Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

Florida: Business Owner Shoots At Suspects After Walking In On Robbery

2008-05-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Orange County, Florida

From WFTV of May 14, 2008

Business Owner Shoots At Suspects After Walking In On Robbery

Orange County deputies are searching for one of two armed suspects who got into a shootout with a man when he caught them burglarizing his business and it happened next to a daycare full of children.

The shootout happened at the All Family Chiropractic Center in Pine Hills (see map) and, with bullets flying into a busy street, investigators said it's amazing no one was hit. The suspects never got to fill their U-Haul with any loot. They ditched it a short distance from the office where witnesses heard the owner exchange gunfire with two men who broke into his business.

"I didn't know what was going on. I thought it was firecrackers early in the morning, but it was not," said witness Parker McPhee.

Orange markers in Pine Hills Road marked some of the bullets made it into the street Wednesday morning. Investigators said the owner was checking out a burglar alarm at his office when he caught two men in the act.

"When they see him, they are armed, and they open fire on him. He also was armed and he returns fire on them," said Jeff Williamson, Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies caught one of the men soon after they parked the U-Haul between two houses.

The shootout happened next to the Tiny Praying Hands daycare, where more than 20 kids were already inside. Still, the owner defended her neighbor's decision to shoot back at the burglars.

"I hope they catch the guys who did this. You have a right to protect your business. We get up every morning, work hard and it's not right that people come in and take what we have," Renee Harris said.

Deputies have not identified any of the suspects. Deputies caught one of them, but they're searching for a second man who ran off on foot.

Oregon: Brookings man draws gun in self-defense

2008-05-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Gold Beach, Oregon

From the Curry County Reporter of May 14, 2008

Brookings man draws gun in self-defense

The Brookings Police Department hasn't gotten much sleep in the past 24 hours, as a Brookings man drew a gun on multiple individuals on Monday. In a series of recent incidents, Brookings Police Officers have arrested twelve individuals in multiple cases.

On 05-12-08 at about 7:25 p.m., Officers were dispatched to McDonald's restaurant, 815 Chetco Avenue in Brookings, Oregon for a report of a fight between multiple subjects. While in-route to the call, officers were notified one of the individuals involved in the fight was waving a gun.

Police officers arrived on the scene less than one minute later and found Kerry Von Pohle (9/18/1948) pointing a revolver towards Kevin Eber (10/7/1989) and Jacob Shelton (9/5/1988). Officers drew their firearms and commanded Von Pohle to put his weapon down. Von Pohle complied with these commands. An investigation revealed Von Pohle had drawn his gun in self-defense.

Kevin Eber had thrown a partially full beer can, striking Von Pohle's car. Von Pohle asked Eber why and Eber became violent, telling Von Pohle he was going to kill him. During that exchange, Shelton attacked Von Pohle, striking him with closed fists and slamming his head into a parked car.

Von Pohle attempted to fend off the attack but realized Eber was closing in on him as well. Von Pohle drew his concealed 9mm revolver (for which he had a weapon permit) and pointed it at both subjects telling them if they came any closer he would shoot. The suspects stopped their advance. Von Pohle also had called 911 to notify police.

Eber was arrested within minutes and lodged; Shelton had left the scene and was later arrested. Eber was charged with Menacing, and Disorderly Conduct, and Shelton was charged with Assault and Menacing. Both were lodged in the Curry County Jail. Von Pohle was not charged with a crime.

Arizona: Store Owner Shoots Robber With Robber's Gun

2008-05-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of May 13, 2008

Store Owner Shoots Robber With Robber's Gun

A store owner wrestled a gun away from an armed robber and shot the man three times Monday, Phoenix police said.

The would-be robber entered Soccer City shortly before 6 p.m., pointed a gun at owner Lionel Sanchez and demanded money, according to police.

Sanchez told police the robber was talking to someone on the phone and indicated he planned to shoot.

