegedly threw tools at another at a home near Gladewater.
Smith County Sheriff Sgt. Randy Meadows said the shooting occurred in the 22100 block of County Road 374 about 12:30 Saturday morning and left a 40-year-old man dead.
"We got a call that there had been a shooting and when deputies arrived they found George Edward Hill dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds," he said.
Meadows said detectives at the scene saw evidence of a struggle, including a sling blade that was stuck in the wall.
"It appears at this time that Hill showed up at the home and began arguing with David Allen McBride and then began throwing tools at him," he said.
Meadows said Hill was throwing different types of tools and McBride reported he feared for his life and armed himself with a handgun and fired multiple shots striking Hill.
"Right now it appears to be self-defense, but the investigation is ongoing," he said. "No charges have been filed at this time."
There was no indication to motive for the argument or why Hill began throwing items at McBride.
Apparent home invasion results in fatal shooting
An apparent attempted robbery and home invasion turned deadly early Friday morning when a gunfire exchange between the victim and a suspect left the victim dead in front of his home.
The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. in the 5900 block of Beaconridge, in Houston in east Fort Bend County, where officers with Houston Police Department found the 32-year-old victim dead from a gunshot wound.
A full report from HPD was not available at press time, but a report published by the Houston Chronicle indicates that three suspects tried to enter the home. Shots were reportedly fired by both parties. Two residents escaped through the back door.
From the Houston Chroniclen of June 1, 2007
Man shot dead at home by intruders
A 33-year-old man was fatally shot early Friday at his southwest Houston home, police said.
Police found the body of David Andrew Johnson just inside the front door of his residence at 5934 Beaconridge about 3 a.m..
Witnesses told investigators they opened the door after hearing a knock and were confronted by two men who began shooting.
A witness inside the residence was able to return fire before locking the door, but the suspects forced their way into the house and shot Johnson before leaving in a green four-door vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Pontiac Grand Am with tinted windows, police said.
Labels: altercation, assault, TX
Cape Coral, Florida
From the Bonita Daily News of May 29, 2007
Cape Coral couple tries to cope after attack at their home
Jacob Seckler keeps a gun in his pocket when he mows the lawn. He keeps a gun in his pillowcase when he tries to sleep, but the shadows dancing across the bedroom walls keep him awake.
“I’m strictly against guns. I never wanted them in the house,” said Seckler. “Now I wouldn’t be in the house without a gun.”
Seckler’s stance on guns changed the morning of May 16. He was mowing his lawn when he turned around and saw two 20-year-old men standing behind him. Seckler said one of the men was pointing a gun at his head.
After Seckler, 50, raised his hands to the sky, the two men pushed him past the garage toward the front door of his home in northeast Cape Coral. They held him at gunpoint and said they were getting into his house no matter what.
A struggle ensued at the front door. Seckler refused to let the men inside and they beat him over the head with the pistol and their elbows and fists. One of the men bit Seckler’s back. Seckler’s fiancée, Elizabeth Kachnic, 37, said she heard screaming and the door slam repeatedly.
“I don’t know what happened to me,” said Seckler. “I was so scared. I’m not crazy like that, but I knew I had to do something.”
The gun was pressed against Seckler’s temple. He said he pushed the assailant’s hand down and the gun fell to the ground. Seckler said he screamed for Kachnic to call 911 as he and the two men scrambled for the weapon.
“I got the gun. I just turned around and shot,” said Seckler. “If they did not come here with a gun, they would be alive. It’s their fault.”
He fired every bullet in the clip. One of the men, John Patrick Moore Jr., was hit as he sprinted across Seckler’s driveway. He stumbled to the edge of the street and died.
Police say Moore’s accomplice, Damion Jordan Shearod, fled when they lost control of the gun. Seckler said Shearod was hiding in the garage or the side of his home and appeared after the gunfire ceased and ran to a car parked in the street outside Seckler’s residence.
Police say Moore’s 19-year-old girlfriend, Jazzmyne Carrol-Love, was waiting behind the wheel and the two sped away.
Seckler had just killed a man. He hadn’t held or fired a gun since he was 18 years old and serving in the German Army. Even then, he was only aiming at practice targets.
“I was crying, screaming and hurting,” said Seckler, a large man who became tearful while recounting the shooting. “If they would have gotten in they would have killed us both. Everybody says I did the right thing, but it feels so bad. I killed another person.”
(Much More)
Labels: assault, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, FL, home invasion
Albany, Vermont
From Burlington’s WCAX.com of May 30, 2007
Man Arrested After Albany ShootingFrom the St. Johnsbury Caledonian-Record News of May 31, 2007
A man is facing charges, after he was shot.
Police say 31-year-old Eric Kelley, of Stowe, broke into his estranged wife's house in Albany and assaulted her and her brother.
During the scuffle, Kelley was shot and suffered minor injuries.
He was the only one charged in the case.
Stowe Man Released After Shooting Incident
A Stowe man pleaded innocent Wednesday to domestic and simple assault charges in Orleans District Court after being shot in Albany.
Eric Kelley, 31, was still clad in a hospital gown and bound in chains when he stood before Judge Christina Reiss.
Police said Kelley was shot after he tried to break into his estranged wife's home in Albany and attacked her brother and father.
He had been treated at North Country Hospital in Newport City after police said he was shot and grazed Tuesday morning when a side-by-side shotgun went off. The gun had been held by David Croteau, the father of Kelley's estranged wife Dawn, police said.
Police did not say whether Croteau tried to shoot Eric Kelley or whether it went off by accident when Kelley knocked Croteau down.
Kelley pleaded innocent to felony unlawful trespassing into an occupied dwelling, and misdemeanor charges of domestic and simple assault and unlawful mischief.
Orleans County sheriff's deputies released Kelley after he signed conditions of release, including that he not contact or harass Dawn and her family members, including mother, Cindy Croteau, and brother Douglas, records show.
Reiss also ordered Kelley to obey family court orders and not be cited for any other criminal complaints.
(More)
Labels: domestic dispute, VT
5/28/07
Salt Lake City, Utah
From the Salt Lake Tribune of May 23, 2007
Shots fired during burglary
A man shot at a burglar who entered his apartment Tuesday night.
Police said a man dressed in black broke into an apartment, at 1100 South block of 200 East, about 11:20 p.m. and told a man inside he would kill him. The resident, who was watching television at the time, tussled with the burglar in the living room and broke free, authorities said.
The resident went to the bedroom and grabbed a gun, shooting three times as the burglar ran away, said police.
The burglar appeared to get away unscathed, police said. He was described as white, in his 20s, 5 feet, 10 inches tall and wearing black shorts, a black shirt and a black hat.
Labels: home invasion, residence burglary, UT
Unicoi County, Tennessee
From Bristol’s TriCities.com of May 28, 2007
Unicoi shooting ruled justifiable
Unicoi County authorities have just ruled a Sunday shooting death as a justifiable homicide.
Early Sunday morning, Nathan Gouge, a homeowner on Dexter Gouge Road, shot and killed 39-year-old Clarence Hyder. Gouge told authorities that Hyder had pointed a gun at his head so he shot the man in self defense, Unicoi County Sheriff Kent Harris said.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisted in this investigation.
According to Hyder’s family, the man had served in Iraq with the Tennessee National Guard last year. He recently had returned to Tennessee.
Houston, Texas
From the Houston Chronicle of May 28, 2007
Man fatally shot by bar owner in alleged robbery attempt
A man was fatally shot by the owner of a north Houston business he was allegedly attempting to rob Sunday night. Police were called to the 5800 block of Fulton around 10:30 p.m. and discovered the body of a man, dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. An automatic weapon was nearby.
The owner of the bar told police that he confronted the man, who he believed to be a burglar, and the two exchanged gunfire. Witnesses told police that four shots were fired, said HPD Homicide Sgt. Ramiro Lozano. The owner of the business was not injured and the incident remains under investigation.
From Click2Houston of May 28, 2007
Police: Bar Owner Shoots, Kills Robber
A man suspected of trying to break into a north Houston bar was shot and killed by the bar owner, police told KPRC Local 2 Monday.
Investigators said a man armed with an automatic handgun tried to break into Trappers Sports Bar, located on Fulton Street, at about 10:30 p.m. when the owner spotted him outside and opened fire.
The robbery suspect died at the scene from multiple gunshots. The owner was not injured. He was taken into custody for questioning.
Labels: business robbery, TX
5/27/07
Jackson, Mississippi
From Jackson’s WJTV.com of May 27, 2007
One Dead, One Injured, Two on the Run After Convenience Store RobberyFrom the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of May 27, 2007
It happened just before 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning at the Super Seven gas station located at 4564 Bullard Street. According to police, the four suspects entered the store. Two were carrying shotguns and the other two were carrying pistols. Two of the suspects began tussling with the clerk. Eventually, the clerk pulled out his own handgun and began shooting at the suspects. 17-year-old Deonta Thomas was shot in the chest. He died on the scene. 16-year-old Ryaneal Campbell was shot in the leg. He is recovering at U.M.C. and will eventually be charged with armed robbery. The store clerk does not face any charges. The other two suspects fled the scene on foot. They were wearing masks to partially conceal their faces.
Store clerk kills teen, wounds another in Jackson robbery
One suspected robber was killed and another wounded during a robbery of a store early this morning, according to a Jackson Police Department news release.
Four men entered the store at 4564 Bullard St. about 1:15 a.m. Two of the suspects were carrying pistols and two were carrying shotguns. There were two clerks and no customers in the store at the time.
A tussle occurred between one of the clerks and two of the suspects. The clerk was able to take one of the pistols away from a robber and the suspects tried to flee.
One of the clerks then produced a large-caliber handgun of his own and opened fire, hitting two of the suspects, the release said.
Deonta Thomas, 17, of Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest. The second wounded suspect was identified as Ryaneal Campbell, 16, of Jackson, who suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg.
The other two suspects left running on foot and are still at large.
Campbell was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He will be arrested on suspicion of armed robbery of a business when he gets released, according to JPD.
No charges are being brought against the store clerks, the release said.
Money taken in the robbery was recovered at the scene. There is security video of the incident but it has not been made public.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, minor offender, MS
5/26/07
North Side, Arizona
From the Tucson Citizen of May 26, 2007
March 3 slaying ruled justifiable homicide
The County Attorney's Office has deemed the March 3 fatal shooting of a 21-year-old-man by a near North Side resident justifiable and no charges will be sought in the case, authorities said.
Killed was Charles Alvin Eisner, police said. Sgt. Decio Hopffer, a Tucson police spokesman would not name the man who shot Eisner because the shooter has not been charged with a crime.
Eisner was shot before dawn after the occupant of a home near East Fort Lowell Road and North First Avenue heard noises in the carport, went to investigate and spotted a stranger in the carport, said Rick Unklesbay, chief trial counsel for the County Attorney's Office.
Unklesbay said the resident went back into the house to put on clothing and when he turned around he found the stranger had rushed into the darkened home and the resident shot the intruder.
A review of the police investigation lead to a determination the shooting was a justifiable homicide and the decision was made this month not to seek charges, Unklesbay said. The shooting was immediately reported to police by the resident, Unklesbay said.
Labels: AZ, home invasion
Cleveland, Ohio
From NewsNet5 of May 24, 2007
Man Shoots Pit Bull When It Tries To Attack
A man was attacked by a pitbull on the city's east side Thursday morning before a gas station owner shot the dog.
The attack happened at East 55th Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Gas station owner Steve Daymut said he saw two pit bulls were walking unleashed near the busy intersection and one of the dogs got hit by a car.
He wanted to help the dogs, but when the uninjured dog seized a passerby, Daymut ran back to the station and grabbed his 9 mm handgun. He shot the pit bull as it started to come toward him.
The passerby was taken to an area hospital with injuries to his arm. His condition is not known.
North Miami, Florida
From the Miami Herald of May 26, 2007
North Miami puts the breaks (sic) on suspects' getaway
After a customer wrestled a gun away from a convenience store robber, an unlikely figure foiled the getaway: North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns.
