Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

 
Gainesville, Florida

From Gainesville.com of July 31, 2007

Two pit bulls attack man's dog, one shot and killed

A Gainesville man awoke to the sounds of a dog fight early Monday. When he walked outside, he found his dog locked in the jaws of a large pit bull.

"I'm sound asleep and my wife says there's a dog fight in the yard," said Fletcher Sutton, 58. "And within 90 seconds I find myself standing in the yard in my bathrobe with a knife in one hand, a gun in the other and a dog dead between my legs."

Sutton and his grandson, Robert Koehler, 16, reacted quickly when they found their 110-pound Labrador-Mastiff mix being attacked by two pit bulls, the larger of which had clamped down on the dog's neck.

"We tried to beat him off, we tried to kick him off, and it was like it was to the death," Sutton said.

Lt. Scott Meffen with the Gainesville Police Department said they arrived at the home, 2415 SE 11th Ave., around 7:30 a.m. Monday to find a large black pit bull shot twice in the head. Sutton's dog had wounds to his neck and two front legs from the fight.

"(The pit bull) had a collar on it but no tag, so it doesn't look like we've identified the owner," Meffen said.

Meffen said Sutton and Koehler told police they first tried to get the pit bulls to let go of their dog by stabbing them with a pocket knife. But when that didn't make any difference, Koehler went inside and got his grandfather's .22-caliber revolver and Sutton shot the dog in the head.

The smaller, brown pit bull ran away once the shots were fired and police had not located the dog as of late Monday.

Sutton said it appeared the dogs slipped through the slats on the aluminum gate around the pasture in back of his house in order to reach his dog.

And he said the black pit bull he shot did not look like a family pet.

"This was a pit bull fighting dog. He had scars all over his face," he said. "It wasn't just a generic incident. This dog was out to kill something this morning."

Sutton said he had seen the smaller of the two pit bulls wandering around his neighborhood off of Hawthorne Road, but he had never seen the black one.

"You don't need these dogs," Sutton said of pit bulls. "There's no sense in them. You do everything you can to protect your animal and protect your property, and then something like this happens."

Labels: animal, FL, minor defender

posted by Pete at 4:10 AM permalink

 
Piute County, Utah

From the Salt Lake Tribune of July 31, 2007

Trespassers meet with gunfire

A landowner greeted trespassers with gunfire in Piute County on Sunday. No one was injured. About 6 p.m., nine people entered a gate with a "no trespassing" sign and proceeded toward the Kimberly Mill, according to the Piute County Sheriff's Office. As they rounded a turn to the mill, a man who owns the property fired a .40-caliber pistol, said Deputy Mike Gayler. Gayler said it is unclear whether the man was trying to harm anyone or just scare away the party. The party fled to the main road but along the way one man stopped and fired five pistol shots into an unfastened padlock, the sheriff's office said. Gayler said the man appeared to fire at the lock out of spite. The sheriff's office is referring the case to county prosecutors.

Labels: trespassing, UT

posted by Pete at 3:56 AM permalink

 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

From Baton Rouge’s The Advocate of July 31, 2007
(Scroll down)

…

Police also are investigating a shooting that occurred around 5:45 a.m. Saturday at a residence at 4652 Byron Ave.

A woman at the home told police she shot her boyfriend in self-defense after he hit her several times. The man was taken to a hospital with nonlife-threatening wounds and the woman was questioned and released, police said.

Labels: domestic dispute, LA

posted by Pete at 3:26 AM permalink

 
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

From the Tuscaloosa News of July 31, 2007

No one charged in killing
Barbershop case now goes to grand jury

Homicide investigators haven’t charged anyone in the shooting Saturday that occurred at Brown’s Barbershop on Seventh Street.

Maurice Spencer, 32, died as a result of gunshot wounds he sustained in the 4:15 p.m. altercation, officials said.

Spencer, a barber at the shop, got into an argument with a 26-year-old man that resulted in the slaying, investigators said.

The name of the alleged shooter was not released, but Otis Brown, owner of the barbershop, said Spencer was shot by a man named Carl, who also cut hair at the establishment.

Capt. Loyd Baker, commander of the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit, said the discussions with the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office revealed that the state’s new self-defense law, which eliminates the condition that a person must reasonably try to escape or flee before killing an attacker, may apply in this case.

“We’re going to take this case to the grand jury, hopefully during the August session to determine what -- if any -- charges will be brought against the shooter," Baker said.

Labels: AL, altercation

posted by Pete at 3:20 AM permalink

 
Limestone County, Alabama

From Huntsville’s WAFF,com of July 30, 2007

2 men arrested for stealing garbage

Two men were arrested for trying to steal garbage.

24 year old Timothy Darnell Maynor and 20 year old Shaun Christopher Holley targeted the home of a disabled Limestone County man, apparently trying to steal the aluminum cans he collected for supplemental income.

The men didn't get the cans, but they did get a big surprise.

Robert Shoulder proved that he may be down, but certainly don't count him out.

"To supplement his income, he does get out and try to collect cans for resale," says Captain Stanley Mcnatt.

Shoulder says the night before the incident, sacks full of cans turned up missing.

"The next day I come back by there and I caught these boys stealing my cans," says Shoulder.

He immediately called the Limestone County Sheriff's Department.

"Well I was out there in the yard. They thought we had gone. I was sitting in the truck and they walked back up, cause they were going to try to get in the car and get away," says Shoulder. : "The one guy, he started towards me and I told him to stop and he kept coming, so I pulled my gun out on him and he was made to lay down on the ground."

The partner was also made to wait for law enforcement.

"They observed our victim having 2 individuals held at gunpoint, that he had caught stealing his aluminum cans," says Mcnatt. "It is unusual, but it's not the first time that this has happened, where a victim of a crime has held someone at gunpoint, but it is unusual....."

Sheriff's officials say they also cleared up another burglary case with these arrests.

Labels: AL, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 6:11 PM permalink

 
Charleston, South Carolina

From Charleston’s WCBD.com of July 30, 2007

Armed Robberies: Hispanics Fight Back

A string of armed robberies targeting Hispanics ends with gunfire.

Charleston County deputies arrested three men and a woman Monday morning. Authorities arrested 26 Year-Old Issac Alston, 19 Year-Old Montrell Perry and 18 Year-Old Zarel Isadore. Deputies have not released the woman's name because she has not yet been charged, although witnesses say she served as a look-out.Four suspects.

Three armed robberies. One common theme. Hispanic victims.

The violence started inside a mobile home on Tedder Street around 1:30 Monday morning. Count on 2' Crimetracker Jenny Fisher said, "When Roberto Flores answered a knock at his door, he was punched in the face. Once he was on the ground, someone continued to punch and kick him and stole $200 from his wallet."

The suspect, who had a knife, also injured Flores' roommate and took $15. Afterwards, police say the group drove to a Hess gas station on Dorchester road. Police say the suspects took Noe Perez's wallet at gunpoint. They wanted his keys, but a nearby car distracted them. Perez took off in his truck, but the suspects followed in a dark car. They fired a shot, but eventually turned away.

Deputies say that's when the group stopped at the corner of Nelson and Leslie Street to lure a group of Hispanics to their car. Captain Mike Benton with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said, "They attempted to make it seem as if it was going to be a drug deal and the individuals came over to the vehicle and the individuals came over to vehicle, who happened to be hispanic, and they attempted to rob them."

Yet, this time, things turned out differently. A victim was shot in the knee, but a suspect was also on the receiving end of the gunfire. Captain Benton said, "The pellets from the shotgun ricocheted and hit one of the suspects in the foot."

That's when other Latinos heard the commotion and rushed outside to help their own. They broke the glass out of the suspects' car, pulled a few punches of their own and detained the four suspects until authorities arrived.

The three men were charged with armed robbery. They are expected to appear in bond court Monday night at seven.

Detectives say they investigate crimes against Latinos all too often. They say some Latinos make easy targets because they don't trust many people or banks so they keep their cash in their homes.

Labels: SC, street robbery

posted by Pete at 5:09 PM permalink

 
Cobb County, Georgia

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of July 30, 2007

Teen shot in southwest Cobb

A juvenile was shot Sunday night after he allegedly participated in a home invasion in southwest Cobb County.

According to police two juveniles attempted to rob a home on South Gordon Road in Mableton just before 11 p.m. Sunday. When police arrived on the scene, they found one of the youths with a gunshot wound.

Sgt. Dana Pierce, a police spokesman, said that during the attempted robbery the youths shot at the victims. One of the people in the home returned fire, wounding one of the youths. He was taken to a local hospital.

The remaining juvenile was charged with aggravated assault.

Labels: GA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 3:44 PM permalink

 
Dougherty County, Georgia

From Albany’s WALB.com of July 30, 2007

Would be robber met with shotgun

A Dougherty County armed robber found himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun Thursday night. The robber had every intention of holding up a liquor store near Putney, but a quick-thinking security guard changed his mind in a hurry.

In the parking lot at Dora's Beer and Wine on U.S. 19 South in Dougherty County, the would-be robber, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, pulled a gun and headed inside.

But before he got inside, he got a surprise. Manager Sheryl Morgan said "we have a security guard in the evening who sits here, and he saw him. And he went out after him."

The guard pulled a shotgun, and the robber took off running. Morgan went out to back him up, but the robber escaped in a waiting car. Morgan said "you are working hard to make a living, what little bit of living you can make, and then someone wants to come in and take everything away from you. To me it's not fair."

Morgan was the victim of a robbery late last year at the store, when a man held a gun to her head. She says she got angry, and is not going through that again. Morgan said "I'm gonna fight back. I really am. We have the protection and all, so yes, we are going to fight back."

Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek says no amount of money is worth dying for, but understands when people decide they are willing to fight against criminals. Cheek said "we certainly recognize that people want to protect their property, and have the right to protect their property."

Morgan says they will continue to keep armed security, and are ready to use guns to protect themselves. Cheek said "it can have deadly and disastrous consequences. You stand the possibility of being injured. But you might also be able to protect your property, so it's the individual's choice."

Morgan says she believes it's time people took a stand against crime. Morgan said "if you just lay down and let them take over, you are losing. You are letting them win. Something has to be done."

Morgan and her fellow workers say they are glad they are not the latest crime victims today.

Labels: business robbery, GA

posted by Pete at 12:27 PM permalink

 
Riegelwood, North Carolina

From Wilmington’s WWAYtv3.com of July 30, 2007

Riegelwood dispute turns deadly

The Columbus County Sheriff's Department says a dispute turned deadly Sunday morning. It happened around 5 a.m. on Robbie's Lane in Riegelwood.

Authorities say 23-year-old Terrell Brown broke into his girlfriend Ashley Brown's house using a machete. David Simmons was staying with her in the house and the two go [sic] into a fight.

Deputies say that's when Simmons shot and killed Terrel Brown.

Brown's friends are defending his actions.

Brandon Razor is the victim's friend. He said, "I talked to him the day before yesterday and he told me he was going to buy an engagement ring, he got engagement ring for my stepsister and he was going propose to her. He went over there to propose to her, I guess him and the new dude got into a fight and he just shot him."

Simmons went to the hospital with minor injuries.

Right now deputies say it appears the shooting was self-defense.

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, NC

posted by Pete at 12:16 PM permalink

 
Evansville, Indiana

From the Evansville Courier & Press of July 30, 2007

Shots fired during liquor store robbery

A liquor store owner fired three shots today at an intruder who entered the store carrying a hammer, an Evansville Police Department report said.

William Shepherd, owner of Apollo Liquors at 1165 E. Riverside Drive, told police he was taking inventory in the store about 3 a.m. when a man entered through a rear door.

The man saw Shepherd, became startled and attempted to leave through a front door that was padlocked from the outside.

He then ran back toward Shepherd, “cornering him into the rear of the store with the hammer in his hand,” the police report stated.

Shepherd “felt threatened and fired a warning shot at the suspect,” according to the report. When he did not leave, Shepherd “fired two more shots at the suspect’s lower legs, possibly striking one of them.”

The suspect then said “you shot me, Mr. Shepherd” before leaving through the same door he had entered, police said.

No arrests have been made.

Labels: business burglary, IN

posted by Pete at 6:37 AM permalink

 
Indianapolis, Indiana

From the Indianapolis Star of July 29, 2007

Man fatally shoots pit bull after attack

A man on Saturday shot and killed one of three pit bulls that attacked and bit his wife, police said.

The pit bulls jumped out of a pickup truck about 1 p.m. Saturday along Mann Road in northeastern Morgan County.

Media Wilson, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety's Animal Care and Control office, said the woman had stopped to help catch the dogs when she was attacked.

She drove home, and her husband returned to the area with his gun.
The man, whose name was not released, was questioned by police but was neither arrested nor cited, Wilson said, because the shooting appeared to have been a case of self-defense.

The dogs' owner disappeared in the confusion, and his identity was unknown, Wilson said.

A second dog was captured by animal control. The third dog escaped.

The woman's injuries were not serious.

Labels: animal, IN

posted by Dave at 1:10 PM permalink

 
Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Charlotte Observer of July 29, 2007

Forced to kill: 4 stories of survival

Every year in the United States, about 200 people kill someone in self-defense. It's legal. It's often necessary. But it can emotionally scar the people who do the killing.

From 2001 through 2006, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police investigated 25 homicides later ruled justified.

Generally, police warn the public not to fight robbers because, they say, criminals are more likely to hurt or kill anyone who challenges them. But sometimes people feel they have no choice.

At least four times this month, would-be crime victims in Charlotte fought back against people trying to rob them. Two suspects were killed, two injured.

The latest occurred Monday, police said, when a clerk killed a man trying to rob her northeast Charlotte store. Prosecutors haven't decided whether to charge her. But "she is emotionally devastated by the decision that she was forced to make," her lawyer said in a statement.

Four Charlotteans say they understand how she feels. All fatally shot someone while trying to protect themselves. None was charged. But all four say the killings altered their lives.

(Much More)

Labels: NC, nl

posted by Pete at 4:16 AM permalink

 
Athens, Alabama

From Athens’ The News Courier of July 27, 2007

Homeowner held thieves at gunpoint until officers arrived

Stealing three bags of aluminum cans worth a total of $25 can cost more than it pays.

That’s what two Athens men learned Friday.

Timothy Darnell Maynor, 24, of 17356 Lucas Ferry Road, and Shaun Christopher Holley, 20, of 1703 Edward St., were arrested after the owner of the cans held the two at gunpoint until sheriff’s deputies arrived.

“The homeowner came home and found these two guys in his yard stealing the aluminum cans he had collected,” said Limestone County Chief Investigator Stanley McNatt. “He pulled a gun on them and held them until Investigator Josh McLaughlin and Deputy Tim Craig got there.”

The arrests led investigators to other thefts the duo may have committed, McNatt said.

“When we were questioning them, Investigator Brian Ruble was working a burglary on Poff Lane where two rifles and a back pack were stolen,” he said. “We searched their car and found those stolen items inside the vehicle.”

He said the two men were also charged for theft in another home burglary on Poff Lane. Maynor and a companion, Erica King, 31, of 19472 Heron Drive, Athens, are also charged with the burglary of a home last October.

Maynor was being held in the Limestone County Jail Friday night on charges of third-degree theft and three counts of third-degree burglary. Holley is charged with third-degree theft and two counts of third-degree burglary. King is charged with third-degree burglary.

Labels: AL, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 2:49 AM permalink

 
Mt. Oliver, Pennsylvania

From ThePittsburgChannel.com of July 27, 2007

Family Upset After Neighbor Shoots, Kills Dog

A 12-year-old Mount Oliver boy broke down on Thursday after his dog was shot and killed right in front of him.

One of the Jackson family's three pit bulls left its yard without a leash Thursday night.

Neighbor Jim Peelor said the dog came after him three times in 10 minutes while he was walking his dogs.

The family of the boy said there was no reason for its neighbor to shoot and kill its pit bull, but the man said he was in danger, so he fired.

"I just screamed, 'Why did you do that?'" said Devin Jackson, who witnessed the shooting. "I picked up her head. I tried to pet her. She just died."

Peelor said he felt threatened when the dog kept circling him, so he got out his gun.

"It wasn't like the dog ran out and I shot him," Peelor said.

Through tears, Peelor said he wished it didn't have to come down to that, but he had to protect his pets.

"I was in a spot where I felt like I had to watch him die or kill the other," Peelor said. "I told the kid, I screamed, I pleaded, 'Go get help.' I'm an animal lover. I love animals, and the last thing I want to do is kill one."

There is no word on whether Peelor will be charged.

Labels: animal, PA

posted by Pete at 5:28 PM permalink

 
Taft, California

From San Francisco’s SFGate.com of July 27, 2007

Pistol Packing Pastor Nabs Theft Suspect

A former Bakersfield police officer turned pastor helped nab a man who allegedly stole a car from his church's parking lot.

James Kilgore, pastor at Taft Free Will Baptist Church, said he always keeps a gun and handcuffs in his fanny pack. They came in handy on Tuesday, when one of his elderly parishioners left Bible study to find his car had vanished.

Kilgore and Walter Brenton, 72, drove around looking for Brenton's 1986 Ford Crown Victoria, and spotted the alleged thief driving it a few blocks away.

The pastor followed the driver until he crashed, tackled him as he crawled out of the car and then handcuffed him until police arrived on the scene.

Ronald Lee Allen, 46, of Taft, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto and being in possession of stolen property, said Kern County sheriff's Sgt. Martin Downs.

"We don't recommend that people try to apprehend suspects, although in this case it worked out really well," Downs said.

Kilgore said he was glad to put his law enforcement training to use, but said it was likely God had a role in helping him restrain the suspect.

Labels: CA, street property theft

posted by Pete at 5:16 PM permalink

 
Kansas City, Missouri

From Kansas City’s KMBC.com of July 25, 2007

Police: Driver Fears Carjacking, Shoots Man

An Army veteran who believed he was being carjacked shot a man late Tuesday night, police said.

It happened at about 11 p.m. near 40th Street and Warwick Boulevard. The veteran said he drove to the area to help a friend move.

Police said the veteran and a friend were in a car when another man walked up and offered to sell them drugs.

When they refused, the drug dealer punched one of the men in the mouth and then reached for what they believed was a gun, the veteran said.

"Pulling up shirt as if he had something underneath, and with the other hand he socked me in the face," said the veteran, who didn't want to be identified.

The veteran pulled his own gun and shot the man in the stomach, according to investigators. The veteran said he was trying to disable the man long enough so
he and his friend could escape.

"I decided to go ahead and shoot him in the lower left and try to avoid any major organs," the veteran said.

The 29-year-old shooting victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. He is expected to recover.

"This is nothing to be proud up, having shot a person," the veteran told KMBC's Maria Antonia.

The 49-year-old disabled Army veteran said he can't protect himself with his fists, so he got a concealed weapons permit six months ago. Police said he had a license for the gun.

The veteran said last night was the first time he pulled out his .40-caliber gun.

"I feel disgusted that I had to use it on a human being, but I'm not going to be the victim who can't defend himself anymore," the veteran said.

So far, no charges have been filed.

Labels: carjacking, MO

posted by Pete at 4:39 PM permalink

 
Webbers Falls, Oklahoma

From the Muskogee Phoenix of July 27, 2007

Farmer acquitted of animal cruelty

Webbers Falls man shot, killed two dogs on his property

Jurors deliberated about an hour before acquitting a Webbers Falls farmer charged with animal cruelty after he shot and killed two hunting dogs he said were chasing cattle on his property.

James Yang, 44, also was acquitted of two misdemeanor charges: obstructing an officer and destruction of evidence. The obstruction charge alleged Yang was uncooperative during law enforcers’ investigation; the second misdemeanor was based on the incineration of one of the dogs that died on Yang’s property.

Yang’s lawyers, Charles Kania and James Wirth, argued that their client had a legal right to protect his property from the dogs, which a group of coyote hunters had let run loose across the countryside the night of March 25, 2006.

Wirth told jurors in his opening remarks — and again during his closing argument — the case would be an easy one to decide. His declaration was based on the facts of the case and the defenses available to his client.