When the robber momentarily let his guard down, police said, Sanchez lunged for the gun and wrestled it away, then shot the intruder.

The robber was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police did not release his identity, but said he would be jailed upon his release from the hospital.

Sanchez will not face charges.

"Right now, initially, it looks like it's a case of self-defense," said Sgt. Phil Roberts.

When asked why he was bold enough to go after the gun, Sanchez revealed he has studied karate for the past five years.

Nevada: New Details in Deadly Home Burglary

2008-05-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, Nevada

From Las Vegas Now of May 9, 2008

New Details in Deadly Home Burglary

Police are investigating a shooting at a Las Vegas home that left two people dead Thursday night. Police say a man told them that he and his wife came home and were met by a burglar in their house. According to officers, the burglar shot and killed the woman and the husband then shot and killed the burglar.

Some neighbors were crying as they learned of their neighbor's tragic death. As of Friday morning, the streets were still littered with bits of crime scene tape.

Neighbors were blocked out of their homes, and the neighborhood was on lock down for hours.

"We waited for about an hour before we could bring the car here," said Mort Arditti, a neighbor.

Police say the couple returned to their home on Friday night around 9 p.m. and surprised a burglar. Police say the burglar was someone the couple knew and had hired in the past to do work at the home.

The female victim, Sharon Randolph, had lived in the neighborhood for 12 years.

"I just saw her three days ago. Real nice lady. Said how nice the yard looked," said neighbor Robert Donat.

Donat says she asked why he does all his yard work himself. He said he didn't want strangers at his house, but he says Sharon was different.

"They bring a lot of strangers over there to do odd jobs for them. You are just asking for trouble. You don't know the people you are bringing into your house," he said.

According to police, a handyman the couple had hired broke into the house and was burglarizing it when they came home. Police say the suspect shot and killed the Randolph.

"Now she's gone overnight, just like that. And we were all home last night and we heard the helicopter and they were kicking people out of their houses around them. Just amazing," said Donat.

But neighbors say there might be more too it. Sharon's husband had died a few years back and she met a new man on the Internet who wasn't too popular with neighbors.

"A lot of fighting going on, her and her new husband. I guess she found him on the Internet and a lot of U-Haul trucks. She is always taking him back, so not a good thing," said Donat.

Police say that new husband struggled with the burglar and ended up shooting the man to death in the garage.

Tennessee: Memphis Car Burglar Shot by Vehicle’s Owner and Held at Gunpoint

2008-05-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Memphis, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of May 9, 2008

Memphis Car Burglar Shot by Vehicle’s Owner and Held at Gunpoint

Memphis Police say a man caught stealing from a car was shot by the owner of the vehicle and held at gunpoint until police arrived.

Police say the incident happened around 3:00 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2008, on Parakeet Drive in the Westwood area of Memphis.

The owner of the burglarized SUV says he and his wife woke up to the sound of a big crash and his dogs barking. The man went outside to find out what was going on, and discovered a crook dangling from his SUV trying to steal items from inside.

According to the vehicle’s owner, he repeatedly told the accused car burglar to get out of the SUV. He says he was not able to see the burglar’s hands and did not know if the suspect had a weapon, so he shot the crook in the buttocks.

Investigators say the man then walked the accused burglar to the front porch of the house and held him there at gunpoint until police and an ambulance arrived.

The accused burglar was taken to the Med in non-critical condition.

Police say the SUV owner will not be charged.

Georgia: Teen killed breaking into home

2008-05-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, Georiga

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution of May 9, 2008

Teen killed breaking into home

A 24-year-old man shot and killed a teenage intruder Friday after the youth and some other juveniles tried to break into the his northwest Atlanta home, police said.

The shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m. at 1426 Hawkins St., off Chappell Road, police said.

The victim was 16 years old, said Lt. Keith Meadows, commander of the Atlanta Police Department homicide unit. His name was not made public Friday afternoon.

Meadows said several juveniles tried break in through a back door.