The gunman, wearing a dark blue bandanna over his face, walked into the market at Northeast 14th Avenue and 129th Street about 4 p.m., police say.
After a customer tackled and disarmed him, he ran outside and jumped into a waiting gray Chrysler or Dodge with two other men.
Burns, reelected last week, was driving to City Hall when he saw the scene unfold.
For 10 minutes, he followed the car, trying unsuccessfully to dial 911. The robbers, aware they were being followed by his Secret Service-esque black SUV, abandoned their car behind North Miami's Jewish Community Center, 735 NE 125th St.
''I was just trying to get a tag number,'' said Burns, who said he never went above the speed limit.
The men ran away.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, FL
5/25/07
Los Angeles, California
From Los Angeles’ KABC.com of May 25, 2007
Ryan O'Neal Won't Face Criminal Charges
Prosecutors declined Friday to charge Ryan O'Neal with assault with a deadly weapon for firing a gun during a brawl with his older son earlier this year.
There was insufficient evidence "to prove this case to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt," said a report from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.
"Witnesses gave, in different interviews, conflicting stories" of what happened during the brawl, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
Mark Werksman, O'Neal's attorney, said prosecutors did the right thing by declining to pursue the case.
"It's a tremendous relief for Mr. O'Neal to have this resolved favorably in this manner," said Werksman, claiming his client acted in self-defense.
O'Neal, 66, was arrested at his Malibu home Feb. 3 for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm. He was freed on a $50,000 bond.
The actor has said he fired a warning shot to scare his 42-year-old son, Griffin O'Neal, who had attacked him with a fireplace poker.
He said his son lashed out at him during a fight, but he ducked and the poker struck Griffin O'Neal's pregnant girlfriend, Joanna Berry. She needed stitches for a facial cut, her attorney has said.
Werksman said Ryan O'Neal suffered bruises to his arms and legs when he was struck several times.
Labels: CA, domestic dispute
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
From the May 25, 2007 Oklahoman:
A convenience store clerk is in good condition at a local hospital after being shot during a robbery attempt in northwest Oklahoma City this morning, a police spokesman said.
The suspect is also thought to have been shot, police Sgt. Paco Balderrama said. The suspected robber is in police custody after calling for paramedics shortly after the attempted heist.
Police have not released the identities of either the clerk or the robber.
About 2:15 a.m., police responded to the 4 Seasons Gas & Food at northwest 63 and Santa Fe, where the clerk at the store had been shot in the chest and left hand by a robber, Balderrama said.
The suspect ran, but the clerk told police he had shot the robber before the man left the store. A short time later, the suspected robber called for medical help about a gunshot wound from 6316 W Wilshire Blvd., Balderrama said.
The man was taken to a hospital and is currently in police custody. Police think he is responsible for the robbery, Balderrama said.
Labels: business robbery, defender shot, OK
Charlotte, North Carolina
From Charlotte’s WBTV.com of May 25, 2007
Northeast Charlotte Attempted Robbery
Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery in northeast Charlotte.
Officers tell us a man walked into a Circle K / 76 gas station just before two o'clock Friday morning with a shotgun. This is on the Plaza at Harris Boulevard.
Police say the man and the clerk got into a scuffle and the clerk took the shotgun away from the man. The man then took off but he was empty handed.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, NC
5/24/07
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
From Winston-Salem’s WXII12.com of May 24, 2007
Police: Clerk Holds Robbery Accomplice At Gunpoint
Police said a convenience store owner held a burglar's accomplice at gunpoint Thursday after an armed robbery at his store.
Authorities said a man entered a Shell station on University Parkway at about 5:11 a.m. and demanded money. After he received an undisclosed amount of money, the culprit demanded money from the safe, police said.
The owner, James William Overby, retrieved a handgun from a concealed location and pointed it at the culprit, according to Winston-Salem police. A short struggle ensued and the culprit fled on foot, police said.
Overby then encountered a second culprit waiting in the suspect vehicle and ordered him to the ground, according to police. Overby detained that person until police arrived.
The investigation is still under way.
Overby wasn't injured.
Labels: business robbery, NC
Richland County, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of May 24, 2007
Suspect Pulls Gun on Clerk, Clerk Pulls Gun on Suspect
Richland County deputies are looking for a man they say robbed a food store on Longcreek Drive.
The robbery took place May 13 around 1 p.m. at the Food Fare on Longcreek Drive.
According to deputies, the suspect came in the store and attempted to rob the clerk. Deputies say the suspect pointed a gun at the employee and demanded money. Deputies say the victim refused, and instead pulled a gun on the suspect, who then ran from the store.
On the surveillance video, the suspect can be heard asking for cigarettes, then demanding the clerk to "give me the (expletive) money." The clerk responded, in part, by saying, "I'll shoot your (expletive)."
Labels: business robbery, SC
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
From the Tuscaloosa News of May 24, 2007
Armed clerk thwarts robber
A masked man’s robbery attempt was thwarted Tuesday night when his intended victim pulled a gun on him, police said.
At 9:23 p.m., a man armed with a gun and wearing a mask entered Winston’s Mini-Mart in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and demanded money from the clerk at gunpoint, according to police.
Police said the clerk, who was behind a bulletproof glass window, refused the man’s demands and pulled out a gun of his own.
Police said the robber ran from the store in an unknown direction.
Nothing was taken, and no one was injured.
Labels: AL, business robbery
5/23/07
Murray, Utah
From Salt Lake City’s KSL.com of May 22, 2007
Pharmacist Wards Off Robber with Gun
A thief handed a note demanding Oxycontin over the counter of a Murray pharmacy, but the pharmacist had a surprise under the counter.
"I just pulled a gun on him and said 'get out of here," Rod Dunn tells KSL. Pharmacist Rod Dunn is tired of getting robbed for pills, and he's not going to take it any more, so he used a gun to protect his pharmacy and employees.
It happened at Millcreek Pharmacy, a family-owned and run business. The man who tried to rob them quickly learned not to mess with this pharmacy.
Rod Dunn has been robbed before, he says, about 20 times. It's why he made the counters tall and deep and the enclosures high. "So we can just step this way and we'll be out of their sight," he said.
It's also why he has a gun. Just over a week ago, he pulled it out on Joseph Chiazzese, who had come into the pharmacy, left, then came back.
Dunn said, "We could see him on the camera - hoodie, dark glasses, cotton gloves - so we knew something was up."
Chiazzese slipped a note on the counter that read 'Oxycontin.' Behind the enclosure Rod started yelling, then, he says, "I just pulled a gun on him and said, ‘get out of here,' and he took off and I started yelling after him."
Armed with a golf club, Dunn's son Jason, went after him. "The whole time I was running after him, thought he had hurt someone or shot someone, and there was no way I was letting him get away," Jason said.
Jason saw Chiazzese drop his knife and tackled him on 1300 East. "At one point he kept saying, ‘you gotta let me go.' When I had him down on the corner with the golf club over him, he was telling me, ‘my wife's going to leave me,' whatever."
In a head lock, Jason dragged Chiazzese back to the pharmacy, where police arrested him.
Murray police detective Kenny Bass said, "Normally we would tell people not to go after them. Looking back at this one, everything worked out well."
The Dunn's will do this again because they don't want to get robbed again. They hope word gets out to leave their pharmacy alone.
Joseph Chiazzese was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, and we've learned he has since been released.
Labels: business robbery, UT
Oakland, California
From the May 23, 2007 Oakland Tribune:
OAKLAND _ A man trying to rob a North Oakland gas station at gun point Tuesday morning was shot in the face by the owner, police said.
The suspect, a 22-year-old Stockton man whose name was not released by police pending verification, is expected to recover. He was arrested about 15 minutes after the foiled robbery when he showed up at a San Leandro hospital.
The station owner and a clerk who was also there were not hurt.
The robbery happened about 7:25 a.m. at TQ's 76 station, 5425 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, which police said has been robbed in the past.
Officer Ryan, who is investigating the case with Officer Jesse Grant, said the suspect entered the store area of the station where the owner and clerk were. Their names were not released by police.
The clerk fled out of the store and the owner told the suspect to take whatever he wanted, police said.
When the suspect could not get the cash register opened he began looking for the owner, who by then had gotten a gun and was in the garage area, police said.
When the suspect, who was still holding the gun, came into the garage the owner shot him in the side of the face, Goodfellow said.
Based on a trail of blood found, police believe the suspect made it to a car parked about a block away. He showed up about 15 minutes later at San Leandro Hospital, 13855 East 14th St. Police do not believe he drove himself there and were looking for an accomplice.
The man was arrested and later transferred to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley where he was in serious condition Tuesday.
Goodfellow said the gas station owner was released after questioning. The case will be reviewed by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, but it is unlikely any charges will be filed against the owner. The shooting was the third in five weeks where a business owner or employee has shot a robber. The suspects in the last two were both killed.
Labels: business robbery, CA
Fayetteville, North Carolina
From WRAL of May 23, 2007
Homeowner Shoots Suspect in Fayetteville Home Invasion
Authorities are investigating the death of a man after a homeowner shot him after an alleged home invasion.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Fayetteville police officers responded to an unit at the Lake Shore Grand Luxury Apartments at 5508 Faith Drive in reference to a home invasion.
Investigators said three men entered the residence armed with a weapon while the occupant was home. Police said the homeowner heard the men enter the residence, armed himself and fired, shooting one of them.
Police said all three men fled the scene and drove to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where the wounded suspect died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives have the other two suspects in custody. Authorities have not yet released the names of the people involved.
From the Fayetteville Observer of May 24, 2007
Soldier kills home intruder
A Fort Bragg soldier shot a 16-year-old intruder to death in his apartment early Wednesday, stopping an apparent home invasion.
Buchkechio Geddie died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Police said three accomplices took him to the hospital.
Geddie and the three others were planning a robbery at a unit in the Lakeshore Grande apartments, police said. The complex is off Campground Road, not far from Cross Creek Mall.
According to court documents, the four — Geddie, Michael Fripp, Torrian Knowles and Kwuamae Keaton — were at the apartment complex shortly after 5 a.m.
Keaton, 17, reportedly stayed in the car while Fripp, 22, stood at the side of the building. They were acting as lookouts, police said.
Geddie and Knowles, 18, went behind the apartment, court records said. Geddie kicked open the back door and went in.
The occupants of the apartment — soldier Brooks Boone and his wife — were awakened by the noise, records said. Boone reportedly grabbed a gun from a nightstand beside the bed and fired several shots. Geddie was hit in the chest.
The three who took him to the hospital have been charged with first-degree burglary and conspiracy.
(More)
Labels: home invasion, minor offender, NC
5/22/07
Coram, New York
From New York City’s WABC.com of May 22, 2007
Tenant shoots suspect during home invasion
18-year-old arrested, charged with burglary
Shots were fired during a daring broad daylight burglary attempt Tuesday.
Police say the incident happened on Sharon Avenue, where a tenant opened fire at a burglary suspect.
Long Island reporter Emily Smith has the latest.
This has been a frightening day for this family. Tenants could be seen power-blasting blood off their sidewalk, which the suspect left as he ran off.
Police say that an 18-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with burglary. They add the shot, apparently fired by the female tenant, was in self defense.
Matthew Swift just wants to get into his home, a beautiful ranch he bought six months ago as a fixer upper.
Now it's surrounded by police tape, and crime scene investigators tell him it was the target of a violent break in involving gunfire.
"I'm a little freaked out," he said. "Absolutely. It's definately scary."
Swift rents the basement apartment to a couple in their 20s. His tenants told Eyewitness News that a man walked right into their apartment around 11:30 Tuesday morning, armed with a pistol.
That's when the tenants says they grabbed a shotgun to defend themselves. Police say the female tenant then fired a shot that hit the suspect in the shoulder. That's when he supposedly ran off.
