11/4/09
Franconia Township, Pennsylvania
From the November 3, 2009 North Pennsylvania Reporter:
A Franconia Township homeowner who found a burglar in his home early Sunday morning grabbed a shotgun and fired several shots as the person fled.
According to Franconia Township Police, the resident of a home in the 300 block of Oak Driver heard a noise in his kitchen at 2:30 a.m.
The homeowner saw a man run out of the kitchen door after taking an undetermined amount of cash that was left on the kitchen table, police said.
Wielding a shotgun, the homeowner chased the burglar through his backyard, firing several rounds in the direction of the suspect, police said.
After losing the suspect, the homeowner notified police.
Labels: PA, residence burglary
10/17/09
Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania
From the York Daily Record of October 16, 2009
Shots thwart Shrewsbury jewelry store heist
Two people attempting to rob a Shrewsbury jewelry store Friday night were chased away when the store owner fired a shot at one of them, according to Southern Regional Police.
Chief James Childs said a man and woman walked into Alexander's Jewelry in the 400 block of South Main Street shortly before 8 p.m.
The woman brandished a gun, and the man attempted to put a pair of "flex" handcuffs on a customer - there were two customers and two employees in the store at the time - Childs said.
As the robber tried to put the handcuffs on the customer, the two got into a scuffle.
At that point, store owner Ken Zampier pulled out a gun and fired a shot at the female robber, Childs said.
Police believe the first shot might have hit the woman.
Both robbers took off, the chief said, and Zampier fired a second shot.
The man and woman were last seen running on South Main Street in Shrewsbury.
Police believe the woman might have ended up at a hospital in the Baltimore or Baltimore County area with a gunshot wound. Police in Maryland were also looking into a 911 radio report of a woman being dropped off in Baltimore County with a gunshot wound.
None of the customers or the employees at the store were injured in the robbery attempt, Childs said.
Stewartstown Police and the York County Forensics Unit were called to the scene to assist.
Labels: business robbery, PA
10/11/09
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From KYW of October 11, 2009
Robbery Victim Fatally Shoots Suspect in W. Oak Lane
Philadelphia homicide detectives are investigating a shooting death of an unidentified man around midnight in the city's Ogontz section of West Oak Lane. In this case it was the victim of a would-be robbery that turned the tables around on an armed bandit.
The armed robber was shot when he tried to rob to his victim. The incident took place in the 6400 block of north 15th street in the city's Ogontz section in West Oak Lane.
The 24-year-old armed suspect was pronounced dead at the scene of a chest wound. Police say the victim who he had targeted to rob was carrying a hand gun. When the suspect demanded all his money, the victim pulled out a gun and fired a shot killing the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the suspect matches the description in two other hold-ups Saturday night and investigators say they do not expect to charge the victim.
Labels: PA, street robbery
9/27/09
New Eagle, Pennsylvania
From the September 26, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
The victim of a robbery attempt shot and killed one of the robbers in New Eagle early yesterday, state police said.
Police said William Eyles, 25, of Monongahela, and Cole MacFarlane, 25, of New Eagle, tried to rob Joseph Gallick, who pulled a gun and shot Mr. Eyles.
Mr. Gallick was treated at Monongahela Hospital for injuries incurred during the crime. Mr. MacFarlane was charged with homicide, attempted robbery, conspiracy and criminal mischief and is in the Washington County Correctional Facility.
Labels: PA, street robbery
9/21/09
McDonald, Pennsylvania
From WPXI of September 18, 2009
3 Men Force Their Way Into McDonald Home, Homeowner Chases Them Out
Police said three men who forced their way into a Washington County home were greeted by a homeowner with a shotgun.
“It’s not a very nice thing to happen in McDonald, because McDonald is a very quiet town,” said neighbor, Don Feigley.
Police said the homeowner, Joseph Tokarksi, who was one of several people in the house, came down the steps with the weapon in his hand.
“I’m prepared to do what I have to do to protect my home and my family,” said Toarski.
“I’m all for that. I think anybody should be allowed to defend themselves in their homes and defend their neighbors, if they want to,” said Feigley.
Police later caught two suspects whom they indentified as 19-year-old David Carlisle, of Cannonsburg, and 20-year-old Jermell McCullough, of Mt. Pleasant.
Both are being held in the Washington County Jail, each on $50,000 bond.
McDonald police are still looking for the third suspect.
Labels: home invasion, PA
8/13/09
Port Richmond, Pennsylvania
From WPVI of August 9, 2009
Would-be thief shot inside pizza shop
A pizza shop owner in Philadelphia fought back when a man tried to rob him at gunpoint.
The attempted robbery happened inside Tony's Place pizza shop on the 2900 block of Frankford Avenue in the city's Port Richmond section.
Police say an armed gunman walked into the pizza shop at 11:45 Saturday night demanding money, but the owner pulled out his own gun and shot the robber in the back.
The would-be thief is now in critical condition at Temple University Hospital.
Labels: business robbery, PA
7/15/09
Allentown, Pennsylvania
From the June 28, 2009 Allentown Morning Call:
An Allentown man and a 17-year-old juvenile got more than they bargained for when they attempted to rob city resident Michael Dawes early Saturday morning, according to police.
Dawes, 38, of N. 13th Street, was smoking a cigarette near 13th and Union streets about 3:45 a.m. when the juvenile approached and asked for a dollar, said police Capt. Daryl Hendricks. Dawes said he didn't have a dollar and the youth moved away.
Moments later, Albert Torres Jr., 24, of 841 Tilghman St. approached Dawes and asked for marijuana, getting the same reply, Hendricks said. At that point, the two attacked Dawes, who pulled a registered handgun and started firing.
Dawes got off two shots, but the assailants, who quickly fled, were not hit, Hendricks said. When police arrived, Dawes spotted a car he'd seen lurking in the area before the incident. Police stopped the car, and Dawes identified the two people inside as those who tried to attack him.
Torres was charged with robbery, conspiracy, attempted theft and simple assault, Hendricks said. The youth was sent to a juvenile detention facility.
Labels: concealed carry permit, minor offender, PA, street robbery
6/10/09
Oakmont, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of May 27, 2009
Oakmont police nab shirtless, tipsy home intruder
Oakmont police said they arrested an intoxicated man early Sunday as he attempted to enter a house in which the owner had armed himself.
The man, Brian Adam Witkovitz of Elicker Road, Plum, gave no statements and indicated no motive as to why he tried to enter two houses in the 600 block of Ninth Street about 3 a.m., according to the police report.
Police said officers responded about 30 seconds after the owner of a house called the Allegheny County emergency dispatcher to report a burglary in progress. Officer Joseph Cattani observed Witkovitz, who was shirtless, open the storm door to the attached garage, according to police.
Despite instructions to the contrary from the dispatcher, the homeowner had armed himself in anticipation of meeting the intruder.
Cattani, backed up by another officer, entered the garage and subdued Witkovitz without incident before the suspect entered the house.
Witkovitz has been charged with burglary, criminal attempt, public drunkenness, loitering and prowling at night, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and simple trespass. He is free on a non-monetary bond.
Oakmont Police Chief Dave DiSanti praised his officers for their quick response.
"They managed to keep the burglar from bumping into the armed homeowner," he said. "You can see how bad it would have been, had there been a confrontation. It took a lot of fortitude for Cattani to enter the garage."
Labels: intoxication, PA, trespassing
5/2/09
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From April 25, 2009 WTAE channel 4, Pittsburgh:
PITTSBURGH -- An alleged robber was shot inside a Northside bar Friday night, emergency dispatchers said.
Emergency dispatchers said a man was shot in the chest while attempting to rob the Cantina Lounge in the 2600 block of California Avenue.
Labels: business robbery, PA
Olney, Pennsylvania
From April 16, 2009 WPVI channel 6, Philadelphia:
OLNEY - April 16, 2009 (WPVI) -- An 18-year-old man is hospitalized after being shot in Olney by a man he allegedly tried to rob.
It happened around 9:00 p.m. Thursday night at 3rd Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
Police say the 18-year-old was found shot in the leg.
He was taken to Einstein Hospital.
His injuries are said to be nonlife threatening.
According to authorities, the 18-year-old was allegedly trying to rob the man who would eventually shoot him.
Labels: PA, street robbery
3/16/09
Bristol Township, Pennsylvania
From the Times of Trenton of March 13, 2009
Clerk shoots robbery suspect
A knife-wielding robber who entered the Windsor Pharmacy on Wednesday night was taken down by a store clerk using a handgun, police said.
Matthew Perry, a 21-year-old Middletown Township resident, allegedly went into the pharmacy just after 8:30 p.m., displayed a knife, and demanded the pill oxycontin. Police said he began to struggle with a store clerk who resisted him.
A second store clerk, who had a valid permit to carry a weapon, pulled out a handgun and fired one shot at Perry, hitting him in the arm and chest, according to police. Police said Perry fell to the floor, and was taken to a local hospital by the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad.
Perry is being guarded by Bristol Township Police, and will be charged pending a review by the Bucks County District Attorney's Office after his release.
**Account originally posted under "New Jersey" due to the source, but it has since been pointed out that Bristol Township is in Pennsylvania.**
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, PA
1/28/09
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
From WPXI of January 27, 2009
Elderly Man Fires Shots At Robbers As They Flee Home
For the second time in a month, 82-year-old Kenneth Plummer Jr. was the victim of a home invasion, by robbers at his Fayette County home Monday night.
"They got my wallet and ran through the house and got away with $350," Plummer said.
Just before Christmas, a man broke in, but Plummer chased him away with a butcher knife.
"I want somebody dead if they come back," Plummer said.
The robbers pried upon a locked door, assaulted Plummer and removed cash from his pocket and another part of the Kaider Road house.
State police said that as they left, Plummer went for his gun and fired three rounds at them.
"Very unusual, yes. I can't recall seeing anything like this in my 15 years here," said trooper Thomas Broadwater.
Broadwater said it may be time for Plummer to consider a security system.
"He's obviously very shaken. He just has no idea why they're doing this,” Broadwater said.
If you have any information about the three men who invaded Plummer's home you are asked to call state police at the Uniontown barracks.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery, senior
11/25/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From NBC Philadelphia of November 21, 2008
Homeowner Shoots and Kills Burglar
he sleeping resident was woken around 1030pm last night after hearing a strange noise in the downstairs of his home in the 1900 block of Montrose Street in South Philadelphia.
After finding an open window on the first floor of his two story row home, the resident started to search the rest of the property from top to bottom, and was startled to find a male hunched up in the corner of a spare bedroom.
The resident pulled his gun and a violent struggle ensued between the robber and resident. During the struggle the robber was shot.
The burglar, a male in his 30’s, was taken to the hospital where he later died.
The homeowner was not injured and will probably not face charges.
Labels: home invasion, PA
11/15/08
Steelton, Pennsylvania
From WGAL of November 16, 2008
Steelton Man Fires 3 Shots At Burglar
No charges will be filed against a man who shot at a burglar in his home Thursday, Steelton police said.
Officers were called to the 500 block of Lincoln Street just after 3 p.m.
A resident called police and said he was holding a burglar at gunpoint.
The resident had caught the burglar in the second floor of his home, police said.
Before police arrived the burglar placed his hand in his pocket, which made the victim believe he was armed. The victim fired three shots at the burglar who fled.
It's not known if the burglar was injured.
The suspected burglar is a Hispanic male, about 5 foot 7 inches tall with some facial hair and a pony tail.
Labels: home invasion, PA
11/13/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From MyFoxPhilly of November 13, 2008
Barbershop Owner Shoots Attempted Armed Robber
A barbershop owner fought back against a would-be armed robber in the city's West Oak Lane section.
It happened at 'Cross Cutz', on the 7400 block of Briar Road, around 6:07p.m. Thursday.
Police told Fox 29 News that a man in his early 20s stormed the barbershop with a 9mm gun and demanded cash.
The male shop owner forked over everything he had but he and the suspect still got into an altercation, police said.
Minutes later, the shop owner pulled out his own gun and shot the alleged robber in the head. The suspect collapsed right at the door. Police said all of this took place with a 9-year-old boy playing video games in a back room of the business.
"The owner has a 9-year-old son who was in a back room playing video games, in a room right-next-door to where the robbery occurred at the time of the robbery and shooting. However, the 9-year-old boy did not see the actual robbery or shooting," said Chief Investigator Scott Small of Philadelphia Police.
As police tried to shelter the boy from the scene, medics rushed the wounded suspect to Albert Einstein Hospital where he is in critical condition.
Both weapons were recovered at the scene.
Police are investigating all of the circumstances behind the shooting.
Labels: business robbery, PA
10/7/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From WPVI of September 28, 2008
Two shot in home invasion
Philadelphia police are investigating a home invasion that ended with a double shooting.
Police sources tell Action News the two shot were the teenagers committing the home invasion.
Those sources say it all happened around 4:30 a.m. when a 19 year old man and a 15 year old boy broke into the front door of a home in the 1700 block of Pierce Street.
Police say a resident inside the home pulled out a gun and began firing at the two teenagers, striking them both.
The 19 year old male was shot in the abdomen and is in critical condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 15 year old male teenager is in stable condition at HUP.
No word yet on any charges as police investigate.
Labels: home invasion, minor offender, PA
10/3/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of September 29, 2008
Phila. police: Shooting was self-defense
City police are still investigating a weekend homicide in South Philadelphia and also have concluded their probe of a fatal shooting in a Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood that they found was in self-defense.
In the Southwest Philadelphia killing, a man in his 20s was fatally shot twice in the chest shortly after 1 a.m. yesterday in the 5100 block of Warrington Street near South 52d Street. Police spokeswoman Christine O'Brien said the man and a 17-year-old male accomplice were trying to rob two other men on the street, who shot them, O'Brien said.
The teen was shot twice in the left arm and was in custody in stable condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania last night.
Police did not release the identities of the two would-be robbers or of the pair they were trying to rob.
O'Brien called the shooting "a justifiable homicide" and said no charges would be filed.
Labels: minor offender, PA, street robbery
8/28/08
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
From the Pocono Record of August 28, 2008
Alleged teen robber shot by Wal-Mart shopper
It's a night time shopper's nightmare. You buy groceries, go to your car, and someone tries to rob you at gunpoint.
Police say Joshua Eastman, 28, of East Stroudsburg was unloading groceries at his car shortly before 12:45 a.m. today when Reneau Jean Jacques, 17, of 77 Symphony Circle, East Stroudsburg, pointed a handgun at him and demanded that he hand over his money.
Eastman looked around for help or someone to yell to. The alleged robber continued to demand money. Eastman replied that he did not have any money - that he used a debit card to pay for his purchases.
Jacques became more threatening, pointing the gun and using a more menacing tone of voice.
Eastman then took out his wallet and pushed the door of his truck more open to put it between himself and the suspect. Jacques pointed his gun at Eastman's face.
Eastman dropped his wallet and started ducking down. Jacques fired a shot that went through the window of the door almost striking Eastman and causing flying glass from the car window to cut his face.
Eastman pulled out a handgun he was carrying and fell to the ground. He returned fire under the truck's door with his pistol while the teen continued to fire his weapon.