“The only thing Mr. Yang did wrong was to buy property in the middle of an area these hunters think they own,” Wirth said.

The dog’s owners were angered by the decision. But at the urging of Eric Johnson, who prosecuted the case for the state, they declined to comment about the trial’s outcome.

Kania said after the trial he believed jurors were — and Muskogee County residents should be — outraged Yang’s case was filed, let alone brought to trial. On his law firm’s Web site, Kania states:

“Oklahoma statutes specifically provides that a person may lawfully shoot a dog that is chasing livestock on his property. ... Despite the overwhelming evidence that the shooting of these two dogs was lawful, the Muskogee County District Attorney continues to use their limited resources on prosecuting this case.”

At least one member of the eight-woman, four-man jury appeared to agree.

“I think this poor man is out a lot of money,” juror Sandra Checotah said about Yang after the verdicts were announced. “I am sorry he and his family had to go through this at all.”

(More)

Labels: animal, OK

posted by Pete at 12:58 PM permalink

 
New Orleans, Louisiana

From New Orleans’ WWLtv.com of July 27, 2007

Mid-City car owner exchanges gunfire with suspected car thief

Police are investigating a series of car break-ins in a Mid-City neighborhood after a suspect exchanged gunfire with the owner of a car he attempted to steal Thursday night.

The percussion of gunshots woke residents near the corner of Palmyra and S. Gayoso. No one was hit, however.

Nevertheless, several cars sustained damage when the vehicles were broken into.

New Orleans Police have a suspect in custody they believe is responsible for the burglaries, but are still searching the area for a weapon and evidence. Few other details have been released.

"I woke up and came outside," Patsy Fluker said. "I noticed my car was broken into. There was a lot of blood everywhere on all the seats."

One neighborhood resident moved back following Hurricane Katrina to show his support for the city he loves. Having to be anxious about possible car break-ins isn't something he wants to do.

"For me to come back to worry about somebody breaking into my car, that's just something I don't want to do," Tyrus Morris said.

Labels: LA, street property theft

posted by Pete at 12:24 PM permalink

 
Memphis, Tennessee

From Memphis’ MyEyewitnessNews.com of July 27, 2007

Senior Citizen Fights Back Against Burglar

Eyewitness News Everywhere uncovers a 79 year-old man who took crime-fighting into his own hands.

Just after 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2007, a burglar tried to break into Arthur Thornton's home at 332 Essex in South Memphis. Thornton is legally blind and lives alone. The guy tried to get in through the front window. He even cut out the screen. But little did he know, Mr. Thornton was waiting for him behind the door with his rifle.

He said, “I'd do it again if it happened tonight, and I would hope I wouldn't miss. I would like to be around to tell the story like I am today, cause it's going to be me or you.”

Thornton said he was in bed when he heard a noise up in the front room, “I heard this zip, zip and I thought what kind of noise is that, but I found he was cutting the screen with a knife.”

Thornton grabbed his gun and got into position. He said, “I said he'll break through there and I'll hit him across the head with this rifle, and split his head. I have the evil spirit when somebody trying to do something to me.”

But the man never came through the window. Thornton said, “So I opened the wood door and peeped out. He was at the door, and I said get away from my window. When he started across the driveway I shot down towards his feet. When he got out to the sidewalk I shot again.”

He missed, but as you heard him say, Mr. Thornton has absolutely no regrets about pulling the trigger. He said at 4 am, there is no question, it's him or me.

He said, “If a person comes up to your house at 4 in the morning and attempt to come in a window, he's prepared to do whatever he has to do to cover up his dirt, so it's best that you take care of him before he take care of you. I don't think nobody's coming to pay a visit to you at 4 o'clock in the morning, nope, that's not a friendly visit.”

Police did respond to Thornton's house. Unfortunately, because of his poor vision, he wasn't able to get a very good look at the burglar.

Labels: residence robbery, TN

posted by Pete at 10:23 AM permalink

 
Orange County, Florida

From Orlando’s Local6.com of July 27, 2007

Police: Shop Owner Shot Fleeing Robber

A shop owner in Orange County, Fla., opened fire and shot one of two men who had just robbed him, according to police.

Police said the shooting incident happened at Kappy's sandwich shop in Maitland Friday morning.

The shop owner said he was closing up shop early Friday and taking out the night deposit when the two armed men jumped out of a vehicle and robbed him.

When the culprits began to drive away, the businessman pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting one of the men, police said.

Police found one of the suspects hiding at a nearby Post Office and the man was taken into custody.

The other man, who was shot in the shoulder, was tracked down by a police K-9 who took him down.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 10:17 AM permalink

 
El Dorado, Arkansas

From the Pine Bluff Commercial of July 27, 2007

Police: El Dorado man, 93, shoots robber after beating

An elderly man beaten unconscious by an assailant wielding a soda can later awoke and shot the man during an attempted robbery, police said.

Willie Lee Hill, 93, told police he saw the robber while in his bedroom Wednesday night. Hill confronted Douglas B. Williams Jr., 24, of El Dorado, who struck the elderly man at least 50 times, kknocking him out, police said.

Hill, covered in blood from the attack, regained consciousness and pulled a .38-caliber handgun on Williams. Williams saw the gun and charged Hill, who fired one round, police said. The bullet struck Williams in the throat.

When police arrived, officers said Williams told them, "I can't feel my legs and I got what I deserved."

Paramedics took Hill and Williams to the Medical Center of South Arkansas for treatment. Doctors later sent Williams to the Louisiana State University Medical Center at Shreveport, where he was listed in critical condition Friday.

Employees at the Medical Center of South Arkansas refused to give Hill's condition or say if he'd been discharged from the hospital Friday, citing medical privacy laws.

Officers reported finding a set of keys, two hearing aids, a CD player, an MP3 player, a Craftsman drill bit set and three pocket knives inside Williams' pockets. Police plan to charge Williams with residential burglary, second-degree battery, theft of property and theft by receiving.

Labels: AR, home invasion, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 8:53 AM permalink

 
El Paso, Texas

From El Paso’s KFoxtv.com of July 27, 2007

Homeowner Scares Teen With Gunshot

A teen is in a Dona Ana juvenile detention center after he was found trying to break into a neighbor's truck at 9:30 Wednesday night on the 6600 block of Gopher Road.

The owner of the truck shot a handgun into the air to try to scare the teen. The homeowner reported that he does have a permit to possess a concealed weapon.

The teen was charged with two counts of burglary of a vehicle.

The teens says he was looking for his puppy.

Labels: concealed carry permit, street property theft, TX

posted by Pete at 5:15 AM permalink

 
Tucson, Arizona

From the Arizona Daily Star of July 27, 2007

Skrappy's settles suit over shooting death

Insurer pays part of $250,000 to man's parents

The parents of a 27-year-old Mesa resident who was shot and killed in the parking lot of Skrappy's youth club Downtown have settled their lawsuit with the club and the man who shot him. Ray "Darrin" Pierson's parents settled the lawsuit for $250,000, said Tucson attorney James Dyer.

Skrappy's has agreed to pay Phoenix residents Jeffrey Pierson and Julie Maynard, Ray Pierson's parents, $150,000.
Jordan Asch's homeowners insurance has agreed to pay the remaining $100,000, Dyer said. Asch, who shot Pierson, was not charged in the case.

The county attorney ruled the shooting justified

Ray Pierson was shot and killed Dec. 7, 2005, outside the club at 201 E. Broadway.

Despite the settlement, what happened that night remains a hotly contested issue.

One side maintains Pierson died protecting the crowd from a Columbine-type massacre.

The other insists Pierson was a member of a national group known for provoking melees and Asch shot him in self-defense.

The group, FSU, is known in some circles as Friends Stand United. Others contend the initials stand for a vulgar expression related to creating disturbances.

In a prepared statement faxed to the Arizona Daily Star, Sue Krahe-Eggleston, executive director of Our Family Services, the nonprofit organization behind Skrappy's, expressed her relief that the lawsuit has been resolved.

"While we do not believe Skrappy's was in any way at fault for causing this unfortunate incident, we welcomed the opportunity to settle as a way to avoid the costly legal fees of continuing the case.

"We would not characterize the actions of Darrin Pierson as that of a hero. While our hearts go out to his family, we believe he and his accomplices were the initiators of an unwarranted and violent attack on a number of innocent concertgoers."

While one of five bands playing that night was performing, a large group ran into the crowd and began hitting people, according to police reports. Others began throwing microphone stands, speakers and amplifiers into the crowd.

A member of Skrappy's management turned on the lights and told everyone to leave, that the police had been called.

According to some accounts, Asch, who sometimes acted as volunteer security for the club, went to his car to get an assault rifle to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Asch's friends insisted Asch was persuaded to put the rifle back into his truck and it was while they were at his truck they were attacked by a mob carrying pool balls in socks, hammers, baseball bats and machetes.

Asch, who is now 25, told police one of the men "went to the passenger (door) and busted out my window and started climbing in after me with the hammer in his hand, so I shot him center mass."

(More)

Labels: assault, AZ

posted by Pete at 4:37 AM permalink

 
Wanatah, Indiana

From the Michigan City News-Dispatch of July 25, 2007

Sheriff's Deputies Find Intruder Held At Bay In Garage

A Wanatah man held an intruder at bay with a handgun early Tuesday until police arrived to take away the man, who claimed to be homeless.

Sheriff's deputies were called to the 100 block of South Lincoln Street at 3:13 a.m. to deal with a man who allegedly broke into a detached garage at the home and was rifling through a refrigerator.

When police arrived, they found the owner standing in his garage holding a pistol at his side. Mathew N. Franz, 13422 S. County Road 300 West, apparently was standing in the rear of the garage between a vehicle and the refrigerator.

The homeowner told police he'd gone to the garage when he saw the motion sensor light turn on and found Franz inside. The man said he never pointed the gun at Franz, and that Franz was apologetic and "very cooperative."

He told police Franz never moved from the time he told him to "freeze" until police arrived.

Officers said Franz admitted he entered the garage, saying he was hungry and looking for food. He told police he had moved out of his parents' home and moved in with friends in Valparaiso. He said he felt as though he was burdening his friends, though, and asked them to drop him off at the Speedway gas station in Wanatah.

While he was walking along Lincoln Street, he said he noticed a light on in the garage and went inside.

Franz was arrested and charged with burglary.

Labels: IN, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 4:05 AM permalink

 
Ridgeland, Mississippi

From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of July 26, 2007

Ridgeland clerk, robber exchange gunfire

Ridgeland police are searching for a man who opened fire on a store clerk during an attempted armed robbery Wednesday night.

Just after dark, a man entered the North Park Package Store at 134 Dyess Road, and pointed a gun at a clerk, Ridgeland Police Department Lt. John Neal said.

The clerk then pulled out a gun and pointed it at the robber, he said.

It is unclear who shot first, but both the robber and clerk fired shots at each other, Neal said. Neither was hit.

The suspect fled the scene empty-handed in a tan sedan.

Labels: business robbery, MS

posted by Pete at 9:00 AM permalink

 
Topeka, Kansas

From Topeka’s WIBW.com of July 26, 2007

Robbery Foiled When Clerk Got to His Gun Sooner

A robbery quickly turned sour for the robber late Wednesday night when the cashier got to his gun faster than he could. According to Jim Cormier, who was working the register that night, the man came into Cormier Liquor, 2611 SE California, around eleven o'clock carrying a black gym bag.

When the man reached into the bag and began to reach for his gun, Mr. Cormier showed his own. The suspect took off running and headed south down the alleyway.

Police described the suspect as a black male, 5'4", 135 lbs., wearing a black doo rag and a black silky scarf around the lower half of his face.

Labels: business robbery, KS

posted by Pete at 8:47 AM permalink

 
Spokane, Washington

From Spokane’s KXLY.com of June 16, 2007

Man involved in Thursday's fatal shooting says it was in self-defense

The man who was involved Thursday's shooting in east Spokane that left a 24-year-old man dead spoke out for the first time on Saturday.

Allan Turnipseed carries a gun with him at all times. But he'd never had to use it until Thursday. He says his life, and the lives of his family, were in danger.

Thursday afternoon's shooting was a small incident that spiraled out of control. That is the story from Turnipseed, the man accused of shooting 24-year-old Joshua Smith.

Turnipseed has not been jailed and is currently a free man. He declined to go on camera, but spoke from his home. He says on Wednesday evening, he witnessed two young men driving down 8th Avenue, one of them tossing a beer can out the window. He confronted the pair, and as he went to call police, they left.

On Thursday, Turnipseed says he was driving down Ferrall when he saw the same Mazda, with the same men inside and Smith driving. Sensing trouble, Turnipseed says he moved his car to block the young men from coming near his home.

He then alleges Smith drove up to the car and said he wanted to take a crowbar to his face, then took a crowbar out and began making threats. Turnipseed says he pulled his .380-caliber gun and tried to make a citizen's arrest. He then stood in front of Smith's car to keep them from leaving. Seconds later, Smith allegedly tried to run Turnipseed over. Turnipseed was hit, and as he clung onto the hood, fired two shots into the car.

Turnipseed believes the men were drinking, and adds that he'll accept any charges that may come. Police say it is illegal to make a citizen's arrest in Washington. The shooting is still under investigation.

No subsequent stories about this incident can be found

Labels: assault, WA

posted by Pete at 6:17 AM permalink

 
Ava, Missouri

From the Detroit (MI) Free Press of July 25, 2007

Missouri man kills grandson in apparent case of self-defense

A man shot and killed his grandson this morning after the teenager began stabbing him and his wife, authorities said.

William Andrew Nation, 18, came to his sleeping grandparents' bedroom in their home about 20 miles south of Ava. He shouted that he couldn't take it anymore and then started stabbing them with a kitchen knife, said Chief Deputy Trampus Taylor of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Jerry Garrison, took a handgun he kept by the side of his bed and shot his grandson several times, killing him, authorities said.

Garrison was stabbed in the head, shoulder and back, and his wife, Katie, was stabbed in the face. Jerry Garrison was treated at a hospital and released, while his wife was in fair condition Wednesday afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Taylor said a review could take several weeks, but it appeared that the shooting would be ruled justifiable.

The teen had lived with his grandparents about a year. They said he had been hearing voices and had seen a psychiatrist on Monday, Taylor said. He was scheduled to return to the psychiatrist in a couple weeks.

Labels: domestic abuse, MO

posted by Pete at 4:38 PM permalink

 
Leavenworth, Washington

From the Seattle Times of July 25, 2007

Would-be victim sends armed robbers running in Leavenworth

A 57-year-old Leavenworth man turned the tables on two armed robbers who invaded his home Tuesday.

Authorities say that when two masked men armed with handguns got into the man's home Tuesday night, he confronted them, grabbed one of their guns and shot one in the hand.

The two masked men then fled, said Chelan County Undersheriff Greg Meinzer.

Two men from Snohomish County were later arrested after one of them flagged down an ambulance.

The wounded man, 24, from Everett, was treated at Central Washington Hospital. The other suspect, a 24-year-old Lake Stevens man, is charged with first-degree assault and burglary. The wounded man was not immediately charged.

Meinzer did not release the homeowner's name and says he isn't sure whether the homeowner knew the masked men or if the attempted robbery was a random crime.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, residence robbery, WA

posted by Pete at 12:25 PM permalink

 
Orange County, Florida

From Orlando‘s WFTV.com of July 25, 2007

Clerk Fights Back After Robbery At Convenience Store

Tuesday night, a convenience store clerk fought back when two robbers stole money from his store. As the robbers ran away from the Kwik Stop store on West Colonial Drive, the clerk opened fire.

Just as the robbers thought they were getting away, the clerk at the Kwik Stop took matters into his own hands, opening fire on two robbers who ran from the store he was working at.

The sign over the convenience store says food, lotto, and beer, but firepower could be added to the list of offerings. The store was closed Wednesday morning, but Tuesday night, just past 11:00, two armed men wearing hats over their faces walked in, jumped over the front counter and demanded cash.

The clerk complied. The robbers began to run away. That's when this victim turned the tables.

He had armed himself with his own handgun and chased the bad guys into the parking lot. The clerk fired at least two shots at the robbers.

Deputies said the store does have security cameras and investigators were looking over tape Wednesday morning. It was a scary night for the victim and the robbers.

It was unclear Wednesday if the clerk's bullet hit either of the two robbers.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 7:31 AM permalink

 
Nashville, Tennessee

From Nashville’s WSMV.com of July 25, 2007

Pets Help Resident Fight Back Intruder

Police said a mother and her family pets fought back a gunman who tried to rob her at her south Nashville home.

The incident happened on Martin Street, just a few blocks from the state fairgrounds around 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Ronda Hill said she, her 2-year-old son and her mother were walking inside their house when a man jumped a fence, pointed a gun at them and demanded their belongings.

Hill said her dogs then went after the intruder.

"When they attacked him, he dropped the gun, and I picked it up, and I fired at him. He then took off running," said Hill.

She said she fired the gun two times and is not sure if any of the bullets struck the robber.

Police are still searching for the intruder.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, residence robbery, TN

posted by Pete at 7:00 AM permalink

 
Colorado Springs, Colorado

From Colorado Springs’ KKTV.com of July 24, 2007

Business Owner Holds Alleged Crook At Gunpoint

A business owner takes the law into his own hands and holds a suspected crook at gunpoint until police arrive. The suspect was allegedly breaking into cars at a business complex on North Cascade.

Just after midnight, something strange was going on outside the businesses. "He had taken a transformer off of Roger's truck and was beating on a car window. That was thumping noise I heard," Kristi Lyons told 11 News.

Her husband, Mike, grabbed his gun and ran outside. They knew there was an intruder when they saw the plastic window on their car sliced open.

Kristi said the suspect was caught red-handed, hiding behind and underneath cars in the parking lot.

"Mike had him at gunpoint. He said, ‘We can do this the easy way or the hard way.’ I called police." She was on the phone for about 5 minutes while she watched Mike go after the suspect.

"Mike had the kid at gunpoint. He started advancing toward Mike with a knife and Mike fired off a shot to let him know that he wasn’t kidding."

Police arrested 24-year-old Richard Richardson.

"I wish he would've shot the guy," said Lisa Yunker who owns the business next door. She said the row of businesses has been broken into several times. “Everyone is sick of it, this whole complex. We don't know why we're targeted."

For now, everyone who works there thinks of Kristi's husband as a hero. Kristi told 11 News she’d do it all over again if another intruder came onto her property, but “With a bigger gun."

Richard Richardon is behind bars charged with criminal mischief, trespassing and assault. Police said they had been looking for him earlier in the night for allegedly attacking a kid with a baseball bat.

Labels: assault, CO, trespassing

posted by Pete at 5:20 PM permalink

 
Danville, Virginia

From Roanoke’s WSLS.com of July 24, 2007

Would-be Thief Ends Up in Hospital

An overnight robbery attempt landed a gunman not in jail but in a hospital. Shortly before midnight, according to Danville Police Lt. Tommy Merricks, a gunman approached two men on Rocklawn Drive and attempted to rob them. One of the men grabbed the gun, however, and tried to take it away. The gun went off and struck the would-be robber in the head. He fled the scene.

Shortly afterwards, the police heard of a man being taken from Glenn Street to Danville Regional Medical Center.

He was later transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center with a reported gunshot wound to the head that likely fractured his skull, according to the police.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, street robbery, VA

posted by Pete at 8:47 AM permalink

 
Atascocita, Texas

From Click2Houston of July 24, 2007

Deputies: Homeowner Shoots Drunken Intruder

A homeowner shot a man who broke into his Atascocita home early Tuesday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables said the homeowner's wife heard a noise outside their home on Devlin Drive near Match Play Drive at about 2:45 a.m.

Detectives said the man, who is partially blind and hearing impaired, appeared to be intoxicated.

The man claimed the home was his and argued with the homeowner, officials said.

"The homeowner discharged one round from a shotgun with a birdshot, giving the intruder a superficial wound to the side of the head," Lt. Michael Young said.

Deputies said the man lives in the area and this was not the first time he has entered a wrong house.

"Apparently this individual has done this before, based on some statements from his family members," Young said.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

Investigators have not said what charges the man may face.