Swift says, from what he's seen, his tenants are good people.
"They give us rent on time," he said. "They're good people. I don't know much about them."
The tenants, still visibly shaken, say the perpetrator ran from their home, leaving a trail of blood behind.
Now they say they're afraid to go to sleep. And no doubt, so are neighbors who don't know what to make of it all.
"You just never know," one neighbor said. "You could be in the best neighborhood in the world and you don't know what's going on next door."
Police are now trying to figure out a possible motive for this attempted crime.
Labels: home invasion, NY, residence robbery
Woodland, California
From the Sacramento Bee of May 22, 2007
Woodland clerk takes gun away from would-be robber
A Woodland mini-mart clerk wrestled a gun away from a would-be robber Tuesday and chased him out the store, according to police.
About 2:30 a.m., a masked man armed with an assault rifle entered the AM/PM store on the 300 block of West Main Street and demanded cash, Woodland police said in a prepared statement.
As the gunman handed the clerk a bag for the money, the clerk grabbed the barrel of the rifle and yanked it from the robber's grip. The clerk then pointed the loaded rifle at the suspect who was last seen running eastbound on West Lincoln Avenue with a second unidentified male subject.
Labels: business robbery, CA, criminal's gun taken away and used against him
Pensacola, Florida
Resolution to this incident
From the Pensacola News Journal of May 22, 2007
No charges in Mayfair shooting
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced today that the state attorney's office has completed its review of the April 19 incident and determined that no criminal charges should be filed against Sherri Lovvorn for shooting Kenneth Russell Pike.
Lavvorn shot Pike after finding him and another man at her Hollywood Avenue home.
In a report to James O'Hara, an investigator with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Assistant State Attorney David Rimmer said "Pike was in the process of or had unlawfully and forcibly entered the dwelling of Shirley Beall when she and Sheri Lovvorn confronted him."
"Therefore, Sheri Lovvorn was justified in using deadly force to stop him."
Rimmer also cited a state law that says "The person against whom defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered a dwelling ...," or what is commonly referred to as the "stand your ground law."
Labels: FL
5/21/07
Marion, Arkansas
From May 21, 2007 (although no date appears on the page itself) WREG-TV Memphis:
Marion, AR - A would-be robber is recovering in the med after being shot by the store clerk he was trying to rob. It happened this afternoon at the marion discount pharmacy in marion arkansas. Tonight.. Locals are calling the shooter a hero.
It's well-known around town that marion discount pharmacy had been robbed three times before. Locals are fed up. And when they heard how an attempted robbery got foiled.. Some.. Called the shooter a hero.
"There was a guy laying in front of the door," says Nicky Glover a bystander who hadn't seen anything like this happen in Marion before.
Marion Discount Pharmacy had just been robbed two weeks ago. But this latest attempt sent the would-be robber to the hospital. The shooter? A female pharmacist who was tired of being scared.
"I think she probably solved a lot of problems here in Marion," says a friend who came to give support when they heard pharmacist Susan Burns shot a robber in her store. "We're all tired up and down this mall of robbers, thieves. She's my hometown hero."
Police say around 3pm, the suspect, 26-year-old Jeremy Johnson, walked in with a gun. Police say Johnson then told a pharmacist behind the counter to get down on the ground, and ordered another to get him drugs.
Det. Sgt. G.B. Martin with the Marion Police Department says "There were other customers in the pharmacy. He advised one of the witnesses in there to sit down turn around get out of the way."
Included among the customers was a girl about ten years old. Police do not think she witnessed any of the violence. Somehow, Burns pulled a gun from behind the counter and fired. Police say the last time a robber came in, that robber had stuck a gun to her head. This robber didn't get far.
Witness Glover says "Yeah she was very shaken up, there was policemen surrounding her and comforting her yeah she was very shook up."
Police say Johnson already had a warrant out for his arrest stemming from another robbery in Tennessee. They do not believe he is connected to the earlier robberies at the Marion Discount Pharmacy.
Labels: AR, business robbery
Manatee, Florida
From the May 21, 2007 Southwest Florida Herald-Tribune:
MANATEE -- A suspected burglar was shot early this morning when he and two others busted into a home and were confronted by an armed resident, authorities said.
Brian McKenzie, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was later arrested in the break-in of a home in the 8000 block of 43rd Avenue West, police reported. Two others -- Chase Carter, 20, and Michael McKenzie, 22 -- drove the injured man to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment and were also arrested.
Investigators say the trio barged into a home at about 2:30 a.m. and pushed past a woman, Teresa Fisher, to get at a 27-year-old man asleep in a back bedroom. The man, Richard Ras, 27, awoke and pointed a gun at the men -- who jumped on top of Ras, police said.
During a scuffle, the gun went off and McKenzie left with a bullet wound, according to reports. The trio was later accused of burglary with battery, a felony count that landed them in the Manatee County Jail. Neither Ras nor Fisher was injured.
Labels: FL, home invasion
5/19/07
Detroit, Michigan
From the Detroit Free Press of May 19, 2007
Man with unloaded gun killed by victim
A robbery and crime spree aided by an unloaded gun came to a halt late Thursday when the gunman met more than his match: a gun with bullets.
Charles Parker Jr., 18, of Detroit was killed when a 53-year-old man pulled out a 9mm handgun and shot the teen, who was armed with an unloaded .22-caliber handgun.
Detroit police are calling it self-defense.
The botched carjacking on Grand River and Prevost came after a string of robberies in Detroit on Thursday, which police said were committed by Parker and four others, ranging in age from 16 to 20.
The robberies began about 8:40 p.m. Thursday at Kentucky and Curtis when a 16-year-old was robbed of his cell phone, a silver chain and his wallet, by at least two of the suspects, police said.
At 9:30 p.m., the robbers attempted to carjack a couple in the driveway of their home in the 19600 block of Appoline, police said. One pointed the unloaded gun at the couple and pulled the trigger.
The teens fled without the car.
Later, police said, the robbers saw a man at a Detroit car wash and tried to carjack him. The one approached with the unloaded gun and the other wielded a baseball bat, police said.
That's when the man washing his car fired, striking Parker.
Parker's alleged accomplices took him to Sinai-Grace Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Hospital security officers detained the other youths until police arrived. Police spokesman James Tate said a 17-year-old Detroit female, 16-year-old Southfield boy, a 19-year-old Southfield man, and a 20-year-old Detroit man are in custody.
They face arraignment on armed robbery charges today in Detroit's 36th District Court.
After the shooting, police questioned the 53-year-old man and released him, noting that he had a valid concealed weapons permit.
Then they gave him back his gun.
Labels: carjacking, MI
5/18/07
Rochester, New York
From RochesterHomePage.net of May 18, 2007
E. Main St. shootingFrom the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle of May 22, 2007
A burglar gets more than he bargained for Friday morning when he broke into a store on East Main Street
Rochester police say the owner of "Utility Solutions" called police just before 2 Friday morning to report a burglary and that he had shot the suspect. When police arrived at the store two hours later--they found the 41-year-old suspect with a gunshot wound to the hip. Police say the store owner shot the man when he came at him. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to be ok.
Police did collect the store owner's gun as part of the investigation. They say that gun was registered. They are not yet releasing any names in this case.
Shot intruder is charged
A city man who was shot in the hip after a break-in at a city store last week is facing burglary charges.
Clayton Walker, 41, of 25 Webster Crescent, was charged with third-degree burglary, a felony, Rochester Police Officer Deidre Taccone said Monday.
A 58-year-old man, who owns the involved business, shot Walker in the hip at 1144 E. Main St. at 4:15 a.m. Friday, nearly 2½ hours after a break-in was reported at the store, city police officers said. Walker entered the store and came at the business owner, who was waiting for officers to arrive to search for evidence, such as fingerprints, Taccone said.
Officers have not released the name of the store owner. Officers said he shot Walker with a registered handgun and called 911.
The business owner turned over his gun to officers at the scene.
Walker was on the court calendar for an arraignment on Monday. On Friday, Walker was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
A hospital spokeswoman said she could not release any information on Walker.
Taccone said officers have not filed charges against the business owner and have referred the case to a grand jury.
Labels: business burglary, NY
Kalamazo, Michigan
From Kalamazo's WOODtv.com of May 18, 2007
Kalamazoo man fends off attackers with handgun
A Kalamazoo man was able to turn an attempted attack around because of his concealed weapons permit.
Police in Kalamazoo County say 32-year-old Brian Smith was approached by two men in their 20s as he was entering his home early Friday morning.
The two asked for directions, and one of them pulled a gun. Smith was able to reach his revolver and fired two rounds, hitting one of the men in the hand.
One suspect was arrested after he sought medical attention. The other is still on the loose.
Labels: MI, street robbery
Buffalo, New York
From the Buffalo News of May 18, 2007
Clerk thwarts robber by pulling shotgun
A would-be bandit fled from a Best Street convenience store at about 10:45 a.m. Thursday when a clerk pulled a shotgun on him, Buffalo police said.
The attempted holdup occurred at Best Market, 465 Best St., where the bandit entered the store and yelled, “Give me the money and hurry up,” police said.
Labels: business robbery, NY
Nashville, Tennessee
From Nashville's The Tennessean of May 18, 2007
Man says he shot teen at motel in self-defense
South Precinct detectives believe Anthony Poole, 19, who was killed early Thursday at the Super 8 Motel on Harding Place, was shot in self-defense.
The events began when Michael Darvin, 31, went to the Hamilton Inn on Briley Parkway at Interstate 40 late Wednesday and made a crack sale, according to police.
While he was at the Hamilton Inn, he was robbed by three men. He returned to the Super 8, where he was staying. Less than an hour later, Darvin saw the three robbers in the hallway, he told police.
The three men, at least two of them with guns, demanded that he allow them in his room. He pulled his own gun and shot two of them. He told police it was in self-defense.
Poole and Steven Newsome, 26, were wounded. The third man, Kenzo Quezergue, 18, wasn't injured.
Newsome drove to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with Poole and Quezergue in the car.
Poole died at the hospital. Newsome was treated and released. Newsome and Quezergue are being charged with aggravated robbery.
Darvin waited at the motel until police arrived and told officers he shot the men. No charges have been placed against him, but the investigation is continuing, police said.
Labels: residence robbery, TN
5/17/07
Callaway, Florida
From Panama City's WMBB.com of May 17, 2007
Help Needed in Home Invasion Burglary
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a man who forced his way into a home this morning at about 11:30 on Minneola Avenue in Callaway. The suspect was met in the home by the victim who had heard the man enter and armed herself with a small caliber handgun. The victim fired at the suspect three times. The man fled the home and left the scene in a newer model, black Volkswagen Jetta.
When deputies arrived they found where the man had entered by forcing open a rear door to the home.
The man is described as a heavy set white male with short hair. At the time of the incident, the man was wearing a plaid shirt. It is believed the man may have been wounded by the victim.
Labels: FL, home invasion
5/15/07
Oakland, California
From the San Francisco Chronicle of May 15, 2007
Teen robbery suspect killed by E. Oakland liquor-store clerk
An East Oakland liquor-store clerk fired the fatal shots that killed a 17-year-old robbery suspect, whose accomplice has now been charged in his slaying, authorities said today.Tommy Ray Spencer Jr., 17, of Sacramento was shot and killed at about 10 p.m. Friday by the clerk at the Oak Tree Market at 1601 28th Ave. Spencer is the second would-be robber in the past month to die at the hands of an Oakland store employee or owner acting in self-defense, authorities said.
Spencer and Juan Antonio Gonzalez, 23, also of Sacramento, went inside the market with the intent to rob the employees, said Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Tom Rogers.
After accosting the store clerk, Spencer fired two shots from a weapon, prompting the clerk to produce a gun of his own and fire at least one shot, Rogers said.
Spencer was killed, and Gonzalez fled, police said. The clerk, whose name wasn't released, won't face criminal charges because he acted in self-defense, Rogers said.