They had broken a glass window pane and were trying to kick in the door, said Sgt. Lisa Keyes, a police spokeswoman.

It was not clear if the suspects got the door open before the resident, who was home alone, grabbed a handgun from his back bedroom and shot fired at least eight shots, hitting the 16-year-old at least once in the face, Meadows said.

Several of the bullets struck the door, police said. The other suspects ran away.

Meadows said it appears that the man acted in self defense. His home had been burglarized two other times this week, and detectives were trying to determine if all the burglaries are linked.

Meadows also said the teenage boy who was shot might have been arrested recently by Atlanta police on an unrelated burglary charge.

The Police Department's helicopter crew and ground units were canvassing the neighborhood in search of the other youths, Keyes said.

New York: Suspect shot during home invasion in southeast Rochester

2008-05-09T07:56:00.001-07:00

Rochester, New York

From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle of May 9, 2008

Suspect shot during home invasion in southeast Rochester

City Police officers early today were called to the scene of a home invasion in a southeast Rochester residence.

According to Monroe County emergency dispatchers, officers were called to 120 Laburnum Crescent, just before 1 a.m. Someone reportedly entered the residence and a confrontation ensued, dispatchers said.

Someone in the home allegedly shot the suspect in the back. That person ran from the scene and walked into Highland Hospital for assistance, dispatchers said. He was reportedly taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Further details of the incident were not immediately available.

Laburnum Crescent is located in Upper Monroe neighborhood, west of Monroe Avenue and south of Interstate 490.

Arizona: Man shoots, kills robbery suspect in truck

2008-05-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Arizona

From AZCentral of May 8, 2008

Man shoots, kills robbery suspect in truck

A Phoenix man shot and killed a suspected robber Thursday, claiming it was a case of self-defense, police said.

The man heard his truck start up in his driveway on the 3000 block of West Flynn Lane at around 12:45 a.m. When he went outside with a gun to investigate, he saw his truck had just been stolen and a man was driving away in it, police said.

The suspect then made a U-turn and drove toward the man who was standing on the sidewalk, police said. He fired several shots at the suspect in the truck, hitting him fatally, police said. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Phoenix police detectives are investigating the death and working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The man has not been arrested in the shooting, police said.

Texas: Neighbor Shoots, Kills Donut Shop Robber

2008-05-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Fort Worth, Texas

From CBS11 of May 9, 2008

Neighbor Shoots, Kills Donut Shop Robber

A Fort Worth homeowner shot and killed a man who broke into a donut shop next to his house.

According to reports, the man heard commotion coming from the parking lot of the neighboring store in the 100 Block of Roberts Cut Off Road and went to investigate.

Police said the would-be robber broke the glass and demanded money from the female donut shop owner, who was back in the store Friday morning after talking to police.

Chong Im Randle said her promises to customers prompted her return to the store despite a headache and possible bruise on the back of her head.

"We have orders that have to be delivered," she said.

Authorities are questioning the neighbor, but it's not expected he'll face any charges.

Just last week, this same Happy Donut location was robbed. Randle believes it was the same man who attacked her this morning.

When asked if she was scared at the early morning break-in, she shrugged her shoulders and said: "If he shoots me, I know I go to heaven."

Utah: Kearns Shooting Victim Bashes Gunman During TV Interview

2008-05-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

Kearns, Utah

From KUTV of May 8, 2008

Kearns Shooting Victim Bashes Gunman During TV Interview

A man wounded by a burglar during a home invasion Thursday morning talked to 2News about the incident -- in which he was shot with his own gun.

Chad Morley said he found the burglar inside of his home at approximately 9:00 a.m. Thursday after noticing some of his property stacked up by a side door.

Morley decided to go inside the house, located near 6000 West Eaton Way, and retrieve his handgun to fend off the intruder. Moments later, the two men started wrestling for control and Morley was eventually shot in the arm.