Eastman shot Jacques in the lower leg and foot. Then Eastman ran back toward the store as the teen fled towards Friendly's restaurant.
Jacques fled into a landscaped island of bushes and trees in the parking lot. Stroud Area Regional Police were on the scene almost immediately and found him hiding and trying to bury a handgun in the mulch. He originally claimed to be a victim before police determined he was likely the one who started the trouble.
"It appears to be an armed robbery that went badly for the suspect because he picked an armed customer," said Sgt. James Wielgus.
On Thursday afternoon, Jacques, using crutches and wearing a long hospital gown over hospital pants, sat with a numb look on his face during his preliminary arraignment in East Stroudsburg Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth’s courtroom. Jacques, a Shawnee Academy student with a prior juvenile record, spoke in a subdued tone when addressed by the judge.
Jacques is charged as an adult with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, crimes committed with guns and illegal possession of a gun, all felonies, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. He hung his head and sighed after the judge told him he could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, attempted murder.
Jacques was taken to Pocono Medical Center for treatment. Police detained two other youths for questioning. They were in a car, trying to flee the scene, according to witnesses and police.
Labels: concealed carry permit, minor offender, PA, street robbery
8/21/08
Hanover, Pennsylvania
From the August 20, 2008 York [Penn.] Daily Record:
On June 28, only two days after the Supreme Court announced its 5-4 ruling that Washington, D.C., citizens have the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the Constitution, I found myself standing in a pool of blood in York, from a man I had just shot. It was not my intent that evening to test the Second Amendment or kill somebody, but events unfolded to make it necessary for me to draw my weapon to defend myself and others.
My fiancée Maria and I had spent the day showing real estate investors our investment properties in York. We were driving to nearby Hanover to visit my mother when we came across what looked like a rear-end traffic accident.
Instead, a man, Douglas Need, had been driving recklessly when he swerved in front of a car and was hit in the rear. In a fit of road rage, he stormed out of his car, went back to two young women and a baby in the car that hit his, reached through the driver's window and started beating the driver very violently. She was able to break free and drive her car to the only place she could go -- the parking lot next to the street. Need ran back to his car, squealed his tires into the parking lot and looked as though he was going to broadside the women's car with them still inside.
At the last moment, he swerved his car around and blocked hers from going anywhere. I pulled into the parking lot, got out of the car and yelled at Need to leave the women alone while Need's passenger was in the parking lot. My gun was still holstered by my side. The woman got out of her car and escaped into the store. He followed but only moments later exited the store back into the parking lot. Both Need and the man with him were uncontrollably enraged and seemed deranged past the point of caring who they hurt.
As they continued to threaten that they had guns and were going to kill people, for some unknown reason Need ran to the driver's side door of my car and started pounding on the window, shouting at my fiancée who was inside the car with the engine running. Fearing that Maria's life was in danger because of his previous death threats, that's when I drew my weapon. I ordered Need to step away from my car, which he did. He then returned to the center of the parking lot, according to witnesses, and continued with threats and deranged behavior.
I went to my car and stood at the driver's side door. Need turned back to me and started coming at me with his arms waving and shouting "just shoot me." I ordered him to stay back, but he kept coming. Then, when he was about four or five feet from me, he put his hand into his pants pocket, and that is when I fired my first shot into his left thigh. It didn't stop him from coming at me. He grabbed my shirt, ripped off the top button and grabbed my right arm. That's when I shot him the second time point-blank into his thigh. I was told later that the bullets had severed his femoral artery and he had bled to death at York Hospital. I was truly sorry he died, but knew I had made the right decisions.
Labels: altercation, PA, road rage
8/18/08
Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania
From WPXI of August 18, 2008
Elderly Woman Grabs Gun, Holds Would-Be Burglar At Bay
An 85-year-old great-grandmother from Lake Lynn, Fayette County kept an alleged burglar at bay using a .22-caliber pistol.
According to police, a 17-year-old suspect was attempting to burglarize Leda Smith overnight.
That's when Smith grabbed her gun and told the teen that she would shoot him if he moved, police said.
"I had the gun on him before he turned around and said, 'you've had it,' " Smith told Channel 11-News.
According to police, Smith ordered the boy to dial 911 and then gave him some advice.
"Dial 911 and don't attempt to throw the phone at me, or do anything bad or i'll just shoot you," Smith said.
When police arrived, they took the teen into custody.
Charges have been filed against the boy and an alleged accomplice.
Labels: female, home invasion, minor offender, PA, senior
8/15/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of August 15, 2008
Store owner with shotgun thwarts would-be robber
A gunman did not get the cash he demanded when he walked into a South Philadelphia locksmith shop yesterday morning, police said. He got something unwanted.
Instead of complying, the owner of Todaro's Locksmith pulled out a shotgun and released a single blast, critically injuring the gunman, police said.
The drama began at 10:38 a.m., when the man entered the store in the 1500 block of Federal Street, said Lt. Frank Vanore of the Public Affairs Unit.
"He demanded money, and the store owner was able to get to the shotgun," Vanore said.
The owner, whom police did not identify, had moved behind a partition where the shotgun was stored, Vanore said.
Authorities were still trying to confirm the identity of the gunman late yesterday afternoon and did not immediately release his name. Police recovered a handgun at the scene.
The gunman was sprayed with pellets in the hands, neck and face, Vanore said.
He was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he remained in critical condition yesterday.
The gunman faces charges of robbery and related offenses, Vanore said. The store owner immediately called police and cooperated with detectives and does not face charges, Vanore said.
Labels: business robbery, PA
7/29/08
Allentown, Pennsylvania
From the Allentown Morning Call of July 29, 2008
Lowhill man chases 'exterminators' with knife, gun
A 78-year-old man used a kitchen knife and a shotgun to chase three men posing as exterminators from his Lowhill Township home, according to police.
State police at Fogelsville issued a news release urging anyone with information to contact their station at 610-395-1438.
The incident happened between 6 and 7 p.m. Friday at a home on Route 100.
State police gave the following account in a news release:
A man who was 40 to 50 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 190 pounds with a heavy build and brown hair parted on the side entered the home through an unlocked front door. Upon entering, he advised the 78-year-old male resident he would do a free home extermination.
During the conversation, the homeowner noticed two other men rummaging through his residence. Both were between 25 and 27 years old, about 6 feet tall, 180 pounds and had thin builds and dirty blond hair parted on the side.
When the homeowner ordered them to leave his house, a fight broke out. While the homeowner struggled with one of the younger males, the older male restrained the homeowner. But the homeowner broke free, grabbed a kitchen knife and ordered all three men out of his house.
The older male tried to regain entry. But by then, the homeowner had a shotgun in hand.
The three men fled in a green van south on Route 100. They managed to steal about $10 in coins.
Labels: home invasion, PA, senior
7/23/08
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
From the Intelligencer Journal of July 23, 2008
Gunman killed in robbery try
John Roads believes people should be able to defend themselves against criminals, even if it means using a firearm.
The owner of Power Pro Battery Co., 210 S. Penn St., Manheim, said it was the right to possess a gun that potentially saved the life of his operations manager Tuesday and ended the life of a would-be robber.
Kevin Lee Smith, 19, of Lancaster, was shot and killed by the manager early Tuesday when Smith and an accomplice held up the manager with a semiautomatic weapon, police said. (Police asked that the manager's name not be published, because the accomplice was still at-large Tuesday night.)
Police said the manager acted in self-defense.
"We all have a right to come to work, to do our time and go home to our families," Roads said. "And nobody has a right to take that away from us."
Roads said he was at home when he got a phone call from the alarm company early Tuesday notifying him of a break-in at his business. He later heard from his manager, who told him he had shot a man.
"(The manager) had an angel in his pocket," Roads said, "and I can only hope that I would have been as lucky and as fortunate had it been me."
The manager explained the robbery circumstances to Roads on Tuesday morning, telling him two men were hiding under the wooden steps leading to the front entrance of the building.
According to Roads:
The manager said the two men made a noise under the steps, dropping a cell phone and a backpack and alerting him to their presence.
As the manager put the key in the front door, the two men, wearing black clothing, baseball caps and bandannas over their faces, walked up the stairs and followed him into the business, pointing a TEC-9 semiautomatic weapon at his back.
They pushed him into an office five feet inside the entrance and stayed in the hallway, with a security camera in the hallway catching most of the action.
The two men patted down the manager, taking his wallet and a company cell phone. However, they failed to pat down his other pocket, which contained a small-caliber semiautomatic pistol that he carried for protection.
The manager was told to open the business safe, and as the two men briefly looked toward the door, he pulled the gun from his pocket, firing two shots at Smith, who was holding the TEC-9.
Everything happened in two to three minutes, the manager told Roads.
"They gave (my manager) a split second to defend himself, and he did," Roads said.
The two men ran from the business, dropping the gun near a telephone pole, and they also dropped other items along West Stiegel Street, including hats and a backpack.
Police said a preliminary examination of the TEC-9 showed the weapon was jammed, indicating that the trigger was pulled at some point. Police said they were not sure when it was discharged.
Blood spots were still visible on West Stiegel Street Tuesday afternoon.
Smith collapsed about 400 yards from the business as the other man ran from the scene.
Manheim Borough police were called to the shooting scene near the intersection of South Penn and West Stiegel streets just after 5 a.m., and they found Smith on the street with gunshot wounds to the chest and wrist.
Smith was transported to Lancaster General Hospital, where he died from the chest wound.
Manheim Borough police Chief Barry Weidman said he had never seen a robbery turn so violent in the town.
Weidman said the incident should show criminals that they don't always know who is carrying a gun, and who is willing to use one in self defense.
"It should show criminals that you may get away with things for a while, but it's going to catch up to you," Weidman said.
Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said his office was looking at the evidence.
Stedman said a person has the right to use deadly force if he or she has a reasonable belief that their life is in imminent danger. It does not have to be a crime with a gun involved.
"Obviously, in cases where you have a gun involved, it increases the stakes," Stedman said.
Weidman said the TEC-9, which he called a "street weapon," was one of the first used in a crime in Manheim. It will be sent for analysis and reviewed for evidence of past crimes through ballistic tests.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, PA
6/28/08
South Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburg Tribune-Review of June 27, 2008
Game Commission deems a black bear shooting justified
A South Huntingdon man was within his legal rights when he shot a black bear on his property Tuesday evening, according to a representative of the state Game Commission.
Rod Ansell, a wildlife conservation officer with the commission's southwest region office, said Thursday that the shooting in the Turkeytown area was justified.
The bear was trying to get to a deer the man keeps penned on his property, Ansell said. The shooter's name was not released.
Bears have been spotted in Jeannette, Hempfield, North Huntingdon and other areas this spring and summer, Ansell said.
He said the commission and area police departments advise people who see a bear on or near their property to make sure their garbage cans are tightly closed, to take in their pets' food bowls and to remove bird feeders.
"And the bear will go on about its business," Ansell said.
The bear sightings tend to be of young males who have been kicked out by their mothers and who are trying to establish their own territory.
Their noses, and sense of smell, "are exceptional," Ansell said.
Anyone spotting a bear should report it to the game commission, he said.
But unless a bear becomes a problem and causes damage, he said, setting a trap may not be beneficial because it's difficult to predict its return.
"It's like hunting a needle in a haystack ," he said.
"Lots of times people really like the bears," he added.
Ansell said he received several calls about the shooting, and some people were concerned about a sow and cub also reported to be in the area.
"That gentleman called me right away," Ansell said of the property owner. "He did it (shooting) very reluctantly."
"If he had been in violation, I'd have issued him a citation," Ansell said.
The commission took custody of the bear, as is mandatory in cases of property protection, he said.
6/17/08
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Channel of June 16, 2008
Female Intruder Shot After Stabbing Spring Hill Woman
Police are investigating reports that a female intruder was shot in the hand after entering a house in Pittsburgh's Spring Hill section.
According to police, a woman entered a home in the 100 block of Rhine Place, spraying another woman with Mace before stabbing her, according to a witness.
The boyfriend of the victim grabbed a gun and shot the intruder in the hand, police said.
At this time, no other information is available.
Labels: home invasion, PA
5/31/08
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
From the Patriot News of May 31, 2008
Armed homeowner foils invasion
Eugene Johnson reacted in a flash when his wife heard someone kick in the back door of their Carlisle home at 2:30 a.m. Friday.
Johnson, 75, a retired Army sergeant first class who fought in the Korean War, grabbed his pistol. He was ready when a silhouette of a man appeared in the darkened doorway of his bedroom.
"He said, 'Don't move, I have a gun,'" Johnson recalled. "I said, 'Buddy, I've got a gun, too, and it's [aimed] right on you.
"Things got quiet then," he said.
They got quiet because the would-be home invader had high-tailed it out of there, police said.
Johnson would have been legally justified in pulling the trigger, Cumberland County District Attorney David Freed said.
"The homeowner acted appropriately," Freed said. "Criminals who break into occupied homes assume the risk of being shot by the homeowners."
Johnson, a 20-year Army veteran who spent nearly three years as a prisoner of war in North Korea, said Friday's incident occurred two weeks after another burglary at his home in the 1200 block of North West Street.
He and his wife, Bernadine, 71, were away during the May 16 break-in. "They trashed the place and stole money," Johnson said.
The back door that was damaged in the earlier burglary had not yet been repaired when the invader or invaders kicked it in Friday. Once inside, the culprit or culprits turned off the home's electricity, he said.
"My wife heard the back door being smashed. All at once the lights went out, and she told me, 'Get your gun,'" Johnson said.
He said he isn't sure how many people were involved in the break-in, but he saw only one man and heard one male voice.
Lt. Michael Dzezinski said police don't know if the May 16 burglary and Friday's home invasion are connected.
The man who threatened the Johnsons might have been trying to detain them while accomplices rifled through the house, he said.
Police don't have a description of the burglar who confronted the couple, and no suspects were found during a search of the area immediately after the invasion, Dzezinski said.
Labels: home invasion, PA, senior
5/29/08
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
From KDKA of May 29, 2008
Suspect Shot During Burglary Attempt Faces Charges
A man is in the hospital and facing multiple charges today after police say he and another man broke into a South Side home in a burglary attempt.
Police say Dale Boehm, 19, is facing charges of burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal conspiracy.
According to police, the owner of the Josephine Street home was watching television when he heard breaking glass and his back door being kicked in around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Authorities say that's when the homeowner retrieved his weapon and then found two men in his kitchen. Officials report that the men fired at one another.
Authorities say one of the suspects fled the scene after the gunfire. He has not been found, but police say they recovered a baseball bat and firearm while searching in the woods.
Police report that Boehm suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
He is listed in critical condition, officials say.
Police say they have questioned the resident. Meanwhile, Boehm will be taken to the Allegheny County Jail when he is released from the hospital.
Labels: home invasion, PA
3/23/08
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From WPXI of March 23, 2008
Suspect Shot In Tattoo Parlor Robbery
A tattoo parlor on the corner of Fourth Street and Euclid Avenue in Dravosburg was robbed at 9:15 p.m. Saturday night.
The suspect, who is described as a 6-foot-5-inch 250-pound male of unknown race, escaped on foot with $200. But that's not all the robber left with.