The homeowner, his wife and two daughters were not injured.

Labels: home invasion, TX

posted by Dave at 7:41 AM permalink

 
Charlotte, North Carolina

From Charlotte’s WBTV.com of July 23, 2007

Store Clerk Decision: To Shoot or Not to Shoot?

Robberies and assaults are not new in Charlotte's Hidden Valley Community.

During the past year and a half, the area has been hit hard by crime.

On Monday, a suspected thief was shot to death at a convenience store on Tom Hunter Road.

According to police, a man entered the Fast Mart just after 10 a.m.

He indicated that he had a weapon and demanded money from the female clerk.

Police say the clerk then confronted the would-be robbery [sic]. She allegedly fired one shot as the robber came toward her.

As WBTV's Steve Crump reports, police and the district attorney must now determine if this was a case of self-defense.

Labels: business robbery, NC

posted by Pete at 5:20 PM permalink

 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From the July 21, 2007 Oklahoman:

Five accused in invasion try

Five people are accused of attempting a home invasion robbery Thursday morning that went awry when one of the alleged robbers was shot, police said.

A resident of Almonte Apartments, 5901 S May Ave., in Oklahoma City was also shot during the break-in, which occurred about 5:30 a.m.

The wound suffered by the resident, Antwaine Williams, 19, was not life threatening, Sgt. Paco Balderrama said.

One of the alleged robbers is in critical condition following surgery for a gunshot wound at Integris Southwest Medical Center, police said.

According to Balderrama:

Police think Williams shot the accused robber, Darrell Gatewood, 18, but aren't sure who shot Williams.

Minutes after police responded to the shooting, Gatewood was dropped off at the hospital, wounded, with his girlfriend, Chrise Thomas, 23.

Thomas also is accused of participating in the home invasion.

Also arrested are Christopher Hill, 18, Samuel Carolina, 17, and Randale Whitemore, 18.

Labels: home invasion, minor offender, OK

posted by Clayton at 10:45 AM permalink

 
Pomona, California

From the Ontario Daily Bulletin of July 23, 2007

Inquiry finds shooter acted in self-defense

Suspect now held on other charge

A 31-year-old man will not be charged in the shooting death of a 25-year-old man in June, officials said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced last week that it will not file a murder charge against Carlos Salazar in the death of Angel Aguayo of Pomona.

Salazar was arrested June 11, three days after Aguayo was shot multiple times in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue, according to a police statement.

Salazar is being held without bail at California Institution for Men in Chino, where he awaits a court appearance on a charge of being a felon in possession of a gun.

The district attorney's investigation found that Salazar acted in self-defense when he shot Aguayo, according to the office's statement.

Aguayo died as he was being placed in the ambulance, police said.

Aguayo's grandmother, Victoria Rosalez, and the rest of his family are still grieving over his death.

"We still can't believe it. We're still sad," Rosalez said from the front porch of her Pomona home Saturday afternoon.

Rosalez said Aguayo's former girlfriend came over the night he died with a bruise on her face. She was upset and claimed that Salazar had beaten her, Rosalez said.

Aguayo was attempting to help her when he got shot, Rosalez said.

(More)

Labels: altercation, CA

posted by Pete at 4:55 AM permalink

 
Jacksonville, Florida

From News4Jax.com of July 23, 2007

Police: Man Shot Dead Trying To Rob Another

One man is dead in what police say may be a robbery gone bad.

Police were on the scene early Monday morning at the Plantation Apartments in the 7000 block of Old Kings Road South.

Police said three men in a van tried to rob another man in the parking lot of the apartments. That’s when the man being robbed shot one of the alleged robbers, police said. That man was found dead by the time police arrived on scene.

Police said it may be a case of self-defense. The man is being questioned by police.

Police are still looking for the other two men.

Sgt. Derrick Lewis said they are looking for a dark van with tinted windows.

From News4Jax.com of July 23, 2007

Shooter Claims Self-Defense After Teen Killed

A man who pulled the trigger, fatally shooting a 17-year-old early Monday, said he acted in self-defense.

Investigators said 28-year-old Robert Brown told them his car was being followed by another vehicle with several people inside and that he thought they wanted to rob him.

Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the fatal shooting that took place in the 7000 block of Old Kings Road South on the Southside.

Homicide investigators said Brown thought he was being followed and pulled into the parking lot, followed into the parking lot by three people in a minivan. When they got out of the van and approached Brown's car with a gun, he shot one of the subjects in the chest, police said.

"It was either him or me," Brown told Channel 4. "There was not even time to think twice. There was no time. They were strictly about their business. I needed to try and get up out of this."

Brown said he was afraid he was going to die Monday morning and that was why he fired his gun, hitting Tommy Lee Kennedy.

"I looked in the rear view mirror, I see some lights blocking my car in and I see the passenger door open and the sliding door open. Two dudes hopped out, one went directly to my window with a gun, arm pointed straight," Brown said. "You know, God said it isn't my time to go right now."

Police said there was an exchange of gunfire at the scene.

Kennedy died at the scene, and two other young men fled the scene, according to police.

"We don't know what happened regarding the other two people -- we know the other two people fled in a van," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Sgt. Derrick Lewis said.

Authorities said that they are looking for a dark van with tinted windows.

Kennedy's sister, Tamika Kennedy, and the teen's friends said they couldn't understand why their loved one was killed.

"He is a good person. He takes care of his responsibility, I mean," Tamika Kennedy said. "My brother never meant to hurt nobody."

Police took Brown downtown for questioning and he was later released.

Labels: FL, street robbery

posted by Pete at 4:48 AM permalink

 
Anna, Texas

From the McKinney Courier-Gazette of July 22, 2007

Anna man catches boy breaking into truck

Robert Trammell, of Anna, said his son woke him up Thursday morning after he saw someone breaking into his truck.

“My son come running in here and hollered at me and said, ‘Daddy, get up, get up, someone just broke in the truck,’” Trammell said. “So I jump up and he said they took off running so I didn’t know if it was an adult or who it was, so I grab my shotgun and went to chase him.”

When they finally caught up to him, Robert said he realized the guy who broke into his car was just a 13-year-old boy.

“He said, ‘I’m only 13 years old, and I was like whoa, whoa, back up,” Robert said.

The vehicle burglary happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in the 3600 block of County Road 421 in Anna, according to Collin County briefing reports.

Lt. John Norton, of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, said Robert’s 18-year-old son, Zach, first witnessed someone trying to break into his father’s 1996 Ford Ranger pickup.

Robert said he wasn’t sure who was out there, so he brought along a shotgun for protection.

“We come out and got in the car and went to chase after him,” Robert said. “At that time, we came running back around the corner and my son almost run into him with the car.”

Robert said he pointed the shotgun at him and ordered him to lie on the ground.

“He kept sticking his hand in his pocket, and I didn’t know if he had a gun or not,” Robert said. “I had the operator on the phone from 911 and she said do you feel like you’re in danger? And I said, to be honest with you ma’am, I don’t know what he keeps trying to put his hand on and she said by all means you could shoot him to defend yourself if you want to.”

The suspect eventually got on the ground, Robert said.

“Finally, he lied down on the ground and the last time he stuck his hand in his pocket, I put that shotgun on the back of his back and I told him, you need to lay still or I’m going to shoot you because they just informed me that I can if you keep sticking your hand in your pocket and I don’t know what you’ve got in there,” Robert said.

He kept talking to the suspect until police arrived. He said he was shocked when he learned the guy who tried to break into his truck was only 13 years old.

“I asked him if you’re 13 years old, what are you doing out at 2 in the morning?” Robert said. “He said my mom and dad are poor, so I’m out trying to get some money. I told him do you realize you almost just lost your life over a $40 radio from Wal-Mart?”

Norton said sheriff’s deputies took the unidentified boy to Medical Center of McKinney for injuries he sustained when he ran into the car door. He was treated and released and transported to Collin County Juvenile Detention Center, where he was being held Friday.

Labels: minor offender, street property theft, TX

posted by Pete at 5:24 PM permalink

 
Dallas, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of July 22, 2007

Man questioned in fatal Dallas shooting

One person is dead and another was being questioned Sunday afternoon after a confrontation reportedly led to a shooting in north Dallas.

Dallas police say a couple was moving out of their apartment in the 9500 block of Forest Lane when the wife saw “an individual” walking down the street. She told her husband that the person had robbed her of her cell phone on Saturday, Dallas police spokesman Jamie Matthews said in a statement.

The husband told police that he confronted the alleged robber on the street and that the person reached for a gun. The husband pulled his own gun and shot the victim in the head, he told police.

The victim was pronounced dead at Medical City hospital. Police have been unable to identify the individual.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday evening.

From DFW’s WFAA.cam of July 23, 2007

Man killed may have robbed shooter's wife

A man who was shot and killed Sunday may have been involved in a robbery the day before in Dallas.

Police said the deceased man was in possession of a cellphone that was taken from the shooter's wife during the robbery at 7 p.m. Saturday. The couple was moving out of Snug Harbor Apartments in the 9500 block of Forest Lane about 12:19 p.m. Sunday because of the robbery.

Sunday's confrontation started as the woman's mother noticed a suspicious man walking across the street. The mother had received harassing phone calls from the stolen cellphone, police said. Her son-in-law confronted the man, who pulled out a gun. The son-in-law, who has a concealed handgun license, shot the man.

The shooting victim was taken to Medical City Dallas, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have questioned the shooter and released him, said Sgt. Gene Reyes. The case will be referred to a grand jury.

Labels: altercation, assault, concealed carry permit, TX

posted by Pete at 5:15 PM permalink

 
Midland, Texas

From Midland’s MyWestTexas.com of July 22, 2007

Homeowner shoots teen burglary suspect: Boy flees scene, seeks help after being shot with 12-gauge shotgun

A property owner fired a 12-gauge shotgun at a 16-year-old boy Saturday, who had just broken into the man's rental house, police said.

"The owner is inside and the 16-year-old breaks in the front window," explained Midland Police Department spokeswoman Tina Jauz. "And the homeowner confronts the suspect in the hallway and shoots him with a 12-gauge shotgun."

After being shot, police said the boy fled the 204 South Jefferson St. residence in a van, and then flagged down officers at Louisiana Avenue and Main Street at about 1:15 p.m.

The gunfire grazed the boy's shoulder and neck, police said.

He was seen wearing a bloody white T-shirt just before being transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, where police said he was listed in serious condition late Saturday.

Neither police nor the homeowner knew if the juvenile was armed, Jauz said, noting the boy immediately left the scene.

There had been recent break-ins reported at the unoccupied residence, Jauz said, and the owner was checking on the property when the shooting occurred. No trespassing signs can be seen curbside on the home's windows.

Jauz said charges were pending against the juvenile, whose name was not released, but no charges were expected against the homeowner, whose name also was not released.

Midland County District Attorney Teresa J. Clingman declined comment on the case currently under investigation, but as a matter of clarification explained when the use of deadly force is legal.

"You are permitted to use deadly force to protect yourself or your property in very limited circumstances," Clingman said. "You must first be justified in using force at all, and then to using deadly force against another to prevent the other's imminent commission of several specific property offenses, like arson, burglary or robbery, or in the course of 'hot pursuit' to prevent such other person from escaping with your property.

"But, of course, only if you reasonably believe that deadly force is immediately necessary for prevention or recovery."

Clingman said deadly force can only be used to prevent the perpetrator from fleeing after committing one of those crimes, if the victim believes property cannot be recovered by any other means, and when the use of force other than deadly force would subject you to substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

"In other words, in a situation of someone breaks into your home and they have a gun or a knife, etc.," Clingman explained. "Everything is judged by whether the action was reasonable as viewed from the actor's standpoint."

Labels: residence burglary, TX

posted by Pete at 5:04 PM permalink

 
Orange County, Florida

From Orlando’s CFNews13.com of July 22, 2007

Early Morning Shooting Outside Puerto Rican Social Club

Investigators are calling Sunday morning's deadly shooting outside Puerto Rican social club in Orange County self-defense.

It happened a little before one a.m. in the parking lot at the Asociación Borinqueña de Florida Central on Econlockhatchee Trail near Colonial Drive.

Police believe it started when a fight broke out between two groups during a Vietnamese concert at the club.

The fight spilled into the parking lot and that is when shots were fired.

Sheriff's investigators say 31-year-old Long Pharm of Largo fired a number of shots but hit no one. Another person then shot at Pharm, killing him.

Police say that at this point they are treating it as a self-defense killing.

The case has been turned over to the State Attorney's Office. It will decide if any charges will be filed.

Labels: altercation, assault, FL

posted by Pete at 4:49 PM permalink

 
Titusville, Florida

From Melbourne’s FloridaToday.com of July 22, 2007

Titusville police: Killing looks like self-defense

Titusville Police said this afternoon they’re confident William Herring shot two men with a handgun — one fatally — in self-defense after they broke into his garage and attacked him with a pipe and tire iron.

Herring was working in his garage at 908 S. Washington Avenue in downtown Titusville when he spotted two men on his property “in an area they didn’t belong,” Assistant Police Chief John Lau said. The two men attacked Herring, who grabbed a gun and fire three shots, Lau said.

Herring then called 9-1-1 to report the shooting. When officers arrived at 12:30 a.m. they found 44-year-old William Wade Hose of Mims dead.

Christopher J. Zagorski, 47, also of Mims, was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne with serious injuries.

“Both shooting victims knew the (resident), and there appears to have been some type of feud between them,” Hutchinson said in a news release.

Investigators this afternoon are still trying to establish the relationship between the three men.

A pipe and tire iron found in the garage were taken into evidence.

Herring had injuries consistent with being hit by blunt objects, Lt. Todd Hutchinson said.

The investigation is expected to take several days. Detectives have not been able to interview the surviving shooting victim, Hutchinson said.

From Melbourne’s FloridaToday.com of July 27, 2007

New facts come out in Titusville shooting

Homeowner knew 1 intruder

A Titusville man who told police he fatally shot one intruder and wounded another in an act of self-defense grew up with one of the man in Long Island, N.Y., the man's sister said Friday.

Police said one of the intruders was carrying a gun when the shooting occurred.

The home's resident William Herring has not been charged, and authorities have said the preliminary investigation indicates self-defense. But prosecutors will review the case, Titusville Lt. Todd Hutchinson said.

"At this point the physical evidence matches the shooting suspect's version of events," he said. "However, the complete findings and facts will be shared with the state attorney's office, and together we will determine whether there are any criminal charges applicable in this case."

According to police, Herring was working in his garage at 908 S. Washington Ave. when he said he spotted two intruders on his property. He said Christopher J. Zagorski, 47, of Mims and William Hose, 44, of Mims attacked him with a pipe and a tire iron. Herring grabbed a handgun he kept in the garage and shot three times, killing Hose and seriously injuring Zagorski.

Hose, the son of the York County, Pa., Sheriff Bill Hose, was shot first in the stomach and then in the back, Hutchinson said.

Sheriff Hose declined to comment to FLORIDA TODAY.

It was the shot to the back, which hit between the shoulder blades and out the chest, that killed the younger Hose, said Rodney Belcher with the Brevard County medical examiner's office.

The medical examiner's report listed the second bullet wound as entering the front of the left thigh and came out the left buttock, Belcher said.

Titusville police said they recovered a handgun from Zagorski. Detectives are investigating what sparked the incident, including the possibility of a debt Herring may have owed the men.

"Our investigators are looking into whether the shooting suspect owed these victims money," Hutchinson said.

From the Hanover (PA) Evening Sun of August 4, 2007

Shooting of sheriff's son likely in self-defense

A Titusville man who told police he fatally shot one intruder and wounded another in an act of self-defense grew up with one of the men in Long Island, N.Y., the man's sister said Friday.

Police said one of the intruders was carrying a gun when the shooting occurred.

William H. Hose, the son of York County Sheriff Bill Hose, was killed during the alleged break-in, police said.

The home's resident William Herring has not been charged, and authorities have said the preliminary investigation indicates it was self-defense. But prosecutors will review the case, Titusville Lt. Todd Hutchinson said.

Labels: assault, FL, home invasion

posted by Pete at 4:42 PM permalink

 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

From Tulsa’s KOTV.com of July 22, 2007

Man Saves Neighbor From Vicious Dog Attack

A Tulsa man will be honored this week for saving another man's life. Back in April, Michael Cook came to the rescue when a pitbull attacked his neighbor. The News On 6’s Chris Wright reports Cook will receive the Citizen Appreciation Award from Tulsa police on Tuesday, an honor his neighbor says he more than deserves.

Marvin Battle walks with a cane these days, but says considering what happen to him on April 25th, he can live with the limp.

"I can't bend my leg. I have to go through physical therapy,” said Battle. “I've been on a lot of pain medications. I have panic attacks and I have nightmares."

Those nightmares stem from a vicious pitbull attack. Cook was walking his 6-year-old Chow Chow, Xena, and his 2-year-old Pomeranian, Jazzy, when he says the pitbull came out of nowhere.

"I turned around to go back to the house, and the dog knocked me down,” Battle said. The pitbull killed the Pomeranian, injured the Chow, and then turned its attention to Battle.

"I'm fighting for my life here. If someone doesn't come help me or if this dog doesn't stop, I'm going to be killed. So all I'm thinking is saving my life,” Battle said.

Michael Cook heard all the commotion, grabbed his gun, and came outside. He says the only thing he'd ever shot at before was a target, and the margin for error was thin. Fortunately, the pitbull looked up for a split second, and Cook pulled the trigger.

"So I bent down to try and shoot the dog from the side. When I did, that's when he raised up, and I shot him in the head,” Cook said.

The pitbull was killed, and Battle, though injured severely, was alive. He says he owes his life to his neighbor, and the two, who did not know each other before the attack, have become friends.

"It was terrible. Had my neighbor Mike not come out and shot the dog, it would have killed me,” Battle said.

"I think we're becoming pretty good friends,” Cook said. “Turns out we have a lot more in common than I thought we did. Marvin's a good guy."

Cook spent a week in the hospital recovering from his injuries. No one knows exactly who owned the pitbull. Battle believes it belonged to his neighbors, who have several other pitbulls.

We talked to those neighbors Saturday, and they say the dog was not theirs.

Labels: animal, OK

posted by Pete at 4:14 PM permalink

 
Houston, Texas

From Houston's ABC13.com of July 21, 2007

Man shoots trespasser twice in legs

A northwest Harris County homeowner says he shot a man in the legs on Friday because the man trespassed on his property.

The homeowner told deputies he heard dogs barking so he went outside and saw a man in his backyard.

He confronted the suspect and that's when the suspect pulled out some type of hammer or ax.

The homeowner then shot the suspect twice in the legs.

The suspect jumped the fence and ran off into some nearby woods.

A police dog found him a short time later. He was taken into custody on a stretcher.

Based on the different geographical references, we believe that this is a different incident from the previous post.

Labels: assault, trespassing, TX

posted by Pete at 2:21 PM permalink

 
Houston, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of July 20, 2007

Houston homeowner shoots would-be burglar

A northeast Houston resident shot and wounded a man attempting to break into his home this afternoon, according to authorities.

Harris County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the 12500 block of Ann Louise around 12:40 and located the suspect, who had fled nearby on foot.

He was transported to an area hospital and the incident remains under investigation.

Labels: residence burglary, TX

posted by Pete at 1:01 PM permalink

 
Tallahassee, Florida

From the July 17, 2007 Tallahassee Democrat:

Leon County Sheriff's deputies have not filed charges against a homeowner who fired shots at burglars Monday afternoon.

The man received a call from his alarm company around 1:45 p.m. that something tripped his alarm; the alarm company also contacted LCSO, said Lt. Rory Robbins. The man arrived at his home on Seasons Lane before deputies did and found a car behind his mobile home. He took the keys out of his car and drew his handgun when he heard a crash. He saw two men running away from the home and shot at them once.

The men split up and the homeowner followed one around his trailer, Robbins said. He took three more shots at the fleeing man, who fell to the ground, but got up and continued running. Deputies think he fell because of the rough terrain, not because he was shot. There was no blood at the scene.

