Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

10/10/09

Escondido, California

From the North County Times of October 9, 2009

Man wrestles rifle from would-be robber

A store manager wrestled a loaded rifle from an unsuccessful thief Friday morning, then managed to get his license plate number after the robber tried to flee but got stuck in traffic.

Rodolfo Evaristo, 40, said all he could feel was fear as he stared down the barrel of a rifle at his store, Lopez Market, on 200 West El Norte Parkway. The robber had come in the front, but seeing no one there, had walked to the back of the store and demanded Evaristo give him cash. Evaristo put up his hands and begged the masked gunman not to shoot. Evaristo's brother, Simon Evaristo, 50, also witnessed the incident.

Without getting any money, the robber then tried to flee out the back door. He took one hand off the gun to try to push open the fire door, not realizing it was deadbolted below. With the gun down, and confident that his brother would back him up, Rodolfo Evaristo decided to make his move. He grabbed the rifle with both hands and managed to wrestle it away from the would-be robber while screaming for someone to call the police. The thief then unlocked the door and ran to a Jetta parked behind the store.

Evaristo was able to write down the car's license plate number, he said, because it got stuck in traffic on Escondido Boulevard.

An hour later, police found an abandoned Jetta with matching plates on the south side of town. Police eventually arrested Jose Zardon, 47, of Escondido and booked him on suspicion of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also investigating Zardon's immigration status.

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

posted by Dave at 10/10/2009 08:39:00 PM permalink

10/2/09

Sutter County, California

From the Appeal-Democrat of September 29, 2009

Armed homeowner thwarts burglary suspects

Three suspects arrested in Sutter County after an attempted home burglary ran into the worst of luck — a homeowner with experience fighting off intruders.

Two women and a man, all Sacramento residents, broke into an isolated house at about 2 p.m. Monday in the 3900 block of O'Banion Road west of Yuba City, according to Sheriff J. Paul Parker. The owner, David Massey, armed himself with a handgun and discovered one woman in his kitchen while the other woman and the man fled out the back door, Parker said.

The suspects got into a Ford Explorer parked on the circular driveway outside and drove it toward Massey, but he fired six shots toward the vehicle just before it rolled onto its side, the 63-year-old homeowner recalled Monday night.

"They drove right across the center of the (driveway) circle towards me, and I yelled at them to stop and fired five rounds into the radiator to make them stop," said Massey. "The car was not three feet from me when it went by; they almost took me out.

"I was in fear of my life. They wouldn't stop, so I shot."

The passengers abandoned the Ford and ran through a flooded prune orchard, but deputies arrested them within a mile of the house. Both women were treated at Rideout Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in the acc dent, according to Parker.

The sheriff's department identified the detained women as 31-year-old Tiffany Abila and 27-year-old Angelina Walters, and the male suspect as 26-year-old Marcus Campbell. Parker said authorities likely would pursue burglary charges against the three and said others may be pending.

Detectives have recovered jewelry boxes and other items from the Explorer and are checking whether the suspects are linked to any burglaries in the area, the sheriff's department said.

Massey's last encounter with suspected burglars also ended in gunfire. On July 2, 2008, deputies arrived at his house after he reportedly fired his handgun at a suspected burglar fleeing in a pickup and held another alleged robber at gunpoint.

"I wasn't a hero; I just did what I thought I had to do. I just wish I got both of them," he said at the time.

Massey called Monday's incident the sixth theft and third break-in at the home he has owned since 1992, and admitted its remote location has made it a "sitting duck" for would-be thieves. Despite the string of thefts, he declared he would keep the home and was hopeful another house under construction nearby will dissuade at least some thieves in the future.

"Most people in the world are good people, but there's an element out there that doesn't remember 'Thou shalt not steal,'" he said Monday night. "I moved out here for the serenity; I don't know how serene it is today."

Labels: CA, home invasion, residence burglary

posted by Dave at 10/02/2009 11:28:00 PM permalink

9/16/09

El Cajon, California

From the San Diego News Network of September 15, 2009

Home invader shot, killed by apartment resident in El Cajon

El Cajon police Teusday investigated the fatal shooting of an intruder at an apartment complex in the East County city.

A man armed with a handgun knocked on the door of an apartment at 1499 Broadway shortly before 5:25 p.m. Monday, then forced his way inside when someone opened the door, according to El Cajon police Lt. Tim Henton.

An occupant of the apartment armed himself with a shotgun and shot the intruder, who died at Sharp Memorial Hospital at 6:30 p.m., Henton said.

Police did not immediately speculate on the motive behind the intrusion.

The intruder’s name was withheld pending family notification.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 9/16/2009 10:24:00 AM permalink

9/2/09

Sacramento, California

From the Mercury News of August 31, 2009

Authorities say shooting of three was self-defense

Authorities say a man who shot and killed two men and wounded another in a Sacramento apartment early Monday was acting in self-defense.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran says authorities declined to arrest the 26-year-old man after witnesses reported that the three men confronted the man outside his apartment, then broke in and continued the attack after he had retreated inside.

Investigators say during the attack, the man retrieved a handgun and shot all three attackers.

Two of the attackers died at the scene. The third, a 23-year-old, was taken to a hospital. He is expected to survive.

Curran says the district attorney's office will make a final decision on whether to file charges against the resident of the apartment.

Labels: assault, CA

posted by Dave at 9/02/2009 10:11:00 AM permalink

8/13/09

Bakersfield, California

From KERO of August 7, 2009

Resident Shot, Suspect Killed in Apparent Home Invasion

A resident shot and killed an intruder in southwest Bakersfield after the suspect shot the resident twice, a Bakersfield Police official said.

At 11:11 p.m. Thursday, police received a report of a shooting at an apartment in the 1800-block of Canter Way, police said.

Police said they found an adult man outside the apartment suffering from two gunshot wounds to the torso.

The man informed officers that the suspect was still inside the apartment.

Officers entered the apartment and found Roosevelt Mitchell III, 21, dead with a gun.

The victim told them he was home with his wife and several friends when two suspects forced their way into the apartment. The resident armed himself with a gun and both exchanged gunfire, police said.

The victim was taken to Kern Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

There is no description of the second suspect. Several people were detained for questioning.

A motive has not been determined.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 8/13/2009 01:55:00 PM permalink

Walnut Creek, California

From the Contra Costa Times of August 11, 2009

Would-be Walnut Creek armored truck robber flees after guard pulls gun

A man tried to rob an armored truck security guard Tuesday morning before running away, police said.

The robbery attempt took place as the armored truck was parked near the intersection of South California Boulevard and Botelho Drive. The story was first reported by the blog Claycord.com, which obtained its information from a police radio broadcast.

At 10:30 a.m., the truck was parked as the guard was making a money pick-up at a business, Lt. Tim Barrett said. A man approached the guard and demanded he give him money. Instead, the guard went to pull out a firearm, and the would-be robber got into a white Dodge Caravan and drove away.

He did not appear to be armed, Barrett said. Police did not have a detailed description of him.

Labels: CA, private security, street robbery

posted by Dave at 8/13/2009 08:24:00 AM permalink

7/15/09

Anderson, California

From the July 13, 2009 Redding (Cal.) Record-Searchlight:

An Anderson man shot and killed a 33-year-old Burney man early Sunday after he allegedly caught him trying to steal property from his Tranquil Lane home, investigators said.

Jerry Kirk called 911 about 3:40 a.m. saying he'd just shot a man in his front yard, Shasta County sheriff's Capt. Dave Compomizzo said.

Curtis Evin Ingalls died from his wounds on the property, Compomizzo said. The home sits behind a gate at the end of a quiet street surrounded by walnut orchards and horse pastures.

Compomizzo declined to say how many times Ingalls had been shot with Kirk's handgun or where he had been hit.
The two men knew each other, Compomizzo said.

Kirk went to confront Ingalls after he caught him trying to take tools and other equipment from the property, Compomizzo said.

"He didn't assault Kirk, but he went after him," Compomizzo said.

No arrests have been made in the case.

Crime scene investigators remained at the property throughout the morning, and investigators continued interviewing witnesses and family members throughout the day, Compomizzo said.

Ingalls has a lengthy criminal history in Shasta County. On Wednesday, he pleaded no contest to obstructing an executive officer, a felony, according to electronic Shasta County Superior Court records.

He was to be sentenced Aug. 5.

In January, Ingalls pleaded no contest to obstructing a police officer and injuring a police dog. He was sentenced to 63 days in Shasta County jail, court records show.

Labels: CA, residence burglary

posted by Clayton at 7/15/2009 09:33:00 PM permalink

7/12/09

Fresno, California

From KGPE of July 6, 2009

Homeowner Shoots Burglary Suspect in Fresno

A shooting in Southwest Fresno is under investigation after a homeowner shot a burglar who had broken into his house.

The shooting happened around 11:00 PM Saturday night near Olive and Polk.

The owner and his daughter returned home and found someone inside the house. The man took his daughter to a neighbor and went back to the house while the neighbor called police.

It turns out the burglar was a teen who lives right next door.

The homeowner told CBS47 that he shot the teen in the arm. The teen is expected to survive and now faces charges for burglary.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 7/12/2009 10:31:00 PM permalink

Palm Desert, California

From the Desert Sun of July 11, 2009

A Palm Desert man stops attempted burglary

Palm Desert homeowner helped stop an attempted burglary of his home early Saturday morning.

At 3:40 a.m., the homeowner awoke to sounds of a window breaking toward the front of his home in the 43-600 block of Louisiana Street, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials.

The man saw two people standing in front of his home. He then armed himself with a pistol and chased the suspects as they fled north toward a golf course.

The man fired one shot, which caused the suspects to surrender until Palm Desert police officers arrived.

Steven Flores, 18, of Palm Desert, and a 16-year-old male teenager from Rancho Mirage were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary. Flores is in the county jail in Indio and the male teenager is at a juvenile detention facility in Indio.

The name of the juvenile is not being released because of his age, officers said.

Labels: CA, minor offender, trespassing

posted by Dave at 7/12/2009 02:31:00 PM permalink

6/29/09

Mira Loma, California

From the Inland Empire News of June 29, 2009

Mira Loma man kills home-invasion suspect

On Sunday at 8:11 a.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Station responded to a report of shots fired in the 31000 Block of Chardonnay Way in the community of Mira Loma. Deputies found a deceased male adult in the street.

Investigators from the Jurupa Valley Station and the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the location and assumed the investigation.

Investigators learned the victim of the homicide and a female companion had participated in a home invasion robbery. During the robbery, a struggle ensued between the suspects and the homeowners. The male suspect dropped his firearm during the struggle with the homeowner. The homeowner retrieved the firearm and fatally shot the suspect during the struggle for the weapon. The suspect attempted to flee the residence after he was shot, but collapsed in front of the residence.

The identity of the deceased male is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Update: The female suspect in the home invasion robbery was located by the Ontario Police Department in the area of Walnut and Cucamonga on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. The suspect was identified as Amy Schinzel (pictured), 30 years of age, from Ontario. She was arrested and booked for murder.

Labels: CA, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion

posted by Dave at 6/29/2009 09:17:00 PM permalink

6/25/09

Eel River Valley, California

From the Humboldt Beacon of June 25, 2009

Man shoots and kills large rabid possum

A caller told police he had shot a large rabid possum in his front yard and was concerned that the possum might attack his dog. He was advised on discharging a firearm in city limits.

Labels: animal, CA

posted by Dave at 6/25/2009 04:49:00 PM permalink

6/18/09

Barstow, California

From the San Bernadino County Sun of June 15, 2009

Armed robber shot by Barstow homeowner during break-in

A Los Angeles man who was trying to rob a Barstow home Friday night with two others was shot and killed by the homeowner, police said.

A man who lives in the Teton Street house was attacked by three home invasion robbers about 10 p.m. as they attempted to break into his house, police said. The homeowner, who was armed, was able to shoot one of the robbers when they tried to escape.

Officers found Henry Jackson III, 57, lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound in his lower stomach.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barstow police Detective Keith Libby at (760) 255-5134 or Detective Ronan Colleco at (760) 255-5167.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 6/18/2009 09:21:00 PM permalink

6/10/09

Long Beach, California

From the Press Telegram of June 9, 2009

Attempted robbery at North Long Beach pawn shop ends with robber, employee shot

Three would-be robbers stormed a North Long Beach pawn shop Tuesday morning armed with one gun and a lot of bravado.

When the suspects fled Long Beach Pawn & Jewelry, however, all they had to show for their efforts was a bullet from the shop supervisor's gun lodged in one suspect's leg, witnesses said.

The 64-year-old supervisor from Long Beach was also shot, and hit in the face, but is expected to survive, authorities said.

Police at the scene said the suspects clearly picked the wrong target, which is at 5106 Long Beach Blvd.

"I mean, who's stupid enough to try and rob a pawn shop?," said one witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They have tons of security, it's covered in cameras, who doesn't know that?"

The witness told the Press-Telegram that he was walking into the pawn shop to pay his bill when the armed suspect walked in right before him. He recalled the gunman vividly due to his custom-looking, three-piece white suit, which looked like it belonged in church more than a pawn shop.

"(The shop's employees) even complimented him on his dress," the witness recalled, saying the suspect asked a female employee to show him some rings because he was shopping for his girlfriend.

After she took the armed man to the back of the shop, the other two suspects - dressed in casual clothes - rushed in, the witness said.

One man jumped the counter and the other stayed by the front door as the armed suspect ordered everyone on the floor. That prompted the shop's supervisor - who the witness knew only as Bob - to confront the trio, the witness said.

As the other employees ran to the back of the store and customers hit the ground, the shop's supervisor and the gunman faced off and both opened fire, the witness said.

The supervisor was shot in the cheek and fell back while one of the suspects was hit in the leg, the witness said.

"After the first shots I heard three more shots, and then (the suspects) crawled out of there," the witness said.

"They got nothing...but one of them left his gun behind," he added.

Long Beach police were called to the business at about 10:30 a.m. and confirmed an employee was shot but did not release any information about the shootout or the extent of the victim's injuries.

Long Beach Fire Department paramedics treated the victim at the scene and took him to a hospital. He was listed in mild distress and stable condition, said Capt. Jackawa Jackson.

The witness said that a river of blood gushed from the victim's cheek wound, prompting the witness to take off his shirt and use it to apply pressure to the wound while he talked to a 911 operator.

"He was saying 'I can't feel my arms, I can't feel my legs, I'm going to pass out, I'm going to die!" the witness recalled. "He was (going into shock) but we were able to keep him with us."

After the shooting, several people were seen inside the pawn shop talking with police. Shattered glass was scattered everywhere from the gunshots.

Detectives were checking security camera footage at the shop and other businesses in the area to help identify the suspects, said officers at the scene.

A search area was set up immediately after the botched robbery, but as of 5 p.m. the suspects were still at large, said Officer Jackie Bezart, an LBPD spokeswoman.

The three suspects were described as black males in their 20s, Bezart said.

Witnesses said the two suspects who were not armed were wearing sweat shirts with hoods and said the supervisor who was shot was an older man known to wear his gun in a holster while working in the shop.

They also said there were several more guns behind the counter, but that none of the other employees could get to the weapons because one suspect had jumped the counter and blocked their access.

"I hate to think what would have happened if Bob didn't have his gun," the witness said. "It probably would have turned into a take-over."