The owner of the business told police that he believes he may have shot the suspect in the back.
Shortly afterwards, police responded to a call from a man who said he was shot in the back at an address 1/2 of a mile away from the scene of the robbery. It is unknown whether these two incidents are related.
Mckeesport police and Allegheny County homicide detectives are not releasing any information about the investigation at this time.
Labels: business burglary, PA
3/21/08
Braddock, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Tribune of March 21, 2008
Braddock store owner pins would-be robber
Al Handza did a small favor Thursday afternoon for a young man in Braddock, a few minutes before the man put a gun to his head and tried to rob him.
Handza, owner of Al's Market on Braddock Avenue, refused to be bullied and grabbed the robber's hands, wrestling him to the ground.
During the struggle, the gun discharged twice and the wounded thief tried to run, only to be stopped by Handza and detained for police.
The robber, whose identity and age are not known because he gave a phony name to police, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hospital in Oakland with gunshot wounds in the arm and back, said Braddock police Sgt. Frank Barreiro. The extent of the injuries is not known.
Handza, 61, who had cataract surgery on Tuesday, said he didn't have time to think about how scared he was.
"What are you going to do?" Handza said with a shrug 90 minutes after the incident.
"He came behind the counter with a gun, put it to my head and we started tussling."
Handza, who has operated the small market near the Rankin Bridge for 26 years, said the young man often comes into the store and was there twice yesterday before the holdup.
"The second time, he bought two bags of chips but was short 18 cents," Handza said. "I said, 'You're always in here. I'll get it tomorrow.'"
A minute later -- shortly before 5 p.m. -- the man returned, trying to hide his face with a hooded sweatshirt and bandana.
"He said, 'This is a stickup!' I thought he was joking because he'd just left."
The .22-caliber handgun the robber was pointing at Handza's head was no laughing matter, and the store owner acted to defend himself.
"I threw him and we went down together," said Handza, who was alone at the time.
As the two wrestled, the gun discharged twice and the robber said, "I'm shot!"
The thief got up without the gun, ran out the door and around the corner between two buildings, where he was stopped by a 12-foot fence.
Handza grabbed the gun off the floor, called 911 and ran outside after the robber.
"He couldn't get over the fence. I held his own gun on him and told him to hit the ground, face first. He laid there, and the cops were here in less than a minute."
Barreiro said the investigation has been turned over to Allegheny County Police detectives. He said he believes they will charge the man with robbery and weapons violations.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA
3/7/08
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
From the The Patriot News of March 6, 2008
Homeowner shoots at 2 intruders, police say
New Cumberland police are investigating a break-in at a home in the 200 block of Geary Avenue during which the homeowner struggled with a pair of intruders and fired two shots at them as they fled.
Police said neither intruder was hit. The homeowner, who was not identified, suffered a minor cut to his stomach during the scuffle and was examined at the scene by ambulance personnel.
Police said the homeowner was asleep around 12:24 a.m. Wednesday when he was awakened by a commotion downstairs..
A scuffle broke out in the kitchen, and the homeowner fired two shots from a handgun as the intruders were running out a back door, police said.
Both burglars were described as being about 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds. Police said one was white and one was black.
Nothing was reported missing. Police said a woman's handbag was found dumped on the floor and kitchen counters and drawers had been opened. The intruders forced open a back door, police said.
Police are investigating whether the break-in is related to one four days earlier at the same residence. In that case, the homeowner got up to get a drink around 12:30 a.m. and encountered a man in the home.
Labels: home invasion, PA
3/3/08
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of March 2, 2008
Police: Taxi driver shoots passenger during attempted robbery
Police say a Pittsburgh cab driver fatally shot a passenger who allegedly tried to rob him.
Authorities say the shooting occurred Saturday night in the city's Hill District after the passenger had been picked up downtown.
During the robbery attempt, the Yellow Cab driver pulled out a gun and a struggle ensued over the weapon.
Police say the passenger was shot and killed during the struggle and the cab driver suffered an injury to his arm. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police did not release the name of the driver or the passenger.
The driver was licensed to carry a gun.
Labels: concealed carry permit, PA, street robbery
2/28/08
West Hazleton, Pennsylvania
From the Standard Speaker of February 28, 2008
W. Hazleton woman scares off intruder
A burglar fled a West Hazleton home when a resident got a pistol and took a shot at the man Tuesday evening, borough police said.
The incident happened at an East Broad Street home just before 7 p.m., according to the victim, Terri Gavinski. She and her husband, Dave Gavinski, who was at work when the home invasion occurred, talked about her frightening experience Tuesday night.
Terri Gavinski she was relaxing watching TV, when she heard a noise and saw the figure of a man standing at the edge of the hallway leading into her living room.
She said to the man, “Please don’t hurt me.” He responsed by referring to her in a derogatory manner.
She said the man’s head was completely covered with a forest green bandana and it partially covered his face. He also wore dark gloves, possibly black and dark pants, she said.
Terri Gavinski estimated he was roughly 6 feet tall and a bit more muscular. The intruder apparently gained entrance through the side door of their home in the 200 block of East Broad Street.
Terri Gavinski said he demanded cash and valuables.
She again asked him not to hurt her and said her husband had coins and guns that he used for hunting in a case upstairs. He ordered her upstairs and continued to tell her not to withhold any money she might have.
He ordered her to put the coins in bags. While she was doing that, he began to ransack the upstairs.
“He was just throwing our stuff around and opening up drawers. He didn’t seem interested in his rifles in the gun case,” Gavinski said.
The victim said that while the intruder went through their stuff, she went into another bedroom where she spotted a loaded gun her husband had on the gun cabinet.
“At this point I’m a bit foggy about what happened, but he didn’t see me pick up the gun and we walked downstairs with these heavy bags of coins. He had one bag and I had the other and he ordered me to bring it into the kitchen,” she said.
As he was about to go out the side entrance where he came in, she said she took the gun out of her housecoat, raised it and fired a round. The intruder, she said, dropped the bag of coins and ran out.
She knew she didn’t hit him, but she scared him enough to flee to a car parked in the rear of their home, she said.
Her husband said the bullet exited the home through the rear kitchen window into the back garage.
“I called 911 and within a minute the West Hazleton police arrived,” she said.
Later, Hazleton police and state police were at her home helping out. After calling police she called her husband at work and he was home within minutes.
It is a night Terri Gavinski won’t soon forget.
“I am not a gun person. My husband is. He is a hunter and always keeps two loaded guns in the house,” she said.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
2/5/08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From NBC10 of February 4, 2008
Police Find Blood Trail From Store To Alleged Robber's Doorstep
It appears an armed robber picked the wrong store to hold up. Police said it's the robber who wound up getting shot.
Authorities were were crediting cooperative witnesses, some good police work and also the store owner with nabbing the suspected robber.
"He said to me, 'Give me all your money. Give me all your money,'" robbery witness Angel Dia said.
But Dia said the armed robber who stormed Antonia's Grocery Sunday night got one heck of a surprise.
"The other guy, the owner, he got a gun, too," Dia said.
Dia said he was standing in the front of the store and the store's owner was behind the bulletproof glass when police allege that 19-year-old Donte Turner pointed a gun at Dia.
"My friend, he says, 'Back, all the way back,' and then the guy shot him," Dia said, pointing to his shoulder. "Then, the guy -- the gun, it fell down. He left it there and he went running."
"He was shot in the arm, so he dropped the gun and just took off?" NBC 10's Deanna Durante asked.
"Yes," Dia replied.
If the story ended there, Turner might still be on the run, according to police. But they said they got to Turner before they knew about the robbery.
"A 19-year-old by the name of Donte Turner showed up at Episcopal Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest. He gave responding officers that were called by hospital officials the story that he was robbed by a male on the highway and it was a dispute over money," said Philadelphia police Lt. Frank Vanore.
Police said they received a second call, this one from Antonia's Grocery, saying two robbers had targeted the store and owner Juan Rosario thought he'd shot one of them.
"There was a trail of blood and a hat found on the highway, and also a semiautomatic handgun. And the blood led down the street onto North 3rd Street," Vanore said.
Police said the blood trail lead them from the store to the doorstep of Turner's house.
"The individual showed up as a victim and lied to police," Vanore said.
Both Dia and Rosario were back at the grocery store Monday. Rosario speaks very little English and didn't want to talk on camera, but his friend said the two have no problem being back at work, even though police said they are still looking for Turner's alleged accomplice.
Asked if he was scared, Dia said, "Who me? No."
Police said Turner -- who was still in the hospital being treated Monday night for a gunshot wound -- has been charged with attempted robbery, aggravated assault and gun counts.
Investigators said that they are still looking into both sides of the case, meaning the store owner with the gun as well as the alleged robbery. Police stressed that deadly force should only be used in the most extreme of circumstances -- when there is no way out, NBC 10's Deanna Durante reported.
Labels: business robbery, PA
1/24/08
Plum, Pennsylvania
From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader of January 24, 2008
Plum man won't be charged for shooting intruder, prosecutor says
Allegheny County prosecutors say they won't charge a man who shot an intruder at a suburban Pittsburgh apartment.
Authorities say 68-year-old James Bodnar told them he shot the man in both legs when he tried to enter Bodnar's Plum Borough apartment about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 9.
Police believe 21-year-old Justin Jones of Auburn, N.Y., thought he was entering his ex-girlfriend's apartment in the same complex.
Police say Bodnar opened the door and showed Jones the gun after Jones tried to kick in the door. Police say Bodnar shot Jones when he still tried to enter.
Jones is in the county jail awaiting a preliminary hearing Wednesday on attempted trespassing and other charges.
Further links:
Plum police ask DA to review intruder shooting
Labels: home invasion, PA, senior
1/18/08
Darlington Borough, Pennsylvania
From January 18, 2008 WTAE channel 4:
DARLINGTON BOROUGH, Pa. -- Police said a man shot a robber during a home invasion in Darlington Borough, Beaver County, Friday morning.
According to police, two robbers entered a home, taking control of the homeowner's rifle. At that point, police said, the homeowner pulled out a handgun, shooting one of the robbers.The second robber fled the scene with the man's rifle, police said.
Further links:
Beaver Man Shoots Would-Be Robber During Home Invasion
Darlington man shoots burglar
Homeowner Cleared In Shooting Of Intruder; Suspect Charged
Labels: defender's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, PA
1/11/08
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
From WPXI of January 10, 2008
Pennsylvania: Man Shoots, Kills Bobcat That Attacked His Pet Goat
A man shot and killed a bobcat, after the bobcat attacked one of his pet goats.
The attack happened around 9 a.m. Thursday in a remote area of Conemaugh Township in Somerset County.
The man said he shot the bobcat because he was protecting his pet. The goat, Brownie, only suffered a few cuts.
The man said he was worried if he just got the bobcat to go outside the fence that it would come back later and hurt Brownie.
Game commission officials told Channel 11’s sister-station WJAC, that to spot a bobcat is very rare, but to have one in a back yard and come just 6 feet away is even more unlikely. Bobcats rarely come out during the day, but they are predators.
The game commission plans on picking up the bobcat on Friday.
1/6/08
State College, Pennsylvania
From the Centre Daily Times of January 6, 2008
Man charged with trying to enter home
A College Township man faces criminal charges after he ignored an apparent warning shot while entering a State College home early Saturday morning.
According to State College police, Nathan Wagner, 21, of 709 W. Cherry Lane, had broken a door window of a North Atherton Street residence about 2:30 a.m. and was trying to come inside when the homeowner confronted him with a shotgun and told him to leave.
Wagner persisted, police said, and the homeowner fired a shot into an interior wall. Police, called by the homeowner’s wife before the shot, said they arrived to find Wagner still trying to open the door.
As Wagner was taken into custody, police said, he appeared intoxicated, registered a blood-alcohol content of .22 and told officers he thought he was at a friend’s house for a party.
Arraigned before District Justice Carmine Prestia, Wagner was charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. He was jailed at the Centre County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail.
Labels: home invasion, intoxication, PA
1/5/08
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
From January 5, 2008 Lancaster Online:
LANCASTER, Pa - Gunfire rang out during a Friday night robbery at the Mangat Mini Market on West Orange Street, but nobody was struck or injured, according to city police and the store's manager.
The manager, David Mangat, and a fleeing robber fired a shot each with their handguns after the robber grabbed some cash.
The two were only about 10 feet apart, but neither man was hit.
"He started shooting, and I started shooting at him," said Mangat, who has a concealed weapons permit.
Mangat, 23, of Lancaster, said he was behind the counter of the market at 629 W. Orange St. when a man wearing a long dark coat entered the store at about 11:45 p.m.
"He reached under his coat and came out with a handgun. Then he told me to put the money in the bag," said Mangat.
"I started talking to him. I wanted to create a diversion so I could get to my gun," said Mangat.
"I asked him if he wanted more money. He said 'yes,"'
That gave Mangat the chance to reach into the area where he kept his weapon.
The manager came up holding his own handgun instead of more bills.
When the robber saw the gun, he turned and started running toward the door. But before leaving the store, he turned and fired one round that struck a wall inside the store, Mangat and police said.
Mangat said he fired one shot at the robber, but missed.
Mangat said he did not know which direction the robber fled nor how much money was stolen.
A report of a "robbery with shots fired" sent police rushing to the store, which is where Marietta Avenue splits off from West Orange Street.
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, PA
1/2/08
Langeloth, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Channel of January 2, 2008
Charges Dropped Against Man Who Shot Would-Be Robber
A would-be victim who fought back during an attempted robbery at his East Third Street home in Langeloth, Washington County, is no longer charged with attempted homicide.
On Sept. 1, Eraldo Iannitelli, 48, was allegedly attacked outside his home by two teens wearing masks, carrying a baseball bat and BB gun.
Iannitelli said the two teens demanded money.
After being hit several times, Iannitelli said he reached into his car, grabbed a shotgun and fired once, hitting a 16-year-old in the back.
On Wednesday, all charges were dropped against Iannitelli.
Labels: minor offender, PA, street robbery
12/25/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the Post-Gazette of December 25, 2007
Ingram convenience store clerk shoots would-be robber
A convenience store clerk in Ingram shot and seriously wounded a knife-carrying robber this morning.
Ingram police Chief John Doherty said the clerk may have fired at the would-be thief inside and then outside the 7-Eleven store at 10 W. Prospect Ave.
"He shot the robber several times. I'm not sure how many," Chief Doherty said this afternoon in a telephone interview.
But the gunfire began in the store about 4:30 a.m. and then apparently continued outside, Chief Doherty said.
He declined to identify either the clerk or the robber. Chief Doherty said the would-be thief is 20 years old and the clerk is in his mid-20s.
Emergency crews transported the robber to Allegheny General Hospital, where he underwent surgery, Chief Doherty said.
He said the clerk may have had a less serious injury.
"I believe the clerk was cut," Chief Doherty said.
Chief Doherty said the preliminary investigation showed that the clerk had a permit to carry a firearm. He said he knew this particular clerk because he had been robbed previously and Ingram police investigated the case.
Allegheny County police will be the lead agency in the case and file any charges, Chief Doherty said.