Note: this is a pretty marginal case. I am a little surprised that there were no charges filed against the man who did the shooting. Perhaps because he was outnumbered, or other circumstances that didn't make it into the article, the sheriff's office decided that he was engaged in a lawful defensive use.

Labels: FL, residence burglary

posted by Clayton at 10:31 AM permalink

 
Mansfield, Ohio

From Newark’s CentralOhio.com of July 20, 2007

Judge: Shooting outside MedCentral was self defense

Kevin Teague acted in self defense when he shot a fellow Mansfield teenager in the face, according to Richland County Juvenile Court Judge Ron Spon.

The judge on Thursday acquitted the 15-year-old Teague of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault. Spon found him guilty of carrying a concealed weapon.

The decision followed a three-day trial during which the Richland County Prosecutor's Office argued Teague shot and intended to kill Jacques Sutton outside MedCentral/ Mansfield Hospital on Feb. 18.

The judge didn't agree.

Spon said the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Teague intended to kill the victim.

"The defense ... successfully argued their case that what Kevin did was in self-defense," Spon said, claiming defense attorney Ralph Bove proved three specific points:

First, Teague was not at fault in creating the altercation between himself, the victim and four other juveniles accompanying the victim.

Spon cited testimony from witnesses saying the victim and his friends antagonized and bullied Teague for a lengthy period of time. On the day in question, one of the victim's friends got Teague to let his guard down, then punched him.

Second, Teague had a "bona fide belief of immediate danger and bodily harm requiring the use of force to escape."

Testimony and evidence indicated five juveniles pursued Teague and his acquaintance for at least one city block before getting to MedCentral. From there, security video shows five juveniles attempting to surround Teague to keep him from entering the hospital.

"The video was chilling," Spon said. "It was like watching sharks circle in for the kill. Frankly, the line (Sutton) said that they were only going to the hospital because they were hungry and wanted to use the vending machines to get something to eat was a ploy."

Third, the defense proved Teague did all he could to retreat from the altercation.

"This was a long pursuit," Spon said. "He was retreating the entire distance of at least one block."

Spon said Teague had the gun in his possession during the pursuit, but had it pointed down until the moment Sutton caught up to him outside the hospital entrance.

"The prosecution has argued that (the victim) had his hands out the entire time," Spon said. "But the video showed (the victim) had his right hand in his pocket," suggesting the victim had a weapon for which he was reaching.

"In short, Kevin was being relentlessly pursued by five people with the intent to cause bodily harm," he said. "The defense proved in that moment, his only means at hand was the use of force."
…

Spon ordered Teague, who spent 158 days detained in the Juvenile Justice Center, to be released into house arrest under the supervision of his family while a pre-sentence report is filed. Spon will sentence Teague on his concealed weapon conviction within 30 days.

Labels: assault, OH

posted by Pete at 5:13 AM permalink

 
North Miami, Florida

From Miami’s WSVN.com of July 19, 2007

Check cashing store manager exchanges gunfire with armed robbers

Miami-Dade Police are searching for two armed men who shot at a check cashing store employee.

Police say the suspects approached one of the managers of a check cashing store, located at 140 W. Dixie Highway, as she attempted to open the store Thursday morning. According to the store manager, as soon as she put the key in the lock, the suspects approached her with a gun. "Some words were exchanged and according to the victim, the black male holding the firearm fired a shot at her," said Lieutenant Neal Cuevas of the North Miami Police Department. "She returned fire."

Police found one round of bullets [sic] in the store when they arrived. The store's windows remain boarded up because the windows were shattered during the shootout.

The suspects feld [sic] the scene uninjured. Police describe the suspects as two black males, 140 pounds and five feet five inches tall each. Police also say one of the suspects wore business attire: suit coat, blue tie and crisp white shirt, during the attempted robbery.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 6:02 PM permalink

 
Moss Point, Mississippi

From Pasagoula’s The Mississippi Press of July 18, 2007

Wounded man faces charges

A man Jackson County deputies found shot in the stomach Saturday has been charged with burglary and attempted aggravated as-sault.

Deputies responded to call at 4317 Knowlcrest drive in reference to a possible intruder, according to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd.

Deputies discovered Shontile Leprice Keys, 24, 5119 Meridian, Moss Point, with a gunshot to the stomach. Keys was take to Singing River Hospital, Pascagoula.

It was determined Keys had broken into the residence to await the arrival of the homeowners, according to the report. When the homeowners arrived, Keys attacked them but he was eventually shot, the report said.

No bond has been set and Keys remains in the hospital, according to the report.

Labels: assault, MS, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 4:39 PM permalink

 
West Palm Beach, Florida

From Miami’s CBS4.com of July 18, 2007

Neighbor Shoots Naked Man: Claims Self Defense

A naked man was shot to death in West Palm Beach as he was lunged at a resident who was trying to protect a woman and her children.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Jonas Morisma may have been under the influence of drugs when he ended up at the woman's apartment complex early Tuesday. Witnesses told police Morisma first attacked a tow truck, banging on the driver's windows and tearing off its lights. He then reportedly began banging on apartment doors and punching through windows.

Police say Morisma was disrobing while doing all this.

A resident came out of his apartment with a gun and told Morisma to leave as the woman and her children sought cover nearby. According to authorities, that's when Morisma lunged at the resident, who fired one shot. Police have not released the name of the man who shot Morisma to protect him from retaliation.

Labels: assault, FL

posted by Pete at 8:45 AM permalink

 
Gary, Indiana

From the Gary Post Tribune of July 18, 2007

Dispute ends in fatal shooting

While calling police for help quelling a nasty fight between her two grown sons Monday evening, Kathleen Strickland heard a gunshot.

Her older son, Archie Strickland Jr., 30, was shot.

Her younger son, Andre Strickland, 22, was gone.

Archie died a short time later at Methodist Hospitals Northlake emergency room with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m., Lake County Coroner's Chief Investigator Paul Castro said.

Andre was arrested at his girlfriend's house in Brunswick on Monday night, but was released Tuesday by police after he was questioned.

Cmdr. Samuel Roberts said investigators believe Andre fired after his older brother, who suffered from bipolar personality and was recently released from a rehabilitation program, wouldn't stop his attack.

"There's an element of self- defense," Roberts said.

Lake County prosecutors are reviewing the evidence, but no charges are expected to be filed against the younger Strickland brother.

Their mother, a radio dispatcher for the Gary Police Department, told investigators her sons were arguing downstairs in their Tolleston home when Archie began hitting Andre with his fists.

Despite her efforts to intervene, the battle continued. She went upstairs to call police when she heard the single gunshot, police said.

Detective Lorenzo Davis presented the case to prosecutors Tuesday.

Labels: altercation, domestic dispute, IN

posted by Pete at 4:32 AM permalink

 
Oroville, California

From the Enterprise-Record of July 13, 2007

Man who held gun on teens won't be charged

After further investigation: authorities said Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed against a Helltown Road man who held a gun on two teenagers he suspected of trying to steal his medical marijuana.

"I think he was in the right; justice has been done" said the father of the arrested homeowner, Carl Coleman Jr., 37.

The younger Coleman was arrested early Monday morning after one of the two youths he caught on his property and held at gunpoint, fled and later claimed Coleman had assaulted them.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Wednesday further investigation by the Butte County Sheriff's Office was unable to disprove Coleman's claims he was lawfully protecting his property.

Unaware of the decision not to file any criminal charges against his son, Coleman's father earlier Wednesday had sought a court writ, challenging the arrest as unconstitutional.

Gordon Dise, a self-professed "legal strategy consultant" and local medical marijuana proponent who accompanied several of Coleman's relatives and friends to court Wednesday afternoon, praised the decision not to prosecute the homeowner.

"I think the district attorney is doing the right thing and pursuing the thieves, instead of the victims, who are medical marijuana patients," the local activist stated.

"You have an absolute right to defend your life, your liberty or property with all force necessary," added Dise, even to the point of pursuing a suspected felon who tries to avoid being turned over to the police.

According to Ramsey, Coleman told authorities he had returned to his Helltown Road home Sunday to find it had been burglarized earlier in the day and that several items were taken.

Relatives say among the stolen property was Coleman's lawful medical marijuana.

He was waiting for the suspects to return, armed with a shotgun, when the homeowner said that one of the two teenage boys started to walk into his back yard late at night.

Grabbing and holding the first youth, Coleman told authorities how he pursued a second teen a short distance, knocking him off his motorcycle, with a blow to his helmet with a flashlight.

Ramsey said at that point, Coleman telephoned his 15-year-old son to come over, though it was uncertain whether that would get the youths to leave, help hold them for police or "possibly to administer some street justice."

Outside of court Wednesday, the homeowner's son, Carl Coleman III, denied reports that he was also armed that night.

He said his father had called him because he knew the two youth.

The two teens were able to get away, one of them calling a family member on his cellular phone claiming he had been physically assaulted by two persons at a Helltown Road home.

When sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers found the boy in Butte Creek, he told them that the second teen was still being held at gunpoint at the residence.

Deputies reported that they forced entry into Coleman's home after they got no response to knocks on the front door.

Following questioning, the two youths were subsequently confined to the Butte County Juvenile Hall on charges of suspicion of attempted burglary.

Coleman was booked into the Butte County Jail on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment.

Ramsey said Wednesday that after asking the sheriff's deputies to do further investigation, "it was the combined opinion that we could not overcome any defense of property or self," claimed the arrested homeowner.

"Although it does appear that Mr. Coleman may have gone a bit beyond the reasonableness standard, we don't believe we could prove it (to a jury)," added Ramsey.

According to family members, they were told late Wednesday afternoon that the jail was in "lockdown" and that Coleman may not be released until sometime today.

Labels: CA, residence robbery

posted by Dave at 4:32 AM permalink

 
Tempe, Arizona

From the Arizona Republic of July 17, 2007

Tempe homeowner shoots suspected burglar

A suspected burglar was shot during an attempted break-in at a Tempe home Tuesday afternoon.

Two males in their 20s knocked on the door of a home in the 1500 block of South River Drive, near Price and Broadway roads, at about 12:30 p.m.

There were two people home at the time. One looked through the peephole but chose not to answer the door when he didn't recognize the suspects. He later heard the suspects forcing their way into the home and grabbed his handgun.

He saw the suspects in the living room, and noticed one of them was holding an object that he thought might have been a weapon.

The homeowner shot at the suspects, hitting one of them. Both suspects then ran from the home.

Shortly after, Tempe Police received a call from Banner Desert Hospital saying that a man with a gunshot wound had been dropped off at the hospital. He was transferred to another hospital for surgery. His condition was unavailable.

The other suspect has not been caught. The case is still under investigation.

Labels: AZ, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 4:47 PM permalink

 
Jacksonville. Florida

From the NewsJax.com of July 17, 2007

Clerk Shoots Robber During Holdup

Two men jumped the counter of a Northside gas station, pointed guns at the owner and forced him to empty the cash register.

They got more than what they wanted. One robber left with a bullet in his leg.

Police said the BP station on Broward Road was robbed in broad daylight.

They just want to get money," owner Vijay Patel said. "That's what they just keep telling me, just 'Give me money, whatever you got, from the cash registers and safe.'"

Surveillance cameras caught the whole crime on tape, including when Patel grabbed his own gun and fired.

"I just ... take my gun out and shot him on his leg," Patel said.

The injury didn't stop the robbers. The video shows one of them hold a gun on Patel while the other makes him open the register. The robbers then ran outside and took off in a white van.

Detectives found several spots of blood near the door.

Patel's nose was bruised in the struggle but did not require medical treatment.

"These type of thugs, they are in and out, they're not really thinking about surveillance. They just want to get what they want," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson said. "The surveillance video just gives us another set of eyes."

"I be OK. I'm not that scared," he said.

Patel told Channel 4's Emily Pantelides that until the robbers are caught, he's going to be extra careful.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 4:39 PM permalink

 
North Charleston, South Carolina

From Charleston’s Live5News.com of July 17, 2007

Hotel Clerk Shoots Suspect

A man is in the hospital in critical condition after a shooting at a North Charleston hotel off Fain Street near Aviation Avenue. North Charleston Police say a hotel clerk gunned down a would-be robber.

The worker at America’s Best Inns and Suites says the suspect rushed into the lobby pointing something at him. Officials say that’s when the clerk pulled out his gun and fired two shots.

The suspect tried to run, but collapsed on the floor.

When police arrived, they rushed the suspect to MUSC.

He’s identified as 20-year-old James Brandon Johnson. He’s now charged with attempted armed robbery.

From the Charleston Post and Courier of July 18, 2007

Would-be robber picks wrong motel, gets shot

A motel clerk shot and critically wounded a masked man early Tuesday during an apparent armed robbery in North Charleston.

Christopher Robert Barr, 34, told police that a man in a ski mask ran into the lobby at America's Best Inns & Suites on Fain Street about 1:20 a.m., pointed something at him and demanded money, according to a police report. But the clerk had a gun as well.

Barr fired twice, the man walked a few feet and fell to the ground.

"Don't move. Don't aim," Barr can be heard telling the man during a 911 call to police. "He's hurt. I just shot at him. He's on the ground. He needs help, like bad. He's still alive, and he needs help."

Police found a black pistol on the ground near the wounded man, the report said.

James Brandon Johnson, 20, of Clements Avenue in North Charleston, was critically wounded, according to the report. He will be charged with attempted robbery, police spokesman Spencer Pryor said.

Pryor said there were no charges against Barr on Tuesday night and that police continue to investigate the incident. Pryor wasn't sure whether Barr was the registered owner of the .25-caliber pistol he used or if he was legally permitted to carry it, but he hoped to have answers to those questions today.

The motel had been robbed recently, and Barr kept the gun in his pocket for protection, the report said.

Motel officials would not allow Barr to comment about the shooting.

"He's kind of shaken up," said Bright Norman, general manager. "We're proud of him."

Labels: business robbery, SC

posted by Pete at 12:42 PM permalink

 
Burton, South Carolina

From Savannah’s WTOC.com (GA) of July 17, 2007

Suspect Shot During Gunfire Exchange in Burton

Beaufort County deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Monday afternoon in Burton, South Carolina. Rodmond Singleton, 24, and his brother, Titus Singleton, 18, were reported in the backyard of a residence on Goethe Hill Road getting ready for some target practice when the incident occurred.

The men told investigators they saw a dark-colored Lexus pull into the driveway. A black male, whom Titus identified as Antoine Robinson, 19, got out of the vehicle and pointed a handgun at them.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, Robinson fired shots toward the Singletons and they returned fire with weapons they'd had ready for target practice. Robinson drove away and investigators don't yet know the motive behind the attack.

Antoine Robinson later turned up at Beaufort Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper left arm.
During the gunfight, the residence across the street from the Singletons' was apparently struck by stray bullets, though no one was injured.

Investigators found and seized a Lexus matching the description provided by the Singletons in Beaufort, where Robinson lives.
The Singletons turned their guns over to investigators at the scene. Both are registered to Rodmond Singleton.
No gun linked to Robinson has been found.

Robinson has been charged with and arrested on two counts of assault and battery with intent to kill. After his release from the hospital Monday night, he was taken to the Beaufort County Detention Center.

This incident remains under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Labels: assault, SC

posted by Pete at 12:28 PM permalink

 
Orlando, Florida

From the MyFoxOrlando of July 17, 2007

Man Shot After Fight at Downtown Orlando Nightclub

The victim of a downtown Orlando shooting is recovering this afternoon.

The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on Garland Ave., shortly after the victim left Club Element on Pine Street. Police believe a confrontation between the victim and four other men began early Tuesday morning at the bar.

Police say that while the victim and a passenger were traveling north on Garland Ave. near Concord St., two cars pulled up and blocked the victim's vehicle. Multiple shots were fired out of one of the suspect cars.

The victim was shot in the head and transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. His injury is not life-threatening and he is cooporating with detectives.

Police say the victim was followed from the club and probably boxed in just south of Colonial. Passenger in the victims car shot back in self-defense. No word on whether anything will happen to him but police have his gun. Two cars fled when passenger shot back but only description police gave us is they're a Silver car and a Blue car.

Labels: assault, FL

posted by Pete at 12:19 PM permalink

 
Pine Hills, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of July 17, 2007

Cops report double trouble with firearms

Crime pushed Orlando a little closer to the OK Corral over the weekend with twice the typical number of guns seized, stolen or fired.

At least two victims fought back, including a Pine Hills resident who opened fire with an assault rifle on an armed burglar, reports show.

Miguel Angel Perez told police he fired three times at the burglar about 11 p.m. Friday to protect his children and himself.

"He was certain if the suspect were able to get his gun, he would have been shot," an officer wrote.

The burglar escaped, apparently unhurt.

Labels: FL, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 3:31 AM permalink

 
Morgan County, Kentucky

From Hazard’s WYMTNews.com of July 16, 2007

An Eastern Kentucky Shooting Sends One Man To The Hospital

An investigation is underway this morning into a shooting that sent one man to the hospital.

It happened just before five last night on Kentucky 589 in Morgan County.

Police say Oakie Fannin drove to the home of his ex-wife Tameila Burchett, just minutes after he called her and threatened her husband.

Authorities tell us that Fannin then drove through the yard, then turned and headed directly for Charles Burchett.

That's when Mr. Burchett fired several shots at Fannin in self defense, hitting him several times.

Police say Fannin wrecked not long after leaving the home.

He is in stable condition this morning. So far no arrests have been made.

The case is expected to be presented to the Morgan County Grand Jury.

Labels: assault, domestic dispute, KY

posted by Pete at 2:56 AM permalink

 
Greensboro, North Carolina

From the Greensboro News-Record of July 16, 2007

Man killed in robbery attempt outside club

A 26-year-old man was killed this morning in the parking lot of a strip club, Greensboro police said.

About 4 a.m. Monday, three men attempted to rob another man near his car in the parking lot of Lost Dimensions at 510 Farragut St., Capt. Gary Hastings said.

During the robbery attempt, the man fired a weapon at the three men, Hastings said.

When police arrived, they found a 26-year-old man - one of the three alleged robbers - dead of a gunshot wound in the woods on the edge of the parking lot, Hastings said. Police would not release his name until his family had been notified.

The other two men involved in the attempted robbery are in police custody, Hastings said. Police are still investigating whether the alleged robbers also fired weapons.

Police are also interviewing the man who fired the fatal shot.

Hastings would not release the names of the other men involved in the incident.

The investigation is still in its early stages and further details would likely be release later today, Hastings said.

Labels: NC, street robbery

posted by Pete at 9:58 AM permalink

 
Lexington, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of July 16, 2007

Women with guns discourage home invaders

Lexington police are looking for two men wanted for a home invasion over-night and one of the suspects should be easy to spot. He's wearing only one shoe.

Police say the two men kicked the door open and rushed inside. Two armed women residents confronted the intruders and ordered them to their knees.

The shirtless men were not fools. They fled on their knees as fast as they could crawl. That's when one of them lost a shoe. A police dog sniffed the shoe, but no arrests were reported as officers searched the area.

Labels: home invasion, intruder, KY

posted by Dave at 4:27 AM permalink

 
Raleigh, Tennessee

From Memphis’ MyEyeWitnessNews.com of July 15, 2007

Mid-South Convenience Store Owner Shoots Accused Robber

After two previous hold-ups 67 year-old Boonie Crawford decided enough is enough. Crawford went out and got a permit and bought a gun. On Sunday, July 15, 2007, that weapon came in handy. His store is KC's Market and Deli in the 4900 block of Austin Peay Highway just outside Raleigh.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office says Crawford used his new gun to shoot an armed robber. Police identified the guy as 24-year-old Aaron Thomas. Thomas was rushed to a local hospital with a gun wound

This is the third time this store has been robbed since last December 2006. The last time the store was robbed was on May 25, 2007.

Right now police are investigating if Aaron Thomas was involved in those robberies.

Labels: business robbery, TN

posted by Pete at 4:51 PM permalink

 
Fairfield, California

From the Vacaville Reporter of July 15, 2007

Suspect injured in failed robbery

A robbery suspect wound up at NorthBay Medical Center Friday night, according to Fairfield police, who report that he was shot with his own gun.