(More)

Labels: business robbery, CA, defender shot

posted by Dave at 6/10/2009 10:15:00 PM permalink

Covelo, California

From the Press-Democrat of June 8, 2009

No arrest expected in weekend shootout near Covelo

A man injured during a shootout near Covelo is not a homicide suspect as Mendocino sheriff’s detectives say he apparently was acting in self defense when he shot and killed another man.

“He didn’t draw first,” said Mendocino County sheriff’s Lt. Rusty Noe Monday.

Round Valley resident Jason McLean, 22, died in the gunfire exchange early Saturday during a party in the woods.

Andrew Card, 23, was shot once, according to sheriff’s officials.

The two apparently have a long-standing feud, involving Card stabbing McLean two years ago at a Labor Day rodeo. Card served time in county jail for the stabbing.

Early Saturday, as a party in the woods was winding down, McLean reportedly got a high-powered rifle from his car and fired at Card.

Card pulled out a handgun and began firing back. The two men, standing about five feet apart, fired several times at each other.

McLean was hit at least four times and died.

Card was flown to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for surgery. He was not at that hospital Sunday, said a hospital spokesman. Noe said he may have been transported closer to home.

Noe said Card’s status wasn’t known by detectives as the man wasn’t a suspect.

“It’s still under investigation but he was not arrested. We’re going to complete the investigation and submit if for the DA’s decision,” Noe said.

Labels: altercation, CA

posted by Dave at 6/10/2009 09:54:00 PM permalink

5/21/09

Sacramento County, California

From the May 21, 2009 Sacramento Bee:

A 17-year-old boy stands accused of killing a man Tuesday morning, though detectives now believe the shooting was justified, authorities said Wednesday.

Sacramento County sheriff's deputies arrested the boy, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, late Tuesday night on suspicion of murder, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran.

Detectives made the arrest based on information they had gathered about the fatal shooting that morning of 30-year-old James Davis on the 2800 block of La Quinta Drive, Curran said.

But after interviewing the boy, Curran said, detectives learned that he had acted in self-defense – and in defense of his mother, Davis' girlfriend, who had been "beaten severely" before the fatal confrontation.

The boy was booked into juvenile hall on a murder charge but later released – though the murder charge still stands, Curran said. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and will decide if it was justifiable homicide.

Deputies were called to La Quinta Drive, near Folsom Boulevard in south Sacramento about 5 a.m. after reports of gunshots and a woman screaming. They found Davis' body on the sidewalk, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Sheriff's Department is not releasing the woman's name because she is not a suspect and is a victim of domestic violence.

Curran said the victim and his girlfriend had had a "violent fight," witnessed by the 17-year-old boy, who followed Davis outside and shot him, Curran said. ...

Davis had a history of domestic violence in Sacramento County, according to Superior Court records. Most recently, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence in September 2004 and was sentenced to 365 days in jail.

Labels: CA, domestic abuse, minor defender

posted by Clayton at 5/21/2009 10:29:00 PM permalink

5/18/09

Sacramento, California

From the May 18, 2009 Sacramento Bee:

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting this morning of a man they say was breaking into a coin and jewelry.

The suspect was killed by the owner of the store on the 4900 block of Marconi Avenue. The 65-year-old owner has not been arrested, a sheriff's spokesman said.

The district attorney will determine if any charges are filed against the owner, based on results of the sheriff's investigation.

The shop owner was inside the store when the incident began at about 4:15 a.m. Investigators are gathering evidence that will help determine if the shooting was justified.

Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran said two men approached the store, which had been the target of another break-in on April 29. This time, the owner was inside and called the sheriff's department to report two men in their mid-20s and wearing black ski masks trying to enter.

Curran said that as the owner spoke on the phone with department personnel, the person taking the call heard several gunshots.

"Then the business owner said one subject was down in the parking lot," Curran said.

Deputies arrived to find a body in the park

ing lot. Fire department emergency personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Labels: business burglary, CA, senior

posted by Clayton at 5/18/2009 08:05:00 PM permalink

5/14/09

Los Angeles, California

From the May 3, 2009 Los Angeles Times:

A man suspected of burglarizing cars in the Mar Vista area was shot in the face by a resident early this morning, police said.

The man was breaking into vehicles when he was confronted by a resident at about 1:40 a.m., said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dennis Beacham.

"He was subsequently shot and sustained a gunshot wound to the facial area," Beacham said. "It’s my understanding he’s in stable condition."

Police did not release the name or age of the victim, and would not say whether the resident who shot him was arrested.
Updated: 5:33 p.m. Two young men accompanying the suspected burglar fled before police arrived, Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Herrera said. The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Beethoven Street, and the gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital where he was in stable condition, Herrera said. “The shooter wasn’t arrested, it was in self-defense,” Herrera said.

Labels: CA, street property theft

posted by Clayton at 5/14/2009 08:32:00 PM permalink

4/25/09

Pittsburg, California

From the San Jose Mercury News of April 24, 2009

Man wrestles gun from intruder in Pittsburg home invasion

A Pittsburg man fought off two men who broke into his home early Friday morning, wrestled away a shotgun and shot one of the suspects with it as he fled, according to the victim and police.

The wounded suspect left the scene but was arrested after being treated at a hospital, said Sgt. Steve Albanese. Police also arrested a second suspect and are still searching for more people connected with the home invasion.

The incident happened just after midnight when two men with guns broke down the front door and entered the home on Calistoga Drive.

The male homeowner, who declined to be named, said he was awakened and came out of his bedroom to investigate the noise. He said he was confronted by one man with a sawed-off shotgun and a second man with a handgun. He wrestled the shotgun out of the suspect's hand, and the man fell on him, he said.

The second suspect then reportedly shot at the victim's wife but did not hit her. The victim, whose stepson was also in the home, said he got up, recovered the shotgun and began shooting in the direction of the suspects.

The suspects fled, and the victim fired one round as they ran across a neighbor's driveway, hitting one man in the upper torso, Albanese said.

The victim said there was nothing in his house worth stealing and guessed that the suspects may have targeted the wrong address.

"We don't have valuables or anything," he said.

Police could not release further details because they are still investigating the incident, Albanese said.

Labels: CA, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion

posted by Dave at 4/25/2009 11:24:00 PM permalink

4/16/09

San Pedro, California

From the Daily Breeze of April 16, 2009

San Pedro man shoots pit bull that attacked cat

A San Pedro man shot and killed a pit bull that turned on him after attacking his neighbor's cat Wednesday, police said.

Hearing the cat's owner screaming for help, the man came out of his home around in the 400 block of Hanford Avenue around 2 p.m., said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Jeff Hamilton.

After hearing his neighbor screaming for help, the man retrieved a .44-caliber handgun from his home, he said.

As the man walked down his driveway toward the neighbor's house, the dog advanced and the man shot it, Hamilton said.

The pit bull, estimated to weigh at least 60 pounds, had apparently escaped from a neighboring yard, and then attacked the woman's cat, he said.

The woman tried to rescue the cat, first with a broom and then with a brick, Hamilton said.

"The dog is not releasing the cat, and was just tearing it up," Hamilton said. "She takes a brick, and hits it over the head. Eventually, she was able to retrieve the cat."

Badly injured, the cat was euthanized at a Rancho Palos Verdes veterinary hospital, Hamilton said.

The owner of the dog won't be cited because animal control officers didn't see the pit bull out of the yard or unleashed, Hamilton said.

Labels: animal, CA

posted by Dave at 4/16/2009 11:56:00 PM permalink

Sacramento, California

From KCRA of April 14, 2009

Homeowner Opens Fire On Thieves

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies said they responded to the scene of a home invasion where the home owner opened fire on the thieves.

Deputies said a man reported four men kicked in the door at an apartment on Ethan Way near Arden Fair Mall.

The homeowner grabbed a shotgun and fired at them.

All four men fled the scene.

Deputies said they blocked off one section of that neighborhood while they searched for the burglars.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 4/16/2009 11:20:00 PM permalink

3/13/09

Los Osos, California

From KEYT of March 13, 2009

Suspected Drunk Driver Shot In The Arm By Home Owner

San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Deputies and officers with the California Highway Patrol are investigating a bizarre incident that left one homeowner cleaning up a mess and sent a 18-year-old driver to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Sheriff Investigators are trying to figure out why Los Osos' resident Chris Saletta shot 18-year-old Nicole Galvez in the arm.

According to Saletta, Galvez plowed her PT Cruiser through Saletta's fence and into the backyard of his home on the 2000 block of Sombrero Road. Saletta says, he awoke to find Galvez driving her car wildly through his back yard and he was forced to shoot her because he thought she would crash her car into his children's bedroom.

Saletta told investigators, the female driver of of the Cruiser collided with a water well pump, ran over his kids bikes and hit the rear porch support to his home. Saletta called 911 to report the rampage then armed himself and tried to approach Galvez.

According to Saletta, Galvez refused to get out of her car and continued to drive towards Saletta's home. Saletta said, fearing for his families safety, he then fired one round from a .22 caliber rifle through the passenger side of the car. He told investigators he fired the shot because Galvez was headed straight for his children's bedroom.

The Cruiser came to an abrupt stop after Saletta fired the shot. Saletta wounded Galvez with a single shot to her upper arm.

Galvez was taken to Sierra Vista Hospital, was treated then arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

A preliminary investigation by the Sheriff's Department reveals that Saletta lawfully fired his weapon in self-defense.

Labels: CA, intoxication

posted by Dave at 3/13/2009 06:33:00 PM permalink

3/7/09

San Diego, California

From Channel 10 of March 3, 2009

Old Town Jewelry Store Owner Stops Robbery With Gun

Two men broke into a jewelry store Tuesday morning in Old Town and were shot at by the shop's owner, police said.

The owner of Celebrity Gems and Jewelry at 2529 Congress St. was investigating a noise around 3:15 a.m. and discovered two men in dark clothing taking merchandise, San Diego police Sgt. Bob Dare said.

One of the men appeared to have a handgun and turned toward the shop owner, who then fired two shots toward the thieves, Dare said.

It was not immediately clear whether either of the thieves was wounded. They fled in a red sport utility vehicle, possibly a Ford Explorer, Dare said.

The jewelry shop owner was not hurt.

Police described the thieves as Hispanic males, around 20 to 25 years old. One was about 5 feet 6 and 145 pounds, while the second was 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 with a thin build, Dare said.

Labels: business burglary, CA

posted by Dave at 3/07/2009 05:17:00 AM permalink

2/23/09

Barstow, California

From the Desert Dispatch of February 17, 2009

Woman fends off suspected burglar with gunshot

A woman fended off an alleged burglar by shooting at him after he tried breaking into her Octillo Drive home on Tuesday morning, according to Barstow Police. The suspect was later arrested in a nearby backyard.

The 49-year-old resident fired one shot and missed the suspect, Eric Charles Anderson of Barstow, who allegedly tried to break into her home through several entryways.

Police believe Anderson, 27, first tried to open at least one door to the home, according to a Barstow Police report. Anderson then removed a screen to a bedroom window and forced the window open.

As Anderson started coming into the window, the armed resident threatened to shoot him from inside the home if he came nearer, according to police. He left toward the front of the home where he tried to break in again.

The woman then shot at Anderson and he fled. Barstow Police officers responded to the incident at about 8:10 a.m. and found Anderson hiding in a nearby backyard, according to the report.

No injuries were reported. Police could not release information on the victim or the type of gun involved in the incident, according to Sgt. Mark Franey.

Police found that the bullet fired by the resident missed Anderson and struck a wall across from the home. The woman reported to police that she did not know the suspect.

Anderson was taken into custody and booked into jail at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Barstow station on a charge of burglary. His bail is set at $10,000.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Andrew Reyes at the Barstow Police Department at 760-256-2211.

Labels: CA, female, home invasion

posted by Dave at 2/23/2009 12:32:00 AM permalink

2/14/09

San Diego, California

From the San Diego Union-Tribune of February 13, 2009

Robber shot during coin shop heist dies

An armed man attempting to rob a North Park coin shop Friday morning was killed after he and at least one of the store's employees exchanged gunfire, police said.

The man and an accomplice went into the Old Coin Shop on El Cajon Boulevard, just east of Texas Street, at 9:16 a.m. and confronted two employees who were both armed with handguns, said San Diego police homicide Lt. Terry McManus.

About the same time police received a 911 call about the robbery and while en route, shots were fired inside the business, McManus said.

Officers found the would-be robber lying on the ground just east of the front door of the shop. McManus said his accomplice had picked him up from inside the store and brought him outside to a nearby parking lot before fleeing with the handgun.

The man had been shot in the left leg and in the lower back, and he died at Mercy Hospital at 9:54 a.m., the lieutenant said. He has been identified as Michael Anthony Watkins Jr., 26, of San Diego.

Witnesses said they saw the second man running from the store. He was described only as a young black man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build and was last seen wearing a gray sweater and dark pants, McManus said.

Officer searching the area found clothing and a handgun in an alley behind a building on Hamilton Street near Howard Avenue, McManus said.

Police are also looking at an older-model car in the Denny's parking lot, which may have been driven by the pair, and are checking it for evidence.

McManus said it has not yet been determined how many shots were fired inside the store or if both employees fired or just one.

The store is equipped with a security system that allows employees to keep the front door locked and buzz customers in, but it was unclear whether that system was in use.

Investigators are also checking for any surveillance video from the store or nearby businesses.

Eric Diaz, 37, said he was in the Denny's restaurant next door washing his hands in the bathroom when he heard two pops and a big crash, which sounded like glass breaking.

Seconds later, police officers rushed into the restaurant's bathroom looking for the shooter. Outside, he saw one of the robbers lying motionless on the sidewalk.

The front glass door of the business, which has bars on the windows, was shattered.

Officers are still searching for the man's accomplice. El Cajon Boulevard, between Texas Street and Hamilton Street, is expected to remain closed for several hours as homicide detectives investigate. McManus said they hope to have the westbound lanes opened soon.

The Old Coin Shop was founded in 1960 by Harlan White, according to the business's Web site. Over the years it has handled many rare and expensive coins, it said.

This isn't the first time the business has been targeted by robbers.

In 1994, a thief ran inside, wedged a newspaper under the doorjamb to keep the security door from locking behind him and ran out with about $500 in silver dollars, according to a news report. He was caught down the block by a good Samaritan who was driving by.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 2/14/2009 09:44:00 AM permalink

1/28/09

Sacramento, California

From MSNBC of January 27, 2009

Resident Spots Intruder, Fires Shot

A Sacramento resident confronted an alleged burglar in a back yard and fired a gunshot, but the intruder fled and it was not clear if anyone was hurt, police said.

A police report said a resident of 2600 block of Ensenada Way saw someone with a flashlight in the home's yard shortly after 1 a.m. Friday.

The resident told police he believed someone was trying to break into a shed behind the residence.

Authorities said the resident grabbed a handgun and went outside to confront the intruder.

The intruder cut the resident in the face with an unknown weapon and the resident responded by firing one shot in self-defense.

The intruder left. Police said it was not known if the intruder was injured, adding that no blood trail was found.