Further links:
Pittsburgh store clerk shoots, wounds knife-wielding robber
Ingram store clerk cleared in shooting
Ingram clerk points gun, will lose license: police (Same clerk, separate incident)
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, PA
12/6/07
Easton, Pennsylvania
From the December 6, 2007 Easton Daily Call:
Rob Pierce Jr.'s walk through Easton's West Ward for dinner at his fiancee's mother's house Tuesday almost cost him his life.
He was mugged by two men, one a self-proclaimed Crips gang member, the other wearing a hooded jacket and carrying a handgun, police said.
''It was like hell,'' Pierce, 27, of Easton said Wednesday night in a brief phone interview.
While being told to be quiet and cooperate, he was dragged across the street in the darkness and told he was going to be shot. But in an instant, the hunted became the hunter.
Pierce, who carries a handgun for protection, pulled out a .357 revolver and shot Maurice Cook of Easton, who had thrust a .45 handgun into Pierce's back and the side of his head.
Cook, 22, who was shot in the abdomen, was taken to St. Luke's Hospital-Fountain Hill, where he underwent surgery and was expected to survive, police said.
He and the other mugging suspect, Tyrone Wright, 22, of Newark, N.J., were charged Wednesday with robbery, aggravated assault and conspiracy. Wright told a district judge he was recently freed from a New Jersey prison, where he had been held on a drug charge.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said the good guy won in a botched armed robbery. But at a news conference Wednesday, he also cautioned against a return to the vigilante days of the Wild West.
He said Pierce violated no law by protecting himself and will face no charges. ''Luckily, this time, the citizen won. I think Mr. Pierce acted responsibly.''
Morganelli said he supports laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons and hopes this latest shooting in the West Ward, the second in less than a week, sends a message to ''these young thugs'' that their victims might fight back.
Labels: concealed carry permit, PA, street robbery
11/27/07
Derry Township, Pennsylvania
From the November 27, 2007 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
The lead state police investigator in the Aug. 17 shooting death of an Allegheny County man at a Derry Township campground said Monday that evidence collected to date indicates the shooting "points to self-defense."Trooper James Simpson of the Greensburg barracks said police are still awaiting a final autopsy report and the results of a few forensic tests. But at this point it appears the shooting of Sherman Shawn Prince, 40, of Mt. Oliver, during an argument with two other campers at the Lazy Acres Campground, near Keystone State Park, might have been justified.
"Believe me, I really do feel for the family who loses a loved one in the shooting, but right now all the evidence we've collected points in one direction (self-defense), and I'm not sure that's going to change with the tests that are still pending. But if it does, we definitely will pursue it," Simpson said.
"We can only take a case where the evidence leads us," the trooper said.
Members of Prince's family, including his father, Sherman, of Pittsburgh, and an aunt, Sharon Josefik, of Clearfield, complained recently that investigators had not responded to their inquiries about the shooting death and that the investigation has stalled. They said some details of the shooting released by police do not corroborate with what they knew about Prince, an automobile detailer, who died at the scene.Prince's family members maintain that he did not own a gun. However, Simpson said evidence collected at the scene and through forensic tests to date indicate that he was pointing a loaded .22-caliber handgun at the face of Anthony Verdiglione of McKeesport when he was shot.
Prince was shot by a friend of Verdiglione, Dale O. Miller, 43, of McKeesport. Police have said that Miller and Verdiglione have cooperated throughout the investigation.
According to search warrants filed with the case, Verdiglione and Miller arrived at the campground about 10:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Within an hour, Prince drove to their campsite in a golf cart and began arguing, police said.
Court documents said Miller escorted Prince out of his camper to the golf cart Prince used around the campground after Prince allegedly grabbed Verdiglione's shirt during an argument. Other campers told police that they could hear Prince cursing Miller and Verdiglione as he drove back to his own campsite, where police said he retrieved a gun from his car and returned to Miller's trailer.
Police said a second confrontation occurred among the three men outside of Miller's camper where a witness said Prince pulled out a small handgun and pointed it at Veriglione's face. Verdiglione swiped at the gun in an attempt to strike it from Prince's hand, but missed, according to the search warrant.
"Miller, who had been standing behind Verdiglione, then brandished his own weapon (a .38-caliber handgun) and discharged the same, striking Prince one time in the head," Simpson wrote in the search warrant affidavit.
Prince was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prince's mother, Paulete, said yesterday she is disappointed police still believe the shooting might have been self-defense.
"It just doesn't add up. Shawn did not have a gun and the gun they found him with was stolen from McKeesport, where they are both from," Paulete Sherman said.
Labels: altercation, PA
11/17/07
Allentown, Pennsylvania
From Harrisburg’s PennLive.com of November 17, 2007
Police searching for robber in fatal Allentown holdup
Allentown police are searching for an unidentified male robber after a botched robbery at a center city mini-market Friday night left one of the robbers dead and two of the store's workers hospitalized.
At 6:29 p.m., Jonathan D. Fernandez and an unknown man entered the Allen Mini Market at 601 N. Ninth St. and attempted to rob the store at gunpoint and knifepoint, Assistant Police Chief Ron Manescu said tonight.
The married store owners, Catalino Bautista, 44, and Eneyda Ponce, 46, were working in the store with Ponce's 27-year-old son, Wilson Cabrera, Manescu said. During the robbery attempt, Bautista was shot in the chest and Cabrera was stabbed in the chest. Manescu declined to specify exactly when they were injured.
"Even though they were injured, they began to fight back," Manescu said, noting this caused the robber wielding the knife to flee the store.
Bautista, Cabrera and Ponce tackled Fernandez, 30, of the 600 block of Tilghman Street in the city, and a "violent struggle ensued," he said.
During the struggle, Fernandez was fatally shot but police did not specify who shot him and whether it was with his own gun.
"I'm not going to get into any other details," Manescu said. "We have a lot of people to talk to, and we have to get some facts straightened out. All we can say is he received his injuries during the struggle until we get further in our investigation."
Bautista is in critical condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Cabrera is listed in serious condition, Manescu said. Ponce suffered minor injuries in the struggle but was not hospitalized.
Police are also looking for two customers who fled the store at the time of the robbery.
Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim pronounced Fernandez dead at 7:25 p.m. Friday at the store. An autopsy Saturday determined he died from gunshot wounds to the body, Grim said.
Labels: business robbery, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of November 17, 2007
Brookline Man Fights Burglar During Home Invasion
A Brookline homeowner turned the tables on a would-be burglar who broke into his home.
Dorjian Anderson, 31, and a single father of seven, says 23-year-old Christopher DePaolo kicked open his door. When the suspect got to the top of his steps, he and Anderson got into a fight.
Eventually Anderson grabbed some extension cords and hog-tied him. He and a friend held DePaolo at gunpoint until police arrived.
DePaolo was treated at UPMC South Side for a fractured right arm before he was taken to the Allegheny County Jail. He faces burglary, assault and criminal mischief charges.
Anderson said he had the opportunity to shoot DePaolo, but didn't because he saw him before in the neighborhood.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence burglary
11/15/07
Havertown, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s NBC10.com of November 15, 2007
Mother Turns Tables On Carjackers
Police Investigate Carjacking On Suburban Road
Police said Wednesday a mother wrestled away a gun from a carjacker who tried to take her car with her 7-year-old daughter inside.
Chopper 10 was over the scene at Bellfield Avenue and Route 1, where police were using metal detectors and a search dog.
Bellfield Avenue was shut down for the investigation. Firefighters arrived with lights so police could continue the investigation.
Police said the 37-year-old woman was leaving work at the Sunny Days Early Child Development Services facility on Township Line when she said she was approached by two men who got out of a black Jeep. After a brief conversation, one pointed a gun at her and demanded her SUV.
Police said the woman pleaded with the gunmen to allow her to retrieve her 7-year-old daughter out of the backseat. As she helped the child out, she grabbed the gun from the carjacker's lap. The woman then began to back away, with the gunmen following in an attempt to retrieve the gun.
Police said the gun went off in the struggle.
While neither the mother nor daughter were injured, it was unknown if their attackers were hurt. The gunmen got the weapon back, and one jumped into the victim's SUV and drove up Belfield Avenue, while the other was picked up around the corner on Township Line in the black Jeep they had pulled up in, NBC 10 News reported.
Police said they were looking for at least three men, their black Jeep, and the victim's 2007 White Over Black Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Labels: carjacking, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, female, PA
10/30/07
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
From Harrisburg’s PennLive.com of October 30, 2007
Shot fired at intruder
Police are investigating an incident early Saturday morning in which a homeowner fired a shot at a man who had broken into his home.
Police said the homeowner told them he was awakened at 3:50 a.m. by the sound of breaking glass. He said he got up and went to the kitchen carrying a handgun. There he saw a man dressed in black carrying a baseball bat. When the intruder advanced toward the homeowner, police said he fired one shot at him. At that the intruder turned and ran from the home.
Police said they have evidence that supports the homeowner’s story that someone broke into the home and that a handgun was fired.
Lebanon Police Captain Dan Wright said police believe the intruder had specific reasons for picking that home to break into and that this was not a random incident.
Wright said the focus of the investigation is on the burglary.
Labels: PA, residence burglary
10/23/07
East Liberty, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of October 22, 2007
Man killed in E. Liberty home invasion
An armed man was shot and killed early this morning after he and another man broke into a residence in East Liberty, police said. Shawn Davis, 18, of Duquesne, died of a shotgun blast to the head inside an apartment at 300 North Negley Avenue. He was shot at 3:15 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene 10 minutes later. Police said he and his accomplice, Rashawn Gibson, 20, of Garfield, tried to rob the occupants of the apartment.
"It was definitely a home invasion," said Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki, head of Major Crimes. "We're still sorting it out."
Detectives said Mr. Davis pointed his gun at the occupants and ordered them onto the floor. He and Mr. Gibson walked one victim to the rear of the apartment at gunpoint, then returned to the living room and approached the other victims who were hiding in the kitchen.
When Mr. Davis pointed a gun at one of them, the man shot him in the head with a shotgun.
Mr. Gibson jumped through a window to get away, but police caught him.
He is charged with burglary, robbery and criminal conspiracy.
Labels: PA, residence robbery
10/22/07
Friendship, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburg Tribune-Review of October 22, 2007
Police: Friendship home invader fatally shot
A man in a Friendship apartment fatally shot one of two men who broke into the home early this morning, Pittsburgh police said.
The two invaders, one of whom had a gun, entered the apartment at 300 North Negley Avenue about 3:15 a.m., Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki said. A man in the apartment grabbed a shotgun and shot one of the intruders in the side of the head, Stangrecki said.
The man died at the scene, Stangrecki said. The other intruder ran away and was still being sought. Police did not identify anyone involved and no charges were filed this morning.
Labels: PA, residence robbery
10/18/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From PhillyBurbs.com of October 18, 2007
Man is shot to death in apparent robbery attempt
Police say a man was shot and killed while trying to rob a recycling business in Philadelphia.
Police say a man in his 20s entered Geppert Recycling in the 4500 block of Wayne Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
When the man attempted to rob the company, a Geppert employee apparently opened fire.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are saying the incident was self defense, but further details are unavailable.
Labels: business robbery, PA
10/10/07
Marianna, Pennsylvania
From the ThePittsburgChannel.com of October 10, 2007
76-Year-Old Woman Takes Gun From Girl, Thwarts Robbery
A 76-year-old storeowner in Washington County said she was having a bad day when a young woman tried to rob her on Monday.
Police said Virginia Hart was behind the counter of the Lone Pine Market in Marianna when a young girl came in and demanded money.
Police said when Hart refused, the woman pulled a gun and again demanded money.
Once again, police said, Hart refused and then grabbed the gun, picked up a stool and chased the woman out the door.
The girl is described as blond, in her 20s and was wearing a blue sweatshirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA, senior
10/9/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From ThePittsburghChannel.com of October 9, 2007
Man Kicked Out Of Home, Returns With Gun, Is Shot Dead
A young man was wounded by gunfire while he shot and killed an intruder at a home in Pittsburgh's Homewood area Tuesday morning, according to homicide detectives.
Police officers patrolling the neighborhood said they heard gunshots near the home in the 1500 block of North Murtland Street around 2:40 a.m. (See Map)
They found one man on nearby Lincoln Avenue with a chest wound and a gun in his possession, police said. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hospital in critical condition but later died.
Police identified that man as Ronnell Pittman, 34. No address for Pittman was given.
Pittman had entered the home without being invited and was told to leave, then came back with a gun and started shooting at James Hill, 19, police said.
Hill fired a gun and shot Pittman, who was able to run away but eventually died from his injuries, police said.
Police did not say why Pittman entered the home in the first place. They said he may have gone there by mistake.
Hill, of the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood, was treated at UPMC Presbyterian for a gunshot wound to the foot.
His uncle said Hill fired the gun to protect his family.
Hill is being held at the Allegheny County Jail on an alleged firearms violation but is not facing any charges for Pittman's death, police said.
Homicide detectives are still investigating. The District Attorney's Office is also involved in the case.
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, PA
9/30/07
McKeesport, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of September 30, 2007
Intruders shot, one fatally, in McKeesport
Two suspected robbers were shot, one of them fatally, during an apparent home invasion on Grover Street in McKeesport last night, police said.
Police were called at 10:10 p.m. to a home in the 2900 block of Grover, where a resident resisted an apparent robbery.
One suspect was killed, and the other was hospitalized with at least one gunshot wound, police said.
The extent of his injuries was not immediately known.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
9/26/07
Roseto, Pennsylvania
From the The Express-Times of September 26, 2007
Boy defends home with BB gun
An 11-year-old boy home sick from school on Monday defended his home with a BB gun when an intruder waltzed in the back door, police said.
The boy, whose name was not released, was watching television when a man walked into the Webster Street home about 1:30 p.m. through an unlocked door. Police said the boy's German shepherd, Montana, then stood up and began barking at the man.
Police said the boy jumped up and told the man not to move, pointing the gun at him.
The boy, who only identified himself as Joe when contacted Tuesday, said he shot the man with a plastic BB when he reached for his waistband.
Police said the intruder grabbed his chest and then ran out the rear door. The boy then called his mother on her cell phone, and she told him to call 911.
The boy told police that before the intruder entered the house, he noticed a black sport utility vehicle with tinted windows "creeping" around the block about six times.
Roseto police Chief Jack Nicholais said an officer Monday night spotted a vehicle matching the description in the borough area.
"It seems to be confirmed," Nicholais said.
Bangor and Washington Township police could not find any vehicles or suspects matching the description after the incident, a Roseto police news release said.
The boy described the man to police as a 20- to 30-year-old white bald male, about 200 pounds with a bulky build and broad shoulders. Police said the man was wearing a red bandana around his forehead and had a scar on the left forehead running down through the bandana to just above his eye. He was wearing tinted sunglasses and had a "triangle-type" goatee just below his lip. He was wearing a navy blue shirt with long sleeves.
Labels: home invasion, minor defender, PA
9/21/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s 6ABC.com of September 21, 2007
Robbery Victim Turns Tables on Bandit
Philadelphia police had no trouble identifying a robbery suspect. He's the one with the bullet wound in his leg.