The investigation led Oakland police on Sunday to Sacramento, where Gonzalez fired shots at Officer Jason Lancaster -- narrowly missing his head -- before escaping, Rogers said. Gonzalez was arrested without incident on Monday after police tracked him down at a Sacramento motel.
Gonzalez was charged today with murder along with the special circumstance that the killing happened in the course of a robbery, making him eligible for the death penalty. Under California's "provocative act"' rule, murder charges can be brought on a codefendant if a crime leads to a homicide.
Gonzalez was also charged with assault with a deadly weapon for shooting at the Oakland officer and two counts of being an ex-felon in possession of a weapon. Gonzalez has a previous conviction for receiving stolen property, authorities said. He is also being held on probation violations.
Labels: business robbery, CA, minor offender
Burlington, Vermont
From May 12, 2007 WCAX-TV channel 3:
Police in Burlington are searching for several men in connection with a late night home invasion.
It happened at a home on Green Acres Drive Friday night. Police say several men, armed with baseball bats, attempted to rob the home. But they were confronted by the homeowner, who reportedly fired a gun at the men. Police say the suspects fled from the scene and they don't believe anyone was injured.
Labels: home invasion, VT
Victorville, California
From the Victorville Daily Press of May 15, 2007
Shots fired during attempted robbery
Authorities are looking for two men they believe may be responsible for two armed robberies and an attempted carjacking late Monday night.
During the first armed robbery at the Fast Stop Market at Seventh and Victor streets, the gunman opened fire after the clerk grabbed a gun of his own from behind the counter, said Deputy Luke Gaytan of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Victorville station of the 10 p.m. incident.
“The clerk grabs his own gun and he hears the guy (prepare) his gun before he shoots three times at the clerk,” Gaytan said. “He ducks for cover and basically almost takes a round.”
The clerk was not injured.
Labels: business robbery, CA
5/14/07
New Orleans, Louisiana
From New Orleans WWLtv.com of May 14, 2007
Avondale man shoots, kills intruder
A 61-year-old Avondale man shot and killed an intruder into his home Sunday evening, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Cornelius Sims said he was asleep in his home around 11 p.m. Sunday, along with his wife and young children, when he was awakened by noises that he believed were coming from his garage area, according to spokesman John Fortunato.
Fortunato said that Sims went down into his kitchen and was startled by a man standing in his kitchen. Sims told deputies that he fired several shots in the man’s direction and that the suspect then fled.
Deputies responding to the scene found the man lying near the side
Labels: LA, residence burglary
Bessemer, Alabama
From May 14, 2007 All Headline News:
Bessemer, AL (AHN) - Two employees at an Alabama Wachovia bank were killed Monday when they were shot during a holdup around 9 a.m. Two other employees were wounded, one of them seriously.
Birmingham News reports Bill Vietch, chief assistant district attorney in the Bessemer Cutoff, said, "We have two cases of capital murder and hopefully we won't have to file a third."
Reports state that the gunman walked up to the tellers and started shooting. The first two he shot were killed.
The robber took the bank manager hostage after a customer pulled a gun on him. He exited the bank holding a gun to the manager's head but tripped on a curb outside the building, fell and was shot by police.
Labels: AL, business robbery
Indianapolis, Indiana
From Indianapolis’ WTHR.com of March 14, 2007
Intruder shot and killed by homeowner
An apparent intruder is dead after a possible home invasion led a homeowner to shoot him.
Detectives say they'll question the homeowner Monday morning to find out exactly what happened about 11:30 Sunday night.
That's when police were called to this home in the 3100 block of Park. The homeowner made that 911 call to say he shot an intruder.
"The homeowner indicated the individual, the victim had broken into his house and confronted the homeowner in the front room, living room area and the homeowner had a long gun and discharged his weapon at least one time," said IMPD homicide detective Lt. Kevin Kelly.
Police aren't sure what the victim was looking for.
Labels: home invasion, IN
5/13/07
Franconia, New Hampshire
From the Boston Globe of May 13, 2007
Feud turned deadly in N.H.(More)
Passerby guns down police officer's killer
New Hampshire authorities said yesterday that they will not press charges against a former Marine who stepped into a deadly shooting and killed a 24-year-old high school dropout who had moments earlier fatally shot a police officer.
The former Marine, Gregory W. Floyd, 49, was driving with his son along Route 116 in Franconia on Friday night when he saw Liko Kenney, 24, shoot Franconia Police Corporal Bruce McKay, 48, four times in the torso. After Kenney drove his Toyota Celica over McKay as the officer lay on the ground, Floyd grabbed the officer's service weapon and shot and killed Kenney.
Authorities said the double shooting was the bloody climax of a long-simmering feud between McKay, a 12-year-veteran of the three-member department, and Kenney, a cousin of World Cup champion skier Bode Miller.
In 2003, Kenney was convicted of assaulting McKay, authorities said. Kenney had contended that McKay had assaulted him, breaking his jaw and leaving him in a coma, according to Bode Miller's father, Woody.
"It was a bad mixture waiting to happen," said Connie McKenzie , a nurse who said she had tried to ad minister CPR to McKay on the lawn in front of her 18th-century farmhouse on Route 116. "They hated each other."
New Hampshire's attorney general, Kelly A. Ayotte, said Floyd will not face charges because he was justified in using deadly force.
"Based on the results of the investigation, our conclusion is that Gregory Floyd's actions were justified based upon dangerous circumstances confronted with and efforts to assist McKay," Ayotte said at a news conference in Concord.
Captain Russell Conte of the New Hampshire State Police condemned the slaying of McKay, a New York native who had a 9-year-old daughter, Courtney, and in June was to marry his fiancée, who has a 14-year-old daughter, Kylea.
"Something this egregious affects everyone in law enforcement, and it is the ultimate act of defiance for someone to shoot a police officer when he's doing his duties," Conte said.
5/12/07
Harper Woods, Michigan
From the Detroit News of May 12, 2007
Crooks pick the wrong victim in Harper Woods
Two would-be thieves wound up fleeing their intended victim Saturday afternoon.
The men, one armed with a handgun, tried to carjack a man in the Sears parking lot about 2 p.m. at Eastland mall, according to a Harper Woods Police press release.
But the man turned out to be a retired Detroit Police officer -- and he had a handgun, Harper Woods Police said.
The retired officer fired one shot at the men, striking the stolen Dodge Durango truck they were driving, police said.
Detroit Police found the truck on Buckingham Street, but the suspects were gone. No one was harmed in the shooting and Harper Woods Police detectives are investigating the case.
Labels: carjacking, MI
Schenectady, New York
From the Albany Times-Union of May 12, 2007
DA: Killing is self defense
Schenectady man who shot intruders admits drug, weapon charges
A man who opened fire on intruders who planned to steal a half-pound stash of cocaine from his Raymond Street home killed one of the men in self defense, prosecutors said Friday after the man pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges.
Police initially charged Harry Glenn with second-degree murder after he killed Richard DeGroat, 39, with a gunshot to the head and shot another man, Bertram Payne, 20, when they forced their way into the house on Dec. 2.
Even though Glenn had a large amount of cocaine in the house, he was still entitled to defend himself when DeGroat, Payne and third person, Nydia Robles, tried to steal the narcotics, Schenectady County Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Philip Mueller said.
"It appears the shootings of both men were instantaneous reactions by Mr. Glenn confronting people who were invading his home," Mueller said.
Glenn, 27, still faces 10 years in prison on drug and weapon charges when sentenced July 13 by County Judge Karen Drago.
Glenn shot Payne first. Mueller said Glenn went to check on Payne and then shot DeGroat who surprised him. The two men had bought a pellet gun earlier in the day and had it with them when the broke into the Raymond Street home.
Payne was shot in the hand but escaped. He was treated at Ellis Hospital.
He and Robles have previously pleaded guilty to burglary and attempted robbery charges. Payne faces a sentence of 11 years in prison and Robles is looking at nine years.
Charges are pending against Amy Sorey, 31, the alleged driver for the trio.
Labels: home invasion, NY, residence robbery
5/11/07
Stockton, California
From the Stockton Record of May 11, 2007
Boggs Tract store owner shoots robber
A Boggs Tract convenience store owner shot and wounded a man who robbed his store today, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office investigators said.
It was about noon when two men wearing bandanas over their faces entered Sonora Market at 545 S. Fresno St. One man stayed at the front door while the second man who was armed with a handgun demanded the cash from two registers, robbed a customer and took a bottle of liquor. When he turned to leave, the owner shot him twice in the back, sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Moreno said.
Store owner Paramjit Singh was questioned by investigators today. Sheriff’s investigators said they would not be arresting Singh today and it would be up to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office to determine if he shot the robber in self-defense.
Investigators believe a man who walked into San Joaquin General Hospital suffering two gunshot wounds was the man who robbed Singh’s store. The man’s accomplice had not yet been found this afternoon.
This is the fifth time so far in 2007 that the Sonora Market has been robbed.
Labels: business robbery, CA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s NBC10.com of May 11, 2007
Police: Teen Fatally Shot Breaking Into Home
A teenager was fatally shot while allegedly attempting to rob a Southwest Philadelphia home Friday afternoon, police said.
According to police, the teen was one of two people who broke into the home on the 5900 block of Greenway Avenue.
A 21-year-old inside the residence grabbed a gun and shot at the would-be robbers.
The teen, who police said was 16 or 17 years old, was shot in the chest and rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia but later pronounced dead, police said.
Police reported that the home has been broken into three or four times in the past couple of months.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
Cincinnati, Ohio
From the Cincinnati Enquirer of May 11, 2007
Police: Victim shoots robber
The driver of a lunch wagon shot a man who was trying to rob him this afternoon at Millsdale Street at Curzon Avenue, just west of Anthony Wayne Avenue, police said.
Cincinnati Police Lt. Chris Matzen said three young men tried to rob the driver of the lunch wagon at about 12:30 p.m.
During the incident, shots reportedly were fired by one of the three men.
Matzen said the lunch wagon driver pulled out a concealed weapon and shot and hit one of the three. The wounded man was taken to University Hospital, where he went into surgery.
A search is on for the two other men.
The lunch wagon remained in the middle of the cordoned-off intersection this afternoon. Evidence cards were being placed in the street.
Labels: OH, street robbery
Charlotte, North Carolina
From the Charlotte Observer of May 11, 2007
Woman kills man in scuffle
Police are investigating the fatal shooting in southeast Charlotte that might have resulted from a scuffle between a man and a woman.
Details remain murky this morning, but police confirm that a man was shot and killed about 11:15 p.m. Thursday night at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of McIlway Road. That's between Monroe and Randolph roads.
Police said they were called to the apartments and found the body of a man in the parking lot. He had been shot, officers say.
About a half-hour later, police were called to Presbyterian Hospital, where a woman had arrived with a gunshot wound.
During questioning, police quickly determined that the female shooting victim was involved in the death of the man on McIlway Road.
The woman told police that she had been attacked by the man, and a scuffle started. During the fight, she said, the woman was able to pull a handgun away from the man. The woman said she then shot the man.
Police homicide detectives are investigating the case and are asking the public for help. Anyone who might have seen the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers, at 704-334-1600.
The identities of the man and woman have not been released. They have been described only as a black male and a black female.
Labels: assault, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, NC
Hampton, Virginia
From the Hampton Daily Press of May 11, 2007
Shooting ruled as self-defense
The shooter still faces jail time for possession of a handgun by a felon.
A murder charge against a 22-year-old Norfolk man accused of killing a Hampton man in a 7-Eleven parking lot in January 2006 was dropped Thursday after prosecutors determined the fatal shooting was justified.
Donnell Lyscell Taylor also was cleared of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges were dropped just before Taylor's trial was to begin in Hampton Circuit Court.
Taylor was convicted of one count of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, however. He faces between two and five years in prison when he is sentenced on July 16.
The fatal shooting occurred Jan. 29 in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on the corner of Mercury Boulevard and Cunningham Drive.