Labels: assault, CA, trespassing

posted by Dave at 1/28/2009 09:08:00 AM permalink

1/24/09

Cambria, California

From the January 21, 2009 San Luis Obispo Tribune:

Sheriff's deputies are looking for a man who attempted to rob a Cambria home Sunday night.
A couple was in their home on Lone Palm Drive around 7:45 p.m. when they heard a pounding on a rear sliding glass door, according to sheriff's officials. When the husband shined a flashlight toward the noise, he saw a person wearing a ski mask kicking at the glass.
The husband told his wife to call 911, and he got a loaded rifle from a nearby closet. When the homeowner returned to the sliding glass door, the masked man apparently looked at the rifle and ran away.
Deputies and state parks rangers searched the area on foot and with a K9, but could not find the man.
"Masked suspects attempting home invasion burglaries in this area is unusual," said Commander Ken Conway of the Sheriff's Department.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Clayton at 1/24/2009 11:00:00 AM permalink

1/7/09

Pasadena, California

From the San Gabriel Valley Tribune of January 6, 2009

Woman shoots large raccoon attacking dog

A woman shot and killed a raccoon that was fighting with her pit bull terrier, police said.

Pasadena police Lt. Randell Taylor said neighbors called authorities to report a shot fired in the 600 block of Las Robles Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

When police arrived, they learned a large raccoon had attacked a resident's dog.

"She got a shovel and hit the raccoon about 15 times," Taylor said. "She shot it in the mid-section and it was still getting the best of the dog."

Taylor said the woman retrieved the shovel and again hit the raccoon several times before it let go of her dog.

"The dog was OK, other than some nasty cuts and bruises," Taylor said.

The Humane Society of the San Gabriel Valley recommended the woman take her dog to a 24-hour emergency veterinarian to check for rabies, Taylor said.

Labels: animal, CA, female

posted by Dave at 1/07/2009 08:15:00 AM permalink

1/6/09

Ventura County, California

From the Ventura County Star of December 31, 2008

Burglar flees after resident fires shot

Sheriff’s deputies were looking Tuesday for a burglar who was shot at by an armed homeowner in the 13000 block of Telegraph Road, authorities said.

The homeowner was alerted by a barking, growling family dog about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Department reported. The homeowner, armed with a handgun, walked down her hallway and found a man who had apparently forced his way into the house, deputies said.

Deputies said the burglar “brazenly and antagonistically challenged the homeowner.”

“Threatened by the aggressive behavior and fearing for her life,” the homeowner “fired in self-defense at the confrontational suspect,” the sheriff’s report said.

The burglar fled without taking any property. Authorities did not know Tuesday if the man was injured.

The intruder was last seen running through an orchard with a male accomplice toward nearby Todd Road Jail, sheriff’s Capt. Patti Salas said.

Neither the owner nor a toddler at home was injured.

Authorities used dogs, helicopters, heat-seeking detectors and 15 deputies to look for the two men but were unsuccessful. Deputies suspected the pair fled in a vehicle.

Anyone with information on the burglary should contact the Sheriff’s Department at 524-2233.

Labels: CA, female, home invasion

posted by Dave at 1/06/2009 08:21:00 AM permalink

12/18/08

Sacramento, California

From the Sacramento Bee of December 4, 2008

Woman shoots thief, Sacramento police say

A 34-year-old homeowner shot a man who was trying to steal from her property in East Sacramento Wednesday morning, police said.

The incident happened about 7 a.m. in the 4500 block of 13th Avenue, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said.

The suspect, who sustained facial injuries, is in a hospital and expected to survive, Leong said. The man, whose has not been released yet, is a parolee-at-large.

Investigators are reviewing the case to determine if the woman acted in self-defense. She has not been charged, Leong said.

Labels: CA, female, trespassing

posted by Dave at 12/18/2008 11:03:00 AM permalink

12/8/08

Burson, California

From the Amador Ledger-Dispatch of December 1, 2008

Burson homeowner, Arnold store clerk foil separate robbery attempts

A Burson man was arrested by Calaveras County sheriff's deputies after he attempted to rob a homeowner at a residence located in the 5800 block of De Los Angeles Road in Burson earlier this month.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, Mike Nicholson III, 24, knocked on the door of William Six's residence on De Los Angeles Road. Six answered the door and found Nicholson standing there with a 10-inch knife. Nicholson told Six to give him the keys to his best truck and reportedly said, "I'm robbing you," according to a release from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office.

Six balked and closed the front door. Concerned Nicholson was going to remain outside his residence or steal one of his vehicles, Six retrieved a firearm. Six confronted Nicholson at the bottom of his driveway and ordered Nicholson to the ground. Six told deputies Nicholson sat down for a short time, but became belligerent.

According to Six, Nicholson said he did not have to remain at the scene and started to get up off the ground. Six responded by firing a warning shot into the ground. That seemed to do the trick, as Six was able to hold Nicholson at gunpoint until Deputy Jim Moser arrived to take Nicholson into custody.

During the confrontation, Nicholson reportedly threatened to do harm to Six and his wife.

Nicholson was booked at the Calaveras County Jail on charges of attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and public intoxication. Nicholson is being held at the Calaveras County Jail on $55,000 bail.

Labels: CA, residence robbery

posted by Dave at 12/08/2008 09:24:00 PM permalink

11/25/08

Hollywood, California

From the LA Times of November 24, 2008

Guard fatally shoots man armed with swords at Scientology building

A security guard at the Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in Hollywood on Sunday shot and killed a man wielding two samurai swords, police said.

Police detained the guard for questioning but said that a surveillance tape at the facility backed his claim that he fired his semiautomatic handgun to protect himself and two colleagues.

"The evidence is very clear the security officers were defending their safety," said Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police did not release the name of the guard or the man killed in the shooting, which occurred about noon. An investigator said the man had a history with the church but was not a member now. The tape showed the man arriving at the Celebrity Centre's Bronson Avenue parking lot in a red convertible, getting out of the vehicle and approaching a trio of security guards and waving a sword in each hand, Hara said.

He said the man, who was described as being in his 40s, was "close enough to hurt them" when the guard fired. The man was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Det. Wendi Berndt said the man was involved with the church "a long time ago."

"There was a previous relationship, but it is unclear to what degree," she said.

A teenager who saw the man arrive in the parking lot said he stopped the car abruptly in the driveway and climbed out with a 5-foot sword in his hand and an angry expression on his face.

Tony Marquez, 17, said the man, who was bald and had tattoos on his arms, walked toward the building, then returned to the car to get the other sword.

"I thought it was part of a show," said Marquez, of Ontario. He and his mother entered the building before the shooting began.

Police said the guard worked for a private security company. Detectives cordoned off the Franklin Avenue complex with yellow tape as investigators combed through the man's Toyota Solara. The incident occurred at one of Hollywood's most distinctive landmarks. Originally a luxury hotel, the eight-story building was built in the style of a 17th century French castle with a striking white facade and turrets that loom over the nearby Hollywood Freeway.

The church remade the building into a facility aimed at celebrities 39 years ago. According to a church website, the Celebrity Centre caters to "artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world." The complex includes a restaurant, theater and hotel. Representatives of the church did not return calls.

"I have no information," said a woman who answered the phone at the Celebrity Centre.

The facility is ringed by a fence, and security cameras dot the property's perimeter. Guards on bikes also patrol the area.

"That is one thing about living here, you get free security," said Brant Hoibin, 34, who lives in an apartment adjacent to the Celebrity Centre.

Labels: CA, private security

posted by Dave at 11/25/2008 03:57:00 PM permalink

11/16/08

Stockton, California

From the Stockton Record of November 10, 2008

Man in critical condition after weekend domestic violence attack

A 60-year-old Stockton man remains in critical condition in an area hospital after he was shot several times early Sunday by a neighbor trying to intervene in a domestic violence attack.

Alcide Doucet, 60, shortly after 1:50 a.m. Sunday allegedly went to the Kelley Drive home of a 43-year-old woman and kicked in the door, according to a police report. Doucet allegedly hit the woman in the head with his fists and a handgun.

A 42-year-old neighbor heard screaming and other noise coming from the woman's house and went to help, according to the report. The neighbor, who police did not identify, apparently knew of the problems between the woman and Doucet, according to the report.

Once inside the woman's home, the neighbor saw Doucet holding the woman by her hair and raising his hand with the gun in it, according to the report. The neighbor told Doucet several times to stop. Doucet allegedly turned the gun on the neighbor and fired once, hitting the man.

The neighbor returned fire with his own gun, hitting Doucet several times in the upper body.

The woman and neighbor were treated for non-life threatening wounds and Doucet was taken to an area hospital and underwent surgery for his wounds.

Doucet likely will face at least felony domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon once released from the hospital. The neighbor will not face charges since he was defending the woman, according to police.

Labels: CA, defender shot, domestic dispute

posted by Dave at 11/16/2008 09:42:00 PM permalink

11/8/08

Sacramento, California

From CBS13 of November 8, 2008

Armed Homeowner Kills Suspected Burglar

An armed homeowner shot and killed a man who was allegedly trying to rob his home, according to authorities.

The Sacramento Police Department says two suspects entered the victim's home on 51st Street Saturday morning and confronted the homeowner, who was able to retrieve a firearm. The man then shot one of the suspects in self-defense, according to authorities.

The second suspect -- a white male in his late 20s, standing 5'6", weighing 135 pounds -- fled the scene.

Police believe the victim knew the suspects. Anyone with information on the crime is urged to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 11/08/2008 08:39:00 PM permalink

10/17/08

Rancho Cordova

From the Sacramento Bee of October 15, 2008

Rancho Cordova resident shoots would-be burglar

Not my house, said one Rancho Cordova resident.

When he heard someone trying to kick in his front door just after 11 a.m. today, the 26-year-old resident of a Vehicle Drive apartment grabbed a gun and shot the suspect, according to authorities. Then he held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, said Sacramento County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran, who also serves as spokesman for the Rancho Cordova Police Department. After he was treated, he is likely to be arrested on suspicion of home invasion robbery, Curran said.

Police were called to the 2300 block by the resident's mother. She had been on the phone with her son when he suddenly yelled that somebody was trying to break into his apartment and hung up, Curran said.

At the scene, officers found evidence that someone had been trying to force entry into the apartment, Curran said. They also found a handgun - other than the resident's - that they believe was carried by the attempted burglar, Curran said.

He said the resident and suspect did not know each other, and it's unknown why that apartment was targeted. Officers found no evidence of illegal activity, like drugs, in the apartment, Curran said.

He did not know whether either gun was legally registered.

Notes CBS13: "A Sheriff's spokesman says at this point the homeowner will not face charges for defending himself and his wife."

Labels: CA, home invasion, residence robbery

posted by Dave at 10/17/2008 08:48:00 AM permalink

10/16/08

Oildale, California

From Bakersfield Now of October 9, 2008

Man shoots dog while under attack

A man who shot a dog Thursday in Oildale was under attack at the time, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

Elmer Walker, 72, was walking on the 700 block of the north alley of Woodrow Avenue when two pit bulls pushed open a gate where they lived and attacked the man, sheriff's officials said.

Walker hit one of the dogs with a stick and shot the other dog with a .22 revolver he's permitted to carry, causing the dogs the retreat to their home.

Walker wasn't hurt, and the condition of the dog who was shot in the jaw was unknown.

The dog's owner, Arnold Coon II, said he feels the dog's were provoked, and he said the dogs don't have a history of violent behavior.

Kern County Animal Control Services Department took custody of the dogs and is conducting an investigation.

Labels: animal, CA, concealed carry permit, senior

posted by Dave at 10/16/2008 06:26:00 AM permalink

9/17/08

San Pablo, California

From the September 17, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle:

The owner of a San Pablo gift shop shot and killed one of two robbers during a holdup attempt Tuesday, the latest in a spate of heists at the business, police said.
The shooting happened shortly after 5 p.m. when two men stormed into A&L Posters at 14650 San Pablo Ave., said San Pablo police Lt. Mark Foisie.

One of the assailants jumped over the counter with a shotgun and was shot dead by the owner, Foisie said. The man's name was not immediately released.

The other would-be robber fled out the front door.

The owner of the business has been robbed at least twice before, police said. About two months ago, he was robbed at the business. Within the past year, he was robbed, beaten and had a weapon fired near his face, Foisie said.

Suspects have been arrested in at least one of the earlier cases, police said.

The shooting is the latest in the East Bay in which store employees have fought back against robbers.

In April, an Oakland liquor store owner shot and wounded a would-be robber who had shot him. That same month, an Oakland store clerk shot and wounded one of two suspected robbers.

In April 2007, the owner of an East Oakland pizzeria shot and killed a would-be robber armed with an assault rifle. A month later, a clerk at an Oakland liquor store shot and killed a 17-year-old who had fired first.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Clayton at 9/17/2008 05:35:00 AM permalink

9/11/08

Sacramento, California

From September 9, 2008 KCRA channel 3:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A homeowner who feared for the safety of himself and his family used a shotgun to kill an accused burglar early Tuesday in Del Paso Heights, Sacramento police said.

Police were called at 12:18 a.m. regarding a shooting in 800 block of Carmelita Avenue, Sgt. Matt Young said.

Officers arrived to find a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Young said an investigation found that the dead man and an unknown number of accomplices allegedly tried to break into the home. A man, his wife and two children were inside the house. One of the burglars appeared to be carrying a rifle, police said.Police said the husband grabbed his shotgun and fired one shot as one of the intruders tried to force his way into the home.Young said the accused burglar was fatally injured by the blast and the accomplice or accomplices fled.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Clayton at 9/11/2008 08:23:00 AM permalink

9/7/08

Vacaville, California

From the San Francisco Chronicle of September 7, 2008

Vacaville man shoots alleged intruder

A Vacaville resident shot and killed a man who the resident said was burglarizing his home.

The resident, who police did not identify and who lives alone on the 1200 block of Balsam Way, awoke to the sound of voices inside his home around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a press release from the Vacaville Police Department.

The resident armed himself with a handgun, confronted the alleged burglar and shot him "at least once" in the torso, according to police. The resident then called police. The Solano County Coroner has not yet released the name of the deceased and police described him only as an unidentified white male.

Police found physical evidence at the home that they believe shows a second person was in the home when the shooting occurred. Police believe that person left the home through a bedroom window.

Authorities conducted a search with to K-9 units and a CHP helicopter but were unable to locate the other alleged burglar. Authorities are asking that person or any one else with information on the shooting to call the Vacaville Police Department at (707) 549-5200.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 9/07/2008 10:05:00 PM permalink

9/6/08

San Bernadino, California

From the San Bernadino Sun of September 5, 2008

Homeowner routs burglars as bullets fly

A homeowner who was awakened by burglars early Friday chased them away while firing his guns.

Police surrounded the neighborhood in the 12000 block of San Timoteo Canyon Road and caught one of the burglars, but the other escaped, police said.

About 1:30 a.m., the homeowner heard glass breaking in his home, the sound of voices and then saw a man looking through his property. He hid in the bathroom and called 9-1-1.

Redlands police heard a struggle while the man was on the phone. When officers arrived, they discovered the man chased the burglars and fired several rounds from a handgun and shotgun he kept in the residence.

Police said they arrested 42-year-old Timothy Hewitt of San Bernardino after finding him hiding in some nearby bushes. He had property in his possession that he had stolen from the home, police said.

Officers booked him into Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of burglary and violating parole.

Anyone with information may call Redlands police dispatch, (909) 798-7681.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 9/06/2008 09:29:00 PM permalink

8/20/08

Coachella, California

From the Desert Sun of August 20, 2008

Would-be robber flees store after employee shoots him

A man was shot Tuesday morning as he tried to rob a Coachella convenience store, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The man entered the Y and M Market in the 1500 block of Second Street about 10:40 a.m. and brandished a handgun.

Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and a store employee and the suspect was shot, according to the sheriff's department.

The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle with a woman. They did not get away with any money.

No one in the store was injured.