One of his victims grabbed the bandit's gun and turned the tables on him.
"I don't know what came over me. I just grabbed the gun from under his arm. I just started shooting," said Lillian Bailey.
She can't believe what happened at her Germantown hair salon as she worked past midnight.
When a client left the popular stylists business, a gunman lurking outside rushed in demanding money.
Her three clients gave him their purses and ran for cover in two back rooms. Lillian was shaken as she shared her frightening story exclusively with Action News.
"He went to reach for my pockets, but he put his gun under his arm with the pocketbooks. In that split second, I just grabbed the gun and started shooting," said Bailey.
The young mother thought about making it home to her children as she aimed at the robber and emptied his .38 revolver.
"After there were no more bullets, I just started bashing him on his head as he was trying to escape the salon," she said.
He got away. Lillian didn't realize he was shot until police found him unconscious in some bushes on nearby Johnson Street. He had a bullet wound in his leg.
The 19-year-old suspect, whose identity hasn't been released, remained in police custody at Einstein Medical Center.
Lillian said he came to the salon the night before asking about prices, but wasn't let in. When he slipped inside with a gun, she knew she had to do something to save herself because he looked high and out of control.
The tenderhearted 27-year-old still feels bad.
"It's like a double edge sword because I feel like I wanted to stop him from taking my hard earned money, taking these people's belongings. But then I didn't want to hurt anybody," she said.
She has not been charged with any crime. Police are trying to determine if the 19-year-old suspect was involved in a street robbery earlier that night where a robbery victim's dog was shot.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA
9/19/07
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of September 19, 2007
Gun store owner pulls gun, foils robbery
A gun store owner confronted by an armed robber grabbed his own gun yesterday and foiled the attempt, after which police tracked down the suspect and put him in jail.
State police charged Jeffrey J. Ierino, 32, of Wampum, with attemped robbery of the Triangle Gun Shop in Perry Township, Lawrence County.
Mr. Ierino walked into the store at 11:24 a.m., pointed a pistol at owner Donald Pieri, 60, and ordered him to fill a bag with pistols, police said.
Mr. Pieri, of Ellwood City, then dived behind a door leading into the back room to retrieve his own gun. At that point, Mr. Ierino ran outside, where an accomplice picked him up.
Troopers tracked him down at his house in Wampum but said he fled when they showed up. They arrested him near the Paramount Cafe.
He is charged with attempted robbery, attempted theft, illegal possession of a gun, carrying a gun without a license, terroristic threats and simple assault.
He was being held yesterday in the Lawrence County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Labels: business robbery, PA
9/2/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of September 2, 2007
Police Continue Investigation Into Esplen Shooting
Police continue their investigation today following a man's death in Esplen overnight after officials say he broke into a home with a loaded weapon.
The shooting happened just after 2:30am in the 500-block of Parson Street.
Authorities have identified the man who died as 32-year-old Charles Long, of McKees Rocks.
Police say it all started when Long began knocking on the door of West End resident, Terrence Triplett, 27, while he and his girlfriend were sleeping. Long then kicked in the front door and entered the home, officials report.
According to investigators, Triplett confronted Long, disarmed him and fired several shots.
Officials say when they arrived they found Long lying just inside the doorway. He was pronounced dead at the scene with gunshot wounds to the head and torso.
Police say neither Triplett nor his girlfriend was injured.
Investigators say Triplett has not been charged with any crime at this time, and is free on his own recognizance. Officials report that they will consult with the District Attorney's Office to see if any charges are warranted.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, intruder, PA
8/25/07
Lehman Township, Pennsylvania
From the Scranton Times-Tribune of August 25, 2007
Suspect sought in fatal Pike shootout
State police in Blooming Grove are investigating the death of a 46-year-old township man who was shot early Friday in Pike County.
Barry James Rose, of 3182 Bexhill Court, Saw Creek Estates, was shot around 2 a.m. Friday after someone entered his home, police reported.
Police said Mr. Rose and an intruder exchanged gunfire, and Mr. Rose died.
An autopsy was performed at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, and results are pending, according to police.
Saw Creek Estates resident Kristi Wertz, 25, used to keep her car doors unlocked, but not anymore.
“Lately there has been a lot of crime in this area,” she said. “For the past seven to eight months, we’ve seen the state police here quite frequently.”
There was a major drug bust in the community on Aug. 7.
Ms. Wertz, who also works at the nearby Country Squire Deli along Winona Falls Road, has lived in the private, gated community on and off for the past 10 years and said she did not always feel so uneasy. She heard about the shooting Friday morning while at work.
“A lot of people, I think, really aren’t so surprised,” she said, referring to the recent crime activity in the community.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 226-5718.
Labels: defender killed, home invasion, PA
8/3/07
Greencastle, Pennsylvania
Same store robbed again
From Chambersburg’s PublicOpinionOnline.com of August 3, 2007
Store owner shoots robbery suspect
Four months ago, after a series of break-ins at his convenience store, Merlony "Jason" Colaco nabbed a robbery suspect and used his shotgun to hold her at bay until police arrived.
Thursday morning, he confronted another suspect, only this time, he fired.
"I shot that guy, not because he was stealing, but because he came to me and was attacking me," Colaco said. "This was the first time I ever fired a gun. I never even hunted before."
Police said Colaco, owner of Molly Pitcher Mini-Mart of 13640 Molly Pitcher Highway, shot Thomas Philip Candeloro Jr., 44, of Baltimore, after he and two other white men broke into the store at 1:46 a.m. to steal cartons of cigarettes.
When Colaco confronted the men with his shotgun, a fight broke out that resulted in Candeloro being shot, police said.
Candeloro's alleged accomplices reportedly fled, but he was taken to Washington County Hospital, where he was treated and released, according to a hospital spokesperson.
Police said charges of robbery, burglary, theft and conspiracy are pending against him.
Calaco's store is just off of Interstate 81. For several months it has been the site of several break-ins and robberies.
Colaco's account
Speaking from his store on Thursday afternoon, Colaco said he felt bad about the whole situation and that he was still shaken by it all.
After the arrest of the robbery suspect in April, he thought the crimes were over and he could stop camping out in his
store after it closed at 10 p.m.
But two weeks ago, he said someone broke into his back door and took two cartons of Marlboro cigarettes. Three days later, someone stole 15 to 16 bags of ice from the container in front of the store.
During that same period, he said, someone threw a rock through the window of another area business.
Once again, Colaco had had enough.
As he'd done in the past, he grabbed his shotgun and began sleeping in his office. He listened for sounds and closely watched the security camera. At 1:40 a.m., he heard the sound of the cowbell attached to his door.
He looked at the security camera and saw three men violently shaking the door, trying to get in, he said. Eventually, they made it inside and began to fill two trash cans with cigarettes.
Remembering how he scared a previous robbery suspect and held her at bay, Colaco said he walked out to confront the men while holding his shotgun. But instead of being scared, one of the men approached him as if he didn't care about the gun, Colaco said.
"I had the safety lock on my gun and I became nervous and couldn't remove it," Colaco recalled. "He came toward me and I backed up."
The man turned and ran outside. The second man, who was much bigger than the first, Colaco said, took a trash can filled with merchandise.
"Hold it," Colaco called out to him. But the man simply looked at Colaco and walked outside.
However, when the third man, Candeloro, walked up to Colaco, he showed more aggression, Colaco said. "He lifted the trash can and threw it at me."
Colaco shouted for him to stop. "Hold it," he said. "Or I'll shoot."
Candeloro reportedly ignored the warnings and started walking toward Colaco. "Stop!" Colaco shouted.
He kept coming.
Colaco pulled the trigger, shooting him in his left side, near the stomach.
"I thought I'd missed, because he just walked away. But after he walked through the door, he collapsed." He began yelling for his friends. He tried to get up but fell down.
Pennsylvania State Police called in response to the store's alarm system. "Send an ambulance, I shot a guy," Colaco said.
When he looked outside, he saw Candeloro crawling, trying to walk. He crawled a distance and stood up, only to fall again. "You shot me...I'm gonna sue you!" he told the store owner.
Colaco said he was troubled by the incident. "I felt bad for him," he said. "I never shot anyone before. I never even hunted."
He said he didn't know how much longer he could put up with the crime.
Earlier crime spree
Earlier this year, Colaco was credited with catching Erica Marie Lynch, 19, of 128 S. Jefferson St., Greencastle, after she allegedly broke into his store on March 28 to steal cigarettes for drug money, according to court documents filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Duane K. Cunningham.
When arrested, Lynch told police that she and her live-in boyfriend, Joshua Lance Ingream, 19, and their friend, James Edward Byrd Jr., 43, Chambersburg, had burglarized "multiple places" in Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Lynch was charged with two counts of burglary and theft by unlawful taking. Ingream was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft by unlawful taking and two counts of criminal mischief. Byrd, however, was placed in Franklin County Prison. He was charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
Labels: business burglary, PA
7/27/07
Mt. Oliver, Pennsylvania
From ThePittsburgChannel.com of July 27, 2007
Family Upset After Neighbor Shoots, Kills Dog
A 12-year-old Mount Oliver boy broke down on Thursday after his dog was shot and killed right in front of him.
One of the Jackson family's three pit bulls left its yard without a leash Thursday night.
Neighbor Jim Peelor said the dog came after him three times in 10 minutes while he was walking his dogs.
The family of the boy said there was no reason for its neighbor to shoot and kill its pit bull, but the man said he was in danger, so he fired.
"I just screamed, 'Why did you do that?'" said Devin Jackson, who witnessed the shooting. "I picked up her head. I tried to pet her. She just died."
Peelor said he felt threatened when the dog kept circling him, so he got out his gun.
"It wasn't like the dog ran out and I shot him," Peelor said.
Through tears, Peelor said he wished it didn't have to come down to that, but he had to protect his pets.
"I was in a spot where I felt like I had to watch him die or kill the other," Peelor said. "I told the kid, I screamed, I pleaded, 'Go get help.' I'm an animal lover. I love animals, and the last thing I want to do is kill one."
There is no word on whether Peelor will be charged.
7/15/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of July 15, 2007
Investigation Continues After Clerk Shoots RobberFrom the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of August 15, 2007
Police continue their investigation after a would-be robber’s night of crime was brought to an end when he was fatally shot on Saturday night.
Authorities say the alleged suspect first entered a Co-Go’s on Mount Washington, demanded money and was able to get away.
Investigators tell us that the man later attempted to rob a BP along Route 51 just before midnight.
Police say the man entered the convenience store with a handgun and demanded money and tobacco products.
According to authorities, the clerk handed the would-be robber a bag of cigarettes and cigars. Then, the clerk pulled a gun, shot twice and hit the man in the chest, police add.
Officials have not yet identified the would-be robber or the clerk, but say the suspect died on the floor of the store.
Sources who have seen the surveillance tape of the incident tell KDKA’s Ross Guidotti that it appears to be a self-defense shooting.
DA clears clerk who killed Beechview robber
A gas station clerk acted in self-defense when he fatally shot a robber and will not be charged, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said today.
Walter Wetzel Jr., 58, of Mt. Washington, killed Raymond Crawford, 30, of Northview Heights, July 14, at the BP station on Saw Mill Run Boulevard in Beechview, police said.
Zappala said Crawford had already pulled a gun at two other businesses that night before he confronted Wetzel.
"He went right to the clerk and pointed a weapon at him," Zappala said.
Crawford demanded money, cigarettes and blunts, and when Wetzel bent down behind the counter to get some of the items, he came up with a gun and shot Crawford twice in the chest, Zappala said.
"The clerk was scared because the robber wanted more and more items and (the clerk) did not have access to the safe," Zappala said.
Zappala said the shooting was justified but generally speaking, he said he would prefer store clerks give robbers what they want, let them get out and call police.
"I would have preferred no one would have died," Zappala said.
Labels: business robbery, PA
6/25/07
York, Pennsylvania
From the York Dispatch of June 25, 2007
Store owner disarms would-be robber, customers help subdue her
When an armed woman entered Abdul Kahn's convenience store in West Manchester Township Friday afternoon and demanded money, Kahn said he had to decide quickly if he would try to disarm her.
"I was scared for my life because I have two babies and a wife," said Khan, 42, who owns the A Plus Sunoco gas and convenience store at 1947 W. Market St. "But I thought 'I cannot be robbed by a lady.' Maybe it's a bad mentality. ... I might have done a stupid thing. But I had to do it."
So Kahn said he eased to the edge of the counter he was behind and then lunged for the woman, who had what appeared to be gun in her hand. Khan wrestled with the woman, and despite suffering multiple blows to his groin, he was eventually able to wrestle her to the ground and get the gun away from her.
Three customers then came into his store, helped him subdue the woman and called 911, Kahn said.
West Manchester Township Police arrived and arrested the woman, who was identified as Sharon Bastide, 45, of no fixed address, on charges of robbery and theft.
Police said the gun that Bastide showed to Khan turned out to be a pellet gun. She's being held at York County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA
6/23/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the June 23, 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Shot once in the chest during an argument at his sister's North Side home early yesterday, a former Army Ranger pulled his own gun and killed his assailant before dying of his wound, police said.
"You've got a murder and a justifiable homicide, is what it looks like," said Lt. Dan Hermann of the major crimes unit.
Killed in the exchange of gunfire were Gregory Grabowski, 29, a former Ranger from the North Side, and Timothy Beaman, 23, of Woods Run.
Police responding to a report of shots fired at 2:39 a.m. at 25311/2 N. Charles St. found a bloody scene, with Mr. Grabowski lying just inside the front door and Mr. Beaman on the sidewalk at the bottom of the steps leading to the house.
The two lay mortally wounded about eight feet from each other, remnants of their blood stains still visible after attempts to clean it up.
Mr. Grabowski was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr. Beaman at Allegheny General Hospital.
The fight was apparently over noise after Mr. Beaman, along with two friends, showed up at the house, which is rented to Mr. Grabowski's sister. Mr. Beaman is the father of the tenant's child, police said.
Mr. Beaman is also the father of another child whose mother lives in the row house.
Angered by noise, Mr. Grabowski confronted the men in the kitchen, saying he had to get up for work in the morning, said Lt. Hermann.
When Mr. Grabowski asked them to leave, an argument broke out, according to three witnesses. Mr. Beaman pulled a gun and shot Mr. Grabowski once in the chest.
Although wounded, Mr. Grabowski pulled a .357-caliber pistol and shot Mr. Beaman twice in the chest. Mr. Beaman and his two friends ran for the door with Mr. Grabowski in pursuit until he collapsed at the front door.
Mr. Beaman collapsed at the bottom of the steps.
The two men with him ran away but returned once police secured the scene. Police said they are not suspects in the shooting, although one of them was wanted on a warrant out of West View.
According to Allegheny County court records, both men were awaiting trial in separate cases.
Mr. Grabowski was charged May 19 with forgery, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and acquisition by misrepresentation after being accused of passing a forged prescription at Giant Eagle.
Mr. Beaman was awaiting trial on charges of illegal gun possession, receiving stolen property and other counts.