Taylor shot 23-year-old Bobby Lee Spivey after Spivey threatened to shoot the truck Taylor was riding in with another man and two women, according to court records.
The threat came after Spivey and the truck's driver, Nicholai Peter Williams, exchanged words. Williams, an airman at Langley Air Force Base, also was charged in the slaying, but the murder charge against him was dropped earlier this year.
At a court hearing in January, a witness testified that both Taylor and Williams told Spivey to move away from the truck.
A woman in the truck told prosecutors Wednesday that before the fatal shots were fired, Spivey made a gesture toward his waistband and lifted his shirt.
Taylor remains in jail while awaiting his sentencing because he faces other charges in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Labels: altercation, VA
5/10/07
Flint, Michigan
From Flint’s WRJT of May 10, 2007
Delivery man shoots would-be robberFrom the Flint Journal of May 12, 2007
Second man arrested, third man sought
A deadly shooting involving a pizza delivery man and a group of robbers has the delivery man in protective custody and police searching for one of his attackers.
It happened at 10 p.m. Wednesday night at the intersection of Hammerberg Road and Stoney Brook Court on Flint's southwest side.
Police say the driver tried to get out to make a delivery when one of the robbers hit him in the back of the head with a wrench.
The delivery man recovered enough to grab his gun and fired several shots, hitting one of the robbers.
He died near a street sign just feet from the front doors of some shocked neighbors.
Police are still investigating, but here's what we've learned. The pizza delivery man claims self defense and is in protective custody.
It's unclear if he'll face charges because it's simply too early in the investigation.
As for the group of robbers, police are searching for one of them. One was arrested one soon after the attack.
One woman says she doesn't blame the delivery man and wouldn't have been sorry if the other suspects had experienced the same fate.
"I'm sure he's been robbed before. And his life was just as important," said Fran Catalano.
"He was doing a civic duty delivering a pizza to somebody. And let me tell you something: That guy ought to get a medal and he should have shot the other two."
We did speak with the man who runs the Little Caesar's where the driver has worked for at least a year.
He did not speak on camera, but said off camera that his drivers only carry about $25 or $30 at a time, and safety is a top and growing concern for their drivers.
The suspects reportedly demanded money, but the delivery man pulled a handgun and killed one of the robbers, a 24-year-old man.
The case is still under investigation.
Pizza deliveryman probably won't be charged in slaying -- prosecutor
It's unlikely that a pizza deliveryman will face criminal charges in the shooting death of an alleged robber this week, said Genesee County Prosecutor David S. Leyton.
Brian Williams, 48, of Flint shot and killed Corneilus D. Gainer, 24, about 10 p.m. Wednesday after Gainer and another man allegedly robbed Williams while he was delivering a pizza on Hammerberg Road near Stoney Brook Court.
When one of the men hit Williams in the head with a wrench, Williams pulled out a gun and started shooting, police said. Williams has a concealed weapons permit and carried the gun for protection.
Wednesday was the second time Williams has shot someone while delivering pizza. He wounded a man in March 2000 after an alleged robbery but the victim declined to file a police report.
Williams was jailed after Wednesday's shooting but released Thursday.
Leyton said reports he has reviewed so far support Williams but said he won't make a final decision on charges until he has all the information.
The other alleged robber, however, will face criminal charges.
Eddie G. Jackson, 20, was charged Friday with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.
Jackson is being held in the Genesee County Jail.
Labels: concealed carry permit, MI, pizza delivery driver, street robbery
Salt Lake City, Utah
From the Salt Lake Tribune of May 10, 2007
Man was sought after robbery and gunshot
A 25-year-old man was arrested after a nearly five-hour standoff with police at a South Jordan motel after a robbery outside a Murray strip club early Wednesday.
Police booked the man into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of aggravated robbery after he gave himself up at Motel 8, 10722 S. Frontage Road, about 9:30 a.m.
Murray police spokesman Kenny Bass said a person attempted to rob two men outside the Southern Exposure strip club, at 5142 S. State St., about 1 a.m.
The robber took money from one man, police said, but the other resisted. A struggle for the assailant's handgun ensued, and a shot was fired, apparently grazing the bandit's hand, Bass said.
Hours later, officers looking for the robber showed up at the Motel 8. They called for SWAT, and a standoff ensued, Bass said. Three others with the suspect left the hotel room, leaving him alone in the room, Bass said. The suspect eventually gave himself up, Bass said.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, street robbery, UT
Syracuse, New York
From the Syracuse Post-Standard of May 10, 2007
Grand jury declines to indict city man in June 24 slaying of Carlos Ortiz-Martinez.
A Syracuse man accused of killing one man while trying to shoot a different one will not face prosecution as a result of a grand jury review.
...
The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office reported Wednesday that a grand jury voted not to file a second-degree murder charge against Alfredo H. Dashnau Jr. in the June 24 slaying of Carlos Ortiz-Martinez, 21, in the street in front of 212 Barrett St., Syracuse.
Dashnau, 27, of 134 Putnam St., had been accused of intentionally killing Ortiz-Martinez by shooting him in the head. Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Spano said evidence indicated the grand jury accepted an argument that Dashnau was defending himself or a companion.
Spano said Dashnau actually was trying to shoot the person with Ortiz-Martinez. That other man has never been publicly identified.
Spano said evidence indicated the man was pointing a gun at a person with Dashnau when Dashnau fired a rifle at the gunman. The shot hit Ortiz-Martinez instead.
That still amounts to a legal justification defense as Dashnau was trying to prevent deadly physical force against his companion, Spano said.
There was no weapon charge filed against Dashnau by the grand jury because the gun involved in the shooting was a rifle and not a handgun that would have been illegal to possess on the street, the prosecutor said.
According to Spano, the two groups of men had been fighting with each other for months. Spano said the source of the animosity has never been made clear to authorities.
5/9/07
Benton Harbor, Michigan
From the South Bend (IN) Tribune of May 9, 2007
No charges in teen's shooting death in Benton Harbor
While the man who fatally shot a Benton Harbor teen during an attempted break-in will face no charges in the death, authorities say they will pursue a misdemeanor weapons charge against him.
On the morning of March 26, Jammie Parker, 31, was at his girlfriend's home in the 200 block of Hastings Avenue when Corey Napier Jr., 18, and three others reportedly attempted to enter the home, the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office said.
After a review of the police investigation and physical evidence at the scene, Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur Cotter said in a written statement that "it is abundantly clear" that Napier was shot "while he was in the process of breaking into the residence."
Cotter noted in the release that Michigan law was amended last year to allow self-defense when an individual in such circumstances has "an honest and reasonable belief that there was an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm."
Parker reportedly told authorities that he went into a bedroom and saw the drawn shade of an open window moving as someone attempted to climb in, the release said. Parker said he shot three times at the window with a .40 caliber pistol and then ran outside and fired into the air to scare the remaining teens away.
In police interviews, two of the three youths involved in the attempt admitted they had gone to the home to steal money and marijuana they believed was inside, the release said.
Cotter said he found insufficient evidence that Parker shot at a fleeing youth, and noted that an uninvolved witness saw Parker fire the weapon into the air.
Because the gun was not registered, Parker will be charged with failing to register a firearm, a 90-day misdemeanor.
Two of the youths with Napier face charges stemming from the break-in attempt. Maurice Ray, 17, faces charges of conspiracy to commit a home invasion second degree, a 15-year felony, and attempted home invasion second degree. Another youth is being petitioned in juvenile court on similar charges, and Cotter's office has asked that he be waived to adult court for trial. The investigation into possible charges against the fourth youth is still under way.
A 16-year-old who lives at the home where the shooting occurred is being charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver after police reportedly found about 90 grams of the drug in his bedroom, the release said. He is a classmate of the youths who broke into his home. Cotter's office is petitioning to have his case moved to adult court, as well.
Labels: MI, minor offender, residence burglary
St. Paul, Minnesota
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press of May 9, 2007
Man, 68, arrested after teenager shot near St. Paul bus stopFrom the St. Paul Pioneer Press of May 11, 2007
A 68-year-old man who told police three teenagers robbed him on a St. Paul street Tuesday night shot one of the men, police say, but officers are still trying to sort through what happened.
The 18-year-old victim was shot in the shoulder and taken to Regions Hospital, said Tom Walsh, a police spokesman. He said the man is expected to survive.
Officers arrested Donald W. Hurd on suspicion of felony assault, but Walsh said it's unlikely he'll be charged.
Police were called to Como and Snelling avenues about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a man yelling he had been shot, Walsh said.
Hurd was there and told police he didn't have a gun and no shots had been fired, but officers found a gun on Hurd, Walsh said. They also found the victim nearby.
The four people involved had been riding a Metro Transit bus, but it's unclear whether they were riding together, Walsh said. They all got off at Como and Snelling avenues, Walsh said.
Hurd said the three teenagers pushed the back of his head, knocked him to the ground and took his wallet, Walsh said. Police are investigating the robbery and the teenagers have not been arrested.
Mugging victim leaves jail with nowhere to go
Man who shot one of 3 attackers could still face charges
After spending two nights in the Ramsey County jail, Donald Hurd walked out Thursday with no wallet, no cash and nowhere to go.
The 68-year-old man was mugged Tuesday night in St. Paul, and officers arrested him after he shot one of the suspected robbers.
Hurd was taking the bus Tuesday to pick up his Chevrolet truck from a repair shop and was attacked between stops. On Thursday, he made it to the Roseville shop, but his truck wasn't ready.
The Bigfork, Minn., man thought the jailers would return $100 in cash the robbers hadn't found. He was going to use it to stay in a motel Thursday night. As it turns out, when the jail returns inmates' property, they trade cash for a check. Hurd didn't know what good a check would do him because his driver's license had been stolen.
"I don't like to ask for help," said Hurd, who is retired but comes to the Twin Cities to do odd jobs. He is divorced, and his family lives out of state. "If you get into a situation, it's up to you to get out of it."
Hurd's problems might not be over. Though he was released from jail, he could yet face criminal charges.
He might be a hero in the court of public opinion, but whether Hurd broke the law is a different story.
Hurd said he was only trying to scare the three young men who attacked him. Legal experts said Hurd's case doesn't seem to meet the self-defense standard in Minnesota. The 18-year-old man who Hurd shot in the shoulder is expected to be fine, police said.
You would think somewhere between the letter of the law, there's some space there for some consideration and understanding," Hurd said. "It is an injustice."
The robbery suspects weren't arrested. The investigation into the robbery and the shooting continues, police said.
Hurd was born in St. Paul and raised in San Francisco. He came back to St. Paul when he was 15, after his mother was killed in a car accident, and he lived with his father.
On his 17th birthday, Hurd enlisted in the Army and worked as a military police officer. He was stationed in Germany, what is now Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
After leaving the Army, Hurd returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife raised a family. He worked different jobs over the years - driving trucks and school buses, working as a plumber and an electrician, and being a security guard.
He's a quiet man and said he's embarrassed by the attention his case has received. He said he would have done the same thing if he came across someone in his situation.
"I would give up myself to destroy evil," he said Thursday. "It's just the way I am."
Hurd doesn't have a criminal history, but he acknowledged some problems with the way he handled things Tuesday night. He lied to police at first about the shooting, which he said he did because he was scared and confused. He doesn't have a permit to carry the pistol he had with him.
If he could go back to when he fired his gun Tuesday and change things, he's not sure he would.
"God only knows," Hurd said. "I don't want to say yes and I don't want to say no because you have a different frame of mind in that situation. I felt like I was violated. You look for some justice for yourself."
State Rep. Tony Cornish, who sponsored a bill this legislative session to give citizens more leeway in using deadly force to defend themselves, said he was outraged by what happened to Hurd.
"Maybe if these scumbags that were beating and robbing our old people had some doubt in their mind if they were going to survive their own crime, they would have some doubt about committing it in the first place," said Cornish, R-Good Thunder.