The man is described as a Hispanic male in his 20s with a thin build. He wore dark clothing and a fedora-type hat.

The woman is described as a heavyset Hispanic adult with dark hair.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 8/20/2008 05:54:00 AM permalink

8/16/08

Hemet, California

From KNBC of August 15, 2008

Police: Hemet Woman, 93, Misfires At Burglar

A 93-year-old Hemet woman shot at an intruder who entered her home, but she missed and the bullet went through a window and over a neighbor's home, Hemet police said Friday.

The woman shot at the intruder who entered her home in the 300 block of South Street shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, Lt. Duane Wisehart said.

She called police and they surrounded the home until she came out without the weapon, Wisehart said.

The woman told police she heard someone in her home and armed herself with a pistol, then shot at the intruder as the man walked down her hall toward her.

The bullet went through a kitchen window of the small, two-bedroom home, through a shade structure and over a house next door, Wisehart said.

The intruder took some pieces of jewelry and a watch, Wisehart said.

The woman told police that two men had come to her door earlier in the day and offered her an ADT alarm system. The woman said she had an alarm but it was broken and they offered to fix it for cash, Wisehart said.

The woman said she didn't have the cash to fix it and the men left, Wisehart said.

Police said they did not know if that contact was connected to the intruder. They found a bicycle nearby, Wisehart said, and a neighbor said he had seen two men, one on a bicycle and the other on foot, running east on Acacia from the home.

The home's garage door was pulled open from the outside, but the intruder or intruders entered through an open window.

"She's been given the security talk," Wisehart said.

The woman will not be facing charges, Wisehart said.

Police Friday cautioned residents to be careful of such contacts with strangers.

Labels: CA, female, home invasion, residence robbery, senior

posted by Dave at 8/16/2008 03:05:00 PM permalink

8/7/08

Hayward, California

From the San Francisco Chronicle of August 5, 2008

Guard wounds teen after 3 shot at Hayward bar

An armed security guard at a Hayward restaurant and karaoke bar shot a teenager early Sunday after the teen shot three people in the parking lot outside the bar, police said.

Oakland resident Adrian Dantoc, 18, and two other teenage suspects - John Catolos, 19, and Julian Logan, 19, both of Oakland - fled the scene but were caught by police and arrested on four counts of attempted murder, Hayward police said. All three are in custody at the Santa Rita Jail.

The incident happened at about 1:29 a.m. Sunday, when Dantoc and the two other teenagers allegedly confronted the three shooting victims, who were riding bikes through the parking lot of Manila Garden Restaurant on Hesperian Boulevard, police said.

When a fight started, Dantoc allegedly grabbed a gun from a nearby car and shot the three victims multiple times, police said. A security guard who works in the restaurant on weekends went outside when he heard gunshots and allegedly saw Dantoc firing the gun, police said. The guard told Dantoc to drop the gun and Dantoc allegedly fired at him; the guard then shot him in the leg, police said.

Dantoc and the two other suspects then drove to a home on Lester Avenue in Oakland, allegedly throwing away the gun along the way, police said. Residents at the home called 911 to get medical help for Dantoc's injury, and the three suspects were arrested when police arrived. Dantoc was treated at a local hospital.

The victims - ages 41, 23 and 17 - are all expected to survive. The eldest victim was shot in the torso and was admitted to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, where he is in stable condition, police said. The 17-year-old was shot three times - in the face, hip and hand - but none of the wounds were life-threatening, and he was treated and released from a local hospital.

The 23-year-old victim, who was shot in the arm, was also treated and released.

An investigation found that the security guard, a 45-year-old Hayward man who police did not identify, was justified in shooting Dantoc to protect his own life, police said.

"The round that was fired at the security officer went into the building just 2 feet above his head," said Hayward police Lt. Christine Orrey. "He was certainly justified shooting back."

Labels: assault, CA, private security

posted by Dave at 8/07/2008 09:50:00 PM permalink

Pomona, California

From the San Gabriel Valley Tribune of July 30, 2008

First suspect, then victim: shooting said self-defense

In a span of two days, Brett Nichols went from being accused of attempted murder to becoming the victim in the same incident.

The 48-year-old Phillips Ranch resident was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said he had shot a man and dumped the body in the hills near his home.

But Nichols was released from jail Wednesday afternoon after police determined he was acting in self-defense when he shot David Rotela, a 22-year-old Rosemead resident who survived the ordeal, authorities said.

"It was a dumb move for me to do that, to dump his body, but I didn't know what to do," said Nichols outside his Edgebrook Drive home.

Sgt. Robert Baker said "The (Los Angeles County district attorney) declined to prosecute for that incident."

"Nichols is no longer a suspect," Baker said.

According to Nichols, the shooting evolved from a home invasion robbery about 1:30 a.m. Monday.

Five people live in the house owned by Nichols, who said he was waiting for his girlfriend to come home when he heard a commotion in a bedroom.

He armed himself with a gun, "just in case something got out of hand," and went to find the source of the noise, Nichols said.

Nichols said he discovered a man holding a shotgun and wearing a ski mask who ordered him and three other residents to lie under a mattress.

Rotela and a second man took cell phones, cameras and car keys from the residents, authorities said.

As the men left the room, Nichols followed them. When Rotela got to the front door, he swung around and pointed his shotgun at Nichols.

Nichols fired at Rotela who then fell back onto the front walkway while the second man escaped with the stolen goods, authorities said.

Nichols, with a felony drug conviction from the 1990s and no license for the gun, said, "I thought, `A felon with a gun, this isn't good."'

He said he took Rotela and drove him to the hills adjacent to his home and left him there.

"He was paralyzed - he knew it. He said he didn't want to live like that, so I took him out and laid him under the stars like he wanted," Nichols said.

Afterward, Nichols said, he went to 7-Eleven to get a drink and cleaned his truck and the walkway of his house. He also cut out the blood stains from the carpet, leaving square holes, he said.

Police came to the house six hours later to talk to Nichols about a report of shots fired, and he led them to Rotela, who was still alive. Rotela was flown to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. He was listed in critical condition.

Baker said the the investigation is still ongoing, but Rotela could face charges.

Nichols said he had never had contact with Rotela before and did not intend to shoot him.

"I was protecting my home," he said. "If he hadn't turned on me, I probably wouldn't have shot him."

***Note***

No matter how unusual the circumstances may seem, the Civilian Gun Defense Blog operates based on police and government decisions. In this case, the police determined the actions to be in self-defense. This standard works both ways - a shooting may seem justified, but if a person is charged, the incident is disqualified from being used on the site.

Labels: CA, residence robbery

posted by Dave at 8/07/2008 02:35:00 PM permalink

Van Nuys, California

From the Los Angles Times of July 26, 2008

Man shot with own gun while trying to rob Van Nuys bank, police say

A would-be bank robber was shot with his own gun this afternoon during a botched heist attempt in Van Nuys, police said.

The gun-toting man walked into a branch of Wells Fargo bank in the 6800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard around 12:30 p.m. and tried to pull off a one-man caper, said Officer Kate Lopez, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

A security guard confronted the man and "a struggle ensued," Lopez said. The robber, whose identity has not been released, was shot as the two wrestled for control of the weapon.

No other details of the altercation were available and no bank patrons or employees were injured.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital and his condition is not known. The guard suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Labels: CA, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, private security

posted by Dave at 8/07/2008 02:28:00 PM permalink

Woodland Hills, California

From the Contra Costa Times of August 1, 2008

Woodland Hills intruder shot, killed

One of several men who stormed a suburban home Friday was shot dead by one of the residents, who blasted the intruders as they entered, in an incident police were calling a home-invasion robbery attempt.

Three or four men kicked in the door of the house in the 24300 block of Burbank Boulevard, setting off the gunfight, Los Angeles police said. Aside from the one intruder killed, no one was injured.

"Obviously, these residents here do have a right to protect themselves," said Los Angeles police Lt. Steven Sambar. "Those people are extremely lucky."

Police were searching for two or three other suspects, described as African-American men in their 20s.

Gunfire and screams pierced the neighborhood's usual quiet about 2:45 p.m., after the men first knocked on the home's front door - then kicked it in, Los Angeles police Sgt. Jeff Nuttall said.

Inside was a couple in their 60s and their two sons in their 20s. At least one of the sons was armed, and he opened fire, hitting one of the intruders.

The man died in the doorway, clutching a revolver, Nuttall said. His identity was not immediately available.

The intruders shot back, but didn't hit anyone, then fled. They may have escaped in a silver sedan, Sambar said.

Inside the home, shell casings from various firearms littered the floor and bullet holes peppered the walls, he said.

Police detained a man about a block away but said he was not considered suspect.

Investigators have no reason to believe the suspects knew the victims beforehand, Nuttall said.

Asked how often victims of home invasion are able to chase off their attackers, Nuttall said: "Unfortunately, it's very rare."

Violent crime is rare in this middle-class neighborhood of single-family homes, LAPD Lt. Steven Sambar said.

"We don't have that type a crime in this area, so it's very unusual," he said.

A police barricade stranded neighboring residents, who were unable to return home for several hours until authorities finished combing the scene.

Only a car crash a couple of years ago had caused so much commotion here, said Sharon Friedman, a resident of eight years. "That was the most exciting thing that ever happened here," she said.

"You don't ever see any policemen around here," said Carmen Kaplan, 68, who has lived in a nearby house for 37 years. "I tell everybody I live in the safest part of the Valley ever. My kids grew up here. I walk here every night.

"It's just a very sad thing."

Not too rare, Sgt. Nuttall.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 8/07/2008 01:50:00 PM permalink

7/24/08

Barstow, California

From the Desert Dispatch of July 22, 2008

DA declines charges in fatal Marine shooting

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office elected not to file charges against Issa Wajeel, 50, the Barstow man who was arrested Friday on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting death of a Camp Pendleton Marine.

Michael Fermin, supervising deputy district attorney at the Barstow courthouse, said he received the Barstow Police Department report in the case late in the day on Monday. After reviewing the file with Gary Roth, chief deputy district attorney for the Desert-Mountain region of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, they came to the conclusion Tuesday afternoon that Wajeel acted in self-defense when he shot 20-year-old Michael Firkins, Fermin said.

He would not comment on the evidence that led them to that conclusion.

Police found Firkins with a gunshot wound to the head in a truck parked in front of Wajeel’s house on July 3. He died in the hospital on July 6, and Wajeel was arrested Friday on suspicion of murder. Wajeel, who was in his yard with a gun when police arrived, told investigators that he had confronted a man who may have been trying to break into his house.

Wajeel, a retired Army sergeant first class, worked as a contractor at Fort Irwin and taught administration of justice classes part time at Barstow Community College.

Fermin said the fact that Wajeel was a respected figure in the community did not play into his decision not to file charges.

“We base it on the facts of the law, the facts of what happened and the law that applies in that situation,” he said. “... Sometimes that decision-making process may not be a popular one, but it’s one we believe to be right under the eye of the law and the facts that are available.”

The investigation is still open, and the District Attorney’s Office could elect to file charges in the future if new evidence surfaces, he said.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, West Valley Detention Center still listed Wajeel as an inmate.

Labels: CA, trespassing

posted by Dave at 7/24/2008 09:36:00 AM permalink

6/27/08

San Bernardino, California

From the Press-Enterprise of June 26, 2008

Homeowner justified in shooting drunken man, S.B. County district attorney's office finds

A 53-year-old San Bernardino homeowner, fearful that he was dealing with a dangerous burglar, was legally justified in killing a drunken man during a 3 a.m. confrontation on the homeowner's front walkway, prosecutors said Thursday.

The finding of justifiable homicide means that no criminal charges will be filed against Brad Nielsen for the June 15 slaying of Joshua Munoz, 23, in the Devil Canyon area of northwest San Bernardino.

Munoz died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. Nielsen wasn't arrested.

"He believed that someone was trying to break into his house," San Bernardino County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Rick Young said. "When he saw (Munoz) near his vehicle, he was justified in confronting him.

"Possibly due to his intoxication, the deceased did not respond in a manner to de-escalate the situation but, instead, began approaching the homeowner who -- at gunpoint -- told him several times to stop."

Nielsen feared for his safety and the safety of his wife and child, he told police.

"He felt that if he let the subject get any closer, they would be in a fight for the gun," Young said by phone. "This tragic homicide was legally justified in self-defense and the defense of others."

Munoz had been drinking and had passed out in his Honda Civic that night, investigators have said.

The car was parked in front of his girlfriend's home and across the street from Nielsen's two-story home in the 6400 block of North Ventura Avenue.

Efforts to reach Nielsen and Munoz's girlfriend and aunt on Thursday were unsuccessful.

"He was a kid who drank too much and walked into the wrong yard," Cindy Ledbetter, the mother of Munoz's girlfriend, said earlier. "The whole thing is senseless."

Nielsen was awakened by noises, armed himself with a pistol and walked outside to investigate, police have said.

It remains unclear why Munoz was on Nielsen's property.

"He probably got disoriented and thought he was going into his girlfriend's house," Young Said. "It's a tragedy."

Labels: CA, intoxication, trespassing

posted by Dave at 6/27/2008 10:31:00 PM permalink

6/10/08

Oakland, California

From the Oakland Tribune of June 9, 2008

Oakland man shoots would-be burglar

An armed East Oakland homeowner who tried to dissuade a burglary suspect with several warning shots ended up shooting the man in the leg Monday in the most recent in a string of incidents in which victims have shot suspects.

Neighbors of the home on the 2200 block of 100th Avenue said the house had been broken into before.

"The guy is exasperated because they target his house," said the shooter's next-door neighbor, who declined to give her name. "There's got to be somebody watching him, because the minute he leaves the house it's targeted to be broken into. It's between five and six times, quite a few attempts at it, no matter what he does."

Police said the 37-year-old homeowner, who has lived in the house most of his life, was home a little before 11 a.m. Monday when he saw someone walk toward his garage, then reappear and try to pry open a back window with a garden tool. The homeowner walked to his deck and fired warning shots with a pistol, which seemed to drive the man away.

But when the homeowner stepped out his front door, the suspect reappeared and began moving toward the house, as if determined to get in, according to a statement the man gave police. The homeowner fired two more warning shots into the ground, but the suspect kept coming forward, at which point the homeowner shot the suspect in the upper leg.

Neighbors said they came out to find the suspect lying on the sidewalk, shouting that he hadn't known anybody lived there. Medics with the Oakland Fire Department arrived and treated the wounded man briefly before taking him to Highland Hospital; they left the suspect's shoes on the sidewalk in front of the house near a small bloodstain.

Police identified the burglary suspect as Marcus Holoman, 51. He did not have a gun.

Officials said he has a criminal record that includes arrests and convictions for burglary. He was under police guard at Highland on Monday and was being detained on suspicion of burglary.

The homeowner's handgun is legally registered, and police did not arrest the homeowner or charge him with anything.

(More)

Labels: CA, trespassing

posted by Dave at 6/10/2008 10:26:00 AM permalink

6/3/08

La Mesa, California

From CBS8 of May 28, 2008

Alleged Robber In Fatal Store Holdup Identified

Authorities released the name today of an alleged robber killed in an exchange of gunfire that erupted during a holdup at a small East County business, seriously injuring the shop's two proprietors.

Phillip Lashon Whitmore, 29, died at the scene of Tuesday afternoon's shootout at Travel Wizard in the 7700 block of University Avenue in La Mesa, according to the county Medical Examiner's Office.