Labels: altercation, defender killed, PA
5/11/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s NBC10.com of May 11, 2007
Police: Teen Fatally Shot Breaking Into Home
A teenager was fatally shot while allegedly attempting to rob a Southwest Philadelphia home Friday afternoon, police said.
According to police, the teen was one of two people who broke into the home on the 5900 block of Greenway Avenue.
A 21-year-old inside the residence grabbed a gun and shot at the would-be robbers.
The teen, who police said was 16 or 17 years old, was shot in the chest and rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia but later pronounced dead, police said.
Police reported that the home has been broken into three or four times in the past couple of months.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
5/9/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of May 9, 2007
Suspect Nabbed After Being Brought to Univ.of Penna. Hospital
A thief who attempted a car break-in Wednesday morning in the city's southwest section was foiled apparently by his own gun -- and a fearless car owner.
The incident happened around 10am in the 8400 block of Lindbergh Boulevard. Police say a car owner spotted the suspect attempting to break into his car.
When he approached the suspect, who was armed with a handgun, a struggle ensued. During that struggle the gun discharged, and the suspect was shot in the thigh by his own gun. He then fled to a waiting car where an accomplice rushed him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
In the meantime, the car owner called 911 and informed police of what had happened. When the suspect and his accomplice arrived at the hospital, police were waiting and both the alleged thief and his accomplice were placed under arrest.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA, street property theft
5/7/07
Greencastle, Pennsylvania
From Chambersburg’s PublicOpinionOnline.com of May 5, 2007
Our view: Purchase of gun ends thefts at area store
Merlony Colaco got robbed one too many times, and instead of shrugging and moving on, he did something about it.
The Greencastle merchant was mad and not going to take it anymore, so he bought a shotgun and caught a woman he didn't know inside his convenience store.
He also put the kibosh on what police call a recent string of local smash-and-grab robberies.
After his store, the Molly Pitcher Mini Mart, was broken into for the second time, Colaco picked up a shotgun and set up an after-hours stakeout.
In late March, his waiting reaped results when a brick sailed through his store window. Police said Erica Marie Lynch allegedly broke into the store to steal cigarettes for crack money.
Colaco was ready and police said he held her at bay until they arrived.
Thankfully, cool heads prevailed and no one was hurt.
Colaco refused to play the victim. He used his Second Amendment rights to buy a firearm and defend his property, and he did it with common sense.
Things could have turned ugly very easily in the moments before police arrived. Take a twitch, throw in a sarcastic remark, and add in the fact that perhaps Colaco had a bad day, and the result could have been needless bloodshed.
And the Greencastle store owner could have been left with a very serious legal problem.
Law enforcement apparently agreed -- Colaco said they told Lynch, "You're lucky he didn't shoot you."
Lynch was charged with two counts of burglary and theft by unlawful taking. Her alleged accomplices received similar charges. Police believe the three hit other spots in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
All three are awaiting a preliminary hearing May 22 in Franklin County Court.
If the trio are found guilty, it's because Colaco took a leading role in bringing them to justice.
Labels: business burglary, PA
4/26/07
Germantown, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s NBC10.com of April 26, 2007
Witness: Robber Shot In Struggle Over Gun
A man is hospitalized after police said he was shot trying to rob two people in Germantown Thursday afternoon.
NBC 10 reported that a neighbor had gone to visit a friend on the 400 block of East Woodlawn Street around 2:30 p.m. and the incident happened when he came out of the house.
"When he came outside of the house, a young man jumped up on the porch and approached them, and had a gun, and was attempting to rob them, and then during the robbery and a struggle went on and the gun discharged," said Sam Brackeen, a friend of the neighbor.
The alleged would-be robber was shot in the head and chest. He is listed in critical condition at Einstein Medical Center.
Police are still investigating the incident.
There is no word on what charges, if any, will be filed against any of those involved in the incident.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA, street robbery
4/20/07
White Oak, Pennsylvania
From ThePittsburghChannel.com of April 20, 2007
Home Invader Shot; Others Wounded Fighting Back
One man was shot during a home invasion in White Oak, and two others were hurt while fighting the intruder off, according to Allegheny County police.
It happened at about 11 p.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Carmella Drive. (Map)
Police said the 19-year-old shooting victim, who has not been identified yet, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian.
Labels: home invasion, PA
4/17/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of April 17, 2007
Phila. Man Acquitted After Pulling Gun at Peewee Football Game
A Philadelphia judge has found a pistol-packing parent of a "peewee" football player was justified in pulling his gun on a substitute coach who was beating him during a sidelines altercation during a game in the Burholme section of Northeast Philadelphia last October ... .
The defense conceded that defendant Wayne Durkotch pulled out a gun, but said it was in self-defense after he was beaten to the ground by the coach.
Defense attorney Brian Quinn:
"He is someone who has a permit to carry, he's licensed to carry. He only pulled the gun when he was in fear of dying. He was getting beat. He acted responsibly. Once he pulled the weapon, he put it away right away after the situation cleared. He waited for the police as he should have done."
But coach Jermaine Wilson, who was filling in as coach that day, testified that parents including Durkotch were hollering and cursing him and that Durkotch had pushed him, and that's when he started hitting Durkotch.
The judge has found Durkotch not guilty of all charges, but the judge said he was extremely disappointed to see all of this happen around children, who are five, six, and seven years old.
Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, PA
4/8/07
Whitehall, Pennsylvania
From the Allentown Morning Call of April 5, 2007
Whitehall Twp. resident fires shots at would-be intruder
In what appears to have been an attempted home invasion, a 32-year-old resident fired two shots at a man who he said popped out of the bushes in front of his Whitehall Township home armed with a handgun early Saturday, according to a police report.
Gaby J. Safi, of 1990 Linden Lane, reported to police that the man appeared in his yard shortly after Safi arrived at the house. Safi managed to get inside his home and pulled out his .38-caliber revolver, which was in his waistband, and fired two shots through his door when he saw that the man was approaching his front door, pointing a gun, the report says. Safi missed both times, with one of the shots striking his own truck, but the man fled, police said.
Safi, who has a permit for the gun, told police that he had just come from visiting his father and playing cards in Allentown at 1:55 a.m. Saturday when he parked his vehicle next to his wife's car. He said he was unlocking his house door when the man jumped out from behind the bushes, which were about 10 feet away from him, according to the police report.
Safi said he saw that the man was pointing a gun at him and quickly entered his home, closing both the storm door and the solid front door, he told police. He said he could see through the door window that the man was still approaching, with what he believed to be a .45-caliber weapon.
After firing his gun, Safi said he went to the second floor of his house and yelled for his wife, who was asleep, to call police, the report says. He returned to the front door and noticed that the man had fled.
When police arrived, Safi was still holding the loaded gun. Police ordered him to drop the gun and later took it into custody, police said. Police searched his home and Safi said the only items that appeared to be missing were the keys he used to open the front door. An officer waited at the home while Safi had the locks replaced, the police report says.
Safi said he did not get a good look at the suspect since everything happened so fast, the report says.
Labels: home invasion, PA
Scranton, Pennsylvania
From the Scranton Times-Tribune of April 8, 2007
Clerk pulls gun, scares away would-be robber
Never mess with a cashier who knows guns.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday, a would-be robber walked into the Shell gas station at 801 Pittston Ave. and demanded money.
He menacingly pointed his hand at the cashier. A handkerchief covered the hand.
The cashier, an elderly man, was unimpressed. Sgt. Jesse Romanchick said the cashier could tell the robber didn’t have a gun.
The cashier did. Licensed to carry a gun, the cashier pulled his and showed it to the robber.
Suddenly, the robber thought better of his attempt and scurried out the door.
The money remained safely in the cash register.
“He scared the robber away,” Sgt. Romanchick said.
The robber headed east on adjacent Birch Street.
The cashier called police, who scrambled several cars into the neighborhood to try to find the foiled robber.
They had not succeeded by late Saturday.
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, PA
4/6/07
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
From Harrisburg’s PennLive.com of April 6, 2007
Son found innocent in dad's death(More)
Gun was fired in self-defense, jurors decide
The jurors in Lebanon County Court didn't have to decide if Javier Roldan shot and killed his father. They heard Roldan testify to that fact.
But the jury had to decide whether Roldan was guilty of murder or had acted out of self-defense. After six hours of deliberation yesterday, the jurors acquitted him.
Roldan, 26, of the 100 block of Twin Creeks Drive, Jonestown, was found not guilty of homicide and two counts of aggravated assault.
He was charged after being accused of shooting his father, Jose Antonio Roldan, during a fight in their home Aug. 12. Roldan had testified that he shot his father, Jose Antonio Roldan, because his father had him in a choke hold and he feared for his life.
The verdict touched off a celebration among members of the Roldan family, some of whom had testified.
A tearful Javier Roldan embraced his mother, Gladys. He had testified that he fought with his father over the elder man's treatment of Gladys Roldan.
Javier Roldan hugged several more of the 15 family members present before he was taken to check out of Lebanon County Prison, where he has been held since the shooting.
"It's a huge release, a huge weight from our shoulders" Javier's older brother, Heriberto, said. He said the entire family believed the shooting was justified on the grounds of self-defense.
Labels: domestic abuse, PA
4/5/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of April 5, 2007
Home invasion ends in fatal shootout
After a shootout inside a West Oak Lane home last night, one man is dead, one man has fled, and a wounded resident was in custody by police.
According to the 22-year-old male resident, minutes after 11 p.m., two men confronted him outside his home in the 1900 block of Elston Street and forced him inside at gunpoint, demanding money, police said.
Inside, the resident produced a handgun of his own and exchanged gunfire, Lt. Philip Riehl said.
One alleged home invader, 22, died after being taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center.
As the other man fled, the resident apparently kept firing from an upstairs window, Riehl said.
The wounded resident was treated and released at Einstein, but remained in police custody this morning pending further investigation and possible charges.
The killing will not count as part of the city's murder toll, Riehl said, if it's ruled a justifiable homicide.
The Elston Street resident could, however, gun (sic) and drug charges, he said.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
4/2/07
Philadelphia
From the Philadelphia Daily News of April 4, 2007
Police assurances on his gear are music to DJ's ears
BRIAN LEWIS was leaving his apartment, heading to a gig as a disc jockey in January 2005, when three guys jumped him.
Two of them pulled pistols.
The men wanted his gear, including two CD mixers worth $499 each.
They also wanted Lewis to turn around and go back inside his house with them.
What the robbers didn't know was that Lewis had a gun, and a permit to carry it.
Lewis reached for his gun, telling the robbers he was pulling out the key to his door.
Lewis aimed across his body, drawing a bead on the head of one man aiming a pistol at his back.
Click.
The gun was loaded, but there was no bullet in the chamber.
The two robbers heard the pistol's dry fire and blasted away, shooting Lewis in the back.
"I was able to stand my ground and get a round in there," Lewis said.
"I turned around, started yelling and shooting back. I shot every bullet I had in my clip. I just kept pulling the trigger."
Lewis hit two of the three men, killing one of them. Lewis slumped to the ground and briefly passed out.
He woke up worried about the two robbers still alive.
"I was scared to death," he said. "I was shot. I wasn't going to wait until they finished me off. I got the hell out of there."
Lewis drove, beeping his horn and screaming for help, several blocks to a friend's house, where police and an ambulance came to take him to the hospital.
More than a year later, Lewis knows he is lucky to be alive, and recovered from his injuries.
Police, meanwhile, quickly ruled that he'd been justified in defending himself.
Still, his close call has left one lingering mystery:
What happened to his disc jockey equipment?
"I've been stumped," he said. "I've called everybody. I called the Homicide detectives. I called the district attorney's office."
Then he called the Daily News.
It took some digging, perhaps because there were three police reports filed for the incident in front of Lewis' home in the Ivy Hill neighborhood.
The first officers to arrive there found a dead robber and the disc jockey equipment.
The wounded robber was found somewhere else.
And Lewis was found at his friend's house - three locations, three reports.
So the Police Department and the D.A.'s office rooted through their files last week to trace the mystery of the missing disc jockey equipment.
Lewis also wondered about the fate of his gun, a .40-caliber Taurus that he dropped in front of his house after firing all 11 of its bullets at the three robbers.
"If I'm not going to get my gun back, I'd like to get it out of my name," Lewis explained.
It was unclear last week if the two robbers who survived the shootout with Lewis ever faced criminal charges.
The D.A.'s office has no record of the case being sent its way.
Capt. Ben Naish of the Police Department's Public Affairs Unit did some research and determined that the disc jockey equipment was confiscated as evidence, in part because it was covered with blood in the robbery.
"We'll be able to get him his stuff back," Naish said last week, predicting that Lewis would be reunited with his equipment this week.
"We're working on getting him the proper receipts out of storage right now so that he'll be able to claim them. It shouldn't be a problem."
As for Lewis' gun, Naish explained that "Guns used in a homicide, justified or not, stay in the custody of police."
Lewis could file a petition in court for the gun but it doesn't sound like he wants it back.
Naish said Lewis shouldn't worry about the gun still being registered in his name.
"It's not something that he'd have to worry about being out on the street," Naish said.
Lewis was thrilled to hear his equipment might be returned.
"That's beautiful," he said last week.
"That's great news." *
Labels: concealed carry permit, defender shot, PA, street robbery
3/10/07
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s 6ABC.com of March 10, 2007
Man Shot in Foiled Armored Truck Heist
A flurry of gunshots sent a would-be robber to the hospital Saturday after he allegedly attempted to rob an armored truck in Cheltenham.
Around 12:45 this afternoon an armored car pulled up to the back of the Pathmark in the Cedarbrook Plaza Shopping Center on Cheltenham Avenue and Easton Road.
When the armored car security officer went inside the Pathmark he was approached by a man who pepper sprayed him. The security officer pulled out his gun and started firing, hitting the suspect.
The man fled but then collapsed behind the building. The suspect was transported to Einstein.
The suspect's condition is unknown.
Labels: business robbery, PA
3/8/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of March 8, 2007
2 Alleged Robbers Shot by Diner Owner in West Oak LaneFrom the Philadelphia Inquirer of March 10, 2007
An alleged holdup man is dead and another is hospitalized after the owner of a diner in West Oak Lane got the drop on them.
According to police, two armed men walked into the Sunrise Breakfast Shop, on Washington Lane near Forest, about 7am Thursday and announced a robbery.
But, investigators say, the shop owner pulled his own gun and opened fire. One suspect was shot and killed -- he was pronounced dead at the scene -- and the other was shot in the face and wounded. That 25-year-old suspect was rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.
Police were questioning the diner owner about the incident.
Deja vu for diner owner who shot 2 during holdupFrom Philadelphia‘s NBC10.com of March 12, 2007
The luncheonette owner who used his licensed revolver to shoot and kill one would-be armed robber and wound another this week had been in a similar situation before, police confirmed yesterday.
And that 1993 shooting at a grocery mirrored the situation and the outcome Thursday at Sunrise Breakfast in West Oak Lane - with one suspected bandit left dead and the other wounded.
Jason Lee was not charged in the earlier case, and no charges are expected in Thursday's shooting.
The first confrontation was on Aug. 15, 1993, when two men walked into a grocery run by Lee's family at 68th Avenue and Broad Street in East Oak Lane.