"We both fought over the gun and he hit me in the head," Morley said. "My hands were just completely covered in blood." (Video)

"We both had a hold of the gun and (he) turned it toward me... and it was so slippery from blood, I couldn't hang on to it," he continued. "Then I saw his finger go to the trigger and... that's when it hit me and knocked me over a loveseat."

Morley said he was over at his father's house nearby when the burglar must have entered. Upon returning, and seeing the items stacked near the door, he said it was clear something was wrong.

"I knew something was going on. I catch shoplifters for a living, so there's a lot of people that would probably like to know a lot about me," Morley said. "So I always carry my gun with me... constantly, it's right by me."

"I didn't waste any time. I just grabbed my gun... I half-cocked it and made sure there was a bullet in the chamber. I was prepared to shoot him," he added.

After the struggle, the burglar managed to get away from the home and flee into the neighborhood. He has not yet been captured.

"In a situation like that, it's either you or them. And people like that don't have a care for anything and would rather steal people's merchandise that they worked their tail off for," Morley said. "They would rather be lazy... and sell it and make their living that way."

Morley received a gunshot wound to the arm and a laceration to his forehead. When asked if he would have handled the situation differently in a do-over, Morley said he probably would have shot first -- and asked questions later.

"Honestly... probably shoot him before he had a chance to take my weapon away and then putting me in 10-times more danger," he said.

"It's not something you want to get in front of a news camera and say, 'oh I should have shot him'... but it could've been a lot worse for me," Morley added.

The burglar is described as a Hispanic man, about 6'0" tall and weighing between 165-175 pounds. Morley said the suspect wore a baseball cap and a blue bandana around the lower part of his face.

**Note**
Anti-gun advocates are constantly claiming that a defensive weapon is far more likely to be taken away and used against you. However, this story (the 3,459^th story posted on the Civilian Gun Defense Blog to date) may possibly make the third or fourth such story, while we have documented 147 incidents of a criminal's gun being used against him (also to date). Since our news searching methods are unbiased (that is, they will turn up shootings both by citizens and by criminals), the real world stories are clearly in contrast to this claim.

Florida: Man Shot, Killed Would-Be Robber

2008-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Boca Raton, Florida

From Local10 of May 8, 2008

Man Shot, Killed Would-Be Robber

No charges have been filed against a Boca Raton jeweler who shot and killed a would-be robber Wednesday afternoon.

Boca Raton police said four men smashed the windows of H&L Wholesale Jewelry storeowner Leon Rozio's sport utility vehicle at the Town Square Plaza. The SUV had more than $100,000 worth of jewelry in it.

Witnesses said Rozio shot and killed one of the men. The other three got away in a silver van.

Police said Rozio had a concealed weapons permit.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

From the Miami Herald of May 8, 2008

Robber fatally shot in Boca Raton jewelry heist

After Leon Rozio got robbed, he vowed never to let it happen again.

Three or four years ago, the 64-year-old owner of Miami-based H&L Wholesale Jewelry Inc. lost some $300,000 in gold and jewelry in a holdup, said his half-brother, Fernando Mirabal.

Soon after, Rozio started bringing a gun on his sales runs, which took him and his priceless jewelry to shops across South Florida.

About 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, not long after Rozio parked his red Ford Explorer outside St. Moritz Jewelers on Boca Raton's west side, four men screamed up behind him in a silver car, boxing him in. They surrounded the Explorer, smashing out all four windows to get at the jewelry inside, witnesses said.

''He opened up like I have never seen,'' said Greg Sanderson, manager of a nearby Omaha Steaks shop, who watched the shooting through the store's plate-glass windows. ``I couldn't believe it. It sounded like the Wild West out there.''

One of the men staggered from the car and ran west through the parking lot toward St. Andrew's Boulevard, Winter said.

Paramedics found the wounded robber bleeding in the car, said Fire Rescue spokesman Frank Correggio. The man was taken to Delray Medical Center, where he died soon after, officials said.