Whitmore allegedly was robbing the business -- a combination vacation-planning agency, currency-exchange outlet and coin shop -- when gunfire erupted shortly before 1 p.m., according to police. It was unclear who fired first.

Whitmore suffered two to four bullet wounds, LMPD Lt. David Bond told reporters. The La Mesa resident ran out of the business with a satchel of stolen money, fell to the ground about 50 feet away and died, Bond said.

Medics took the wounded business owners -- a 59-year-old man and 58-year-old woman, both of whom suffered at least two gunshot wounds -- to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. Their names and conditions were not released.

Labels: business robbery, CA, defender shot

posted by Dave at 6/03/2008 08:10:00 PM permalink

5/5/08

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.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Clayton at 5/05/2008 07:52:00 AM permalink

5/4/08

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.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 5/04/2008 07:18:00 PM permalink

Lake County, California

From the Santa Rosa Press Democrat of May 4, 2008

Lake County dentist shot wife in self-defense, police say

A Lake County dentist acted in self-defense this weekend when he shot and critically wounded his estranged wife, who was coming at him with a pickax, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

Chief Deputy Sheriff James Bauman said Dr. Don Johnson, who operates Willow Tree Dental in Lakeport, does not face charges following the shooting of his wife, Margaret Johnson, during an incident at his Kelseyville home late Friday. He said Margaret Johnson was wounded by a single gunshot to her neck and was in stable, but critical, condition at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Bauman said Margaret Johnson was served with a restraining order Friday afternoon, a court order he said Don Johnson had sought "as a result of ongoing troubles with their relationship." He said Johnson's wife had left their Kelseyville home as a result of that order.

However, about 9:40 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to the home, where they found Margaret Johnson lying wounded on the floor.

Don Johnson told investigators that after he had gone to bed, he heard a woman screaming outside the home. He said he reached for a handgun and was calling the Sheriff's Department when he heard the sound of glass breaking at the rear of the house. He said that when investigating the sounds, he saw his wife entering the house armed with a pickax.

He told investigators he fired one shot, she fell to the floor and he returned to the telephone to complete his call to deputies.

"Based on evidence that Dr. Johnson acted in defense of his own life, he was not taken into custody," Bauman said. "Criminal charges against Margaret Johnson are pending further investigation of this incident."

Labels: CA, domestic dispute, home invasion

posted by Dave at 5/04/2008 05:56:00 AM permalink

4/28/08

Los Angeles, California

From the Mercury News of April 27, 2008

LA mini market clerk fatally shoots would-be armed robber

Los Angeles police say a mini market clerk has shot and killed an armed man who was trying to rob the business.

Officers responding to a shooting call Saturday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley found 30-year-old Marvin Sanchez lying on a sidewalk shot to death.

Investigators say Sanchez walked into the Del Gaudio mini market, pulled a handgun and demanded money. The male clerk grabbed a handgun and shot Sanchez.

The incident is under investigation.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 4/28/2008 07:18:00 AM permalink

4/18/08

Oakland, California

From the San Francisco Chronicle of April 18, 2008

Oakland liquor store worker shoots robbery suspect

An employee of an Oakland liquor store shot and wounded a would-robber, police said today.

The incident happened about 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Wah Fay liquor store near the corner of East 21st Street and Eighth Avenue in the city's San Antonio neighborhood, police Sgt. Larry Krupp said.

The employee opened fire after two men entered the store and demanded money, police said. The injured suspect, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to a local hospital. The wounds did not appear to be life-threatening, authorities said. It was not immediately known what happened to the other suspect.

The shooting comes at a time of heightened concern over robberies in the East Bay.

Police in Oakland, Emeryville and Berkeley are investigating a series of eight takeover robberies at restaurants over the past month. Oakland police are also trying to identify a man they have dubbed the "Chicken Hawk" because of his tendency to rob fast-food restaurants that serve chicken.

The liquor-store shooting also underscores the measures some store employees are taking.

In April 2007, the owner of a pizzeria at 89th Avenue and International Boulevard in East Oakland shot and killed a would-be robber armed with an assault rifle. A month later, a clerk at a liquor store on 28th Avenue in Oakland shot and killed a 17-year-old who had fired first.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 4/18/2008 03:55:00 PM permalink

3/30/08

Clairemont, California

From the San Diego Union Tribune of March 30, 2008

Cigar-store clerk foils robbers by taking away gun

A cigar store clerk foiled an armed robbery attempt by two men and a woman Saturday, San Diego police said.

The three entered a cigar store on Balboa Avenue near Genesee Avenue in Clairemont about 1 p.m., and the woman pulled out a gun and demanded money, police said.

The clerk managed to take the gun away, and the three left empty-handed.

The woman was described as white, 30 to 35 years old, heavy-set with long blond hair. She wore a blue jacket and blue jeans.

The men were described as white, 30 to 35 years old, with medium builds and average height. They wore blue shirts and blue jeans.

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

posted by Dave at 3/30/2008 07:37:00 PM permalink

3/28/08

Blue Lake, California

From the Eureka Reporter of March 27, 2008

Neighbor apprehends burglar after pursuit

Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man yesterday afternoon after neighbors in Blue Lake allegedly caught him during a home burglary, a news release stated.

At about 2:45 p.m. a woman reported to the Sheriff’s Office that she saw a man enter her next-door neighbor’s residence on the 400 block of Chartin Way.

The woman told the Sheriff’s Emergency Dispatchers that her son, Steven Wilson, 49, armed with a handgun, had attempted to apprehend the suspect inside the residence and was now chasing him toward Rancheria Road.

Deputies arrived a few minutes later and found Wilson detaining Ryan Bush, 21 of Eureka. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly forcibly entered the locked residence on Chartin Way and removed several items. There was also significant vandalism inside the residence, including broken doors, light fixtures, furniture, and scratched wood floors.

When Wilson confronted him, the suspect fled from the house. Wilson fired a single “warning shot” and told the suspect to freeze, but he continued to run.

The suspect ran through backyards and private driveways until Wilson was able to catch and detain him near Rancheria Road.

Bush was treated at a local hospital for a laceration he sustained either during the burglary or the pursuit. He also had a previous injury that required medical attention.

Bush was then transported to the Humboldt County jail and booked for burglary. His bail was set at $50,000 and he is expected to be arraigned Friday.

Labels: CA, residence burglary

posted by Dave at 3/28/2008 08:21:00 PM permalink

3/1/08

Visalia, California

From the Visalia Times Delta of February 29, 2008

Police: Boy, 13, shot man in self-defense

A Visalia woman whose common-law husband was shot and killed Wednesday was moving out of the couple's south Visalia home when the incident occurred, neighbors and police said.

Witnesses said Joe Ray Martinez, 38, tried to stop the woman from doing so and got into an altercation with another man.

"That's when [Martinez] drew a gun and threatened to shoot everyone, including kids," said Terry Anderson, a neighbor in the quiet cul-de-sac on South Thomas Street near Paradise Avenue.

One of the "kids" at the home was a 13-year-old boy.

The boy emerged from the home and shot Martinez in "a clear case of self-defense," Visalia Police Department Sgt. Ernie Villa said.

"There will be no arrests," Villa said.

History of violence, abuse

Martinez had a long history of violent behavior, with felony convictions in 2000 and 2001 for assault with a nonfirearm deadly weapon, according to court records.

Violence was common in the South Thomas Street home, Anderson said.

"The abuse was terrible for the other people living there," said Anderson, who said the family had moved into the house about four months ago.

Martinez also had 23 vehicle-code violations since 1993 and twice was convicted of misdemeanor witness-threatening, records show.

In 2001, he was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He had a gun Wednesday, too.

"[Martinez] waved the gun at everyone there," Villa said.

"All the stories from all the witnesses we talked to were consistent."

The case is now being handed over to the Tulare County District Attorney's Office.

Villa said he expects officials there to agree that the shooting was a matter of self-defense.

Further links:
13-Year-Old Shoots and Kills Man In Self Defense

Labels: CA, domestic abuse, minor defender

posted by Dave at 3/01/2008 09:31:00 AM permalink

2/26/08

Bakersfield, California

From KERO of February 26, 2008

Motorcycle Shop Owner Shoots At Intruder

Police are still looking for a burglar who may have been shot by a business owner in central Bakersfield Tuesday morning.

The Bakersfield Police Department said an alarm tipped off the owner at about 4:30 a.m. at a motorcycle repair shop on Chester Lane.

Police said when he arrived, he noticed someone inside the garage. They said the man then charged at the owner, who managed to get off several rounds from a pistol.

It's unknown if the man was hit. The man escaped.

Labels: business burglary, CA

posted by Dave at 2/26/2008 12:47:00 PM permalink

Contra Costa County, California

From February 25, 2008 CBS channel 5:

CONTRA COSTA CO.: SUSPECT IN BAY POINT KILLING SHOT ROOMMATE IN SELF-DEFENSE

A Bay Point man arrested last week on suspicion of fatally shooting his roommate was released from jail Friday after prosecutors decided the slaying was in self-defense, Contra Costa County Sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee said today.

Andrew Mahler, 33, was detained for questioning Tuesday shortly after sheriff's deputies found his roommate on the sidewalk in front of their residence at 44 Pensacola St. in the unincorporated community of Bay Point suffering from a gunshot wound, Lee said.

The roommate, 31-year-old William Lenox, was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Concord where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy found that he died form a gunshot wound to the abdomen, Lee said.

The shooting had reportedly occurred inside the roommates' residence, Lee said. Mahler had then allegedly gone over to a neighbor's house and either he or the neighbor called for help shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Deputies took Mahler to the station to question him and then officially arrested him at about 10:45 p.m., Lee said. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on suspicion of murder, but when investigators presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office Friday, prosecutors declined to file charges and Mahler was released Friday afternoon, Lee said.

Labels: CA, domestic dispute

posted by Clayton at 2/26/2008 09:30:00 AM permalink

2/22/08

Los Angeles, California

From the February 22, 2008 Torrance (California) Daily Breeze:

An intended burglary victim shot at four men breaking into a business in the Harbor Gateway area early this morning.
Los Angeles Police spokesman Richard French said the suspects reportedly entered a building at 18710 S. Normandie Avenue at about 5:30 a.m. Someone in the building, who was described as a victim, fired an unknown amount of rounds at the suspects, French said.
One of the suspects was shot in the hip and taken to a nearby hospital after police arrived. A second suspect was taken into custody, but two suspects got away, French said.
The victim was not injured.
French did not say whether the suspects were attempting to burglarize a marijuana dispensary that is located in that building.

Labels: business burglary, CA

posted by Clayton at 2/22/2008 02:56:00 PM permalink

2/10/08

Watts, California

From ABC7 of February 10, 2008

Teen robber shot by intended victim

A teenager robber was shot and killed in Watts Saturday morning.

According to a police spokesperson, 17-year-old Joe Beck was hiding behind a pole in the 1200 block of East 140th Street, waiting to hold-up his intended victim.

Moments after approaching the victim, who was in his vehicle, Beck produced a gun and demanded money.

The victim--also armed--produced a weapon and shot the suspect in the chest. Beck later died at an area hospital.

Police are still investigating details of the shooting.

The intended victim's name has not been released.

Labels: CA, minor offender, street robbery

posted by Dave at 2/10/2008 04:41:00 PM permalink

2/9/08

Long Beach, California

From the Long Beach Report of February 9, 2008

Downtown LB Resident Shoots & Kills Alleged Intruder

On Friday Feb. 8 at about 4:38 p.m., LBPD responded to an incomplete 911 call in a condominium complex in the 200 block of Seaside Way and discovered that a male subject had been fatally shot.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, a 26 year old man who resided at the complex, was in his home when he discovered a suspect entering his residence through a window.

The victim [resident], fearing for his safety, armed himself and fired at the suspect.

Police immediately responded to the scene along with LBFD Paramedics who pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.

At this time, the suspect is only being identified as a 21 year-old LB resident until next of kin is notified.

Due to the circumstances involved, this incident is being investigated as a justifiable homicide.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 2/09/2008 10:59:00 AM permalink

1/8/08

El Dorado Hills, California

From the Sacramento Bee of January 8, 2008

El Dorado DA identifies dead suspect; hails gun-wielding neighbor

The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office has identified the 33-year-old man who the DA said was responsible for Sunday's stabbing rampage which left one man dead and one man wounded as Behnam Pazoki.

Pazoki, who family members described as mentally ill, was visiting relatives in El Dorado Hills on Sunday when he grabbed a kitchen knife and chased terrified relatives into the street. During the rampage, which occurred on the 1000 block of Venezia Drive, Pazoki stabbed Vahid Seyedin, 47, the owner of the home he was staying at, and killed his uncle Ahmad Pazeky, 58, according the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.

Pazoki was ultimately shot by a neighbor, Shahin Kohan, 47, who witnessed the attack and came to the family's aid armed with a handgun, sheriffs said.

In a press release issued today, the district attorney's office said that after Kohan warned Pazoki to stop, Pazoki turned his attention to him and other neighbors that had gathered around watching the horror unfold.

"Mr. Kohan's actions directly prevented other people and himself from being seriously injured or killed," the release said.

El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson called Kohan's actions heroic in the release.

""All too often the term hero is applied to situations where it is inappropriate...," Pierson said in the release. "Mr. Kohan was a bystander whose quick action, done at great risk to him, likely saved lives and certainly prevented additional injuries. Mr. Kohan, by any definition, is in fact a hero."

Sheriff's Deputies briefly detained Kohan on murder charges following the incident, but quickly released him after the facts of the case were reviewed.

Further links:
Homicides in the hills: Two dead after altercation

Labels: assault, CA

posted by Dave at 1/08/2008 04:12:00 PM permalink

Tracy, California

From the Tracy Press of January 5, 2008

A man shoots a suspected thief three times and is released by police

A homeowner shot and wounded a man who he said was trying to steal a motorcycle from the back of his pickup early Friday morning on the 100 block of Victoria Court.

Police barricaded the street after the shooting shortly after 3:30 a.m., and the suspect was taken to a hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Sean Dunbar, 31, shot 18-year-old Christian Bautista of Stockton three times in the hand and shoulder after a brief footchase, said Tracy detective Craig Kootstra. Bautista was taken to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital.

Dunbar kept him at gunpoint until police arrived. Bautista’s .38-caliber revolver was lying in the middle of the street and he was conscious when officers got on scene.

Officers questioned Dunbar and released him, while Bautista was arrested on suspicion of theft, assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony and carrying a concealed firearm.

Further links:
Man arrested in shooting after release from hospital

Man confronts, shoots armed suspected thief

Labels: CA, street property theft

posted by Dave at 1/08/2008 09:47:00 AM permalink

1/4/08

Crestline, California

From the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin of January 4, 2008

Crestline man shoots mountain lion

A man shot a mountain lion Thursday evening after the animal attacked his dogs.

San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies said the resident at the corner of Playground Road and Summit Drive fired at the lion about 10 p.m., causing the lion to flee from the man's fenced back yard.

Sheriff's deputies searched the area but could not find the mountain lion.

They notified officials with the Department of Fish and Game about the incident.

Sheriff's officials advised residents to use caution when outside and notify authorities when a mountain lion is spotted in the area.

Labels: animal, CA

posted by Dave at 1/04/2008 06:06:00 PM permalink

12/26/07

Fresno, California

From KFSN of December 26, 2007

Man Shoots Another in Self Defense

No charges will be filed against a man who shot and killed another man in southeast Fresno on Christmas.