Police said at that time that the robbery took place about 8:30 a.m., and that Lee pulled his handgun and fired when he emerged from a back room and saw that one of the men had grabbed his wife by the throat.
A 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene from three gunshot wounds, including one to the head. The second man was found nearby with bullet wounds to the chest and thigh.
Shot Suspects In Attempted Armed Robbery Have Law Enforcement Ties
The NBC 10 investigators uncovered new information about a fatal Philadelphia restaurant robbery caught on cell phone video.
Both suspects are from families who work in law enforcement, NBC 10 reported.
Authorities said two people tried to hold up Sunrise Breakfast Thursday morning, but the owner shot them before they got away.
According to police sources, the man who was wounded and can be seen on the ground in cell phone video is the son of a Philadelphia police officer.
Police identified him as 24-year-old Gary Williams.
Investigators said Williams is one of two men who tried to rob the West Oak Lane restaurant at gunpoint.
But during a gun battle the owner, Jason Lee, shot and wounded Williams.
NBC 10 tracked down Williams' grandmother, but she didn't want to talk. A next-door neighbor said he has been living with his grandmother ever since his mother moved out of state.
"She would probably come back now because of the situation. She probably will come back," neighbor Doretha Fields said.
Also during the early morning robbery attempt, police said Lee shot and killed, 20-year-old Cornell Toombs.
The NBC 10 investigators have learned that Toombs also has very close ties to law enforcement.
Prison officials at the Curran Fromhold Correction Facility in Philadelphia, confirmed Toombs' mother works there as a corrections officer.
Officials said she has 17 years on the job.
Police said Toombs had jumped over the counter with his gun drawn when the owner shot and killed him.
Williams remains hospitalized in critical, but stable condition.
Those who live in and visit this area said they are still shocked by what happened last week.
Labels: business robbery, PA
2/27/07
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
From Lancaster’s WGAL.com of February 27, 2007
Homeowner Shoots Burglar, Learns Later It Was Grandson, Police SayFrom Harrisburg’s PennLive.com of February 28, 2007
A homeowner awakened early Tuesday morning by a burglar confronted the intruder and shot him, according to East Pennsboro Township police in Cumberland County. The homeowner learned later that the intruder was his 18-year-old grandson, a source told News 8.
Investigators said the shooting happened around 2:54 a.m. at a home along the first block of Victoria Way, Camp Hill, East Pennsboro Township. Police said the grandfather approached his grandson with a handgun and told him to leave. The grandson then fled into the attached garage. Police said the grandfather heard rustling and fired a single shot hitting his grandson in the hand or arm.
The grandson ran away and checked himself into Holy Spirit Hospital.
At this point, police said the shooting was justified.
"(The homeowner) feared at that point, the burglar was hunkered down. He didn't know if he was taking a position to fire at the homeowner," said Lt. Mark Green.
The grandson has not yet been charged in the incident.
News 8 was told that the grandfather is very upset. He did not wish to comment on the incident.
Man shoots intruder, learns it's grandsonFrom Harrisburg’s PennLive.com of March 1, 2007
Suspect was stealing liquor, investigators say
An East Pennsboro Twp. man early yesterday shot an intruder who turned out to be his 18-year-old grandson, township police said.
The intruder, whom police had not charged or named as of press time, broke into the home in the first block of Victoria Way and apparently was stealing liquor, police said.
The homeowner had no idea who it was when he fired his gun, police Lt. Mark Green said. "The house was dark, and he didn't turn the lights on."
Shooting grandson ruled as justified
An East Pennsboro Twp. man was justified in shooting his grandson in the hand after he encountered the younger man breaking into his home Tuesday, police said yesterday.
Darin D'Marcus Thompson, 18, of East Pennsboro Twp., was charged yesterday with one count each of burglary, criminal trespass, criminal attempt at theft and criminal mischief, township police Lt. Mark Green said.
Thompson's grandfather, Herbert Miller of the first block of Victoria Way, was not charged, Green said, adding, "Mr. Miller used a lot of restraint."
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence burglary
2/23/07
Homewood, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of February 23, 2007
Homewood garage shootings ruled self-defense
The Allegheny County District Attorney's office today dropped all charges against a Homewood auto shop worker after an investigation concluded the Carrick man shot two assailants, killing one of them, in self-defense Feb. 12.
"This is a classic example of self-defense; it has all the elements. They came into his place of work and attacked him," said Bruce A. Carsia, defense attorney for Byron Samuels, 37. "He wrestled the gun from them and defended himself."
Upon arrival at Derek's Auto Sales, 7900 Bennett St., police found the body of Russell Thomas, 36. His brother Maurice "Reese" Thomas, 33, had suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
Mr. Samuels told police two armed men beat and pistol-whipped him, and falsely accused him of burglarizing their Wilkinsburg home. He was cornered when he disarmed one of them and used the pistol to defend himself. He said one man was armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. Investigators found a shell casing that matched the rifle he described.
"Once we got the ballistics analysis, it [supported] Byron Samuels' self-defense claim," said Mark V. Tranquilli, chief homicide attorney for the district attorney's office.
Mr. Carsia said he expected his client would be released today.
Labels: assault, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, PA
2/15/07
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’sCBS3.com of February 14, 2007
Jewelry Store Owner Shoots Robbery Suspects
Two wounded robbery suspects are in the hospital after a frightening jewelry store shooting Wednesday night.
Gunfire erupted at Diamond Heart Jewelers located at 4th and South Streets.
Police said three suspects went inside and pulled out guns.
During the holdup an employee, who did not want to be identified, returned with dinner and walked into the middle of the robbery.
"My boss said, 'it's a stick-up, it's a stick-up,' and I wanna run but my legs were so frozen I can't move and I closed the store, the guys looks at me and when he turned around I saw the izzu (sic) coming out of his jacket and I just left the store, as soon I passed the store, I heard the shot," said the employee.
Police said the store owner shot two of the suspects but all three escaped with cash and jewelry.
Later on, police found the two wounded men inside a car in North Philadelphia.
Police said the third suspect was able to escape.
Labels: business robbery, PA
1/26/07
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of January 26, 2007
Elderly Stowe man shoots burglar
An 82-year-old man shot a burglar who broke into his Stowe home and awoke him early this morning, police said.
The unnamed homeowner told police he was awoken about 4:30 a.m. in his house on the 500 block of Woodward Avenue. He told the burglar not to run while he called police, according to Allegheny County homicide detectives.
He then fired one shot when the intruder made a threatening move, police said. The burglar was hospitalized in stable condition this morning and will likely be charged. The homeowner probably will not face any charges, police said.
Labels: PA, residence burglary, senior
1/11/07
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
From Lancaster’s WGAL.com of January 11, 2007
Police: 19-Year-Old Dead, 20-Year-Old Critical In Triple ShootingThe original article has been updated and replaced with the following:
A home invasion turned into a triple shooting that left one person dead in Harrisburg overnight, according to Mayor Stephen Reed's office.
Two armed men broke into an apartment house on the 1900 block of State Street around midnight and demanded drugs or money, according to officials. A fight broke out and gunshots were fired.
One of the intruders, Jason Haywood, 19, of Susquehanna Township, was killed, according to Reed's office. Another intruder, William Kelly, of the 1800 block of Briggs Street, was shot in the abdomen and is in critical condition, according to the mayor's office. The resident of the home, who is 23, was hit in the shoulder.
The Mayor said police have determined that Haywood and Kelly either shot each other during the struggle with the 23-year old male resident, or that errant gunfire during the struggle struck the pair.
The mayor's office said earlier reports that there was a third gunman, who got away in a white Neon, turned out to be false.
Police have recovered the weapons. Reed said that no charges are likely to be filed against the male resident who fought off his attackers as it is considered justifiable self-defense.
From Lancaster’s WGAL.com of January 12, 2007
Police: Robbers May Have Accidentally Shot Each Other
A home invasion turned into a triple shooting that left one person dead in Harrisburg late Wednesday night, according to Mayor Stephen Reed's office.
One of the intruders, Jason Hayward, 18, of Susquehanna Township, was killed, according to Reed's office. Another intruder, William Kelly, of the 1800 block of Briggs Street, was shot in the abdomen and is in critical condition, according to the mayor's office. The resident of the home, who is 23, was hit in the shoulder.
The Mayor said police have determined that Hayward and Kelly either shot each other during the struggle with the 23-year old male resident, or that errant gunfire during the struggle struck the pair.
The mayor's office said earlier reports that there was a third gunman, who got away in a white Neon, turned out to be false.
Police have recovered the weapons. Reed said that no charges are likely to be filed against the male resident who fought off his attackers as it is considered justifiable self-defense.
(More)
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, PA, residence robbery
12/4/06
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From Pittsburgh’s WPXI.com of December 4, 2006
Pittsburgh Homeowner Opens Fire On Intruders
Police: Body Found In Nearby Cemetery
A homeowner opened fire after intruders entered his home on Monday, police said.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Comrie Avenue in Braddock.
The man and his 1-year-old baby were home at the time of the invasion.
Police said several people kicked in the front windows of the home.
According to officials, the homeowner then shot one person with a high caliber weapon, injuring that person severely.
The intruder fled in a vehicle.
Police are now searching for the intruders.
Around 12 p.m., an officer on patrol in the Sunsetview Cemetery in Penn Hills found the body of a man in his 20s or 30s.
Officials believe he may have been shot.
County homicide detectives are at the scene.
Police are investigating to see if the two incidents are related.
Labels: home invasion, PA
12/1/06
Champion, Pennsylvania
From the Connellsville Daily Courier of December 1, 2006
Man faces charges in home invasion shootout
A Champion man faces criminal charges after allegedly entering a house and shooting the homeowner in the foot, then fleeing with gunshot wounds after the homeowner returned fire.
Jarod Joseph Jones, 29, of 119 Dellgross Lane, is charged by state police at Greensburg with aggravated assault, criminal attempt at criminal homicide, simple assault, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment of another person.
According to a police affidavit, Steven Anthony Glass, of Faust Lane, Champion, was asleep in his bedroom at 4 a.m. Nov. 19 when he was awakened by a man shouting. Glass grabbed a loaded .22-caliber rifle he keeps by his bedside, looked down the hallway and saw a man, who he later identified as Jones, pointing a .12-gauge shotgun at him.
Jones fired one shot at Glass, according to the affidavit, then began "messing with" the shotgun after it apparently jammed. Glass then fired several shots at Jones before running down the hallway and tackling him.
Glass pinned Jones against a wall, and both men fell to the floor. It was at that point, according to the affidavit, that Glass recognized Jones. Jones fled, police said, and Glass went to Highlands Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the foot.
Police later found Jones at UPMC Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh. According to the affidavit, Jones appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds to the head, left wrist and left index finger. Jones declined additional comment to police.
Jones is no longer listed as a patient at UPMC.
The criminal affidavit and a warrant for Jones' arrest are filed with Scottdale District Judge J. Bruce King. The case is to be heard by Ligonier District Judge Denise S. Thiel, but that office had no record of the affidavit Thursday.
Labels: assault, defender shot, home invasion, PA
11/29/06
Duquesne, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of November 28, 2006
Duquesne man cleared of homicide
A resident was acquitted yesterday in a non-jury trial for the fatal shooting of his sister's boyfriend June 11.
Lamont D. Thompson, 24, faced one charge of homicide in the death of Vernon S. Johnson, 24.
Allegheny County homicide detectives said the victim became irate while visiting his two children at the residence Mr. Thompson shared with his sister in the Duquesne Place Apartments.
Witnesses testified that Mr. Johnson grabbed the mother of his children, who was and is still pregnant with their third child, and held a .357 caliber revolver to her neck. Mr. Thompson, who had a permit for a gun, shot Mr. Johnson of Braddock.
Judge Cheryl L. Allen ruled Mr. Thompson was not guilty and said he may be released.
Labels: concealed carry permit, domestic dispute, PA
11/27/06
East Germantown, Pennsylvania
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of November 27, 2006
Facing gun, merchant shoots 3
The E. Germantown deli owner, on guard early, detained a 4th suspect until police arrived.
It was clear to John Lee that the four guys who came into his East Germantown deli Saturday night would not be paying customers.
"They all had their hoodies pulled tight, and it wasn't a cold night," said Lee, 48, owner of the Chelten Market at Chelten Avenue and Musgrave Street. "I said, 'You need to take off your hoodies,' then one of them came around the counter with his gun drawn, so I shot them."
Lee fired five rounds from his .38-caliber revolver, striking three of the bandits and rupturing a water line, police said. The gunman dropped his loaded 9mm pistol as he and his wounded partners fled the store. Lee found a fourth would-be robber - who had not been shot - hiding in the rear of the store.
"He had a BB gun on him, so I took it," Lee said. "Then I beat him up and took his boots and called police."
All four suspects - three juveniles and a man, 22 - were listed yesterday in stable condition at area hospitals, police said. Their names were not released.
The two juveniles were shot in the neck and leg, and the man was hit in the chest, police said.
They were charged with armed robbery, as was a fifth person who waited outside as the driver. The suspect detained by Lee was arrested when police arrived. The others were arrested after driving to Temple University Hospital in the same Dodge Intrepid they allegedly planned to use as the getaway car.
No charges were filed against Lee, who said he was taken to Temple a couple of hours later to identify two of the suspects.
Police took Lee's gun, which he said is legally owned, as well as the recording made by the store's surveillance cameras.
The group is suspected of holding up a bar 15 minutes before trying to hit Lee's store, Detective Michael Cannon said.
"They are also being investigated for robberies in other parts of the city," he said.
State Rep. Dwight Evans, who lives a neighborhood away in West Oak Lane, had no criticism for Lee's actions.
Evans is expected to run next year for mayor, with a pillar of his platform being the need to find ways to reduce violence.
"He was doing what he had to do to protect himself," Evans said. "This is an issue we will continue to face. Public safety has to become a priority for the city government."
It's not the first time Lee has wounded someone trying to hold up his store; he shot a man last year on Labor Day weekend.
Tim Rosser, who works at the market as a cook and lives in the area, said Lee is known in the neighborhood as someone residents can come to for help.
"He has the respect of the people around here," said Rosser, 42. "The people who cause trouble at the store are strangers."
Lee was thankful he was working behind the counter instead of his wife.
"I didn't tell her about the robbery yet because I didn't want to upset her," he said yesterday morning. "She's at church right now. Her prayers must be working for us."
Labels: business robbery, PA
11/18/06
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s 6ABC.com of November 18, 2006
Justifiable Homicide in North Philly?From the Philadelphia Inquirer of November 19, 2006
A deadly shooting in North Philadelphia may be a justifiable homicide.
The shots were fired early Saturdcay [sic] morning, in the 1700 of Susquehanna Avenue.
Police sources tell Action News that an armed robber tried to hold up a man, but that the man had a gun and shot the wood-be [sic] thief.
He died at Temple Hospital.
We're told the man who fired the shots was authorized to carry the gun.
He is being questioned.
Phila. man shot dead trying to rob another
A 19-year-old Philadelphia man was shot and killed after he tried to rob another man early yesterday in the 1600 block of West Susquehanna Street, police said.