The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Vedell Chew, a Fairfield resident. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the suspect reportedly approached a group of people who were gambling in the backyard of a residence in the 1800 block of Barbour Drive, according to police.

Police allege that as he attempted a robbery, one of the people in the group struggled with the suspect and grabbed his gun.

Meanwhile, several of the gamblers hit and kicked the suspect, according to police.

During the struggle, the suspect was shot in the leg with his own gun by one of his intended victims, according to police.

He was transported to NorthBay Medical Center by a waiting car.

The suspect's injuries are reportedly not life-threatening, and police intend to charge Chew with counts of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Labels: CA, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 4:41 PM permalink

 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

From Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of July 15, 2007

Investigation Continues After Clerk Shoots Robber

Police continue their investigation after a would-be robber’s night of crime was brought to an end when he was fatally shot on Saturday night.

Authorities say the alleged suspect first entered a Co-Go’s on Mount Washington, demanded money and was able to get away.

Investigators tell us that the man later attempted to rob a BP along Route 51 just before midnight.

Police say the man entered the convenience store with a handgun and demanded money and tobacco products.

According to authorities, the clerk handed the would-be robber a bag of cigarettes and cigars. Then, the clerk pulled a gun, shot twice and hit the man in the chest, police add.

Officials have not yet identified the would-be robber or the clerk, but say the suspect died on the floor of the store.

Sources who have seen the surveillance tape of the incident tell KDKA’s Ross Guidotti that it appears to be a self-defense shooting.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of August 15, 2007

DA clears clerk who killed Beechview robber

A gas station clerk acted in self-defense when he fatally shot a robber and will not be charged, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said today.

Walter Wetzel Jr., 58, of Mt. Washington, killed Raymond Crawford, 30, of Northview Heights, July 14, at the BP station on Saw Mill Run Boulevard in Beechview, police said.

Zappala said Crawford had already pulled a gun at two other businesses that night before he confronted Wetzel.

"He went right to the clerk and pointed a weapon at him," Zappala said.

Crawford demanded money, cigarettes and blunts, and when Wetzel bent down behind the counter to get some of the items, he came up with a gun and shot Crawford twice in the chest, Zappala said.

"The clerk was scared because the robber wanted more and more items and (the clerk) did not have access to the safe," Zappala said.

Zappala said the shooting was justified but generally speaking, he said he would prefer store clerks give robbers what they want, let them get out and call police.

"I would have preferred no one would have died," Zappala said.

Labels: business robbery, PA

posted by Pete at 4:25 PM permalink

 
Jackson, Michigan

From the Jackson Citizen-Patriot of July 15, 2007

Police seek man who was shot during alleged robbery

A Detroit man, 21, is wanted on three felony counts in connection with an attempted robbery.

The man allegedly tried to rob a house in the 100 block of Second Street armed with a handgun about 11:39 p.m. Thursday, the Jackson Police Department said.

During a struggle, the resident and a friend took the gun away from the man and shot him, but the wound wasn't life threatening, police said.

Jackson Police are still trying to find the man, whose name is not being released. Charges of assault with intent to rob while armed, felony possession of a firearm and using a firearm to commit a felony are pending.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, MI, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 4:15 AM permalink

 
Corral City, Texas

From the Dallas Morning News of July 13, 2007

1 dead, 3 jailed after scuffle inside RV

Charles Oxner doesn't drink, smoke or dip, he says. He has never been in trouble with the law. On Wednesday night, three men he worked with forced their way into his recreational vehicle and began beating him, he says. He shot one of them, and now he's charged with murder.

Dale McGee, 46, died two hours later at Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital. Argyle police charged the other two men with burglary with intent to assault.

"I never had no dealings with the law, not even a speeding ticket in the last 15 years," Mr. Oxner, 38, said Thursday afternoon at the Denton County Jail. "I walked out of that trailer of my own free will. They handcuffed me and stuck me in a car, and here I am now."

Mr. Oxner's bail has been set at $100,000.

He has a black eye he says one of the other men inflicted with a boot. He has visible bumps on his forehead and says there are many more on the back of his head. Under a bandage on his left hand is a bite wound.

"There was three of them whalin' on me, and I don't know what I was supposed to do," he said. "I sure didn't invite them in there."

Texas Ranger Tracy Murphree, who helped with the investigation, said Thursday that a decision was made to jail everyone.

"We had a mobile crime scene. We had people who live in other states. We had a man who was dead and a man who shot him," he said. "It is not the duty of police to decide whether it was justified. Lawyers and judges make those decisions."

The shooting happened in Corral City. Argyle police patrol the small city, which consists mostly of a mobile home park just off Interstate 35W. Argyle Police Chief Tom Tackett said officers responded there about 7:30 p.m. and found Mr. McGee, of Lobelville, Tenn., with at least two gunshot wounds.

"Oxner and McGee worked together for a pipeline company laying a gas line," the chief said. "There was an altercation on the job, and some of the men left. Witnesses and Oxner told us that after he arrived home, three men came to the travel trailer to confront him. They all ended up inside the trailer. There was a scuffle, and there were gunshots. It was really crowded in there."

Bail for Landle "Bubba" McGee, 38, from Linden and Justin Ainsworth, 26, of Collins, Miss., was set at $60,000.

Landle McGee, who is Dale McGee's brother, and Mr. Ainsworth could not be reached for comment.

"It is our belief they went inside to assault Mr. Oxner," Chief Tackett said. "We are going to gather all the evidence and let the grand jury decide."
…

"I was trying to get him off of me. I didn't mean to kill him," Mr. Oxner said.

From the Dallas Morning News of August 16, 2007

Man who shot co-worker in RV won't face charges

A Denton County grand jury has declined to indict Charles Oxner, who shot a co-worker to death after the victim and two others burst into Mr. Oxner's recreational vehicle and began beating him July 11.

Assistant District Attorney Jamie Beck said grand jurors felt Mr. Oxner was acting in self-defense.

The shooting happened in Corral City. Argyle police, who patrol the incorporated mobile home park just off Interstate 35W, responded there about 7:30 p.m.

They found Dale McGee, 46, of Lobelville Tenn., with multiple gunshot wounds. He died two hours later.

His brother Landle "Bubba" McGee, 38, and a friend, Justin Ainsworth, 26, were outside. Mr. McGee and Mr. Ainsworth were indicted on the burglary charges; they are free on bail.

Labels: assault, home invasion, TX

posted by Pete at 11:55 AM permalink

 
Houston, Texas

From July 14, 2007 KPRC channel 2:

HOUSTON -- A robber was killed when one of his victims shot him early Saturday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said two armed men jumped out of a car and tried to rob four men at a home on Keel Street near O'Donnell Drive at about 1:30 a.m.

One of the victims pulled out a gun and a shootout ensued, officials said.

Investigators said both of the robbers were shot.

Detectives said one robber was shot in the torso and transported to Doctor's Hospital. He was later transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he died. His identity was not released.

The second robber was shot in the leg and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.

One of the robbery victims was also shot and transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition.

Labels: residence robbery, TX

posted by Clayton at 9:59 AM permalink

 
Harris County, Texas

From July 14, 2007 KTRK channel 13:

(7/14/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A northwest Harris County business owner trying to prevent a robbery accidentally shot and killed a customer.

Late Friday night at a shop on Gears and Walters, the business owner told authorities he would not let a man in because he looked suspicious and was carrying a gun.

"The business owner believed he was going to rob the business, so he took action to prevent that. It resulted in the death of one of his patrons," explained Sgt R. Nelson with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

The owner says he shot at the robber but accidentally hit the woman. The stranger who tried to get in ran away. Investigators found a pistol on the ground. They're treating the shooting as an accident. It will be up to the district attorney to determine if charges will be filed.

Labels: business robbery, TX

posted by Clayton at 9:54 AM permalink

 
Tampa, Florida

From MyFoxTampaBay.com of July 13, 2007

Clerk shoots robber

Police say a store employee has shot a robber on East Lake Avenue.

It happened around 3 p.m. at the Yasmin Food Mart. That's at the intersection with Potter Street.

Detectives say 17-year-old Xavier Pierre Whitehead came into the store with a gun and was wearing a Spiderman mask.

"He demanded money, told them to open the till and get all the money out and that's when the struggle started, and the struggle over the gun and the shot was fired," said Tampa police spokesperson Andrea Davis.

Whitehead was taken to Tampa General Hospital. There's no word yet on his condition.

From the TampaBays10.com of July 13, 2007

Masked robber is shot during Tampa hold-up

There was a hold up and a shooting at a Tampa convenience store Friday afternoon.

Police say a teenager wearing a Spider-Man mask walked into the Yasmin Food Mart, located at 2409 E. Lake Avenue, north of I-4 and east of I-275, and demanded cash.

The owner decided to fight back and struggled with the teen over the gun. A second employee joined the struggle. As the three wrestled for the weapon, it fired, striking the suspect in the upper body.

The robber was rushed to Tampa General Hospital as a trauma alert. He was identified as Xavier Pierre Whitehead, 17, of 2619 E 26th Ave., Tampa. Police say he was a regular at the store.

Officers are reviewing surveillance tape of the robbery.

Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, FL, minor offender

posted by Pete at 8:24 PM permalink

 
San Antonio, Texas

From the San Antonio Express of July 13, 2007

Suspect killed in early morning kidnapping

The suspect in a carjacking was killed after one of the victims he kidnapped shot him Friday morning at the victim's house.

A man described as a 25 year-old Hispanic male carjacked the couple at a nightclub, according to Bexar County deputies.

The suspect then demanded money from the couple, but they told the suspect that they did not have any cash. Then, the suspect demanded to be taken to the victims' home in the 1100 block of Buckskin Bend.

One of the victims said that as the suspect was loading items from the house into a suitcase, he got a gun and shot the suspect in the head. Deputies were called to the scene of the shooting about 4:30 this morning.

Deputies do not believe the couple will be arrested. They will be taken downtown to give statements.

Labels: carjacking, residence robbery, TX

posted by Dave at 4:29 PM permalink

 
Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

From July 12, 2007 NewsOK.com:

‘I just kind of cringed'

Caley, 38, had just finished a late-night shift of hunting down bail jumpers and had bought some food at the Whataburger on May Avenue, just south of I-44, Tuesday morning. The father of two got onto I-44 eastbound, and by the time he got to Pennsylvania Avenue, he had noticed a truck swerving, he said.

He followed, and as they neared northbound I-35, Caley said he knew he was tailing a drunken driver. He called 911 and got on the line with an Oklahoma Highway Patrol dispatcher. He can be heard on the 911 recording telling the dispatcher:

"I'm following a drunk driver. He's on the shoulder.”

A second later, Caley's voice intensifies as he tells the dispatcher there's been an accident, that the driver has hit two cars parked along the interstate's shoulder.

"I think there's a fatality. Yup, there's a fatality. There's a guy underneath the car. I don't think he made it.”

"As I watched it happen, I just kind of cringed,” he said Wednesday.

Caley and the pickup driver pulled over. Caley was closest to the accident. The pickup's hazard lights flicked on and Caley turned to go help the injured. He thought the pickup driver was going to follow, but he didn't.

"Hey, hey, hey ... the guy's running. The guy's running. He's on foot. He's going into the grass.”

Still on the phone with the dispatcher, Caley jumped back into his truck and gave chase across the ditch, quickly closing the 500-yard head start the man had on him. He jumped out of the truck, ran down a ditch and grabbed the man, who struggled.

Caley's cell phone was on his front seat, capturing everything on the 911 recording.

"Get on the ground. Get on the ground. I got him right now.”

Caley said Wednesday he dragged the man up the side of the ditch and eventually had to pull his weapon, which was under the seat of his truck.

Labels: intoxication, nl, OK

posted by Clayton at 9:42 AM permalink

 
Schulter, Oklahoma

From July 12, 2007 NewsOK.com:

No charges due in shooting

A man who shot a 17-year-old 10 times will not be charged with a crime, Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice said.

Jesus Bustos, 38, shot Justin Burgess after an altercation at Bustos' residence in Schulter on June 12.

"He's going to live,” Rice said.

Rice said Burgess went to Bustos' once and left after he was asked. He later returned with a knife, Rice said.

Bustos will not be charged because of the Stand Your Ground law. It declares a person "has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force” if force is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm or the commission of a forcible felony.

Labels: altercation, OK

posted by Clayton at 9:34 AM permalink

 
Bradbury, California

From San Gabriel’s SGVTribune.com of July 13, 2007

Shooting of bear drawing criticism

Local officials raised questions Thursday about the killing of a black bear in a Bradbury back yard over the weekend.

An unidentified man, who lives in the 2100 block of Gardi Street in Bradbury, obtained a state permit to kill the bear earlier this month, officials said. State game authorities deemed the animal a nuisance.

Bradbury and Duarte officials have asked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to investigate.

The homeowner shot and killed the animal Sunday, authorities said. Duarte City Manager Darrell George said they would be looking into the notion of potentially illegally discharging a firearm.

"Did this happen the way it was supposed to happen?" he said.

Bradbury and Duarte officials additionally claim they were not told the state Department of Fish and Game had issued a depredation permit in Bradbury, which is essentially a license to kill troublesome critters.

"I am very surprised we never got notification of the permit going out, but we are working out with fish and game officials," Bradbury City Manager Jennifer Vasquez said.

"When something like this happens, it disturbs us all in the field of animal control," said John Mack,

Duarte's code enforcement officer, who believes he may have encountered the same bear in Duarte recently.

Vasquez said the city's Web site encourages people to learn to live with the bears. She said she was not surprised Duarte was concerned about a bear shooting in Bradbury.
…

"These things have to be done sometimes," McBride said. "The people who don't have the problem in their back yard don't understand the problem. They haven't experienced the worry about a bear entering their home. It's very easy to sit back and say that shouldn't have happened. But they don't know."

Labels: animal, CA

posted by Pete at 5:35 AM permalink

 
From the Newark Advocate of July 13, 2007

Boy shot attacking dogs to save friend

A 12-year-old Eden Township boy was in fair condition this morning after family dogs allegedly attacked him Thursday afternoon.

The attack apparently ended when the boy’s friend ran inside for a gun to scare off the dogs, including pit bulls and mixed breeds, NBC 4 reported.

“I fired four shots in the air to warn them to get off,” a child named Michael said in an interview on NBC 4. “So I shot one and killed it and I think I wounded another.”

Children's Hospital said victim Jarred Magers was listed in fair condition as of 7:45 a.m.

Mary Ann Township fire personnel responded to the call around 2:30 p.m. at 9583 Stradley Road. An emergency medical helicopter then was called to the area of Purity and Pineview roads.

A sign on the property reads “security dogs,” NBC 4 reported.

Animal control officers arriving at the scene reportedly were met with an aggressive dog which was shot and killed, NBC 4 reported.

(Second Article)

Labels: animal, OH

posted by Pete at 5:24 AM permalink

 
Charlotte, North Carolina

From Charlotte’s WSOCtv.com of July 13, 2007

Police: Suspected Robber Shot With Own Gun While Attacking Limo Driver

Police said a suspected robber was shot with his own gun Friday morning during an attack on two limo drivers. It happened at about 3 a.m on South Tryon Street just south of Clanton Road in southwest Charlotte.

Officers said three men with guns attacked the drivers of two limos and threatened to kill them. But as one robber reached for a laptop computer in a limo, the driver grabbed the attacker's gun and shot him. Police said that man was later dropped off at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The other two robbers got away. The limo drivers were not hurt.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, NC, street robbery

posted by Pete at 5:10 AM permalink

 
Orange Grove, Mississippi

From Pasagoula’s Mississippi Press of July 13, 2007

Homeowner foils burglary

An attempted home burglary may have been foiled last week by a vigilant homeowner.

According to a report with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Lisa Darlene Gipson, 43, Arthur Reginald McCants, 42, and Michael Edwards, 51, were arrested July 6 after they allegedly tried to burglarize the residence of Murdoch "Butch" Taylor, which is located at 4029 Orange Grove Road.

The arrest report says that Taylor stopped the burglary after he recognized Gipson and McCants as breaking into his residence earlier and stealing a wallet and money.

According the report, Taylor was taking a bath when he heard a knock at his door. He went down and found Gipson outside.

Gipson entered the residence and, according to the report, started removing her clothes. When Taylor asked her what she was doing, the report says that she responded that she was trying to prostitute herself.

Gipson later said she wanted something to drink. The report says that Taylor got her a beer and escorted her to the front door of the residence.

Parked in front of the residence was a dark-colored van. The report indicates that a man may have been leaving the van. The report states that Taylor fired four shots from a .22-caliber pistol over the van.

According to the report, Gipson and the man got back into the van, which left the scene.

The van was later found wrecked at 9112 Bayou Cumbest Road. At the accident site, the report says that deputies found McCants in the driver's side seat and Edwards in the passenger seat. Gipson was not in the van.

The report indicates that McCants was silent. However, the report notes that Edwards said the two picked Gipson up on Orange Grove Road and gave her a ride to Taylor's house.

According to the report, Edwards said they drove off, leaving Gipson at Taylor's house, but later returned to pick her up. After they picked her up the second time, Edwards said he heard something like gunshots or firecrackers.

The report states that Edwards said the two had dropped Gipson off a second time shortly before wrecking the van.

However, the report says that Taylor, when brought to the accident site, made a positive identification of the van and of McCants as someone who had broken into his residence previously.

Deputies later arrested Gipson near Taylor's residence.

A little bizarre and confusing, but…

Labels: MS, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 5:02 AM permalink

 
Irving, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of July 12, 2007

Homeowner shoots man

-- A homeowner who caught a man in his yard with an armful of tools shot and seriously wounded him Wednesday night when the man would not stop walking toward the resident, Irving police said.

The unidentified man is an 18-year-old Irving resident, police said. He was shot in the torso and was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He is expected to survive, but his condition was unavailable Thursday morning, police said.

The shooting happened about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of Tucker Street.

The 34-year-old homeowner told police that he heard noises in his backyard, and believing someone was stealing his property he grabbed his shotgun.

Once outside, the homeowner found a man walking out of his backyard with an armful of tools, police said.

The resident ordered the suspect to lay on the ground, police said.

The suspect put the tools down and began to walk toward the homeowner, police said.

After the homeowner repeatedly warned him to stop and get down, the suspect was shot, police said.

The resident was not arrested, police said.

From the Dallas Morning News of July 12, 2007

Irving homeowner shoots burglar

An Irving homeowner who shot a man stealing tools from his home will not face any criminal charges, police said Thursday.

(More)

Labels: assault, residence burglary, TX

posted by Pete at 7:56 AM permalink

 
Springfield Township, Ohio

From the Cincinnati Enquirer of July 11, 2007

Owner foils clothing store robbery

Two women and a girl from Dayton, Ohio were arrested Wednesday after they allegedly stole clothing from a store and tried to run over the owner with a car, according to Springfield Township police.

Toya Heard, 20, Raytona Glenn, 22, and a 14-year-old girl were charged with aggravated robbery.

Around 5:10 p.m., officers arrived at Casablanca, a clothing store in the 11000 block of Hamilton Avenue, and were told two females ran from the store with a large amount of clothing. away and the three females were arrested nearby.

When the owner saw them climb into a getaway car, he told them to stop but the driver tried to run him over and struck him in the leg, police said.

The owner then fired one shot from a handgun and hit the car’s front right tire. The car was found a short distance away and the three females were arrested nearby.

From Cincinnati’s WCPC.com of July 12, 2007

Business Owner Shoots At Shoplifting Suspects, Stops Car

The owner of a Springfield Township business shot at a getaway car carrying two shoplifting suspects, enabling in their arrest.

It happened at Casablanca Hip Hop Fashions, a store located on Hamilton Avenue in the Seven Hills Shopping Center.

9News obtained exclusive surveillance video from the business showing the thefts in progress.

It shows the two women with armloads of clothes.

At first, they look like any other customers, but as they quickly run towards the front doors, they go from shopper to suspect.

"We have good people, we have bad people, you know, you can't judge people," said Abdelhak Gheddara, the store's owner.

As the owner of Casablanca, Gheddara tells 9News he wasn't just going to let the suspects take off in a waiting escape car.