Police say it was self defense.

Investigators say a 26-year old man showed up at his ex-girlfriend's home on east Belgravia, around 4 a.m. to demand to see their baby.

Police say he hit the woman, pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot her.

The woman's cousin was in the home and shot the ex-boyfriend.

Police say he saved both mother and baby.

Police say the suspect had just been released from prison was deported to Mexico, but returned to the U.S.

Further links:
Man Kills In Self-Defense

Labels: CA, domestic dispute, illegal alien

posted by Dave at 12/26/2007 12:05:00 PM permalink

12/21/07

Coachella, California

From the Desert Sun of December 21, 2007

Clerk shoots robber dead, chase closes I-10

A convenience store robbery-gone-wrong ended with one suspect dead and westbound Interstate 10 traffic backed up for nearly two hours Friday.

Three armed suspects entered the Y and M Market in the 1500 block of Second Street in Coachella about 11:30 a.m., according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

That's when they encountered something they may not have expected.

"The store clerk armed himself and shot one of the suspects," Sheriff’s Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela said.

It wasn't immediately clear what type of weapons the suspects had or how many times the man was shot.

Neighbors, though, said they heard three gunshots at the time of the robbery.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and took the unidentified man to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he died.

The sheriff's department is investigating the incident as a homicide, but the employee has not been charged.

The other two suspects fled the scene in a small sport utility vehicle, which may have been a green GMC Jimmy, Valenzuela said.

"They left the injured man behind," she said.

The suspect vehicle collided with another one near Tyler Street and Avenue 50. The second vehicle followed the suspects onto I-10 and confronted them in an area between Cook and Washington streets.

Authorities arrived at the scene and shut down all westbound lanes until about 1:45 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The two men were arrested on unspecified charges and their names, ages and residences have not been released.

Neighbors think the suspects were not from the area because all the nearby residents know the family that owns the market.

"The owner’s good — he’s a nice guy," said Jerry Larios, who lives down the street from the market.

The owner declined to comment on the incident, but neighbors said the market has been around for at least 15 years and had been robbed several times.

The Desert Sun reported in January 2002 that a robbery there left a suspect injured from two gunshot wounds.

The owner said in 2002 it was the third time he was robbed at gunpoint in four years.

Further links:
1 Dead, 2 Would-Be Robbers Nabbed In Coachella

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 12/21/2007 10:46:00 PM permalink

12/15/07

Fresno, California

From the Fresno Bee of December 15, 2007

Fresno business owner shoots at men after they robbed him

The owner of Jazzy Jeans at Fresno Street and Fagan Alley in downtown Fresno reported that he shot at three men after they held him up and took money and clothing, Fresno police said.

The owner said the robbers were fleeing in two cars south on Fagan Alley when he fired three shots at them.

Two of the robbers were armed with handguns, the owner told police.

Police said it was not known whether anyone was hit by the gunfire.

The robbery was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m Saturday.

The owner's name was not made public.

The investigation is continuing.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 12/15/2007 11:27:00 PM permalink

12/14/07

San Diego, California

From the San Diego Union Tribune of December 13, 2007

Armed store owner foils robbery

Two masked gunmen held a North Park liquor store owner's daughter at gunpoint Thursday night but ran off when the owner pointed a gun at them.

The robbery try occurred at United Market and Liquor on University Avenue near Hamilton Street shortly before 10 p.m.

San Diego police said one of the men walked from the front door to the counter, while the other came in the back door and stepped behind the counter. He raised a handgun to the woman's head and demanded cash.

The store owner, sitting by the front door, pulled out his own pistol and aimed it at the robbers, police Sgt. Rich Nemetz said. The masked men ran away without getting any money.

Police did not release a detailed description of the robbers.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 12/14/2007 08:02:00 AM permalink

12/11/07

Bakersfield, California

From Fox58 Eyewitness News of December 11, 2007

Homeowner shoots at armed burglary suspect

A Bakersfield home-owner shot at an armed burglary suspect, scaring off the would-be crook Monday night. Sheriff officials say the resident has the right to protect himself with deadly use of force.

The incident happened in the area of Gosford and Lindsey Roads south of Bakersfield. The home-owner told Eyewitness News his property had been the target of crime and attempted burglaries three times in the last 18 months -- that's why he was ready with a gun.

The resident says he spotted the suspect trying to break into a front window of the house he built on the property for his son. They were both at the father's house when they heard the dog bark, and went to investigate.

The home-owner then spotted an unfamiliar man in the yard. "As soon as the unfamiliar male saw the home-owner, he raised what appeared to be a handgun toward the home-owner," Sheriff's Sgt. Ed Komin told Eyewitness News. "The home-owner took one shot toward the suspect, and the suspect fled on foot."

Sgt. Komin says it appears that shot did not hit the suspect. Officers who immediately came to the scene found no blood or any other indicators where the suspect took off.

The resident told Eyewitness News he saw the would-be burglar raise a gun, and he didn't want to be shot -- so he fired at the suspect.
Sgt. Komin says a resident has the right to shoot an intruder to protect life.

"Certainly when the home-owner was threatened by what appeared to be a gun coming up toward him, it would be appropriate and prudent -- and that's the thing to do, is to use deadly force to protect yourself. That's the appropriate and legal thing to do."

Other neighbors say there have been several break-ins in the area. At one house, jewelry and computer equipment were stolen. Another neighbor came home to find suspects inside his house.

The suspect in the Monday night incident is described as a man of unknown race, about 5'9" and 170-pounds. Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Department at 861-3110.

Sheriff officials confirm that there have been a number of burglaries and thefts. They do not know if this is the work of the same suspect.

The resident who shot at the suspect Monday night thinks the area is the target of crime because it's fairly rural. Neighbors say they have now started up a citizen patrol.

What can home-owners do to protect themselves and their property?

"Dogs are great, alarms are great -- lighting goes a long way and that sort of thing to protect property," says Sgt. Komin. "Now, once it crosses the line where a person is threatened -- then higher levels of force, of course, are appropriate."

Labels: CA, trespassing

posted by Dave at 12/11/2007 08:42:00 PM permalink

12/3/07

Victorville, California

From the San Bernadino County Sun of December 3, 2007

Home-invasion robbery suspect arrested

An Adelanto man has been arrested after an intruder broke into a home and narrowly escaped being shot by the homeowner Saturday.

Lawrence McGirt, 29, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of residential robbery, according to a sheriff's news release.

About 1:45 a.m., deputies got a call about a robbery in the 15000 block of Barranca Way.

Some of the neighbors came to realize the suspect was a relative of theirs who had earlier been to their home demanding money, officials said.

Investigators say McGirt later walked across the street and kicked down the front door of a neighbor's house. Upon hearing the ruckus, investigators said the homeowner grabbed his .38-caliber handgun and went into the hallway, where he saw McGirt getting up off the floor.

As McGirt stood up, he pulled something from his waistband and pointed it at the homeowner and instructed him to get down, officials said.

The man shot at the intruder four times but did not hit him, officials said. The owner ran from the house.

Investigators were able to track down McGirt at about 6 a.m. in 10900 block of Aztec Lane in Adelanto and arrested him. He was booked at the Victor Valley jail on suspicion of robbery with gang enhancements, as well as a parole-warrant hold with no bail.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 12/03/2007 08:33:00 AM permalink

11/27/07

Fairfield, California

From NBC11 of November 26, 2007

Fairfield Man Killed In House Invasion

An autopsy was scheduled for Monday on a Fairfield man who was shot Saturday night during an apparent home invasion robbery.

The Solano County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 48-year-old Timothy Banks.

Fairfield police said Banks was fatally shot and his 17-year-old son also was shot in their home in the 200 block of Holly Drive.

Lt. Al Bagos said Banks' wife called police around 11:34 p.m. Saturday. She said she awoke to find her husband and an intruder struggling over a rifle in the upstairs bedroom. The gun discharged, striking Banks in the head and torso and the intruder fled, Bagos said.

The teen was found shot downstairs and he was taken to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he was in fair condition, Bagos said.

Police said it appears there were two intruders. One of them is a dark-skinned male approximately 17 years old who was wearing dark clothing, Bagos said. Police are investigating a motive for the shootings.

Labels: CA, defender killed, home invasion

posted by Dave at 11/27/2007 06:19:00 AM permalink

11/20/07

Indio, California

From November 20, 2007 CBS channel 2 Los Angeles:

(CBS) INDIO, Calif. An Indio man disarmed and fatally shot a would-be intruder early Tuesday during a struggle that left the resident with a gunshot wound in his foot, authorities said.

Police sent to a home on Hamilton Court in the Indian Palms Country Club at 1:30 a.m. found the body of 31-year-old Genaro Chavez Munoz lying partially in the front window of the residence, according to Ben Guitron with Indio police.

The preliminary investigation indicated that the homeowner was awakened by the sounds of someone trying to enter his home through the front window, according to Guitron.

"The homeowner managed to disarm the intruder and shot him several times, killing him in the process," Guitron said. Police believe there may have been other suspects outside the residence who ran away after the shooting, he said.

The homeowner, whose name was not being released, was taken to John F. Kennedy Hospital.

Guitron said no charges would be filed against him at this time, but that the investigation was ongoing.

Labels: CA, defender shot, residence burglary

posted by Clayton at 11/20/2007 02:01:00 PM permalink

11/13/07

Bakersfield, California

From the Bakersfield Californian of November 7, 2007

Store clerk shoots man wielding knife

A liquor store employee shot a 27-year-old man Wednesday night after the man attacked the clerk with a knife.

At about 8 p.m., Daniel Perez had entered AA Liquors at 1305 Niles St. and asked a clerk and his wife to kill him, according to a news release by the Bakersfield Police Department.

Perez pulled out a knife and hit the male clerk on the left thumb, according to police. The cut was minor.

The clerk took out a gun and shot the suspect in the right arm.

Perez then went to a cooler, stole a beer and exited the store, police said.

Officers arrived and ordered the suspect to lie down, according to the news release.

Perez did not listen and was arrested after a police dog dragged him down, according to the news release. The suspect hit the dog several times with the beer bottle.

Perez was taken to Kern Medical center with a gunshot wound to his right arm that had entered his chest. The wound was non-life threatening, police said.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Dave at 11/13/2007 05:09:00 AM permalink

11/7/07

San Diego, California

From San Diego’s Fox6.com of November 7, 2007

Neighbor Shooting

Prosecutors today plan to dismiss murder and assault charges against an ex-Marine and his wife accused in the fatal shooting of a neighbor whose girlfriend sought their help at a University City condominium.

William Bennett Porter and Nicole Leanne Porter pleaded not guilty Aug. 7 in San Diego Superior Court.

William Porter was charged with murder and an allegation that he personally used a firearm in the shooting four days earlier that killed 47-year-old Larry Kermit King.

Nicole Porter was charged with assault with a semiautomatic weapon.

Deputy District Attorney Marcella McLaughlin told a judge this summer that around 2 a.m. on Aug. 3, King and his ex-girlfriend got into some sort of dispute and she went to the Porters' residence for help.

William Porter tried to arrest King, then shot him several times in the back, the prosecutor alleged.

A bullet from Nicole Porter's gun also struck the victim in the neck, McLaughlin told Superior Court Judge David Szumowski.

The prosecutor alleged that King was retreating back into his condo in the 7900 block of Avenida Navidad when he was shot.

Defense attorney Kerry Armstrong said William Porter served four years in the Marine Corps -- including three tours of duty in Iraq -- before getting out in the fall of 2006.

The defendant -- who was working as a weapons and tactics instructor in Twentynine Palms -- has no record and is a "squeaky-clean guy," the attorney said.

Armstrong said at the time that the case was a strong self-defense case.

Today, McLaughlin refused to comment further before a scheduled afternoon hearing.

Labels: altercation, CA, female

posted by Pete at 11/07/2007 04:54:00 PM permalink

San Leandro, California

From Oakland’s InsideTheBayArea.com of November 7, 2007

Store manager shot into house while pursuing thief
Homeowner fears for safety after discovering bullet holes made by .357 Magnum

A Hollywood Video store manager who fired his .357 Magnum revolver at an escaping thief Sunday night thought he hit the thief's getaway vehicle, but instead hit the front door of a house on Toler Avenue.

The homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said he noticed a bullet hole in his door Monday morning when he was getting the newspaper.

"It's a very unsettling thing," the homeowner said. "I don't think anybody should be firing a gun in a residential neighborhood. He could have killed me or my fiancee. I'm pretty upset about it."

Late Sunday night, a man wearing a hockey mask robbed the Hollywood Video store at 300 Davis St. The masked man zip-tied an employee and forced the store manager at gunpoint to empty the contents of the store safe and cash registers into a white plastic bag. When the thief fled the store with about $700 in cash and change, the store manager, armed with a handgun, chased after him.

The thief was getting into his car on a dark street a few blocks from the store when the store manager yelled at him to stop.

According to the manager, the thief then turned and faced him, still wearing the hockey mask and with the gun in his hand.

"He turned around and drew on me," the manager said. "I could see his gun clearly because of the dome light from his vehicle."

The manager said he fired his gun and then ducked behind a parked car. The thief then jumped in his car and drove off.

(More)

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 11/07/2007 06:20:00 AM permalink

11/6/07

Bakersfield, California

From Bakersfield’s KGET.com of November 6, 2007

Homeowner kills; second burglar to be charged with murder

A Bakersfield homeowner who killed an intruder Monday night acted in self-defense, the Sheriff's Department says, but a surviving burglar will be charged with murder in connection with the death of his crime partner.

That was the latest development Tuesday afternoon as detectives sorted out what happened in the 15000 block of Westdale Drive, near Renfro and Brimhall, in northwest Bakersfield.

Sheriff's spokesman Ed Komin gave this account:

Just before 10 p.m. Monday, Ulises Aaron Espino, 19, and Alberto Torres, 18, went to the home of 44-year-old Steven Stewart.

"It appears that Torres and Espino went to Stewart's residence intending to enter the house and burn it down," Komin said in a news release. A flammable liquid was found inside the house, Komin said.

Torres stayed in the car, while Espino tried to climb into a window. Stewart, the resident, had a shotgun and fired at the intruder, the release said.

Espino was wounded, but made it back to the car. Torres drove him to Calloway Drive and Rosedale Highway, where he stopped and called for an ambulance. The ambulance took Espino to the hospital, where he died. Torres was arrested.

The Sheriff's Department will seek criminal charges against Torres, accusing him of the murder of Espino. Even though it was Stewart who fired the fatal shot, and although Torres and Espino were partners, Espino's death can be considered a murder because it is a death resulting from the attempted commission of a felony.

Torres also was booked on charges of attempting to murder Stewart, for attempted arson, for conspiracy and for participating in a street gang.

Labels: CA, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 11/06/2007 01:24:00 PM permalink

11/1/07

Yucca Valley, California

From Palm Springs’ MyDesert.com of November 1, 2007

Juvenile shot, killed during Yucca Valley burglary

A juvenile was shot and killed while attempting to burglarize a Yucca Valley home Wednesday evening, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The incident happened about 6:30 p.m. in the 2800 block of Longview Avenue when the teenager and another juvenile tried to break into a home.

A third suspect, 18-year-old Duncan Nicholson, waited outside in a getaway vehicle, according to the sheriff's department.

An investigation determined the homeowner pulled out a gun when he heard somone knocking at his door. He armed himself because his home was robbed several times in the past month.

The juvenile and two suspects are suspected of committing the burglaries, according to the sheriff's department.