The three other men escaped in a silver van, triggering a manhunt. It wasn't clear whether any of them were wounded, or whether they made off with any gold or jewels, police said.

Investigators still were quizzing Rozio at the police station until about 7 p.m. Rozio's attorney, Bill Mathewman, said his client will not face charges.

Indiana: Security guard shoots man at westside convenience store

2008-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

South Bend, Indiana

From WNDU of May 1, 2008

Security guard shoots man at westside convenience store

Police are investigating an early morning shooting by a security guard at a South Bend convenience store.

It happened just after 2:00 Thursday morning at V&K convenience on Lincolnway West just west of downtown.

The security guard asked a man to leave and when he wouldn't—police say a fight broke out and the guard shot the man in the leg.

The injured man was taken to the hospital. His injuries are not life threatening.

Illinois: Armed resident foils burglary

2008-05-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Galesburg, Illinois

From the Galesburg Register-Mail of May 7, 2008

Armed resident foils burglary

Knox County Sheriff’s Department deputies are investigating a residential burglary in which the homeowner apprehended a suspect after chasing him with a gun.

Police were called to a burglary in progress at 7:43 p.m. Monday to 1350 Knox Road 600E. According to police, the resident was in his basement when he heard a knock at the door. When he got to the main floor, he saw two unidentified men on the rear deck. The resident returned to the basement and retrieved a handgun.

The resident went upstairs and found the two men standing inside his home. The suspects fled and the resident followed, eventually firing a warning shot into the ground.

One of the suspects stopped while the second suspect continued running.

Tyrone L. Thompson, 20, Peoria, was detained by the homeowner until police arrived. Thompson was charged with residential burglary. The second suspect is described as a male with a small build and was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Police found a kitchen window screen had been cut, allowing entry into the residence. The investigation is ongoing.

Colorado: Would-be robber shot in Aurora

2008-05-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Aurora, Colorado

From the Denver Post of May 6, 2008

Would-be robber shot in Aurora

A man shot by a security guard while allegedly attempting to rob a Check into Cash store in Aurora this morning was in grave condition, according to Aurora Detective Bob Friel.

As of 3 p.m., the suspect was still alive and being treated by doctors at a local hospital, the spokesman said.

Friel said Aurora police dispatchers received an alarm from the Check Into Cash shortly after 10 a.m., and officers — who were nearby — arrived at the store within a minute.

Friel said the security guard told officers he had spotted the man in the store holding a handgun and believed there was a robbery in progress.

Friel said the suspect was shot at least once in the body by the security guard.

"We are not sure if the security guard was employed by the business or the shopping center," said Friel. "The security guard has been cooperative" and is currently being interviewed by police at police headquarters.

At the time of the incident, there was a clerk in the store. She was not injured, said the police spokesman.

The store is at 15270 E. Sixth Ave., which is at the intersection of East Sixth Avenue and Chambers Road.

Detectives were at the scene investigating the shooting. Check Into Cash outlets offer "payday advance services."

Louisiana: Man remains in critical condition after weekend shooting

2008-05-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Shreveport, Louisiana

From the Shreveport Times of May 5, 2008

Man remains in critical condition after weekend shooting

A Shreveport man remains in critical condition at LSU Hospital in Shreveport this morning after being shot by his estrange wife over the weekend.

Gary Young, 34, was shot at least once in the chest on Saturday after he went to the residence in the 5900 block of Candlewood Circle and attempted to drag the woman out of the bed, according to police.

The couple began arguing and Frances Young, 33, pulled out a handgun and shot her husband.

The woman was questioned by police and released. Police say the couple was separated.

Georgia: Police Investigate Deadly Shooting

2008-05-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Lithonia, Georgia

From 11Alive of May 5, 2008

Police Investigate Deadly Shooting

DeKalb County Police are investigating a shooting in Lithonia that left one person dead Monday night.