Cornish's bill, which he called "Stand Your Ground" legislation, didn't get a committee hearing. Though it might not have applied directly in Hurd's case, Cornish said, the law would have offered clarity about when and how citizens can defend themselves.
Current Minnesota law says it's justifiable to kill someone if you are "resisting or preventing an offense" that you "reasonably" believe could lead to "great bodily harm or death" for you or another person. If you are in your own home, deadly force can be used to prevent someone from committing a felony.
Even so, local attorneys think an argument could be made for Hurd's actions. If he is charged and the case goes to a jury, he'll likely come across as a sympathetic figure, they said.
"These aren't cases prosecutors like to take to juries," said Richard Frase, a University of Minnesota law professor.
Labels: MN, senior, street robbery
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
From the Miami Herald of May 9, 2007
Armed store owner blasts jewel thieves
Two armed wanna-be jewelry thieves in Fort Lauderdale collected lead slugs instead of gems Wednesday morning after they faced-off against the store's owner, who was packing a handgun, police said.
The gun battle, which took place shortly after 11 a.m. at Bentley's 1900 Jewelers, 2753 E. Oakland Park Blvd., left the two bandits in critical condition, said Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman Kathy Collins.
"The first bad guy got shot in the head and was stopped," Collins said.
"The second bad guy tried to get away, despite being shot several times, but we caught him a few minutes later."
Police are on the scene and are investigating.
Labels: business robbery, FL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of May 9, 2007
Suspect Nabbed After Being Brought to Univ.of Penna. Hospital
A thief who attempted a car break-in Wednesday morning in the city's southwest section was foiled apparently by his own gun -- and a fearless car owner.
The incident happened around 10am in the 8400 block of Lindbergh Boulevard. Police say a car owner spotted the suspect attempting to break into his car.
When he approached the suspect, who was armed with a handgun, a struggle ensued. During that struggle the gun discharged, and the suspect was shot in the thigh by his own gun. He then fled to a waiting car where an accomplice rushed him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
In the meantime, the car owner called 911 and informed police of what had happened. When the suspect and his accomplice arrived at the hospital, police were waiting and both the alleged thief and his accomplice were placed under arrest.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA, street property theft
5/8/07
Kingsport, Tennessee
From the Kingsport Times News of May 8, 2007
Kingsport senior citizen shoots sister-in-law's attacker during intersection fracasFrom the Kingsport Times-News of May 15, 2007
A Monday evening shooting, though still under investigation by Kingsport Police, may have been in self-defense.
Shortly before 6:15 p.m. Lawrence Jennings, 46, of Virgil Avenue, blocked the intersection of Nassau Drive and Kingston Court, not allowing his ex-girlfriend to pass. According to a press release from police, Jennings' former girlfriend was a passenger in the car of Giles Eddie Ferguson, 69, who is her brother-in-law.
Jennings began to kick the door and beat the windows of Ferguson's vehicle. He was able to get inside and attack Ferguson, at which point the senior citizen shot Jennings in the abdomen, according to police.
Jennings then drove to Valero Market on East Stone Drive, where he told the clerk he had been shot. He was taken to Holston Valley Medical Center where he underwent surgery.
Det. David Cole said several witnesses observed Jennings stop Ferguson's car, as well as the shooting. He said the incident is still under investigation, and would not confirm Ferguson's actions as self-defense at this time.
Det. Cole added that they were waiting to see if Jennings' condition improved so they could talk to him again about the incident.
Police clear senior citizen in Kingsport shooting
After reviewing statements and the evidence from the scene, police say a senior citizen acted in self-defense when he shot a man during a fracas in a Kingsport intersection.
The incident began last Monday at about 6:15 p.m. According to Kingsport Police, Lawrence Jennings, 46, of Virgil Avenue, blocked the intersection of Nassau Drive and Kingston Court, not allowing his ex-girlfriend to pass. Police say Jennings' former girlfriend was a passenger in the car of Giles Eddie Ferguson, 69, who is her brother-in-law.
Having stopped Ferguson and his ex-girlfriend in the roadway, Jennings allegedly began kick and hitting the car. Police say Jennings cursed the two occupants before he opened the vehicle door and began hitting Ferguson in the face.
It was at this point that Ferguson apparently pulled out a gun -- which he had a valid permit to carry -- and shot Jennings in the abdomen. Jennings then drove to Valero Market on East Stone Drive, where he told the clerk he had been shot. He was taken to Holston Valley Medical Center where he underwent surgery.
Det. David Cole said several witnesses observed Jennings stop Ferguson's car, as well as the shooting. On Tuesday police announced Ferguson's actions were in self-defense while Jennings had charges placed agianst him.
Jennings is charged with auto burglary, for breaking into Ferguson’s vehicle with the intent of committing an assault, and vandalism for causing damage to the vehicle. Jennings bond was set at $6,000 with arraignment scheduled for Wednesday.
Contacted at his home Tuesday afternoon, Ferguson declined to elaborate on the incident.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
From Kennett’s the Daily Dunklin Democrat of May 8, 2007
Man who shot another released
A man who admitted to shooting another man in the stomach early Sunday morning in Cape Girardeau was released while prosecutors decide whether to file charges or declare the shooting self-defense, a Cape Girardeau police spokesman said.
Police called to the 3000 block of Themis Street about 1:30 a.m. Sunday found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the belly, Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Cpl. Jason Selzer said Monday. While officers were questioning witnesses, the shooter stepped forward and admitted his involvement, Selzer said.
The shooter, a 31-year-old Cape Girardeau resident, saw a fight in the street outside his apartment building, grabbed his gun and went outside to break it up, Selzer said.
"Before he gets down there, at some point the guy who got shot gets away from the fight and gets a screwdriver and starts threatening people with it," Selzer said. "The shooter and the victim exchanged words, with the shooter telling him, "Get out of here, it is over" and the victim with the screwdriver attempting to stab him."
Decatur, Tennessee
From the Decatur Daily News of May 8, 2007
Decatur clerk pulls gun to thwart would-be robbery
A convenience store clerk scared away a would-be robber by pulling a gun, Decatur police said Monday.
The incident took place at Jet Pep, 106 Sixth Ave. N.E., shortly before 11 p.m. Friday.
Pretending to buy a drink from the cooler, the woman waited until the clerk, Gayathri Penmathsa, opened the register. The woman then told Penmathsa to give her the money from the drawer, police said.
Lt. Chris Mathews, a police spokesman, said Penmathsa pulled out a revolver kept under the counter for protection and pointed it at the woman, who ran out of the store.
The woman was described as 5-feet 3-inches tall, 180 pounds, and about 35 years of age with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and left in a red Ford Taurus.
Labels: business robbery, TN
5/7/07
Nashville, Tennessee
From Nashville’s NewsChannel5.com of May 7, 2007
Senior Citizen Wrestles Thief; Foils Robbery
An armed robber tried to hold up a West Nashville store, but he messed with the wrong customer.
The attempted robbery happened Sunday night at the Stop and Shop on Indiana Avenue.The robber walked into the Stop and Shop armed with a gun. His plan was to rob the store and the customers inside.
Police said the robber held up the clerk, demanded money, and then the gunman, Anthony Lyons, 25, turned the gun on a 77 year-old customer.
Police said the elderly man is a feisty one. He started wrestling with the robber, and that's when the gun went off. In the struggle, the gunman was hit with the bullet in the leg.
He was sent to the hospital with those injuries. The 77 year-old customer who stopped the robbery is okay. He walked away from the scene, and he did not receive medical care at the hospital. He had stopped in the store for cough drops.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, TN
Greencastle, Pennsylvania
From Chambersburg’s PublicOpinionOnline.com of May 5, 2007
Our view: Purchase of gun ends thefts at area store
Merlony Colaco got robbed one too many times, and instead of shrugging and moving on, he did something about it.
The Greencastle merchant was mad and not going to take it anymore, so he bought a shotgun and caught a woman he didn't know inside his convenience store.
He also put the kibosh on what police call a recent string of local smash-and-grab robberies.
After his store, the Molly Pitcher Mini Mart, was broken into for the second time, Colaco picked up a shotgun and set up an after-hours stakeout.
In late March, his waiting reaped results when a brick sailed through his store window. Police said Erica Marie Lynch allegedly broke into the store to steal cigarettes for crack money.
Colaco was ready and police said he held her at bay until they arrived.
Thankfully, cool heads prevailed and no one was hurt.
Colaco refused to play the victim. He used his Second Amendment rights to buy a firearm and defend his property, and he did it with common sense.
Things could have turned ugly very easily in the moments before police arrived. Take a twitch, throw in a sarcastic remark, and add in the fact that perhaps Colaco had a bad day, and the result could have been needless bloodshed.
And the Greencastle store owner could have been left with a very serious legal problem.
Law enforcement apparently agreed -- Colaco said they told Lynch, "You're lucky he didn't shoot you."
Lynch was charged with two counts of burglary and theft by unlawful taking. Her alleged accomplices received similar charges. Police believe the three hit other spots in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
All three are awaiting a preliminary hearing May 22 in Franklin County Court.
If the trio are found guilty, it's because Colaco took a leading role in bringing them to justice.
Labels: business burglary, PA
5/6/07
San Diego, California
From San Diego’s 10News.com of May 6, 2007
Police: Home Invasion Robbery Foiled By Residents
An apparent home invasion robbery in North Park was foiled Sunday when one of the residents returned fire, according to San Diego police.
Two gunmen ran in the front door of the home in the 4700 block of 32nd Street about 3:40 p.m. and began shooting, said Sgt. Rodney Vandiver of the San Diego Police Department.
One of the occupants returned fire, but it was not immediately known if anyone was hit, Vandiver said. Authorities said the incident may have been a home invasion.
The police robbery and gang units were investigating, Vandiver said.
Labels: CA, home invasion, residence robbery
5/5/07
Jackson, Tennessee
From the The Jackson Sun of May 5, 2007
Tables turned on robbery suspect
A Jackson man who tried to rob a convenience store early Saturday found himself on the other end of his rifle after the clerk grabbed it and held him at gunpoint until police arrived, said Lt. Rick Holt.
Police have charged Ontrell James, 29, with aggravated robbery and resisting arrest. He is being held on $200,000 bond at the Criminal Justice Complex and will be arraigned at 8 a.m. Monday in City Court.
The incident happened about 4:40 a.m. at the Superway at 795 Airways Blvd., Holt said. James fought the officers as they were taking him into custody, leading to the charge of resisting arrest, Holt said.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, TN
Winston-Salem , North Carolina
From the Winston-Salem Journal of May 5, 2007
Man is shot at, later charged in theft
The owner of a pizza parlor shot at a man who he believed had broken into his business yesterday, Winston-Salem police said.
The owner, James Daniel Moury, went to Upper Crust Pizza on Silas Creek Parkway after the store’s burglar alarm went off about 4:25 a.m.
Moury confronted a man just outside Upper Crust and, believing that the man had a gun, shot at him, police said. Moury missed. The man ran, but officers caught him in the parking lot, police said.
They have charged Curtis L. Barnett II, 25, with possession of stolen property. A warrant lists an address on Southdale Avenue for Barnett, but his family said he hasn’t lived there in months.
He was in the Forsyth County Jail last night, with bond set at $3,000.
Labels: business burglary, NC
Rock Hill, South Carolina
From the Rock Hill Herald of May 4, 2007
Gun-toting grocery clerk fires twice at robber
A store clerk chased away a would-be robber Friday when the clerk pulled a gun on the armed assailant and fired at the man.
Around 9:40 a.m., the Rock Hill Police Department responded to shots fired after an armed man entered Park Grocery at 732 E. Main St. in Rock Hill.
"As he walked up to the counter and pointed a handgun at the clerk, the clerk pulled his own gun and fired one shot at the suspect," said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department. "As the suspect ran, the ... victim fired a second shot."
The suspect was not hit by the gunfire. No charges will be filed against the clerk, Waldrop said.