The homeowner fired his gun when the two juveniles forced their way into the home, killing one of them and hitting the second suspect in his arm.

The two remaining suspects fled the scene, but later returned with the juvenile's father.

The younger suspect was booked into a local juvenile hall and Nicholson was taken to the Morongo Basin Jail, both on murder charges.

Labels: CA, home invasion, residence robbery

posted by Pete at 11/01/2007 06:09:00 PM permalink

10/31/07

Indio, California

From Los Angeles’ CBS2.com of October 31, 2007

Man Acquitted In 2 Shooting Deaths

Daniel Kenric Karlsons Allegedly Shot His Girlfriend, Her Brother In Self-Defense

A man charged with murdering his then-18-year-old girlfriend and her brother more than three years ago was acquitted by a jury in the shooting deaths, his attorney said Wednesday.

Daniel Kenric Karlsons, 30, was found not guilty of two counts of murder and one count each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in a verdict returned late Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center, according to defense attorney Arnold Lieman.

Jurors believed Lieman's argument that the killings were in self-defense.

Elizabeth Morales and her 25-year-old brother Roberto Morales Jr. were fatally shot in February 2004 while sitting in an Acura on Long Canyon Road east of Desert Hot Springs.

"My argument throughout the trial was self-defense," Lieman said. "Roberto Morales took a shot at my client before he got shot."

Karlsons and the siblings were in the Acura with a fourth person when he and Roberto Morales got into a dispute over Karlsons' treatment of his sister.

"Roberto was intoxicated, and I think the liquor took over causing him to act irrationally," Lieman said.

Bullet casings found in the front of the Acura and gunshot residue found on Roberto Morales' hands may have swayed the jury in favor of acquittal, Lieman said.

Karlsons was arrested outside a Calimesa motel based on a tip received by sheriff's detectives that Karlsons was in a room there.

Labels: altercation, CA

posted by Pete at 10/31/2007 05:09:00 PM permalink

10/20/07

San Diego, California

From SignOnSanDiego.com of October 20, 2007

Suspect in store robbery shot by clerk

An attempt to rob a convenience store went awry Friday night when the store clerk pulled out his own gun and shot one of the suspects in the chest in an exchange of gunfire, police said.

The suspect, a man in his 20s, remained in critical condition Saturday.

The clerk was standing in front of JR Market on National Avenue at 38th Street at 10 p.m. when he was approached by two men armed with a handgun, San Diego police said.

When they pointed the gun at him, the clerk pulled out his own handgun and they exchanged fire.

The suspects escaped in a gray mini-van.

About 20 minutes later, a woman called to report that a man had been shot.

Officers who responded found a man lying in a van on 30th Street suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

No other suspects were found.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 10/20/2007 10:27:00 AM permalink

10/18/07

Saugus, California

From The Signal of October 18, 2007

Armed Homeowner Scares off Burglar

A gun-wielding Saugus homeowner scared off a daytime burglar Wednesday afternoon.

No one was hurt and nothing was stolen, said Lt. Tom Bryski of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

About 1:25 p.m., a lone male was reportedly spotted trying to break into the rear of a house in the 20000 block of Canterwood Drive.

"The person inside the house saw him trying to get in so he pulled out a gun," Bryski said. "The burglar saw the homeowner then took off."

Sheriff's deputies detained a man suspected in the crime. Charges have not yet been filed.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 10/18/2007 04:47:00 AM permalink

10/3/07

Sacramento, California

From Sacramento’s CBS13.com of October 3, 2007

Manhunt Underway For Home Invasion Suspect

A manhunt is underway in the Florin Road area of Sacramento for a suspect following a viiolent [sic] home invasion.

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies say a suspect broke into a home on Florin Road and the homeowner fired several shots at the man.

The suspect then took off on foot.

Deputies are going door to door looking for the suspect in the area around Florin Road between Watt and Florin Perkins.

They have even brought out dogs to search the area.

It's unclear if the suspect was hit by the gunfire.

Apparently the homeowner was not injured.

From the Sacramento Bee of October 3, 2007

Homeowner shoots at man during attempted break-in

An alleged burglar left a critical piece of evidence behind when he attempted to break in to a south Sacramento home early Wednesday morning: his car.

James Villapando, 34, of Sacramento, parked his Toyota sedan in the driveway of a home on Florin Road, just west of south Watt Avenue, before allegedly attempting to enter the home through a window around 3:35 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran said.

The homeowner heard the man trying to get in, armed himself with a gun and fired several shots, Curran said.

Villapando was not injured and ran away from the home, leaving the car in the driveway, Curran said.

Deputies found Villapando hiding out in the area about two hours later.

Villapando, who was an at-large parolee, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and is being booked into Sacramento County Jail.

Labels: CA, intruder

posted by Pete at 10/03/2007 07:43:00 AM permalink

10/2/07

Boyle Heights, California

From Los Angeles’ CBS2.com of September 30, 2007

Gang Member, 22, Shot During Attempted Robbery

A 22-year-old man was killed when he tried to rob a man who was armed and shot him in Boyle Heights Sunday, police said.

The shooting occurred just before 3 a.m. on Lorena Street near 6th Street, said Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department's media relations section.

Fernando Sedano, described as a member of the "White Fence" gang, and a fellow gang member were driving down Lorena Street with Sedano's girlfriend and another passenger in the back seat. Police said Sedano stopped the car and, with the other gang member, apparently tried to rob a man walking down the street, police said.

The intended robbery victim pulled out a gun, and as the two struggled for the weapon, shot Sedano in the chest.

Sedano was taken to White Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Labels: CA, street robbery

posted by Pete at 10/02/2007 07:54:00 AM permalink

Nevada City, California

From the Mercury News of October 1, 2007

Nevada County marijuana shootout leaves one dead

A homeowner apparently engaged in a gun battle with two masked men who tried to break into his marijuana garden, killing one of the alleged assailants and ending up seriously wounded himself.

Nevada County sheriff's deputies say the Saturday night shootout started when two masked men armed with assault rifles broke into Dusty Beck's home in North San Juan, just north of Nevada City.

Beck fatally shot one of the assailants with a shotgun, the sheriff's department said. Investigators did not immediately name the 31-year-old Yuba County man who died at the scene.

Beck, 43, was shot once in the leg and twice in the abdomen. A hospital spokeswoman said he was recovering after surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he was taken by helicopter.

The second robber fled, said Nevada County Sheriff's Det. Ray Kress.

Kress and sheriff's Lt. Bill Evans said the robbers apparently wanted the nine marijuana plants they found on Beck's property. Beck has previously reported similar theft attempts, Evans said.

"A guy loses his life over nine pot plants," he said.

Lt. Joe Salivar said Beck is unlikely to face homicide charges because he was apparently defending himself during a home invasion. Narcotics officers were assisting with the investigation, but will leave it to the district attorney to decide whether Beck should face drug charges, Salivar said Monday.

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 10/02/2007 04:54:00 AM permalink

9/27/07

Val Verde, California

From the Los Angeles Daily News of September 27, 2007

Neighbors' dispute ends in death

Three woman stood Wednesday alongside a narrow road praying the rosary in Spanish, their eyes fixed on the large blood stain on the asphalt.

When they were finished, they splashed holy water from a gallon plastic jug onto the spots that had trickled down the street. The death the night before of Hermilo Talamante, 34, marked the second fatal shooting in rural Val Verde in less than a week.

"It's sad, it's so sad," Prescilla de la Rosa said in Spanish, her granddaughter Jessica Garibay serving as interpreter. Talamante was the boyfriend of Garibay's mother.

Talamante and Clarence Pullum were neighbors on Arlington Street, and had been involved in a long-running dispute regarding family members, Sgt. Martin Rodriguez said.

The shooting happened about 8 p.m. Tuesday after the two were involved in a fistfight, and both went home to retrieve handguns.

Talamante was shot in the lower torso and pronounced dead a short time later at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

Pullum, 38, was interviewed and released, and the case initially was deemed to be self-defense.

However, it is still under investigation and will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office,

Labels: altercation, CA

posted by Pete at 9/27/2007 04:10:00 AM permalink

9/26/07

Fullerton, California

From the Orange County Register of September 26, 2007

Armed clerk foils would-be robber in Fullerton

Liquor store worker fires into ceiling, scaring off armed man, police say.

A liquor store clerk armed with a gun scared off a would-be robber with a warning shot into the ceiling Tuesday night, authorities said.

A man walked in to Crown Empire Liquor at 2631 W. Orangethorpe Ave. about 9:30 p.m., pulled out a gun, and tried to hold up the clerk, said Fullerton police Lt. Doug Cave. But the clerk pulled out his gun and fired a single shot into the store's ceiling, Cave said.

"That caused him to rethink what he was doing, and he left," Cave said.

No one was injured during the robbery.

Police are looking for the would-be robber, who is described as in his 20s with a shaved head.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 9/26/2007 08:51:00 AM permalink

9/25/07

Victorville, California

From the Daily Press of September 25, 2007

Shootout in garage

Roger Gilchrist woke from a dead sleep when he heard his pregnant wife screaming for her life, as she honked her car horn incessantly in their garage.

He grabbed his gun.

It wasn’t 20 seconds after his wife pulled in and saw a masked gunman standing near her vehicle that gunfire erupted at point-blank range, the couple said.

“Under the circumstances, with him having a gun and standing next to my pregnant wife, I’m not going to wait and see what happens — I’m going to fire,” Gilchrist said.

Officials said the crook shot first, and Gilchrist returned fire. About 10 rounds were let off in the confines of the garage, officials said.

“I hit him once, and then I heard the click, click, click, and I knew he was out of ammunition,” Gilchrist said.

His wife, who asked not to be identified by first name, said those “clicks” were aimed at her head from about three feet away.

“I told him I was pregnant and not to hurt me, and he said he wasn’t going to. But when he got shot, there is no doubt in my mind that he decided he was going to kill me — only he was out of bullets,” she said.

Authorities said that around 12:30 a.m. Sunday they responded to a call of shots heard in the 12400 block of Blazing Star Way.

When they arrived they saw a garage door lying in the street behind a car with shot out windows and a trail of blood.

Apparently, Gilchrist was screaming at the intruder — later identified as Timothy Finney, 35, of Rialto — to get out of the house, but Finney responded that he couldn’t, said Deputy Bob Thacker of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Victorville station.

Gilchrist’s wife then put her car in reverse and slammed through the garage door, allowing Finney to run out, and escape in a white PT Cruiser, officials said.

It all happened in less than a few minutes, but now the events of those few minutes will stay with the family for the rest of their lives.

“It’s such a violation, it’s really indescribable,” the female victim said. “Reality still hasn’t set in, I still haven’t cried, I’m still in shock.”

...

Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes on Tuesday said ... that no charges are to be filed against Gilchrist for the shooting.

(More)

Labels: CA, home invasion

posted by Dave at 9/25/2007 08:07:00 PM permalink

9/12/07

Hayward, California

From InsideBayArea.com of September 12, 2007

Hayward teen won't be charged in shooting

Jonathan Paniagua, a 19-year-old Hayward resident who shot a 12-year-old Oakland boy in the chest Friday, was acting in self-defense and will not be charged in the shooting, according to authorities.

Paniagua is still in custody at Santa Rita county jail in Dublin while the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency reviews his immigration status, Alameda County sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Nelson said.

The 12-year-old remains hospitalized at Children's Hospital Oakland and is in serious, but stable condition, Hayward police Lt. Reid Lindblom said.

"We have determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove that there was an unlawful shooting," Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Richard Klemmersaid. "I cannot disprove Paniagua's assertion that he was acting in self-defense. Most of the witness statements corroborate his version of events."

According to Lindblom, Paniagua pulled his red Cadillac up to the curb in front of the Casa Azul Taqueria on Harder Road on Friday evening.

The 12-year-old boy, accompanied by a 19-year-old friend, then approached the vehicle. Lindblom did not release the names of the boy or his friend.

"The 12-year-old allegedly simulated having a weapon and said he wanted the car," Lindblom said.

Paniagua pulled out a handgun, shot the boy and drove off, he said. The shooting occurred at about 5:45 p.m.

Police stopped Paniagua's Cadillac at Jackson Street and Soto Road about 10 minutes later. Paniagua was arrested without incident.

A handgun found inside the vehicle was confiscated, Lindblom said.

Paniagua was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a loaded and concealed firearm.

Klemmer said, however, no charges are expected to be filed in the case.

Lindblom said Paniagua claimed that the 12-year-old boy had attempted to rob Paniagua of his wallet several weeks ago and that Paniagua had armed himself in response.

Labels: CA, carjacking

posted by Pete at 9/12/2007 03:51:00 AM permalink

9/7/07

Claremont, California

From Los Angeles’ ABC7.com of September 6, 2007

Dog Attacks Man on Street, Neighbor Shoots Dog Dead

A dog attack leads to gunfire in a Southland neighborhood. A man shoots a dog when it goes after his elderly neighbor. The dog owner says he overreacted and put her child in danger.

The dog's owner says she feels terrible about what happened to the 80-year-old victim but says the armed neighbor who shot and killed her dog went too far.

The attack sent an 80-year-old man to the hospital with dog bites and left the dog dead.

"The dog was on the ground. There was no more danger, and the guy came out of his house with a gun and right behind my back, at close range, shot and killed the dog as my daughter was reaching for him," said Robin Lifland, the dog's owner.

Police say the large mixed-breed dog named "Timmy" attacked 80-year-old Walt Kelly as he was walking in front of his home around 6. Robin Lifland says she was getting the mail when Timmy ran out of the house and apparently went after Kelly.

"He kept flailing his arms and hitting the dog and the dog got scared," said Lifland. "And he sort of ripped out a piece of his shirt."

Police say Kelly's neighbor heard the commotion and rushed outside to find the 80-year-old fighting off the canine.

"He went inside and retrieved a pistol and while the dog was still attacking the neighbor, he fired one gunshot wound to the dog, and then the dog apparently disengaged from the neighbor," said Sergeant Dennis Smith, Claremont Police Dept.

Investigators say Kelly suffered three puncture wounds to his chest, side and stomach. The dog later died at the animal hospital.

Police say the gun used in the shooting is registered and say it is now in police custody as the investigation continues.

It will be up to the district attorney to decide if the neighbor who shot and killed the dog may face any charges, and it will be up to the Humane Society to determine if Timmy's owner may face charges.

As for the victim, his injuries are said to be not life-threatening and he's expected to make a full recovery.

Labels: animal, CA

posted by Pete at 9/07/2007 06:38:00 AM permalink

Olivehurst, California

From the Marysville Appeal-Democrat of September 7, 2007

Pot grower takes shot at possible intruder

An Olivehurst man said he was defending his medical marijuana garden when he fired his shotgun in the middle of the night at an apparent intruder, according to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded about 3:30 a.m. Thursday to a reported shot fired from a residence in the 1600 block of Broadway Road and contacted the owner, a man in his mid-40s who was not identified because the incident is still under investigation, said Sgt. Stephanie Murray.

The owner said he thought he saw a gun barrel poking through a backyard fence near his marijuana garden and heard a clicking noise as if the gun were being cocked, said Murray.

The man fired one time, hitting the fence. Deputies found shotgun pellets in the fence but no sign that anyone had been hit, she said.

“He said he was defending his property,” Murray said about the shooter, who was not arrested. He had a doctor’s prescription for the marijuana, she said.