According to police, the person who was shot and killed tried to break into an apartment at the Concept 21 Apartments on Hillandale Drive. Somebody inside the apartment pulled out a gun and shot the intruder.

DeKalb County Police investigators have not said if any charges will be filed.

Iowa: Des Moines bar owner shoots and kills robber

2008-05-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Des Moines, Iowa

From Radio Iowa of May 1, 2008

Des Moines bar owner shoots and kills robber

Des Moines police say a would-be robber was shot to death by the owner of a tavern early this morning, and a second robber was seriously injured. Police Sergeant Vince Valdez says officers were called to El Zacatecas Club before three A.M. where a brawl was underway outside a video store next door.

Valdez says: "When the officers arrived they found two men down on the ground struggling in the parking lot of the video store. Both were injured." He says officers had to determine who was who in the situation very quickly.

Valdez says the bar's owner, Martin Ramirez, was holding down the second man, claiming that man had tried to rob him along with another man who was still in the bar. Officers went inside and found a badly wounded man who had been shot. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. He's identified as 32-year-old Nicomedes Vazquez of Des Moines.

The man with whom Ramirez was fighting in the parking lot is identified as 24-year-old Angel Nungaray of Indianola. He was listed in serious condition. It's unclear if Nungaray had also been shot. Ramirez was treated for his injuries and released. As yet, no charges have been filed.

Ohio: Clerk shoots at robber on West Side

2008-05-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Cleveland, Ohio

From the Plain Dealer of May 5, 2008

Clerk shoots at robber on West Side

A gas station clerk shot at a man who robbed the Liberty station at 7 a.m. at Clark Avenue and West 52nd Street.

The suspect ran off and was last seen in the 3000 block of West 51st Street, where patrolmen found a dollar bill on the ground.

The black suspect had a brown scarf wrapped around his face. He was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans, witnesses told police.

A police dog is trying to pick up the man's trail.

Houston Pawnshop Owner Shoots Robber

2008-05-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Houston, Texas

From April 23, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

A robbery suspect is in critical condition at a hospital after he was shot by a pawn shop manager during an attempted hold-up, Houston police said.

The 17-year-old and two other masked men were holding pistols and rifles shortly before noon Wednesday when they forced their way into Mason's Pawn Shop on Cullen near Bellfort, police said.

"They immediately started yelling for everybody to get on the ground," said Houston Police Sgt. Brian Harris.

The teenager jumped over the counter and threatened to kill everyone inside the store, police said.

"The manager was able to pull a pistol and shoot the man," Harris said.

The teenager was struck in the neck. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and is now facing a charge of aggravated robbery, police said.

Pacoima, California Liquor Store Robbers Shot

2008-05-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

Pacoima, California

From April 27, 2008 KABC channel 7:

PACOIMA (KABC) -- A gunman is dead and the search for another suspect is on after an attempted robbery in Pacoima.

It happened Saturday at a liquor store on the 10000 block of San Fernando Road.

Police say two men walked into the store demanding cash.

But when one of the suspects pulled a gun, the owner of the store shot and killed him.

Lawton, Oklahoma Home Intruder Shot

2008-05-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Lawton, Oklahoma

From April 29, 2008 KSWO channel 7:

Investigators say the man who started it all is one of the people who was shot. They say Michael Stevenson got into an argument with two men at an apartment before it turned physical.

Detectives say Stevenson left, but returned with a gun and shot one of the men in the back of the head and the arm. They say he then went after the other man. "The third party did have a weapon, saw him coming, and told him not to come in the house [since] there were children around," says Lawton Police Captain Will Hines. "He did fire at the attacker and was struck."

Police say the other man shot Stevenson in the arm and leg. The District Attorney has ruled that the shooting was in self-defense.

Arizona: Store clerk shoots would-be robber

2008-05-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mesa, Arizona

From the East Valley Tribune of May 5, 2008

Store clerk shoots would-be robber

A man’s attempted armed robbery of a central Mesa store was foiled Sunday when the clerk fought back with a Taser, his fists and a handgun, police said.