He pursued them into his parking lot.

But the waiting driver, thought to be a 14-year-old girl, struck him with the car as they fled, forcing Gheddara to take action.

"She pushed me with car, she cut my leg here, I had no choice, I shot tire," Gheddara said.

One shot into the car's tire was all it took.

With their car disabled, Springfield Township police found the three suspects nearby and took them into custody.
Gheddara tells 9News that despite being angry and injured, he never thought about aiming the gun at the suspects.

That would have been something he likely, legally could have done, since his life had been at risk.

"I don't want to shoot them, I can't do it. I don't want to take life, you know? I want to stop car," Gheddara said.

The three female suspects are 22, 20 and 14 years of age.

They all are from Dayton.

Gheddara says he thinks they might be part of an organized shoplifting ring from the Dayton area.

Labels: business robbery, OH

posted by Pete at 3:06 AM permalink

 
Metarie, Louisiana

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune of July 12, 2007

Intruders surprised; shootout ensues

No one is hurt in Metairie incident

Dermott Murphy said he had a gut feeling something wasn't right.

The uneasiness hit him as he pulled into the driveway of his Metairie home in the 1200 block of Brockenbraugh Court Wednesday at 5 a.m. after an early breakfast with a friend at the International House of Pancakes. He was anxious because someone had tried to break into his rented double through a back window just three days earlier.

As he pulled his Pontiac Grand Prix into his tiny backyard, he spotted two men attempting to pry the plywood off that same back window.

Murphy told a Jefferson Parish deputy sheriff that one of the men pulled a gun and opened fire, so he did the same.

"You got no choice but to defend yourself," said Murphy, who used his .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

The intruders scrambled over a backyard fence and got away unharmed. But not before sending a bullet through Murphy's passenger-side door and a too-close-for-comfort shot that ripped through the driver's-side headrest, missing Murphy by inches.

As Murphy stood in his driveway watching a technician replace the automobile window glass, he said he survived by the grace of God.

"That I'm standing here is a blessing to me," he said.

Murphy will not be charged with any offense, said Col. Robert Garner, spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. There are no suspects in the case.
…

Murphy, himself a father, acknowledged that he was indeed lucky this time. But authorities confirmed to him that he was well within the law, protecting his property and his life.

"They told me I have a right to defend myself," he said.

Labels: LA, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 2:33 AM permalink

 
Bulverde, Texas

From the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung of July 11, 2007

County confirms second rabies case

Comal County recently reported its second documented case of rabies in 2007, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The incident was the 37th case in Region 8.

A rabid skunk walked into the yard of a home about half a mile east of downtown Bulverde and sprayed the home owner’s chocolate Labrador Retriever on June 21. The owner then shot and transported the skunk to Country Hills Veterinary Clinic for a rabies submission. The dog, which was current on vaccinations, was boostered according to protocol the next day and began a 45-day isolation period, the report said.

This incident followed a rabies case involving a raccoon and another chocolate Labrador Retriever in Bulverde on May 17, according to Zoonosis Control.

Labels: animal, TX

posted by Pete at 5:17 PM permalink

 
Jacksonville, Florida

From News4Jax.com of July 11, 2007

Police: Homeowner Shoots Intruder

A 24-year-old man was shot several times in an exchange of gunfire with a Panama Park homeowner Wednesday morning during what police described as a home invasion robbery.

Just after 9 a.m., police responding to a burglar alarm at 7100 block of Elwood Avenue found the door of kicked in and Jonathan Comas shot several times.

Investigators said Comas and Donovan Thomas, 21, broke into the house, waking up Johnny Johnson.

Johnson grabbed his gun and got to the living room in time to see two men turning around to leave.

"I was the first person to shoot, I guarantee it, because they were in my house," Johnson said. "I look up, see the guy and I shoot twice, then I start hearing shots."

Johnson said he fired five or six shots, then dived for cover when he heard gunfire coming from outside.

Police said Comas, who was shot several times, was taken to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center by Thomas and Sandra Flood, 27, who officers said was driving the vehicle used in the incident. Comas remains in critical condition.

Johnson's mother, who wasn't home at the time, got a call from her son.

"He said 'Mom, somebody broke into the house. I think they're still in here,'" Joann Christopher said. "As he's talking to me, I'm hearing gunshots."

Johnson told Channel 4's Dan Leveton that he thinks the men turned around and started to leave because there wasn't much in the house.

"I'm lucky to be alive," Johnson said. "Somebody could have died, and I could have been me."

Police said Comas, Thomas and Flood will be arrested and charged with home-invasion robbery.

From the Jacksonville.com of July 12, 2007

Intruder shot in home invasion

A man is in critical condition at Shands Jacksonville. Police say he broke into the house.

Don't be a hero, Johnny Johnson's mom begged her 28-year-old son in a phone call Wednesday morning as gunfire exploded in the background.

"Stay low and don't hang up the telephone," Jo Ann Christopher said while at least one robber was inside their Jacksonville home with him.

But armed with outrage and a 9mm Smith and Wesson, her 6-foot-5, 260-pound son didn't wait to see what the people who kicked in his family's front door wanted.

"I was the first person to shoot. I guarantee that," Johnson told the Times-Union later.

Surprising one of the intruders in a hallway, he squeezed the trigger as he tried to understand: "Why are these guys in my house" and "which one of these guys is shooting at me?"

After the gunfire exchange, the intruders fled, one while suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Police believe Jonathan River Comas, 24, of Jacksonville was the intruder who was shot. They said Comas was at Shands Jacksonville hospital in critical condition.

Homicide Sgt. Derrick Lewis said police aren't yet sure if Johnson's gunshots hit Comas or if bullets from another suspect, identified as Donovan Portez Thomas, 21, of St. Augustine, got him in the crossfire. Police said the intruders were armed and believe one fired into the house from outside.

Thomas and Sandra Jean Flood, 27, of Jacksonville have been charged with home invasion robbery. Police said Flood acted as the getaway car driver.

Police said Thomas and Flood dropped off Comas at the hospital and tried to leave while pretending not to know him.

Johnson said police told him there were two other break-ins Wednesday near their home in the 7000 block of Elwood Avenue.

Detectives think the suspects could have meant to target a different home but got the address wrong.

Crime scene tape looped around the tan, one-story residence near the Trout River for most of Wednesday. Bullet holes pocked the walls and blood spatter stained the floor of the house Christopher said she bought late last year.

Still stuck in the front lawn was a placard from the alarm company whose security system blared a warning and alerted the Sheriff's Office when the intruders burst in the front door and woke up Johnson about 9 a.m.

He works as a landscaper but took college courses in criminal justice and has thought about becoming a federal marshal.

"I'm in the right. Because it's either me or them," he said while waiting for police to let his family back in their home. "... You got a right to protect yourself in Florida."

And while Johnson gave his mother a scare, when it was over, police agreed.

Labels: FL, home invasion, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 3:01 PM permalink

 
Memphis, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of July 11, 2007

One Robber Killed, Another Is In The Hospital

Two men, who tried to rob a patio party, found themselves looking down the end of the apartment owner’s gun barrel.

According to witnesses, two men walked up and asked if they were having a party. The men then left and returned with guns and tried to rob the party.

Witnesses say the apartment owner then got his gun and told the robbers to put down their guns. When the robbers didn’t, the apartment owner shot both robbers. One robber was shot in the head and killed; the other is in critical condition at the MED with a gun shot wound.

Police say they are still investigating the shooting and no charges have been filed.

From the Commercial Appeal of July 12, 2007

Party host who killed robber will not be prosecuted

The man who shot two robbers who showed up at his party – killing one of them – will not be prosecuted, police said Thursday.

The slain robber was identified as Terry Anthony, 22. A second would-be robber, who has not yet been identified, likely will face aggravated robbery charges once he is released from the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. He is in stable condition.

About 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Anthony and the second man approached several people at a party at 6530 Birchwood Lane in the Greenbrook Apartments off Macon in East Memphis.

Anthony pulled out a handgun and the two announced a robbery. The resident of the apartment was armed and shot both robbers, killing Anthony.

The two robbers crashed the party earlier, then left. When they returned, the resident of the apartment noticed at least one of them was wearing gloves, and got his pistol.

Thursday, the District Attorney General’s office said they will not seek charges against the shooter.

Labels: altercation, TN

posted by Dave at 9:33 AM permalink

 
Birnhamwood, Wisconsin

From the Appleton Post Crescent of July 8, 2007

Retired farmer kills wolf

A retired farmer took matters into his own hands Monday when he shot and killed a gray wolf after he lost a newborn calf to a pack of wolves.

George Metropulos, 71, killed the female gray wolf with a .22-caliber rifle after suspected members of her pack dragged away a just-born calf. He said he was planning to scare the wolf but hit her in the eye and killed her instantly.

Since the western Great Lakes gray wolf has been removed from the endangered species list, it is legal to shoot the animals if they are on private property and causing harm to livestock. Monday's incident was the second civilian shooting since the wolf's de-listing, but damage by gray wolves has increased, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

(More)

Labels: animal, WI

posted by Dave at 9:17 AM permalink

 
Charlotte, North Caronlina

From WNCN of July 11, 2007

Homeowner shoots alleged armed intruder

An alleged intruder is listed in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center after police say a homeowner shot him.

Police from the North Tryon Division responded to a call around 8:45 Tuesday night at a home in the 5800 block of Eastbrook Road in east Charlotte.

The homeowner told investigators an armed man, who he did not know, walked into his home.

He also said he and other residents of the house fought with the man and during the struggle the alleged intruder was shot.

Police have not released his identity, pending notification of his family.

The case now goes to the district attorney’s office which will determine whether the homeowner was justified in shooting the man.

Labels: home invasion, NC

posted by Dave at 5:49 AM permalink

 
Salem, Virginia

From Roanoke’s WSLS.com of July 10, 2007

Another Rabid Animal Confirmed in Our Area

The Virginia Department of Health confirmed a fox shot dead in Salem over the weekend had rabies.

Lewis Goode killed the aggressive fox after he said it picked a fight with his dog "Baylee."

"I heard [Baylee] fighting with something beside the house in the yard," Goode said.

He said the first round happened in the back yard.

He managed to get Baylee back inside but she escaped for round two in the front yard.

That's where Goode shot the fox.

It's the 14th confirmed case of rabies in the Roanoke Valley (Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem) this year, according to VDH local administrator Dick Tabb.

Statistics available on the health department's website show only five cases of rabies reported in Roanoke and Roanoke County in all of 2006.

Since Baylee was up to date on all of her shots, animal control quarantined her at home for 45 days.

She can go outside on a leash.

If Goode had not been able to provide proof of her shots, the health department would have recommended Baylee be either put down, or kept in strict isolation for six months.

Labels: animal, VA

posted by Pete at 6:25 PM permalink

 
Phoenix, Arizona

From Phoenix’ AZCentral.com of July 10, 2007

Resident faces intruders with rifle, cell phone

When Ahwatukee Ryan Altieri heard knocking at the door of his quiet townhouse Monday evening he thought it might be a salesman.

Turns out it wasn't anything nearly as innocent.

At about 6:45, two men kicked in the door at Altieri's townhouse on Piedmont Road, near Guadalupe and 48th Street. Instead of an empty home, however, the intruders came face to face with Altieri - holding a cellphone and a rifle.

"I was in the bathroom when I thought I heard a knock," Altieri said. "They knocked for about three minutes, I guess trying to make sure nobody was home, then they started kicking the door in. So I got my cellphone and went into my bedroom and loaded my rifle."

Altieri, 27, said he was on the phone with the 911 operator when two intruders burst through the door. The intruders walked in on Altieri kneeling with his rifle trained on them and the cellphone at his ear.

"They saw me and started stuttering," Altieri said. "I said, 'One more step and you're done.'"

The men ran away, leaving their car behind. One suspect, a 17-year-old, was caught soon afterward. Police are still looking for the second intruder, a man believed to be in his 30s, according to Phoenix police Sgt. Leonard Pinuelas. Nothing was taken from the home.

Altieri said he has lived in the condo for about a year. He lives toward the rear of the complex, near Guadalupe Road and 48th Street, and described it as quiet.

He said he was surprised that anyone would try to break in at that time of day.

Altieri said that while he was glad he had his rifle to protect himself, he had hoped he didn't have to shoot the intruders.

"But you don't know what the hell is behind that door," he said.

Labels: AZ, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 6:06 PM permalink

 
Nampa, Idaho

From Boise’s 2News.tv of July 10, 2007

Man Shoots Burglar

Everyone wants to think their neighborhood is peaceful. That's what many thought about one Nampa street until early this morning.

Around 2:30 in the morning, shots rang out outside a home on Jerry Lee Lane.

The man accused of firing the shots lives there. Police say, he was the victim of two prior robberies over the weekend. The man waited up all night for the suspects to appear again, and when they did, he shot one of them in the legs with a pellet gun.

The case will be forwarded to the Canyon County Prosecutor's Office. No charges have been filed yet.

Labels: ID, street property theft

posted by Pete at 5:23 PM permalink

 
Cheektowaga, New York

From the Buffalo News of July 10, 2007

Liquor store co-owner foils robbery with gunshot

The co-owner of a Cheektowaga liquor store foiled a robbery over the weekend by firing a warning shot and detaining two of three suspects in the holdup try, Cheektowaga police said Monday.

A would-be bandit walked into Town Park Liquor, 2551 Harlem Road, shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday and handed the clerk a demand note, police said. Co-owner James Lesinski, who was alerted to the trouble at his store, went to the scene and fired the warning shot as the thief tried to enter a getaway vehicle, according to police.

One of the two women who had been in the vehicle fled, but she was stopped by a volunteer firefighter in the area, with the help of responding police officers.

Charged with first-degree robbery were Vincent Brock, 46, of Pearl Street, Buffalo; Yvonne Gilliam, 50, of Moselle Street, Buffalo; and Mona L. McEachin, 38, of Cloverdale Avenue, Buffalo. Brock and McEachin also face drug possession charges, according to police reports.

Labels: business robbery, NY

posted by Pete at 5:16 AM permalink

 
Charlotte, North Carolina

From Charlotte’s WSOCtv.com of July 10, 2007

Police: Teen Shot In Stomach Tried To Rob North Charlotte Man With Toy Gun

A toy gun landed a teenager in the hospital with critical injuries.

Police say he used it during a robbery on A Avenue off Beatties Ford Road, but in the end he was the one who got shot with a real gun.

Diane Brody found him lying in a field next to her north Charlotte house.

"I thought there was someone down there passed out. I told my son, ‘Let's go down there and see,’ and that's when we heard the boy had gotten shot," she said.

Detectives say it was around 7 p.m. Monday when two teenagers targeted a man and followed him to his home. A 15-year-old got out of the car with the toy gun and demanded money.

But police say the robbery victim had a different idea. He took out a pistol and shot the teen three times in the stomach. The other teenager sped off.

Just up the road Valerie Blount runs a daycare, and like her neighbors she can't believe this has happened.

"That's what the scary part was, having a daycare here and as quiet as it was and all of a sudden you hear shooting going on. That was the first thing that popped in my mind, the safety of my kids," she said.

Blount has also lived on A Avenue for 15 years and says nothing like this has ever happened before on her street.

"Basically I couldn't believe it. It's fairly calm and fairly quiet so it was a real shocker," she said.

Police said the teen is still in critical condition. They said they have the name of his accomplice but no arrest have been made.

Labels: NC, street robbery

posted by Pete at 5:02 AM permalink

 
Newbury Park, California

From the Ventura County Star of July 9, 2007

Burglary surprised by armed owner

A Newbury Park homeowner foiled a burglar's plans early Monday morning when he greeted him with a gun, authorities said.

The confrontation occurred about 1 a.m. when the burglar stole a garage door opener from a car on the 200 block of Deerwalk Place and used it to get into a home's garage, said Capt. Ross Bonfiglio of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

When the burglar walked into the carport, the homeowner was waiting for him with a firearm, Bonfiglio said.

The homeowner chased the burglar down the street and called police after the suspect escaped by climbing over a fence.

After searching the area, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Enrique Guzman Juarez, 20, of Newbury Park, Bonfiglio said.

Juarez was booked into Ventura County Jail, where he was being held this morning in lieu of $70,000 bail.

He is facing charges of vehicle burglary and residential burglary in connection with today's incident, as well as a previous charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 12:19 PM permalink

 
Kansas City, Missouri

From KCTV of July 9, 2007

Two People Hurt In Home Invasion

Two people were taken to the hospital after a violent home invasion in Kansas City.

An intruder broke into a house near East 18th Street and Belleview Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.

The home invader stabbed someone in the house, according to authorities, and the victim then grabbed a gun and shot the intruder.

Both were taken to the hospital, one with critical injuries.

None of the names of those involved have been released.

From KMBC of July 9, 2007

1 Stabbed, 2 Shot During Confrontation At KC Home

One man was stabbed and two men were shot during a confrontation at a home near Belleview Avenue and Holly Street Sunday night.

The homeowner told KMBC's Brenda Washington that it was connected to her son's relationship with his girlfriend.

Police said two men came to the duplex looking for a 20-year-old man, forced their way in and stabbed him.

Investigators said the man fought back and shot the two men.

The mother of the 20-year-old said that she believes the men may be family members of her son's girlfriend.

Police are still investigating.

Labels: assault, domestic dispute, home invasion, MO

posted by Dave at 11:38 AM permalink

 
Houston, Texas

From the ABC13.com of July 9, 2007

Houston lawmaker shoots suspected intruder

A state representative here in Houston shot a suspected burglar Sunday night, claiming his life was threatened.

Rep. Boris Miles was working on a leak at his house on Scott and South MacGregor around 7:30pm Sunday when he heard a noise. Miles says that previously, he had heard noises or people around the house while he was doing work there. Because of that, he had his gun with him.

"He came out and approached the two suspects, confronted them," said HPD Officer Joanna Abad. "At that time, one of the suspects threw a knife at him. Mr. Miles pulled out his weapon and shot at him once."

Miles says the two men were either pulling piping or cutting wires at the house, which is why he confronted him.

One of the suspects was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital. The other intruder got away.

At this point, no charges have been filed in the case. Miles represents District 146.

From the Brownsville Herald of July 9, 2007

Texas lawmaker shoots would-be thief, police say

A state lawmaker who opposed a bill giving Texans stronger right to defend themselves with deadly force pulled a gun and shot a man he says was trying to steal copper wiring from a construction site, police said Monday.

Rep. Borris Miles told police he was fixing a leak on the second floor of the Houston house he's building Sunday night when he heard a noise downstairs and saw two men trying to steal the copper. After Miles confronted the pair, one of the men threw a pocketknife at him, Houston Police spokesman Victor Senties.

Miles, a former law enforcement officer, shot the man in the left leg, police said. The wounded suspect was being treated at a Houston hospital. Police were trying to identify the other suspect.

Charges of aggravated robbery are pending against the wounded suspect, Senties said.

Police said Miles, who is in his freshman term, is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. No charges have been filed against Miles, Senties said.

Miles, a Democrat, voted against a bill that gives Texans stronger legal right to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes, vehicles, and workplaces.

The so-called "castle doctrine," passed by the Legislature this year, states that a person has no duty to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force. The law goes into effect Sept. 1.

Self-defense for me, but not for thee.

Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, residence burglary, TX

posted by Pete at 6:29 AM permalink

 
North Las Vegas, Nevada

From Las Vegas’ KTNV.com of July 8, 2007

North Las Vegas Store Clerk Shoots & Kills Suspected Robber

North Las Vegas police say a suspected robber has been shot and killed. It happened around 5 AM.

Police say the armed man tried to rob the Korner Store II on Camino Al Norte and Lone Mountain.

The suspect allegedly produced a firearm and threatened the clerk. The store clerk shot him.

The suspect was taken to UMC, but later died.

At this point it does not appear that the clerk will face any charges in this incident.

The deceased suspect has not yet been identified. This incident is still under investigation.

(Second Article)

Labels: business robbery, NV

posted by Pete at 5:07 PM permalink

 
San Antonio, Texas

From MySan Antonio.com of July 7, 2007

Icehouse owner fatally shoots burglar

Jesse Elizondo had only meant to scare the intruder away.