The man did not get any money during the attempted robbery, Waldrop said. The assailant is described as a black man weighing 170 to 180 pounds and ranging in height from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches. He wore a black jumpsuit and a khaki hood or ski mask, Waldrop said.
Labels: business robbery, SC
Berlin Township, Iowa
From the Ionia Sentinel-Standard of May 5, 2007
‘I had seconds to make a decision, and I knew I had to save my family'
What began as a leisurely night for one Ionia family ended in a wild shoot-out between three men, with dozens of shots fired through the side door of the family's home.
Chris Vasquez said he was getting a drink of water before settling down with five other family members to watch a movie just after midnight on Friday morning. He was at the home at 713 West Tuttle Road with his girlfriend, her two daughters and their boyfriends.
When he looked out the window while getting a drink, he saw two men walking up to the door in a menacing fashion. Because of an incident that occurred earlier in the evening at a family member's home on Sayles Road in Easton Township, Vasquez was already on alert.
He yelled for someone to grab his 12-gauge Remington 870 Express pump shotgun.
“My greatest fear was that they would shoot me and then go on into the back room and kill the rest of my family,” Vasquez said.
As the assailants approached the door, Vasquez appeared in the doorway. According to Vasquez, two hooded men opened fire at the door, firing off at least six rounds. Vasquez blasted back through the screen door, hoping to hold off the men.
Summer Twomey, 21, who lives with her mom at the home, said Vasquez yelled for them to hit the floor.
“I had just fallen asleep ... when I heard (Chris) yell ‘get down.' Then I heard the gunshots,” Twomey said. “I had no idea where anyone was, just everyone was going crazy. I heard Chris loading his gun.”
The shoot-out lasted only a few moments.
When it was over, there were several bullet holes in the side door of the home, and a bullet lodged in the kitchen wall. There was also damage to the door where Vasquez had discharged his shotgun.
As the assailants retreated, Vasquez ran outside and pumped several rounds into the ground.
“I wanted to make sure they kept running, so I kept shooting into the ground,” he said.
Vasquez said he did not shoot at the fleeing men for fear of hitting a neighboring house to the west.
The assailants ran a few yards to the west, then bolted west on Tuttle Road in what Vasquez thought was an older model red full-size pickup truck.
Within a matter of minutes police from the Ionia County Sheriff's Office and Ionia Department of Public Safety swarmed the area looking for the suspect vehicle, but found nothing.
Vasquez defended his use of the shotgun.
“I'd rather have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it,” he said. “I had seconds to make a decision, and I knew I had to save my family.”
5/4/07
Lawton, Oklahoma
From KSWO of May 4, 2007
Pistol packin' grandma stops robbery attempt at her liquor store
Criminals listen up. You might want to think twice before messing with one pistol-packin' grandma. A couple of would-be-robbers found out the hard way when they tried to hold up a west Lawton liquor store. What they didn't know was that the owner, 75-year-old Rosemarie O'Keeffe, was waiting for them-- armed with a gun and ready to pull the trigger. It seems they changed their minds pretty quickly when they realized they were staring down the barrel of her pistol.
O'Keeffe says she just did what she had to do to protect herself and her business. She was behind the register at her liquor store this week, when she saw something that didn't look right. Two men wearing hoodies, with gauze bandages over their faces walking up to her store. "It really made me think an ancient mummy, the way he was covered up, so you know he wasn't doing anything good."
O'Keeffe says it happened very quick. She could see out of the window from her register, saw the two guys walk by, and by the time they got to the door, she had a surprise for them.
"I said, 'Oh my God he's going to rob me. What do I do?' I get up. I grab my gun and I point it at the door. He came in and I said, 'Get out or I'll shoot'."
She wasn't joking. That was all the two masked men needed to see. O'Keeffe says they immediately high-tailed it out the door and ran away through the alley.
"I had them all in my view. I could have shot them. I could have killed them both."
O'Keeffe says her sons taught her how to use a gun, and when she told them what had happened, they couldn't have been prouder. So, is her daughter-in-law Pam Dobbs. "She takes no bull," Dobbs said. "We really need that in today's society. Our society has gotten meaner, so I wasn't a bit surprised because she's very tough."
Believe it or not, this is the second time O'Keeffe has stopped a robber. She says a couple of years ago, she chased another man off with a whiskey bottle. She says she was going to beat him with it.
So far police have not arrested the two men in the most recent robbery attempt. O'Keeffe believes they were likely in their late teens.
Labels: business burglary, female, OK, senior
Augusta, Georgia
From Augusta’s WJBG.com of May 4, 2007
Another Local Homeowner Forced To Kill Intruder
An 84-year old man fired the shots overnight. Investigators say he hit the woman trying to rob his home--- a woman in her late 20s early thirties who is now in serious condition at MCG. Frank Sams says the same woman had been coming to his house trying to steal from him and his wife several times this week. He was outside with his gun early this morning when she came back. He says he saw her trying to break in this building behind his house when he fired. Investigators say this is just another case of a homeowner protecting themselves and their property. This shooting follows a similar incident earlier this week. Authorities say a homeowner came face to face with a burglar trying to get in his home Wednesday. The army captain shot and killed him. No charges are expected.
Labels: GA, residence burglary, senior
Henry County, Missouri
From the TheKansasCityChannel.com of May XX, 2007
Deputy: Neighbor Dispute Ends In Slaying
Deputies said a dispute between two neighbors led to bloodshed Thursday morning in rural Henry County.
Edwin D. Walrath, 36, was shot to death at a mobile home in the 1000 block of Northeast Highway C, officials said.
Investigators said they suspect Walrath's neighbor shot him twice, and then the neighbor called 911.
The first deputy to arrive at the scene tried to save Walrath's life.
"She began CPR until the ambulance arrived, which happened just a few minutes after," said Maj. Rob Hills with the Henry County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies said John E. Hicks, 55, was questioned and released. Officers said they searched his home for evidence.
KMBC's Bev Chapman reported that there was an ongoing feud between the neighbors, who shared a long lane just north of Truman Lake.
"We've had several calls in the past about property issues, property disputes going on. We've been there numerous times," Hills said.
There have been at least six police reports over the years, officials said.
"We feel self-defense is going to be an issue, a claim in the case in the facts," Hills said.
A coroner's inquest will be organized in the coming days, and then a prosecutor will decide whether to file charges.
Note: An earlier version of this story said investigators found drug paraphernalia at the home, which is incorrect. We regret the error.
Labels: altercation, MO
5/3/07
Cleveland County, North Carolina
From the Charlotte Observer of May XX, 2007
Woman cleared in shooting of husband
The Cleveland County district attorney on Thursday dismissed a murder charge against a woman accused of fatally shooting her husband.
Tina Weaver acted in self-defense when she shot Ronald Todd Weaver, 41, at their Kings Mountain home on Nov. 25, court documents said.
"The dismissal completely exonerates my client from any criminal wrongdoing," said Weaver's attorney, David Teddy.
There was a history of domestic violence between the couple, court documents said, and Weaver's husband had severely beaten her just before the shooting.
Weaver, 40, has been out on $40,000 bond since November.
Weaver, a mother of three, is relieved that the charge has been dropped, Teddy said.
"This has been a heavy burden she's been carrying since November," Teddy said.
Labels: domestic abuse, NC
Independence County, Arkansas
From the Batesville Daily Guard of May 3, 2007
Shots fired at armed midnight intruder
Responding to a call for help around midnight, the parents of Rebecca Little of 150 County Line Road arrived to see a man armed with a shotgun fleeing from the residence.
When told to stop, the man reportedly turned and pointed the shotgun at the parents, and a shot was fired at him in return before he fled into a wooded area.
Sgt. Mike Price with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office said Little told him that she was awakened by someone knocking and then pounding on her door around midnight.
Unable to see anyone outside, Little said she called her mother and step-father, Tony and Debbie Mesa, to come to her house.
“When they arrived they saw a white man, approximately 18 to 25 years old in a white T-shirt and jeans with short blond hair, run from the area of the house near the master bedroom into the backyard,” Price said.
“The suspect was carrying a shotgun with a black synthetic stock. Mr. Mesa yelled for the suspect to stop and at that time the suspect turned around to face Mr. Mesa in a threatening manner. Mr. Mesa stated he then fired his pistol at the suspect, but didn’t’ believe he had struck the suspect,” Price said.
The intruder then reportedly fled into a nearby wooded area in the direction of Marce Lane, and the family left the residence to call police, mistakenly leaving a door unlocked.
Price said when officers arrived they searched the area but couldn’t find anyone and then called for Little to return home.
After the family left someone reportedly entered the home, pulled a bed comforter and sheets from a bed and threw them in the floor. Two other comforters, a cell phone on a charger and a package of diapers were reportedly taken from other areas of the residence.
No suspects were listed at the time of the incident, according to Price.
Labels: AR, home invasion
Des Moines, Iowa
From the Des Moines Register of May 3, 2007
Man with gun vs man with dog; no charges filed
Des Moines police declined to file charges against a man who pulled a gun on a neighbor's dog.
Eric Wilson, 36, of Des Moines, complained to police that a man pulled a gun and pointed it at his rottweiler (sic) about 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Police said the man reportedly yelled at Wilson, telling him to put the animal on a leash. Wilson also claimed the man also pointed the gun at him and assaulted him by poking him in the chest with a finger.
Officers spoke to the man with the gun in the 1400 block of Highview Drive. He claimed the dog came onto his property and "charged," him, which is when he pulled the firearm. He said Wilson also came onto his property and yelled for the dog to stop.
The man said he ordered Wilson and the dog off his property and admitted only that he "lightly tapped" Wilson on the chest with a finger. He added that he pointed the gun only at the dog.
Police concluded the man was acting in self-defense. They filed no charges and did not release the man's name. Police said Wilson loudly disagreed with their decision.
Purcell, Oklahoma
From the Norman Transcript of May 3, 2007
Liquor store owner foils robbery attempt
A Purcell liquor store owner refused to comply when a man entered his store and told him to hand over his money Tuesday. Instead, the owner pulled out his gun and told the would-be robber to get out.
At about 4 p.m. Tuesday, a white male entered Butch's Cork and Bottle, 528 S. Green Ave. in Purcell, said owner Butch Kluth, 63.
The man demanded all of the money in the register, and Kluth said he replied, "F-- you," according to the police report.
"What do you mean, 'F-- you?' Give me all your money," the man responded, Kluth said in the report.
Then the man reached into his pants, "like he had a gun," Kluth said.
So Kluth retrieved his own Smith -- Wesson 357 and pointed it at the man, telling him to get out of the store, Kluth said.
The man made an attempt to grab the gun, but when he failed he ran out of the store, Kluth said.
Kluth then followed the man to a dark green Mustang parked on the south side of the liquor store, the report said.
Kluth fired one shot in an attempt to hit the man's tire, but the round struck the right front fender instead, the report said.
"I was a little feared for my life, but at that point I didn't think about it," Kluth said Wednesday afternoon in his store. He didn't bother to close the store after the incident, saying the attempted robbery didn't shake him up.
Police were dispatched on the report of an attempted robbery with shots fired at 4:11 p.m.
Wayne police caught up with the car in the 200 block of South Seventh Street. The suspect was ordered to exit the vehicle and was arrested for robbery in the first degree.
He identified himself as Jeremy Lloyd Cox, 32, of Ardmore. Kluth said he had never seen Cox before.
Cox was processed at the Purcell Police Department and then transferred to the McClain County Detention Center. He will be arraigned 1:30 p.m. today.
Kluth said he's been in business for only a year. He said he'd never expected to be robbed, but kept a firearm in the store just in case, because "things like that happen."
He said he'll keep his gun handy in the future, too.
Labels: business robbery, OK
Mobile, Alabama
From the Mobile Press Register of May 3, 2007
Man found shot faces robbery charge
Mobile police said Wednesday that the passenger found shot last week inside a wrecked car was responsible for a botched robbery that left him wounded and the driver of the car dead.