The 30-year-old suspect, shot several times by a clerk at Mesa Mart, 1510 S. Country Club Drive, was listed in critical condition at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, police spokeswoman Detective Chris Arvayo said.

Although the 55-year-old clerk had been assaulted with a pipe, he did not require extensive medical attention.

The clerk most likely will not face any criminal charges.

“He’s got the right to defend himself,” Arvayo said.

However, the suspect probably will be charged “once he’s better,” Arvayo said.

The incident began about 8 a.m., when the suspect entered the store near U.S. 60. He then demanded money while striking the clerk with a pipe.

The clerk first used a Taser, but it did not stop the robber. Police said the clerk then shot the suspect.

The identities of the robber and clerk were not immediately released.

California: Man Shoots and Wounds Suspected Burglar

2008-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oakland, California

From CBS5 of April 23, 2008

Man Shoots and Wounds Suspected Burglar

A 51-year-old Oakland man shot and wounded a suspected burglar who was trying to break into the house he was renting in the 600 block of 59th Street about 8:15 a.m. today, according to Oakland police spokesman Roland Holmgren.

Holmgren said the suspect, 31-year-old Nathan Cooper of Oakland, was on parole for previous narcotics convictions and has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and violating his parole.

He said Cooper, who lives around the corner from the house where the shooting occurred, suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and was "touch and go" at one point but now is in stable condition at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Holmgren said the man who was living at the house told police he heard noises from the rear of his house and when he went to investigate he saw the silhouette of a man who appeared to be holding a gun.

The resident told police that he feared for his life and fired two shots, according to Holmgren.

An initial investigation concluded that the 51-year-old man was justified in shooting Cooper and there are no plans to arrest him, Holmgren said.

Holmgren said the man, who lives along, was "a little bit shaken" up by the incident, which he described as "a traumatic experience."

The shooting today is the third time since last Thursday night that a resident or a merchant shot a suspect who was involved in criminal activity.

On Thursday night, a clerk at an Eighth Avenue market shot an 18-year-old Pittsburg man who was trying to rob the store with an accomplice.

On Saturday night, the owner of a 23rd Avenue liquor store shot a suspected robber after the man had shot him during a failed robbery.

Holmgren said it appears that Oakland residents and business owners "are tired of being infringed upon" by armed robbers and are taking matters into their own hands.

Holmgren said Oakland police "are always worried about the vigilante factor," but he said that in the three recent incidents the victims all appeared to be justified in shooting at the suspects.

"In these incidents, the criminals came to them and brought the crime to them," as opposed to cases in which people actively hunt down suspected criminals, Holmgren said.

Arizona: Another homeowner shoots would-be invader

2008-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Avondale, Arizona

From the Arizona Family of May 1, 2008

Another homeowner shoots would-be invader

Two people were rushed to the hospital after a home invasion turned violent in Avondale.

According to police, a homeowner thought he heard somebody breaking into his home at 110th Avenue and Washington Street.

The man went outside to check it out and reportedly saw at least one armed suspect. That suspect fired at the homeowner.

The homeowner returned fire, police said.

Both men were hit.

The suspect reportedly was critically wounded.

The homeowner suffered minor injuries.

Police are investigating the incident.

Ohio: Suspected Burglar Shot By Home Owner

2008-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dayton, Ohio

From WHIO of April 30, 2008

Suspected Burglar Shot By Home Owner

Police Dayton said a suspected home burglar was shot overnight by the homeowner.

The burglary happened around 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 1900 block of Emerson Avenue.

Sgt. Scott Lawson said, “At this time, it looks like an aggravated burglary and that the homeowner defended his home. But it is still being investigated.”

Officers said the suspect was hit in the neck by a bullet. He was taken to a local hospital and rushed into surgery.

At this time, the name and condition of the suspected burglary has not been released.