He had spent the night lying in wait at his business, an icehouse just north of downtown, determined not to let another burglar on his property after a string of break-ins this year that cost him thousands of dollars and put his nerves on edge constantly.

He had been asleep well before dawn Saturday when he awoke to the sound of rustling outside the icehouse, followed by a loud bang. Then he saw a hand coming through a window.

Fearing for his life, Elizondo popped off one quick shot from his Beretta semiautomatic in the direction of the intruder's hand.

Then he heard a man moan.

"I knew I'd hit him," said Elizondo, hours after the man, identified as 24-year-old Michael Adam Eden, died from a gunshot wound to the chest in the icehouse parking lot.

Elizondo later learned the bang he heard was from a rock Eden had thrown through the front window.

"I was scared," said Elizondo, who estimates burglars have broken into his business close to 20 times in less than a dozen years. "It could have been me laying there on the floor."

"It's still sinking in what happened," he said Saturday, staring off, his eyes wet and red. "I took a man's life."

The 4 a.m. incident at T.J.'s Drive-Thru Ice House, at Culebra Road and Colorado, followed four burglaries earlier this year at the location, a patio with blue picnic tables and signs that advertise beer, soda, ice and cigarettes.

Before Saturday, the most recent break-in was June 17, when someone swiped batteries and cigarettes and money from the jukebox, a police report said.

Police found Eden's body, his ankle still in a cast from a recent fracture, several feet from the front door of the icehouse.

Elizondo said that next to the door he spotted a wheelchair that one of Eden's relatives said the victim had been using to help him get around.

Police had not connected Eden to any other break-ins at the property, said San Antonio Police Department spokesman Joe Rios.

No charges had been filed against Elizondo.

Eden's cousin Victor Sanchez expressed outrage when he learned no arrests had been made in his relative's killing.

"He was in a wheelchair," Sanchez said. "How could he rob somebody?

"I know he (Elizondo) was trying to defend his place, but that's taking someone's life."

Texas law allows homeowners and business owners to use force to defend their lives or property. A recent bill signed by Gov. Rick Perry will expand those protections so victims no longer have to retreat before they can fire on intruders or attackers.

The new law, which will go into effect Sept. 1, will also protect property owners from civil lawsuits by the perpetrators or their families.

Elizondo said he plans to continue carrying his weapon. He hopes business will stay healthy and that the icehouse will maintain its reputation as a relaxed and quiet spot for families.

Though he maintained his right to defend himself, he wished he never would have had to make the choice at all.

"I wish I hadn't been here last night," he said.

Labels: business burglary, TX

posted by Pete at 6:57 AM permalink

 
Louisville, Kentucky

From July 6, 2007 WLKY channel 32:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Police are calling the causes of death for two people found dead together in an apartment at the 1000 block of Muhammad Ali Boulevard a double homicide.

Metro police said a mother, Bonnie Porter, 45, and her son, Leon Porter, 28, were found dead in the apartment Thursday. Investigators said the son fired several rounds at the mother and, while defending herself, she shot him in the head, resulting in both their deaths.

Family members said Leon was being treated for mental illness.

Labels: defender killed, domestic dispute, KY

posted by Clayton at 9:43 PM permalink

 
Idaho Falls, Idaho

From Idaho Falls’ Idaho8.com of July 6, 2007

Stranger Found Lying On Child's Floor

Imagine checking on your 5-year-old daughter in the night and finding a complete stranger sprawled out on the floor next to her.

That's exactly what happened to an Idaho Falls family Thursday night.

"Went in kids bathroom and his hat and his shorts were on the floor and I thought that's weird and so I ran to my husband and I said Brock there's someone in the house," said Shannon Hayward.

A stranger was out cold on the floor, sleeping next to Hayward's 5-year-old step daughter.

"I froze, you know, you don't know what you'll do in that situation until it happens, I kept asking my husband, what do I do?

The man is identified by police as 21-year-old Daniel Stanton of Idaho Falls.

"Really shaggy, brown hair, about to his chin, piercing all over his face, about 6 foot tall," said Hayward.

While Shannon spoke with 911 dispatchers, her husband grabbed a rifle and ordered Stanton out of the room at gun point.

"He kept saying I don't know where I am, my husband kept saying what are you doing in my house? He was out of it, really out of it," she said.

The police report says Stanton's blood alcohol was nearly twice the limit at 8 in the morning. The Hayward's think he was partying at a house nearby.

They say the experience was enough to triple check their locks every night before bed.

Daniel Stanton was cited for unlawful entry and released.

Labels: ID, intruder

posted by Pete at 6:17 PM permalink

 
Hialeah, Florida

From the Miami Herald of July 6, 2007

Clerk shoots hardware store robber

An armed hardware store heist in Hialeah was foiled Friday when a clerk pulled his own gun and shot the robber twice, police said.

Hialeah Police say 22-year-old Carlos Isaac was buying tools around 2:30 p.m. at the store on East 25th Street. When the clerk opened the cash register to give him change, Isaac pulled a handgun, started to pistol-whip the clerk and tried to take the money, said Hialeah police spokesman Frank Gonzalez.

The clerk, who Gonzalez said ''feared for his life,'' then shot Isaac twice.

Isaac was later found at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he had checked in with two gunshot wounds, police said. He was arrested and charged with armed robbery.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 5:25 PM permalink

 
Jackson, Wyoming

From the Casper Star-Tribune of July 6, 2007

Man gets clear in grizzly killing

Ken Meade agrees it's fair to say he's relieved he was not charged with killing an endangered species.

Federal officials recently determined the 65-year-old Lander man killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last fall.

The case marks what is perhaps the last time a federal agency will be involved with investigating a grizzly killing. The bears were removed from federal protection earlier this year, and control of the animals now rests with the state.

Meade said the one shot he fired to kill the 4-year-old, 350- to 400-pound male grizzly in October was "the luckiest shot of my life."

On Oct. 11, Meade was hunting elk on Togwotee Pass with his chocolate Lab, Clementine. He was camping in a camper, less than 50 yards from U.S. Highway 26/287, he said this week, two weeks after he received word his case had been ruled to be self-defense. He had declined to be interviewed last fall because of the ongoing investigation.

Labels: animal, WY

posted by Pete at 5:20 PM permalink

 
Park City, Kentucky

From the Bowling Green Daily News of July 5, 2007

Wounded shooter may be charged

A Park City man may face charges after police said he shot into a home Wednesday - if he survives several gunshot wounds suffered when the person inside the home returned fire.

Kentucky State Police were called to 96 Tisdale St. after shots were fired and found Terry Conwell lying in the roadway, said Trooper Todd Holder, spokesman for Kentucky State Police in Bowling Green.

Conwell, 33, of Park City arrived at the residence and began shooting at the house with an AK 47, Holder said. Conwell then broke into the house by shooting off the doorknob.

When inside, Conwell continued shooting and Matthew Pulley, 20, of Bowling Green returned fire striking Conwell several times, Holder said.

The shooting occurred at 6:45 p.m., according to a state police report.

Conwell was removed from the scene, initially taken to The Medical Center and then transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is in critical but stable condition, Holder said.

“Detective Forest Winchester will seek an indictment against Conwell with the Barren County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office based on his release from the hospital,” Holder said.

Conwell could face anticipated charges of attempted murder and first-degree burglary, according to state police.

There will be no charges filed against Pulley, Holder said. Monica Wilson, 19, and Joyce Davidson, 42, both of Park City, were inside the house as well when shots were fired.

Pulley, Wilson and Davidson were not injured, according to state police.

“There were some rumors this may have been because of an ongoing feud, but at this time those are just rumors,” said Barren County Sheriff Chris Eaton.

Conwell was attempting to get into the house because of an ongoing domestic situation, Holder said.

Labels: assault, domestic dispute, home invasion, KY

posted by Pete at 5:01 AM permalink

 
Little Rock, Arkansas

From Memphis’ WMCtv.com of July 5, 2007

Police: Suspect dead in home invasion, shot by victim

Little Rock police are investigating a home invasion in which 1 of the suspects was shot dead by 1 of the victims. Police say the incident began early this morning when someone banged on the apartment door of 27-year-old Julian Armstrong and demanded to see someone named "Steve."

Armstrong told the person he had the wrong apartment. A while later, the man returned with a second person. Armstrong told police the men kicked in his door and that he exchanged gunfire with the second suspect.

Police say Armstrong sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and that the suspect was shot dead. Police say Armstrong's injury isn't life-threatening. No name has been released for the dead suspect, and police said they have not been able to find the other assailant.

Police say the shooting at southwest Little Rock apartment occurred at 2:20 a.m.

Labels: AR, assault, defender shot, home invasion

posted by Pete at 10:07 AM permalink

 
Kingstown, North Carolina

From the Asheville Citizen-Times of July 5, 2007

5-year-old pins rabid fox during family cookout to protect brother; stepfather kills animal

A 5-year-old boy grabbed a rabid fox by the neck and pinned it to the ground during a family cookout, protecting six other children before his stepfather could kill the animal.

"I wanted to protect my little brother," said Rayshun McDowell, who battled the fox in the front yard of his home Sunday in Kingstown, a town about 50 miles west of Charlotte.

The fox bit Rayshun in the leg, but the 61-pound-boy held the animal down for more than a minute. Animal control officials said Tuesday that test results confirmed the fox had rabies, which is fatal unless treated before symptoms appear. Rayshun is undergoing treatment.

"I looked out the window and Rayshun had the fox by the neck and was pushing it into the ground," said his mother, Shinda Linder. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

Rayshun's stepfather, Ryan Thompson, pulled the boy off the animal and kicked it. A neighbor fired a handgun three times but the fox continued to advance.

Thompson, wearing a cast because of a broken leg, said he used a stick and his crutch to beat the fox to death.

Rayshun, meanwhile, asked only for a Band-Aid and didn't complain of any pain.

"Rayshun was really calm and wasn't upset," his mother said. "I couldn't believe he would do something like that. He was so brave, and I was a wreck."

Rabies attacks the nervous system and is transmitted through saliva. It often makes animals aggressive. A 6-year-old girl who was attacked by a fox the same day at her home nearby also is being treated.

Labels: animal, NC

posted by Pete at 8:08 AM permalink

 
Redford, Michigan

From the Livonia Observer & Eccentric of July 5, 2007

Fearing attack, man shoots, kills rottweiler

A Redford man shot and killed an 100-pound rottweiler as it ran toward a 10-year-old neighbor boy late Sunday afternoon.

The dog had been seen lose [sic] in the neighborhood, and the shooter told police he feared it was going to attack the boy, according to a Redford Township police report.

The man had walked the boy to his house because of the dog, and they were waiting for the boy's mother to open the side door when the dog ran, he said.

The incident occurred on Riverdale Street south of Plymouth Road.

The dog came from a house on Virgil Street, one block to the west.

Police said the shooter had a valid concealed weapons permit.

Police requested followup by the animal control department on possible dog ordinance violations by the dog's owner.

Labels: animal, concealed carry permit, MI

posted by Pete at 5:50 AM permalink

 
Hickory, North Carolina

From Charlotte's WSOC of July 4, 2007

79-Year-Old Man Shoots Intruder During Hickory Home Invasion

An elderly man feared for his life and shot a 23-year-old man who broke into his home Tuesday night in Hickory.

The 79-year-old man woke up to find that someone had broken into his home.

His quick thinking may have saved his life and his wife’s.

The man told his wife to go the neighbor’s house and be safe. Get out while she could.

The man then grabbed his handgun that he had in the house and waited for the intruder.

When the burglar walked into his bedroom, the elderly man shot him in the head.

The elderly man said it was a split second decision and one that he doesn’t regret.

Investigators said the man had a right to defend himself and his home.

The 23-year-old intruder is in the hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators said that he would be arrested as soon as he is discharged from the hospital.

From the Army Times of July 5, 2007

Ex-sharpshooter surprises would-be burglar

When an unexpected knock rattled the front door, 79-year-old Dwight Cook left his perch in front of the television to investigate. But no one was there.

Minutes later, he heard the sliding glass doors break, and Cook sent his wife to the neighbors’ house and grabbed his gun. The would-be robber who entered Cook’s home late Tuesday night wasn’t expecting to run into anyone — let alone a former Army sharpshooter.

Cook used his .22-caliber weapon to fire a warning shot into the ceiling, but the bullet ricocheted and part of it hit the intruder in the forehead, said Lt. Hank Guess with the Hickory Police Department.

“I wasn’t aiming for him. I’ve handled guns since I was 12,” Cook said. “If I wanted to hit him, I would have. If he’d moved, the next shot would have stopped him.”

Cook held the man at gunpoint until police arrived after he dialed 911.

The intruder, 23-year-old Derek Scott Frenceschini of Hickory, was arrested. He was hospitalized for the bullet fragment in his skull and a fractured hand he injured during the break-in, officials said.

Labels: home invasion, NC

posted by Dave at 3:23 PM permalink

 
Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of July 4, 2007

Man reportedly wounds suspected robber

One teen-ager is in custody Wednesday and two suspects are being sought in connection with a robbery at a supermarket where the husband of an employee waiting outside confronted the suspects and opened fire, according to reports.

The 17-year-old showed up at Huguley Memorial Medical Center in south Fort Worth where doctors called police as the teen was treated for gunshot wounds to his backside and foot , KRLD reported.

The robbery occurred at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when three suspects with yellow bandanas robbed customers and workers at an Albertsons at 3525 Sycamore School Road in south Fort Worth, police told NBC5. In the parking lot, a man who was waiting for his wife confronted the suspects and shot one of the fleeing suspects after one had pointed a gun at him, the station reported.

The man who fired the shots was licensed to carry a concealed handgun, police spokesman Lt. Dean Sullivan told KRLD.

From the Dallas Morning News of July 4, 2007

Man reportedly shot store robbery suspect

The husband of a Fort Worth grocery store employee may have shot and wounded one of three gunmen who tried to rob the store late Tuesday.

Police said the men, armed with semi-automatic weapons, burst into an Albertson's store in the 3500 block of Sycamore School Road around 11:30 p.m. and began demanding money from employees and shoppers.

As the robbery was under way, one store worker called her husband who was waiting in his car outside. That man, who had a concealed handgun permit, shot at least one of the robbers as they tried to flee, police said.

The wounded suspect was later dropped off at Huguley Memorial Medical Center in south Fort Worth. He was transferred to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was being treated in police custody Wednesday morning.

Fort Worth police are looking for the other two suspects in the robbery.

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of July 5, 2007

Face to face with robber, gun owner strikes first

It was a phone call he says he'll never forget -- his wife's voice on his cellphone pleading "there's nothing in my purse" to someone pointing a gun at her.

That's what a 56-year-old Fort Worth man, who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, said he heard before he shot an armed robber late Tuesday at a Fort Worth grocery store.

"I still can't believe it," the man said. "You tell yourself this will never happen. Then you run to the store in your house shoes and practically your pajamas ... and it happens."

The Star-Telegram is not identifying the man -- police are calling him a good Samaritan -- because he said he is afraid for his family's safety.

One suspect is recovering from gunshot wounds in the hospital, but at least two robbers remain at large, police said.

The man said he and his wife made a late stop at the store for yogurt and soda. He sat outside in the car while his wife went inside, and he soon noticed two men crouching suspiciously in the parking lot.

About 11:30 p.m., three men carrying semiautomatic weapons burst into an Albertsons at 3525 Sycamore School Road, in an "invasion-style manner," said Lt. Dean Sullivan, a police spokesman.

The robbers took purses and wallets from customers, he said.

Outside, the man said he watched the robbers go in and dialed 911.

He said he told the dispatcher that he was worried about his wife and was going inside.

"I was hoping she was still at the back of the store near the yogurt," he said. "But as I was walking up, she called my cellphone. I heard her talking about her purse and then I heard a loud banging sound."

He would later learn, he said, that the bang was his wife dropping her phone when a robber ripped the purse from her hands. At the time, he thought she might have been hurt, he said.

The man said he entered the store and saw a man pointing a gun at him, so he raised his hands in the air.

They both started to speak at the same time. Then, the man said, he sensed he was about to get shot.

"He has his finger on the trigger," he said.

So, he said, he drew his Beretta -- advertised as "The firearm that protects America" -- and fired first.

He couldn't tell whether he hit the robber, who fled out the door, he said. When the robber turned partly back toward him, he fired twice more. He saw the robber stumble.

Another man, apparently an accomplice, helped him escape through a field, he said. A third robber may have fled out another door.

Blood found on the ground led officers to believe that the robber had been shot, Sullivan said.

A short time later, Rayshaun Johnson was dropped off at Huguley Memorial Medical Center in south Fort Worth, police said.

He had suffered gunshot wounds to the buttocks and foot.

Johnson was under police guard at the hospital Wednesday, Sullivan said. He could face aggravated-robbery charges when he is released.

Officers found a gun that may have been used by one of the robbers while canvassing the area around the grocery store, he said. They also recovered customers' purses and wallets.

Detectives are looking into whether the same men were involved a robbery at a check-cashing business earlier Tuesday night, police said.

The man said he was questioned for about two hours after the shooting. Detectives told him that they didn't anticipate charges, he said.

On Wednesday afternoon, he said that he hadn't gotten any sleep since the shooting.

He said he got the concealed-weapon license in 1998 or 1999 because he traveled a lot.

"I didn't want to kill the guy," he said. "I'm glad he's going to live. But I didn't want to die either, so I defended myself."

From the Dallas Morning News of July 4, 2007

Police praise man who shot at robber

A Fort Worth man who only wanted to protect his wife stuck in an Albertsons store during a robbery is being hailed for his heroics by police.
…

Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, TX

posted by Pete at 6:19 AM permalink

 
Columbus, Georgia

From the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer of July 4, 2007

Motorist fights back in robbery

A Columbus motorist decided he wasn't going to take it after a robber took his wallet at gunpoint on Tennessee Drive Monday night, police said.

Jerrod Towers was stopped in his 1996 Lincoln Town Car at Tennessee Drive and Matilda Lane about 11 p.m. when a man pulled up in a white Chevy Caprice, stepped from the vehicle, put a handgun to Towers' head and demanded money.

Towers complied and put his wallet on the ground. The gunman demanded more. When Towers said he didn't have any more, the robber put one hand around Towers' neck.

The victim took that opportunity to drive away from his attacker, who quickly fired two rounds, police said.

Towers stopped his car, popped his trunk, pulled a shotgun out and fired a round at the robber who was at that time running back to his own vehicle, police said. The robber wasn't hit, and Towers escaped unharmed.

The case remains under investigation.

Labels: GA, street robbery

posted by Pete at 2:45 AM permalink

 
Kenner, Louisiana

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune of July 4, 2007

Kenner robbery victim gets gun, fights back

Police seek gunman, who could be injured

A Kenner pawnbroker fought back when an armed robber confronted him Tuesday, chasing the bandit out of the store on busy Williams Boulevard and firing gunshots at his getaway car.

The robber, possibly wounded, sped off on 33rd Street in a white Nissan or Ford Escort with a commercial license plate that includes the characters A260, police said.

The incident unfolded shortly after noon when a man entered Kenner Pawnshop in a strip mall at 3226 Williams Blvd. and threatened the owner with a large-caliber semiautomatic pistol, said Police Department spokesman James Gallagher. The robber forced the owner into the adjoining Massis Jewelers, where the two men began fighting.

"At one point the victim saw an opportunity and started struggling with him over the gun," Gallagher said.

The robber broke free, then ran to his car in a nearby parking lot of a vacant building, Gallagher said. The pawn shop owner followed with his own pistol, shooting the car's rear passenger window and the side-view mirror.

"He believes he might have hit the guy," Gallagher said.

Police did not release the shop owner's name, and the store was closed later in the afternoon.

Gallagher didn't know what valuables the robber took but said he was in search of jewelry.

Labels: business robbery, LA

posted by Pete at 2:31 AM permalink

 
Tampa, Florida

From TampaBays10.com of July 3, 2007

Store owner takes law into his own hands

It was like something out of the Wild West for Deborah Beal as she watched the owner of this Kwik Stop food store chasing an armed robber up her street.