Travis Goff, 23, was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery and was taken to the Mobile County Metro Jail, according to police spokesman Officer Eric Gallichant.
Goff was found shot April 26 inside in a maroon, older-model Buick at Mobile and Betbeze streets in an area behind Three Mile Creek and the University of South Alabama Medical Center, police said.
Antron Willis, 22, was found dead in the driver's seat. The car hit a fence and came to a stop on the lawn in front of a house on the northwest corner of Mobile and Betbeze streets.
Investigators believe the men were trying to drive themselves to the hospital.
Gallichant gave the following account Wednesday of what led to the wreck and eventually Goff's arrest:
Goff, Willis and a third person, identified Wednesday as Anthony Legget, were in the same room at Willis' residence on Betbeze Street.
While they were together, Goff attempted to rob Willis and Legget, and Goff and Willis began struggling over a handgun, Gallichant said.
Police believe the robbery was drug-related, the spokesman said.
While Goff and Willis struggled, Legget got another handgun from somewhere inside the house, and began shooting. "Unfortunately, he shot Willis as well as Goff in this melee," Gallichant said.
Willis and Goff left the house, and Willis got into Goff's Buick, Gallichant said. Willis was trying to drive away when Goff jumped into the car as well, and the two drove until they hit the fence, Gallichant said.
No charged had been filed against Legget as of Wednesday, Gallichant said, and that case would be sent to a Mobile County grand jury for review.
Labels: AL, residence robbery
Victoria, Texas
From the Victoria Advocate of May 3, 2007
Man's wounds healing after being bit by stray dog
Lance Grote holds no anger toward the dog that bit him last week.
He reserves that disgust for the person or people who abandoned the canine.
Grote, 38, was bitten Thursday by a dog that was roaming around the Hidden Valley subdivision in rural Victoria. He learned Monday from Animal Control that the dog tested negative for rabies.
The dog was shot and killed in a field near the intersection of Deer Trot and Gentle Breeze drives Friday by David Walton, who lives on a neighboring street. The dog had been wandering around the neighborhood with another dog, which also was shot and killed. Grote and other residents said the dogs were strays.
Sgt. Mike Williams with the Victoria County Sheriff's office said the law allows people to shoot an animal in self-defense, so long as they do not violate any firearms regulations and local laws. But no one can just indiscriminately shoot animals, he said.
Grote said the sheriff's office gave residents the OK to shoot the animals if they posed a threat, so neighbors "took it upon themselves to hunt them down."
Walton said the dog that bit Grote appeared to be a "three-quarter pit bull/Labrador cross."
"He had been chased all day, so he knew people were out to get him," Walton said.
The other dog also appeared to have some pit bull pedigree, he said.
Grote was doing some yard work when the dog approached him from behind and bit him, he said. The bite left about a 1-inch gash and two punctures wounds on his left leg below the calf.
5/2/07
Hialeah Gardens, Florida
From NaplesNews.com of May 2, 2007
Thieves rob armored truck of $1.8 million in S. Fla.
Authorities searched for two robbers who fled with $1.8 million from an armored truck during a delivery at a check cashing store Wednesday. Shots were fired, but no one was injured, police said.
The armored truck, operated by AT Systems, was making a delivery to EZ Check Cashing Store at 8:40 a.m. in Hialeah Gardens. The driver parked the truck and a messenger got out with the bag containing the money to deliver it to the store. A person approached the messenger and pointed what felt like a handgun to his back and then told him in Spanish to walk over to a dark blue four-door Mitsubishi and throw the money in the back seat, the FBI said in an e-mail.
“A slight struggle ensued where the subject tried to take the gun away from the messenger. When he failed, he got into the car,” the FBI e-mail said.
The FBI said that witnesses also saw a man sitting in the driver’s seat of the Mitsubishi. The messenger fired three shots as the car drove away.
The heist was caught on surveillance tape, but the footage was not likely to be released Wednesday, said Judy Orihuela, FBI spokeswoman.
The FBI questioned the two guards on the scene and analyzed the video surveillance tape of the robbery, Hialeah Gardens police Lt. Carlos Fojo said.
Labels: FL, street robbery
Richmond County, Georgia
From Augusta’s WJBF.com of May 2, 2007
South Richmond County Homeowner Fights BackFrom the NBCAugusta.com of May 2, 2007
WJBF News Channel 6 has learned that a South Richmond County resident will not be charged after he reportedly shot and killed a home invader. At the scene, WJBF has learned that when the Linderwood Drive resident came home today, he noticed that his home had been ransacked. He grabbed a weapon and came upon a suspect in his home. That's when he shot the invader. Early indications from deputies are that this homeowner was defending himself and no charges will be fired.
South Augusta Homeowner Shoots Intruder While On The Phone With 911From the Augusta Chronicle of May 3, 2007
A homeowner took matters into his own hands Wednesday afternoon.
He shot an intruder while he was on the phone with 911.
The homeowner used a high powered rifle, similar to an A-K 47, to defend himself when he noticed his house had been robbed.
He also noticed several of his guns were missing.
While he was on the phone with 911, he saw the burglar come back into his house.
The homeowner told investigators that because some of his guns were missing, he opened fire.
Investigators say they believe he was acting in self-defense, but it's still early in the investigation.
.
The intruder went into surgery at an Augusta hospital Wednesday afternoon.
Soldier comes home early, kills burglar
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A man who police said broke into an Army officer's south Augusta house to steal guns was fatally shot Wednesday by the soldier living there.
Errol Lavar Royal, 29, of the 2200 block of Ramblewood Drive was pronounced dead at Medical College of Georgia Hospital about 6:45 p.m. Police said he lived with his parents near the burglarized home in the 3400 block of Linderwood Drive in the Pepperidge subdivision.
Capt. Barre Bollinger, an Iraq war veteran, told police he returned from work about 3:30 p.m. and found his house had been ransacked, said Richmond County sheriff's Investigator Thomas Johnson.
Capt. Bollinger told police he entered his bedroom and noticed that guns were missing.
He grabbed his SKS rifle - a weapon similar to an AK-47 assault rifle - and called 911, Investigator Johnson said.
"While on the phone with 911, he sees the suspect approaching his back door. Because he believes the man now is armed with his stolen weapons, Mr. Bollinger fires at him three times," Investigator Johnson said.
Mr. Royal was shot at least twice in the stomach area. A search of his residence produced two guns taken from Capt. Bollinger's house and marijuana, the investigator said.
Neighbors told police that Capt. Bollinger, who is stationed at Fort Gordon, generally works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but occasionally returns home early.
As of now, there are no plans to charge Capt. Bollinger in the shooting, police said.
A similar shooting occurred a week ago, when a woman shot an intruder on Lexington Drive, less than a mile from Linderwood Drive.
Labels: assault weapon defense, GA, residence burglary
Lexington, Kentucky
From Lexington’s Kentucky.com of May 2, 2007
FUGITIVE CAPTURED WHILE HIDING BENEATH HOUSE
A Lexington man who was wanted by police was caught yesterday after he was held at gunpoint by a resident of a house he was hiding under. Eric Martin, 21, was apprehended a little before 2 p.m. at 3235 King Arthur Drive. He had hidden in a crawlspace under the house, said Lexington Police Lt. J.J. Lombardi. In recent days, Martin had fled police who had a warrant for his arrest related to an assault, Lombardi said. Several police, U.S. marshals and a police helicopter were in the neighborhood looking for Martin. He ran through several yards before trying to hide. "The resident that lives there held him at gunpoint until police caught up with them," Lombardi said. Martin faces several charges including assault, burglary and fleeing and evading police.
Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
From Manchester’s WMUR.com of May 2, 2007
Police: Homeowner Confronts Intruder, Fires RifleShotgun, rifle, whatever--one of those long thangs that make a loud noise.
A homeowner made a daring move on Monday night when he discovered an intruder in his Hampton Falls home.
Police said the man arrived at his Kensington Road home and noticed shadows inside. He grabbed a shotgun and went inside.
The homeowner and an armed, masked intruder came face-to-face, and police said the homeowner fired his rifle.
The shot missed the burglar, who ran to the basement of the home.
Police said the owner of the home then called 911. Somehow during that time the intruder escaped.
State and local police responded and searched the area but did not find anyone. Nothing had been taken from the home.
Police said that the home has been the site of a previous break-in where several people wearing dark clothing were found inside. They are investigating the most recent burglary.
Officers recommend that people do not confront an intruder. They said people should get to a safe place and call for help.
Labels: NH, residence burglary
Tulsa, Oklahoma
From Lawton’s KSWO.com of May 2, 2007
Man who was shot wants shooter arrested; police decline
Tulsa police have thus far declined to arrest a man who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon and who was involved in a shooting last week that left another man injured.
The man who was injured, Steven Hackler, wants police to arrest the man he says shot him, whom police identify as Phillip Stephenson.
Tulsa Police Officer Jason Willingham says authorities questioned Stephenson but opted not to arrest him, and Willingham says that such a scenario usually means that charges will not be filed.
Tulsa County District Attorney's office spokeswoman Susan Witt says that office is waiting to receive the police report before making a decision on whether or not to file charges.
Hackler says Stephenson said he fired the shot because Hackler had pushed Stephenson's wife. Hackler says the shooting definitely was not in self-defense.
Labels: altercation, concealed carry permit, OK
Half Moon Bay, California
From the InsideBayArea.com of May 2, 2007
Passions stir over dog shooting on coast
Officials say property owner had right to protect farm animals
A homegrown controversy over the shooting of a dog on a man's property in defense of his farm animals last month has escalated into an ugly bout of name-calling, hurt feelings and even death threats.
Residents are divided over whether local resident George Muteff, a financial consultant who keeps horses, ewes and lambs in his fenced-in backyard, was justified in shooting to death a neighbor's Boston terrier that he says broke into his field and attacked his animals on April 4.
Regardless of anyone's moral judgments about the event, the fact is that Muteff acted legally, say officials.
"He had every right to shoot the dog. It's tragic and awful, but everyone who owns livestock is entitled to do what he did," said Scott Delucchi, spokesman for the Peninsula Humane Society.
San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Morris Maya agreed, citing a section of the state Food and Agriculture Code that gives people the right to protect their livestock from dogs. The exemption applies regardless of how a property owner's land is zoned or whether it is located in a busy residential area, said Maya. The District Attorney's Office declined to prosecute the case after the Half Moon Bay Police Department referred it for review.
That finding has not stopped dozens of locals from posting strongly-worded comments on two Coastside online message boards, ranging from blaming Muteff for what some call animal abuse to reproaches directed at the dog's owners for letting the animal roam free. The issue also has raised concerns about the safety of using a gun so close to other homes in a residential neighborhood.
Muteff's property lies next to Ocean Colony, an upscale subdivision west of Highway 1 that borders on a golf course near the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Muteff's back field faces a walking path also used by golf carts.
Several Ocean Colony residents were expected to make their voices heard at a Half Moon Bay City Council meeting on Tuesday night. Allen Alifano, president of the board of directors of the Ocean Colony homeowner's association, sent a letter to Mayor Naomi Patridge on April 19 expressing "concern, alarm and uneasiness" about the shooting.
"The shot could have missed its mark and seriously injured or caused a human fatality," wrote Alifano.
Muteff, who mounted an unsuccessful bid for Half Moon Bay City Council in 2006, said he and his wife have been living a "nightmare" since he shot the 11-pound dog, which squeezed under the fence that pens the sheep and ewes in Muteff's backyard and started barking and snapping at the animals' legs, with a .22 caliber handgun. A second dog that had escaped from the same home stood barking outside the enclosure.
Muteff's wife tried throwing rocks and sticks at the terrier, but it cornered two ewes and wouldn't back off. One ewe tried to jump over the fence to escape and injured herself, claims Muteff.
"The dog was on her. He was biting her. He was attacking her," he said. "Sheep were scattered all over the field. They were panicked, with their tongues hanging out."
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