Labels: CA, intruder

posted by Pete at 9/07/2007 05:55:00 AM permalink

9/5/07

Escondido, California

From San Diego’s 10News.com of September 5, 2007

Retired Officer Shoots Man Who Tried To Rob Him

A retired police officer carrying a handgun shot and wounded an armed man who apparently attempted to rob him in a residential North County neighborhood Wednesday, authorities said.

Responding to a report of a gunshot victim, officers found a wounded man in the parking lot of a Circle K convenience store in the 1000 block of West El Norte Parkway about 1:50 a.m., according to the Escondido Police Department.

About the same time, another man reported that he had just shot a man who tried to hold him up at gunpoint near Country Club Lane and Capistrano Glen -- less than two miles from where the shooting victim was found, Lt. Bob Benton said.

The description of the would-be robber matched that of the man found wounded in the parking lot, Benton said.

Investigators found that after getting shot, the injured man ran toward El Norte Parkway and into a nearby complex, where he asked a resident to call for help, Benton said.

The gunshot victim was taken to Palomar Medical Center, Benton said. His condition was not reported.

The retired police officer was not hurt.

Labels: CA, street robbery

posted by Pete at 9/05/2007 04:08:00 PM permalink

Hawthorne, California

From the Torrance Daily Breeze of September 5, 2007

Hawthorne worker shoots at fleeing robbers

Three armed robbers held up two employees Tuesday at a credit counseling office in Hawthorne and were shot at by one of them as they fled, according to police.

The robbers entered Credit Investigations USA in the 12900block of Hawthorne Boulevard around 12:20 p.m., according to Lt. Michael Ishii.

They used one of their handguns to pistol-whip a male employee in the back of the head, Ishii said. He was "dazed" but did not need further medical attention, Ishii added.

About $100 was taken from the business, and a female employee was robbed of her purse, cash and jewelry, Ishii said.

The three got away in a gray, late-model Chevrolet Blazer - but not before the male employee shot at them.

It is not known if any of the robbers were hit.

Police were still investigating and did not have anyone in custody by Tuesday evening, Ishii said.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 9/05/2007 02:36:00 AM permalink

8/26/07

Stockton, California

From Sacramento’s News10.net of August 26, 2007

Store Guard Shoots, Kills Teen Robber

A teen robber was shot and killed by a grocery store security guard after an attempted robbery turned into a gunfight Saturday, Stockton police said.

The 19-year-old gunman was pronounced dead just outside the Super Mercado La Amapola, 1901 S. El Dorado Street in Stockton around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Stockton police Sgt. Ken Praegitzer said. Investigators determined the teen allegedly entered the store, pulled a loaded handgun on employees and attempted to rob the store, Praegitzer said.

An armed security guard working in the store confronted the robber, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The teen suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The guard was not injured.

Praegitzer said investigators would forward their findings to the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office to review whether the guard acted appropriately.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 8/26/2007 04:51:00 PM permalink

8/22/07

Clovis, California

From Fresno’s KFSN of August 22, 2007

Clovis Police Are Looking into Whether a Would-Be Burglar Was Stopped by a Bullet

Police say a tenant at the Villa Park apartments at Peach and Santa Ana fired a gun shot when someone tried to break into his home.

Moments later the suspect ran away but it's not known if the suspect was hit.

Police have not identified the suspect or the resident.

Labels: CA, residence burglary

posted by Pete at 8/22/2007 05:29:00 PM permalink

8/17/07

San Pablo, California

From the August 17, 2007 Contra Costa Times:

A robber shot by a guard during a heist attempt at a San Pablo grocery store on August 10 remains on the lam, police said Thursday.
Detectives suspect that he and his compatriots may have robbed other Food Maxx stores in the East Bay this summer. They do not know whether he died, sought medical help outside the region or simply spent his week hiding and suffering.
Police ask anyone who knows where he went to call, both for his sake and theirs.
"It was a point-blank shot. It struck him in the shoulder," San Pablo Police Detective David Hoff said. "I'm sure it was extremely painful."
The unidentified man and another suspect, 41-year-old Oakland resident James Jones, walked into the San Pablo Avenue Food Maxx about 8 p.m. last Friday wearing sunglasses and caps, police said.
Surveillance camera footage shows they spent 12 to 15 minutes "shopping" before the unidentified suspect grabbed a bag of snack food and headed for a register, with Jones close behind him.
They apparently did not know that loss-prevention workers had spotted them the moment they walked through the door, Hoff said. Moments after the man leaned over the counter and grabbed a wad of cash from the register's till, the store called police, and its private security guards closed in.
...
A guard with his gun drawn met the two men as they exited into the parking lot and grabbed the man with the cash by the shoulder, Hoff said.
In response, the robber reached into his waistband. The guard saw he was about to pull out a handgun, and fired twice. One of the rounds definitely hit the robber, who threw down his weapon and cash and jumped into a waiting, dark-colored Honda or Toyota, Hoff said.
Police arrived soon after and arrested Jones, whom store security detained. The weapon thrown down by the missing robber turned out to be a realistic-looking pellet gun.

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Clayton at 8/17/2007 03:00:00 PM permalink

8/16/07

Arden, California

From the Sacramento Bee of August 16, 2007

Store employee shot in leg while chasing robbers

An employee of an Arden-area market was shot in the leg Thursday morning while chasing three men who had just robbed his store at gunpoint, the Sheriff's Department reported.

The three suspects -- last seen in dark clothing and black knit masks -- escaped with cash, and they remained at large in the early afternoon, said Sgt. Tim Curran, sheriff's spokesman.

The status of the wounded employee was not immediately known, but Curran said he was expected to survive. He was described as a 39-year-old relative of the family that owns Toledo's Mexican Market in the 1300 block of Fulton Avenue.

No one answered the phone at the store on Thursday afternoon.

Shortly before 8:30 a.m. the store was robbed, but the crime was not reported to authorities, Curran said. In fact, deputies were first alerted to trouble minutes later when residents at a nearby apartment complex on Wittkop Way reported hearing gunshots.

Curran said a gun battle had ensued at the complex between the robbers and at least two store employees, who had armed themselves with a shotgun and a handgun.

Curran said he did not know if the two groups were wildly shooting through the area or if the exchange took place as the robbers were getting into a car, but it was during that time when the store employee was shot.

From Sacramento's Fox40.com of August 16, 2007

Robbery And Shootout At Local Store

Witnesses say it was something out of the Wild West, after a gun battle erupted in a Sacramento apartment complex.

"Six or seven shots and then it was followed by a very, very, loud bang," said Kurt Richter who lives at the Bella Vita Apartments. Sheriff's deputies scoured the complex, trying to piece together an incident that had tenants ducking for cover.

"I'm not going to take a stray bullet in the face," said Richter.

It all started next door, where three armed robbers entered Toledo's Mexican Market on Fulton Avenue.

"It was a take over robbery they held them at gunpoint while they forced one of the employees to get the money," said Sgt. Tim Curran of the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. The three robbers ran out of the back of the store, and crawled through a hole in a fence leading to the apartment complex where a get away car was waiting.

What they didn't know, the store owner and an employee were hot on their heels. The owner had a handgun and a shotgun. A running gun-battle with the suspects took place around the apartments. Shell casings marked the gunmen's path. They got away in a silver four door sedan, but not before leaving some of their loot behind.

Store owner Jaime Toledo showed detectives how the suspects shot at him. The worker who was with him was hit by a bullet. "He was shot through the leg. He's ok, he's at the hospital already," said Toledo.

Toledo been at this location for seven years, but it's the first time he's been robbed. He says he wasn't scared, but then again he admits there wasn't time to think. "I don't know, when that thing happened, nobody was thinking," said Toledo.

Cops prefer victims to be good witnesses, and not take matters into their own hands. But Jaime doesn't regret his actions.

Labels: business robbery, CA, defender shot

posted by Pete at 8/16/2007 06:01:00 PM permalink

8/11/07

Yuba City, California

From the Marysville Appeal-Democrat of August 11, 2007

Alleged robber shot down

Man dies at Percy Avenue Market in YC

A man died Friday night after allegedly robbing a Yuba City grocery store and trying to flee.

Police responded to the Percy Avenue Market at around 8:30 p.m. after they received reports of a man who had been shot.

Deputy Police Chief Rob Landon said the suspect robbed the market, but never left the premises.

“He made it to the other side of the parking lot and expired,” Landon said.

Landon did not release the identity of the shooter, but friends of the store clerk said weapons are kept in the store.

The deputy police chief would not say whether a store clerk shot the alleged robber nor confirm that the deceased died of gunshot wounds.
...

Police are still investigating the incident.

From Sacramento’s Fox40.com of August 11, 2007

Robbery Suspect Shot & Killed By Store Owner

A deadly shooting is being called self-defense, after a convenience store clerk in Yuba City took matters into her own hands during a robbery.

"We heard a couple gunshots and saw a bunch of people running," said Matt Lewis, who witnessed the incident. In normally quiet Yuba City, hearing gunshots will send people running, and it did on Friday night at the Percy Avenue Market.

About 8:15 p.m., a white man in his thirties wearing a dark jacket walked into the empty store. He demanded money at gunpoint. The female clerk, also one of the market's owners, gave him all she had, which was less than one hundred dollars. "He demanded more cash, and as he demanded more that's when the clerk pulled out a gun and shot the suspect," said Sergeant Kim Slade of the Yuba Police Department.

Shot in the chest, the man stumbled into the parking lot and died. Police found his gun and the money he had stolen in his coat.

"It was horrible, especially in your neighborhood. I mean, that's my house right there and this is my store," said Lewis.

Back at work on Saturday, but much too shaken to speak on camera, the woman and her husband say this is the worst experience in their 24 years of operation. It's not the first time the store has been robbed. Back in 1992, a man came in, demanded money and got into a scuffle with the owner. He ended up getting shot in the stomach and the suspect got away. The couple says they've learned a lot about self-defense since then.

The suspect is from the area but his identity has not been released. Police are investigating, but say the shooting looks to be self-defense. "We try and advise people not to take the law into their own hands. We look at each case differently, but it's kind of a spur of the moment thing, how one feels," said Slade.

From the Marysville Appeal-Democrat of August 20, 2007

Owner will not be charged

A Yuba City market owner who shot and killed an armed robber will not be charged with a crime, Sutter County District Attorney Carl Adams said today.

Adams said the woman, who co-owns the Percy Avenue Market, acted in self-defense when she pulled a .38 caliber revolver from a drawer the night of Aug. 10 and shot Billy Lloyd Saling at point blank range.

Adams did not name the woman in a press release but confirmed she is Suad Hamdan, wife of co-owner Chris Hamdan. She earlier declined comment.

Saling had a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his hand when Hamdan fired one time, hitting him in the upper left chest. She fired a second time as he ran out the door but missed and hit a wall, said Adams.

Saling collapsed and died in a parking lot five to eight seconds after being hit, the district attorney said.

“It’s pretty clear she was convinced he would shoot her,” said Adams. “It’s clear she thought her life was at risk

Labels: business robbery, CA

posted by Pete at 8/11/2007 10:26:00 AM permalink

8/6/07

Tracy, California

From the Stockton Record of August 6, 2007

Man holds fleeing burglary suspect at gunpoint

A man held a 17-year-old suspected burglar at gunpoint Friday morning while his wife called 911, police said.

The incident began when two juveniles tried to break into a home in the 1300 block of Dixon Court around 3 a.m. Friday, said Tracy city spokesman Matt Robinson. The home’s burglar alarm, however, scared the teens off. They ran down the street and hopped a fence into the backyard of a home in the 1200 block of Berg Road.

The juveniles didn’t get very far when a resident at that home stepped into his backyard and trained a shotgun on them. One suspect fled back over the fence. The other remained there until police came, Robinson said.

Police arrested a 17-year-old boy from Tracy and turned him over to his parents. The case will be sent to juvenile prosecutors for investigation and possible charges. Police are still searching for the other suspect, Robinson said.

“We do commend the homeowner for holding onto the subject and protecting his property, but we do want to warn residents it can be very dangerous and they have to be very careful,” Robinson said.

Labels: CA, fugitive

posted by Pete at 8/06/2007 05:42:00 PM permalink

Rialto, California

From the Riverside Press-Enterprise of August 5, 2007

Two die in gun battle outside Rialto club

Two people were killed and a third was critically wounded after an early morning gunbattle Sunday outside a Rialto nightclub, police said.

About 1:45 a.m., a crowd had gathered outside the El Patio Nightclub at 333 E. Foothill Blvd. when a confrontation broke out and a man pulled a handgun and opened fire, police said.

The man fatally shot Adrian Alvarado, 17, of Rialto, in the head and wounded Eduardo Marin, 25, in the torso before the club's armed security fatally shot the gunman, Rialto police Sgt. Tim Lane said Sunday.

Alvarado and Marin had been standing in the parking lot when they were hit by gunfire, police said. The club's private security then confronted the gunman, whose identity has not been released, and exchanged gunshots, police said.

The gunman at the scene and the private security guard, whose name was not released, was not injured, police said.
Alvarado and the suspect died at the scene, while Marin was taken to a local hospital where he was in critical condition on Sunday, Lane said.

Police interviewed and released the private security guard, and authorities will forward the case to the San Bernardino County district attorney's office for review, police said.

Labels: altercation, assault, CA, minor offender

posted by Pete at 8/06/2007 04:58:00 AM permalink

8/4/07

San Diego, California

From the San Diego Union-Tribune of August 4, 2007

Couple kill man while defending neighbor, police say

Neighbors shot and killed a man violating a restraining order yesterday after his ex-girlfriend found him inside her University City apartment, police said.

William and Nicole Porter, both 22, were each booked on one count of murder, San Diego police Capt. Mary Cornicelli said yesterday.

The county Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Larry Kermit King, 47.

Investigators said they believe the husband and wife each shot King.

The woman found King sleeping inside her apartment – at the Archstone University Towne Centre Apartments on Avenida Navidad near Genesee Avenue – about 1 a.m. when she returned home from work, Cornicelli said.

Police are still trying to determine how he got into the apartment. A restraining order prohibiting King from getting near the woman had been issued Feb. 26 in response to allegations of domestic violence.

The woman woke him up, and the two argued, Cornicelli said. The woman left her first-floor unit and went to the Porters' upstairs apartment to get help.

Minutes later, King pounded on the Porters' door.

“He was yelling . . . 'Come on out. I'm going to kill you,' ” Cornicelli said.

King left after no one answered. Cornicelli said William and Nicole Porter then armed themselves with handguns.

“Then Mr. Porter, obviously feeling threatened for himself, his wife and the other woman, decides to go outside and attempt to hold the suspect for police,” Cornicelli said. Nicole Porter stayed on her balcony.

The two men argued and then fought in a grassy area just outside the apartment. King was shot.

“We believe, at the same time, Mrs. Porter fired from the balcony,” Cornicelli said.

Cornicelli wouldn't say whether King was armed.

“All I can tell you is the deceased did not show or display any weapons,” Cornicelli said.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate King, who stumbled into the woman's apartment after being shot.

Police recovered a handgun from William Porter and another that they said they believe Nicole Porter used. They had not determined how many times King was shot.

“The case is still pretty active,” Cornicelli said yesterday afternoon. “We've got a guy out there right now still working the scene. We'll get it all together in the next couple days.”

Police have two days to present the case to prosecutors, who will decide whether to charge or release the Porters.

Labels: CA, domestic dispute

posted by Dave at 8/04/2007 09:01:00 PM permalink

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