Deborah Beal, Witnessed Shooting

“I was talking to my dad on the phone and I was like that's not fireworks, he's shooting him. I was thinking this is crazy. ”

Police say the two robbers had force the store owner at gunpoint to the ground and were on their way out after stealing money and ripping off the stores surveillance system, but apparently the owner didn't plan on going down without a fight.

Andrea Davis, Tampa Police

“The store clerk got up, grabbed his gun, came out of the store, and yelled at them to stop. One of the males turned around pointed the gun at the store clerk and said, 'I will shoot you.' At that point, the store clerk did shoot the bad guy. ”

Bullets and evidence markers litter the area, as police try to piece it all together. They recovered two guns. The owner managed to wrestle the robbers [sic] away and hold him for police. 18-year-resident, Victoria Schmidt, couldn't believe what she was watching.

Victoria Schmidt, Witnessed Shooting

“The man who shot the other man forced him at gunpoint to get back over into the property over there and then man who was shot was screaming for an ambulance. ”

Beal says the store has had many problems. This time the owner sent a strong message, one she is applauding

Deborah Beal, Witnessed Shooting

"I'm glad they got him. I'm really glad because the store has been hit, they've had a pick up truck driven through the front door, they had people come through the roof, and they've ad all the phone and electric lines cut, not long ago actually. I'm glad they finally got somebody. ”

Police say it looks like this was a case of self defense and it doesn't immediately look like Saed will face charges. Investigators are looking for the second robber who fled in a maroon Ford Taurus.

From the St. Petersburg Times of July 4, 2007

Merchant shoots robbery suspect

The store owner holds the man at gunpoint until the police arrive.

A shop owner who had just been robbed chased two men down a South Tampa street Tuesday, shooting one and holding him at gunpoint until police arrived.

Police are still investigating the shooting, which injured Clifford Darden, 48, one of the men accused in the robbery.

"They were robbing him, " police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said of the shop owner's actions. "He did fear for his life."

Just before 2 p.m., two men walked into a Kwik Stop Food Store at West Shore Boulevard and Ohio Avenue.

One ordered a sandwich, then he walked behind the counter and pulled out a gun.

The robber demanded money from the shop owner, who opened two cash registers. The second robber joined the first, and both men grabbed cash, said Davis. The men also took lottery tickets and snatched surveillance equipment.

They ran outside, heading east on Ohio Avenue. The shop owner chased them, gun in hand, Davis said. One, described as a black man about 200 pounds, 5 foot 9 to 5 foot 10 inches tall, wearing a red shirt, jacket and ball cap, got into a maroon Ford Taurus with tinted windows and disappeared.

The shop owner, whose name was not released, shot at the second man. Neighbors heard between four and six shots. Police said Darden had bullet wounds in his arm and abdomen.

The shop owner told police that as he ran after the robber, the man paused, turned toward him and pointed a gun. The shop owner shot him, then tried to get the robber's gun. The two wrestled on the grass between two parked cars, and the shop owner got the gun and told the robber not to move until police arrived.

Once investigators arrived, Darden was taken to Tampa General Hospital. His condition was unavailable. He will be booked into the Hillsborough County jail once he is treated, Davis said.

Darden is a mason with a Miami address, state records show. He has been arrested eight times in Florida, beginning in 1986, when he was convicted of marijuana smuggling in Miami, records show. In 1994, he was convicted of robbery with a firearm in Marion County.

His most recent arrest was in 1994 for violating probation.

Tuesday afternoon, Fuad Salem, 27, watched police examine the scene. He said his cousin was the shop owner.

"He was by himself in the store, " Salem said. "They had the gun right against his head."

Victoria Schmidt, 51, who lives across the street from the shop, heard the shots and thought it was a car backfiring. She looked out her front window and watched the shop owner and Darden struggle on the ground.

"I've never seen anyone being shot before, " she said. "He could barely walk."

She saw blood running down Darden's leg and heard him yell, "Get me an ambulance!"

Schmidt said she often sees suspicious behavior in the area, and has found baggies of drugs on her front lawn.

Police records show seven calls for service to the shop since October 2004, including two burglaries and a shooting into an occupied building.

Deborah Beal, 52, watched it all unfold. A self-proclaimed "nosy neighbor, " she has a police scanner and watches Ohio Avenue from her front window.

She said she saw a green Lexus drive by slowly out front, then saw three men running down the street.

Then, she said, she saw the shop owner shoot the man.

"He was shooting him as he was running after him, " she said.

So is a shop owner allowed to chase down and harm a robber?

It's a subject that lawyer John Fitzgibbons knows much about.

He represented Lawrence Storer, a Thai restaurant owner accused of hitting and killing Shantavious Wilson, 24, with his Ford Explorer after Wilson robbed him at gunpoint at his downtown Tampa restaurant.

Fitzgibbons said it's a tricky area of law, and much depends on the facts of a case, but communities are often sympathetic to store owners protecting themselves from robbers. Quick, emotional decisions can also be a reason for the action to be considered justifiable.

"When you cause the death or the injury in the heat of passion, that can be a defense, " he said.

Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, FL

posted by Pete at 5:49 PM permalink

 
Jacksonville, Florida

From Jacksonville.com of July 3, 2007

Clerk fights back against robbers

A clerk at a Jacksonville service station shot a robber Tuesday morning, but couldn't stop the robbery, police said.

Two men came into the Broward BP at 1188 Broward Road about 10:30 a.m. While one pointed a gun, the other jumped the counter and began struggling with the clerk, said Sgt. Bill Vanaman of Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The clerk had his own gun and shot the man struggling with him, but then he was then disarmed, Vanaman said. The robbers then took the store's money and left in an off-white four-door Saturn, police said.

Labels: business robbery, FL

posted by Pete at 11:27 AM permalink

 
Louisville, Kentucky

From the Louisville Courier-Journal of July 3, 2007

Murder charge dropped in shooting of 15-year-old

A murder charge against 19-year-old Troy L. Cole has been dropped after police determined that he was likely acting in self-defense.

Cole was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Jordan Adams, who was shot just after midnight Sunday in the 4500 block of Beechbrook Road in Newburg.

Lt. Barry Wilkerson said this afternoon that after interviewing Cole and witnesses, police believe Cole was being robbed by Adams and another 15-year-old when an altercation broke out and Adams showed a gun.

That prompted Cole to shoot in self defense, Wilkerson said.

The other 15-year-old, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, has been charged with robbery, Wilkerson said.

Cole is still charged with tampering with physical evidence, but his bond was reduced after the murder charge was dropped, Wilkerson said.

Adams was a runaway who dropped out of Seneca High School, according to Christopher 2X, a spokesman for his family.

Wilkerson said the commonwealth’s attorney’s office will review the case to determine whether any other charges will be filed in the case.

From the Louisville Courier-Journal of September 29, 2007

Robbery suspect accused of murder

Teen did not fire shots killing friend

When two 15-year-olds went to a Norfolk area home around midnight July 2 to rob 19-year-old Troy Cole, Cole fought back, shooting and killing one of them, Jordan Adams, who also had a gun, according to police.

But Cole isn't the person facing a murder charge in Adams' death. Dante Pardue is, Adams' friend and accomplice in the robbery.

Prosecutors acknowledge that Pardue not only didn't fire a shot, he wasn't even carrying a weapon. But he set the events in motion, recruiting Adams to commit the crime, Jefferson County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Khalid Kahloon said.

"But for Pardue soliciting this guy and giving him the idea, he (Adams) would not be dead," Kahloon said.

Cole, 19, was initially charged with murder after fleeing the scene and hiding his gun, but the charge was dropped when police determined he was acting in self-defense during a home invasion.

Kahloon acknowledges the case against Pardue is a legal rarity -- his office has not found a similar one in Kentucky -- but he believes the murder charges are appropriate under state law.

"If you engage in a dangerous felony and as a result someone is killed, you will be responsible for that person's death," he said.

But the Jefferson County public defender's office, which is representing Pardue, said the murder charge is not only unheard of, it's unfair.

"Everyone around here believes it's unprecedented," said Emily Farrar-Crockett, deputy division chief of the public defender's juvenile division. "It really makes no sense."

Farrar-Crockett said Pardue, who is also charged with robbery and burglary, didn't have a weapon, didn't struggle with Cole, played no part in Cole's decision to shoot Adams and had no idea Adams would die.

"There's no crime for the person who killed the individual. How can there be a crime for a bystander?" Farrar-Crockett asked.

"To say that an unarmed child is responsible for that, I think it's a real stretch."

Mother opposes charge

Pardue's mother, Rhonda Pardue, also said the murder charge is not appropriate, especially given her son's age, his cooperation with police and the fact that he didn't shoot anybody -- or, she says, mean any harm to Adams, his best friend.

"I'm not saying he's innocent of everything, but he should not be charged with murder. … He ran before anything happened," she said, adding that the charge will be on his record forever. "If he's found guilty or not, this is going to ruin his life."

(More)

Labels: KY, street robbery

posted by Pete at 11:17 AM permalink

 
Fairbanks, Alaska

From the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner of July 3, 2007

Two grizzlies shot on Chena Hot Springs Road

Two sibling grizzly bears were killed Sunday night within a half mile of each other on Chena Hot Springs Road, one by a state wildlife biologist responding to a report of two brazen bears in a woman’s yard, and the other by a homeowner who shot it after the bear tore a window out and ripped siding off his home.

The two shootings bring the number of nuisance grizzly bears killed in and around Fairbanks this season to eight, not counting another grizzly that was found dead from a gunshot wound, a case that state wildlife troopers are investigating.

The two bears were killed in the yards of residences at 19.5 Mile and 20 Mile on Chena Hot Springs Road, about 20 miles east of Fairbanks.

(More)

Labels: AK, animal

posted by Pete at 6:36 AM permalink

 
Jay, Oklahoma

From the Joplin (MO) Globe of July 3, 2007

Authorities: Teen, fatally shot in home burglary, identified

Authorities on Monday identified a Delaware County teenager who they said was fatally shot after he allegedly broke into a home early Sunday in Colcord.

Sheriff Jay Blackfox identified the victim as David Gudde, 17, of Colcord. He was pronounced dead at the scene about 4 a.m. Sunday.

Jack Doughty, 62, of Colcord, told investigators that Gudde and another man, who has not been identified, were in his house and were opening a door to a room when he shot in the direction of the door with a revolver, said Jessica Brown, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman.

Doughty said he was trying to scare them, Brown said.

The pair ran out the door, and Doughty followed behind, firing two shots in the air to alert neighbors that there were problems, Brown said.

Brown said Doughty also sold fireworks from his home.

When authorities arrived, they found Gudde on the ground, Brown said.

The shooting remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed, she said.

From the Miami News-Record of November 2, 2007

Man cleared in shooting

Oklahoma's “Make My Day” law was the deciding factor in the fate of a Colcord man who fatally shot a 17-year-old this summer, according to District Attorney Eddie Wyant.

Jack Doughty, 62, stood accused of shooting David Gudde in the early morning hours of July 1.

According to police reports, Doughty operated a fireworks stand out of his Delaware County home in June and early July. Doughty told authorities that he was awakened around 4 a.m. on July 1, by what he believed to be intruders.

Gudde and 18-year-old Lance Stick were reportedly in Doughty's home and were opening an inside door when Doughty fired a shot in the direction of the door with a .22 caliber rifle.

Doughty told investigators that he chased the intruders as they ran outside, firing two more shots to “alert neighbors”.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Gudde lying on the ground outside Doughty's home.

An Oklahoma law passed in 1988, protects residents from being prosecuted for using deadly force against suspected threats to themselves in their homes and on their properties.

After investigating the incident, Wyant said he will not file charges against Doughty because is actions were in accordance to the “Make My Day” law.

“With the number of residential burglaries, I am really surprised more people don't get shot for breaking into people's houses with this law on the book,” Wyant said. “I hope people realize the risk they put themselves into when they unlawfully enter someone's house.”

Stick was charged July 30, with first-degree burglary and is currently in Delaware County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

Last year, legislators passed a law in accordance with the “Make My Day” law. The “Stand My Ground” law protects people from prosecution if they use deadly force in other locations, such as their vehicle, when they reasonably feel their life is in danger.

Labels: minor offender, OK, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 6:09 AM permalink

 
Hobart, Indiana

From the Merrillville Post-Tribune of July 3, 2007

Hobart man arrested after he's shot

A shooting last week led to an arrest Monday -- the person who was shot.

Lawrence Halt, 43, took two shots to the chest and hand in from a handgun fired by Michael Peco, 39.

Peco shot Halt in his own home, apparently acting in self-defense, said Lt. Leo Finnerty of the Hobart Police. The Lake County Prosecutor's office is not filing charges against Peco.

Instead, Halt was charged with four felony counts Friday for trespassing, strangulation and two counts of criminal confinement.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. June 26, Halt walked from his home in the 100 block of North Guyer Street and approached Peco, sitting on his porch on the 100 block of North Wilson Street.

Halt told Peco he wanted to work on his air conditioning unit, but Peco refused, according to court documents. Eventually, Halt made threatening comments against Peco and placed him in a chokehold.

Peco struggled loose and went inside. Halt entered Peco's home without permission. Peco retrieved his .25-caliber handgun from the bedroom moments before Halt grabbed him again, placing him in another chokehold, court documents state.

During the struggle, Peco shook loose and fired his gun at Halt. Peco then called 911.

Halt was found by police in the street, standing in a small pool of blood. He told officers that Peco came outside to shoot him. Police found a trail of blood leading from Peco's home.

Paramedics transported Halt to the St. Mary Medical Center, where tests showed his blood alcohol content level to be 0.28 percent. Halt was discharged two days later.

Nearly two hours before the shooting, Halt confronted another neighbor, Anne Allendorf, 46, in an alley between Guyer and Wilson streets, according to court documents.

Halt told Allendorf he wanted to shake her hand, and then grabbed her arm, pulled her closely and refused to let go. Allendorf broke loose and ran to her mother's house on Wilson Street, across from Peco's home. Allendorf and her son told police that they saw Halt choking Peco on his porch before the shots were fired.

Labels: assault, home invasion, IN

posted by Pete at 5:31 AM permalink

 
Phoenix, Arizona

From Phoenix’ KPHO.com of July 2, 2007

Armed Robbery Escalates Into 2 Gun Battles

2 Robbers Wounded

What began as an armed robbery at a South Phoenix jewelry store escalated into two gun battles on Monday, leaving two of the three robbers wounded, police said.

The first gun battle erupted outside Luxor Jewelers between the robbers -- a woman and two men -- and store employees, police said.

The two men jumped a block wall, officers said.

Two jewelry employees chased them on foot, where a second gun battle broke out near the parking lot of a K-Mart store at 331 E. Baseline Road.

Both men were hit by bullets, detectives said. One of them suffered life-threatening injuries, according to officers.

The second robber was driven to a hospital by the woman, police said. Officers said they caught up with them there.

One of the jewelry store employees was grazed by bullet and treated at the scene, police said.

Labels: AZ, business robbery

posted by Pete at 5:18 PM permalink

 
London, Kentucky

From Lexington's WKYT of July 2, 2007

Man Shoots and Kills Son-In-Law

Police say a homeowner shot and killed a man, suspected of trying to break into his home.

It happened in a trailer on Sinking Creek Road late Sunday night, just off west Highway 80.

Kentucky State Police tell 27 NEWSFIRST 46-year-old Jesse Justice reportedly tried to enter the home, and that he was armed with a Machete.

When police arrived, they found Justice dead at the scene, shot and killed by the homeowner, Paul Whitworth, the suspects father-in-law.

Police say that an active Domestic Violence Disorder was in effect at the time against Justice, taken out by his wife, Edna Whitworth, and her parents.

No charges have been filed in the case.

The incident remains under investigation by the Laurel County Major Crimes Task Force.

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, KY

posted by Dave at 11:08 AM permalink

 
Hagerstown, Maryland

From the Hagerstown Herald-Mail of July 2, 2007

Inturder shot, killed in apartment

A 32-year-old Hagerstown man is dead and a 21-year-old man faces 18 charges after an apparent attempted robbery early Sunday at Youngstoun Court turned violent, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's deputies were called to an apartment on Youngstoun Court shortly after 3:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of a shooting, according to a news release. Deputies found James Michael Conely, of 329 Central Ave., dead in a bedroom, allegedly shot and stabbed by one of the apartment's residents during a struggle.

Michael John Watkins, of 42 East Ave., has been charged with first-, third- and fourth-degree burglary; first-, third- and fourth-degree conspiracy to commit burglary; and two counts each of attempted armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted theft and conspiracy to commit theft.

According to charging documents, the apartment's occupants - Carri Humphrey, 22, and Michelle Reeder, 24 - were preparing for bed at about 3 a.m. Sunday when someone knocked at their door. Humphrey said she looked through the peephole and saw a man who looked like another resident of their building.

She opened the door, and Conely, carrying a rifle and covering his face with a red bandanna, rushed in to the apartment, documents state. Humphrey said she screamed to Reeder to get her handgun. Conely then pushed Humphrey into a closet door, hit her in the face and head with his fist, and pointed his gun at her, documents state.

Reeder retrieved a handgun she owned, ran into the living room and saw Conely holding his gun to Humphrey's head, documents state. Reeder said she took cover behind a couch and attempted to fire a warning shot, but her gun's safety was still on. As she turned it off, Conely pointed his gun at her and said he was going to kill her, documents state.

Reeder said she fired several shots at him, but couldn't tell whether she hit him because he was still coming toward her. Police said Conely suffered a gunshot wound to the upper torso.

Reeder said Conely struck her on the head with his gun, and she briefly blacked out. Then, she said, he chased her into her bedroom, where they struggled, documents state.

Humphrey said she locked herself in the bathroom to call 911, and, hearing the fighting in the bedroom, ran to that room. Reeder told her to "get me my knife," she said, so Humphrey got the knife and gave it to her roommate. Reeder stabbed Conely in the back, and the women fled to a neighbor's residence, documents state.

A deputy responding to the call spotted a man on Mount Aetna Road who matched the description of the one who allegedly knocked on the women's door. He took the man into custody.

Watkins told police that he had been at Conely's residence Saturday night, and that Conely had said he knew of an apartment where they could find drugs and money, documents state. Watkins said the men then planned a robbery, and Conely directed Watkins to the women's apartment. Watkins said he didn't know Conely had a gun, according to the charging documents.

The women were treated at Washington County Hospital and released, a hospital spokeswoman said Sunday.

Labels: home invasion, MD, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 6:03 AM permalink

 
Dallas, Texas

From the Dallas Morning News of July 1, 2007

Senior: Man I shot robbed me

An elderly man shot a 31-year-old man who he said had robbed him at gunpoint late Friday night in northeast Dallas.

Charlie Andrew Myers III of Dallas was recovering Saturday from gunshot wounds in the throat and shoulder at Baylor University Medical Center.

Amor Kerboua, 79, was driving into the parking lot of his apartment in the 6400 block of Melody Lane, near Northwest Highway and Skillman Street, when a man police identified as Mr. Myers approached him, according to a police report. Mr. Myers put a handgun in Mr. Kerboua's face and demanded money, police said.

Thinking it was a joke, Mr. Kerboua pushed the gun away, but Mr. Myers pointed it at his face again. Mr. Kerboua opened his back door and handed Mr. Myers a cup containing $242.50. Mr. Myers then pointed the gun at Mr. Kerboua's stomach and told him, "I'm going to shoot you, [expletive]," according to the police report.

Mr. Kerboua then drew a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun from his front pocket and shot Mr. Myers in the throat. Mr. Myers fell to the ground but kept his handgun pointed at Mr. Kerboua, who then fired two more times into Mr. Myers' shoulder, police said.

Investigators released Mr. Kerboua, who has a concealed handgun permit, after concluding that he had shot in self-defense. Reached Saturday, Mr. Kerboua declined to comment.

Mr. Myers was expected to face charges after his release from intensive care.

Labels: concealed carry permit, street robbery, TX

posted by Pete at 5:37 AM permalink