The robber approached from behind as the man left a bar near 15th Street, police said. The robber stuck a gun in the man's back, and demanded money. The man began to comply, then shot the robber in the head, shoulder, chest and right arm with a registered handgun, police said.
The robber, whom police did not identify pending notification of next of kin, died at 3:16 a.m. at Temple University Hospital. Police did not release the identity of the robbery victim and said that although they were still investigating, the shooting appeared to be justified, and that no charges had been filed.
Labels: concealed carry permit, PA, street robbery
11/14/06
Knoxville, Pennsylvania
From Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of November 14, 2006
Homeowner Shoots Alleged IntruderFrom Pittsburgh’s KDKA.com of November 14, 2006
A homeowner shot a person apparently trying to break into his house overnight in Knoxville.
The alleged intruder was taken to Mercy Hospital with a gun shot wound to the back. He is listed in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Suncrest Street.
It is not yet known if the intruder was armed.
Police continue to gather information.
Homeowner Shoots Intruder, Jailed On Drug Charges
A homeowner shot a person apparently trying to break into his house overnight in Knoxville.
The 19-year-old man was taken to Mercy Hospital with a gun shot wound to the head. He is listed in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Suncrest Street.
Homicide detectives interviewed a 20-year-old male and, a 17-year-old female who were inside the residence with their two-month-old son when two black males entered the apartment.
The intruder showed a handgun and demanded money from the 20-year-old man. The man retrieved a handgun and shot the intruder.
The 20-year-old male was interviewed and has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing an illegal firearm. He is currently in the Allegheny County Jail.
Police continue to gather information. They say the incident appears to be drug related.
The district attorney's office will decided is [sic] the alleged shooter will face additional charges.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
11/12/06
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s CBS3.com of November 12, 2006
Barbershop Owner Foils Robbery Attempt
Police said a barbershop owner foiled a robbery attempt at his business Saturday evening.
According to police, the suspect tried to rob the Jazz U Up #3 shop owner at gunpoint at South 21st and Morris Streets in South Philadelphia around 9 p.m.
The owner, who has a gun license, shot the would-be-robber.
The unidentified suspect was taken to the Hospital of the University Pennsylvania for treatment.
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, PA
10/25/06
Hazelwood, Pennsylvania
From ThePittsburghChannel.com of October 25XX, 2006
Store Clerk Fights Back, Shoots At Would-Be Robber
Pittsburgh police said a man ran away after trying to rob a convenience store in Hazelwood -- but maybe not before the store clerk got a good shot at him.
The woman working overnight at S&R Market on Second Avenue pulled out a gun and started shooting at the intruder, police said.
Some blood outside suggests the clerk hit her mark, police said.
It's unclear whether the suspect had a weapon. Police said he did not get away with any money.
Police are still investigating. No arrests have been made.
Labels: business robbery, PA
10/2/06
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
From the October 2, 2006 Beaver County Times:
LIQUIPPA - A shooting on Irwin Street in Aliquippa Sunday afternoon had an unexpected result for city police - the victim was a man they had been searching for since a May homicide on Franklin Avenue.
Michael W. Ross, 21, was shot in the leg Sunday after he entered a home at 1221 Irwin St. around 4:15 p.m. and demanded money from residents, said Sgt. Don Couch, city police detective. Ross got some cash and fled, chased by Willie Jordan Jr., a resident of the Irwin Street home, who was also armed.
Couch said gunfire erupted between the two on Irwin Street. Ross, who was struck in the leg, made it around the corner to Maratta Road, where he was found by city police.
Couch said Ross initially gave the officer a false name; he was also wearing a bulletproof vest.
But Ross, who has given police addresses at Linmar Terrace in Aliquippa and on University Drive in Center Township, had been identified by the time he was taken to Aliquippa Community Hospital and then flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.
"He's being treated for the gunshot wound there, but he's under the watch of the Beaver County sheriff's deputies," Couch said. "He may be there for another day or two before we get him back here."
Police and Beaver County detectives are willing to wait - they've been looking for Ross since the May 11 killing of Richard Jackson Jr., 27, who was gunned down in a vacant building at 276 Franklin Ave. Jackson's cousin, Ramon Campbell, 28, was wounded in that shooting.
Ross has already been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and firearms violations in connection with the May 11 shooting. Couch said additional charges in connection with Sunday's incident will likely be filed today.
Couch said Jordan, no age given, fled immediately after Sunday's shootout, apparently to Pittsburgh International Airport where he boarded a flight to Georgia. Police are still investigating his role in the shootout, and were scheduled to serve a search warrant at the Irwin Street home Sunday night.
Labels: home invasion, PA, residence robbery
9/30/06
Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania
From the Reading Eagle of September 29, 2006
Couple tell of battle against coyote
“It was scary,” says a Lower Heidelberg Township man who eventually shot and killed the rabid animal.
A rabid coyote terrorized a Lower Heidelberg Township couple attacking one of their dogs and trying to break into their house before homeowner Craig S. Luckenbill killed it with a shotgun.
Luckenbill said his wife, Jenny, played a key role in the battle, trapping the coyote by slamming the front door on its neck as it snarled and tried to force its way into the house on Brownsville Road near Blue Marsh Lake.
The couple's two Labrador retrievers, Annie and Cali, both fought with the coyote, trying to protect the Luckenbills.
“It was scary,” Craig Luckenbill said Thursday about the Sept. 21 encounter.
The 40-pound male coyote was the first ever to test positive for rabies in Pennsylvania, according to the state Game Commission.
(More)
9/28/06
Midland, Pennsylvania
From the Allegheny Times of September 28, 2006
82-year-old bar owner chases off robber with gun of her own
So this guy with a sawed-off shotgun walks into Josephine's Bar in Midland around 9 p.m. Thursday
But the punchline is: What the guy apparently wasn't expecting was that 82-year-old owner Josephine Slater had a gun of her own, and ordered him to beat feet out of the bar with less than $10 in hand.
To make things even worse: Slater, 82, said that about two hours later, the gunman came back to the bar to have a beer.
"I don't take anything from anybody," Slater, 82, of Ohioville, said Thursday afternoon, seemingly proud and embarrassed at the same time about all the attention she's getting. "I'm not taking anything from these druggies. I was just standing up for my rights."
Midland police apparently have a suspect in mind for the robbery, but hadn't charged anyone as of Thursday evening. Midland Police Chief Ronald Bongivengo did not return a phone message seeking additional information.
The complete story will appear in tomorrow's Times.
Labels: business robbery, female, PA
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review of September 26, 2006
Woman fights off 2 masked robbers
Dan Brown said he's not too surprised his 110-pound wife, Sheri, held her own Friday when two masked men attempted to rob the family's Fayette County auto repair shop.
The couple, both in their 30s and married 17 years, opened DSB Auto Service four years ago on Three Mile Hill, Bullskin Township, not far from Mt. Pleasant.
They had no trouble with crime until Friday.
Shortly after Dan Brown left the family business at 10 a.m., his wife was confronted by two masked thieves who pulled up to the garage and demanded money.
State police at Uniontown said the victim "chased off the actors" after a brief struggle.
"There was a big guy and a small guy. She was alone when they came up to her and told her to give them all the money. She grabbed a pole we use to prop up a car hood and smacked the big one. He then hit her in the head, but she was able to get away," Brown said. "She started throwing chairs and stuff in front of her to keep them away from her while she tried to get to the office.
"She got there and pulled out the gun we keep in the drawer for protection."
As soon as the mother of two pulled out the family's .357-caliber Magnum, the thieves fled, Dan Brown said. The suspects did not display a weapon, he said.
He said he and his wife are comfortable around guns and are accomplished marksmen.
"If she would have had to shoot, she would have nailed them," he said.
Brown said the gun was kept on the premises because the business is in a remote, rural location.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, PA
8/26/06
Blanchard, Pennsylvania
From the Lock Haven Express of August 26, 2006
Burglar flees Blanchard house after being shot at
State police report an unknown person broke into the William D. Glossner residence, along Main Street, 7 p.m on Thursday, while Glossner was home.
The person fled the scene after Glossner shot at him, police said.
The unknown person is described as a teenage white male with a thin build.
Police said there is a possible reward for anyone assisting with an arrest.
8/8/06
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of August 8, 2006
Intruder shot by homeowner
An intruder was shot in the leg last night in Lincoln-Lemington when the homeowner caught the young man inside his home.
The intruder, identified as a juvenile, attempted to enter a home in the 1400 block of Paulson Avenue. Police believe the intruder was armed, but a weapon was not recovered from the home last night.
The young man was taken to Children's Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Police said it was unlikely the homeowner would be charged.
8/5/06
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From United Press, International of August 5, 2006
Gun-wielding senior foils carjacker
A 78-year-old Philadelphia man used a .38 caliber handgun to thwart a carjacker.
George Newton said that when William Edney approached him, held a pistol to his head and said "Don't do anything funny," he handed him the keys to his sport utility vehicle, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
But when he saw that Edney was trying to shift gears with his gun hand Newton decided the time had come for action. He pulled out his own weapon and shot Edney in the jaw, and then walked to the other side of the car and shot him in the shoulder.
"Both windows were down so I didn't mess up any of my glass," Newton told the Inquirer.
Edney managed to drive himself to a hospital where he claimed he did not know who had shot him. He faces criminal charges.
Investigators said both guns involved were legally registered.
Newton, a former military police officer and car mechanic, said he knows how to take care of himself. But he said he would much rather be left alone to sit in the park and feed the birds.
Labels: carjacking, PA, senior
8/1/06
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
From the Williamsport Sun-Gazette of August 1, 2006
Man claims self defense in shooting last Friday
A Third Avenue man who shot another man in the leg Friday night using a rifle said he did it to protect himself and his family from two men, one of whom was armed, who burst in through the open side door together.
“I did what I had to do,” said the 39-year-old resident of 419 Third Ave., who said he shot the first man who came in by using .30-30 rifle shortly after 11 p.m. He said he did not want to be identified for “fear of retaliation.”
“I had one bullet,” he said.
The shooting occurred in the foyer of the rental, just off a side porch, according to the shooter’s version, which police won’t comment on.
He said he was in the cramped room with his back against the wall and a man behind the first assailant was holding a gun, aiming it at him.
“I shot him in the right hip,” he said of the first unarmed man, who he said was lunging at him with his hands in the air. After the bullet entered, he dropped and crawled off the side porch and onto the sidewalk before being surrounded by city police, he said.
“I thought I shot him in the stomach,” the shooter said. He was not aware what happened to the man holding the gun. “I guess he ran away,” he said.
Asked what reason two men had for bursting into his residence, the man said a few minutes before his wife was outside with their 4-year-old daughter walking the dog.
His wife, who also did not want to be identified, said a man came up to her and pointed a gun at her. He said, “’I’m going to kill your ... dog,’” she said.
The woman said she didn’t know the assailant. She said she then saw another man, whom she believed to be her neighbor, grab the gun and wrestle it away from him. Just then, a second gunman fired several gunshots.
She said she ran inside and called 911. The incident took about eight minutes from start to finish, she said.
Capt. Keith E. Bowers declined to comment on the couple’s statements.
(More)
Labels: assault, home invasion, PA
7/26/06
Sharon, Pennsylvania
From the Sharon Herald of July 24, 2006
Man catches would-be thieves
A Sharon man turned the table on two would-be burglars when he came home in the middle of their attempt to steal several items from his home, police said.
Police said Joseph R. Emerich, 22, of 3009 Hahn Hill Road, Hermitage, and Brett D. Sumner, 28, of 3045 Main St., West Middlesex, were burglarizing 24 Smith Ave. in Sharon when Charles Carlo returned home at 9:35 p.m. Sunday to find them at the top of his stairs.
They had taken a computer, a videogame player, a mint set of coins and an air conditioner from Carlo’s home to a nearby apartment and were attempting to take more, police said.
Carlo told them to stop, retrieved his 9 mm pistol and fired one shot after he noticed that one of the men had something in his hands, but did not hit either man, police said.
After Carlo fired, Sumner jumped out a second-story window and ran; Carlo held Emerich at gunpoint until police arrived, they said.
Police said they arrested Emerich immediately and found Sumner at 10:50 p.m. at South Irvine Avenue and Emmanuel Place.
Emerich and Sumner were arraigned Monday by District Judge Ronald E. Antos, Farrell, on charges of burglary, criminal trespassing and criminal conspiracy and released on their own recognizance.
Labels: PA, residence burglary
6/30/06
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia’s CBS3,com of June 30, 2006
Police: Retired Philadelphia Cop Shoots Intruder
A retired Philadelphia Police Officer opened fire on an intruder late Thursday afternoon in Northeast Philadelphia.
Police say the retired cop was checking on a friend’s house in the 10000 block of Bustleton Avenue when he encountered an intruder.
After an escape attempt failed, police say Joseph Malone, 24, allegedly lunged at the officer who shot him once in the shoulder.
Malone, the stepson of the homeowner, was taken to Frankford-Torresdale Hospital where he was treated and released into police custody.
Police say Malone was inside the house illegally and faces charges.
The officer was not injured.
6/29/06
Hazelwood, Pennsylvania
From the Pittsburg Post-Gazette of June 29, 2006
Hazelwood man found not guilty in death
Gwen Dunn said her son Dyar stopped by her workplace hours after he fatally shot a man near the Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland Oct. 20.
"I looked at my son's face and I knew he was going to say something that was going to change the course of my life," she said. They agreed he would turn himself in to the police, which he did later that day.
His non-jury homicide trial ended yesterday in a "not guilty" verdict, based on the determination that he shot Phenice Buckley, 24, of Hazelwood, in self defense.
Common Pleas Judge John A. Zottola did find the 22-year-old guilty of carrying an unlicensed firearm. Mr. Dunn, also of Hazelwood, remains free on $50,000 bond and will be removed from court monitoring.
The most incriminating evidence detectives had against him at trial was his taped confession, since no forensic evidence that tied him to the crime was presented.
But that confession and a very similar statement Mr. Dunn's friend Juan Moyer made to police shortly after the shooting supported the claim of self-defense: Both men said that the victim shot Mr. Moyer in the elbow during a struggle over his gun and he then turned and aimed at Mr. Dunn, who pulled out a gun and shot Mr. Buckley once in the chest. Mr. Buckley died shortly afterward at UPMC Presbyterian.
The judge said the forensics evidence matched these statements. A University of Pittsburgh groundskeeper found Mr. Dunn's gun in a flower bed where both men said it would be. The DNA on the other gun's grip matched the victim's and had Mr. Moyer's blood on the barrel.
"In my 23 years, this was probably the best self defense case I've ever had," said William H. Difenderfer. "His buddy's shot, the guy turns on him with a weapon in his hand and [Mr. Dunn] shoots."
Ms. Dunn said "her heart goes out to the victim's family.
"Anytime you lose a child that's something that cannot be mended or repaired. I'm happy my son is still here with me.
6/21/06
Liberty, Pennsylvania
From the June 21, 2006 Evening Sun:
After he was discovered, a Carroll Valley man who allegedly entered a residence without permission Monday hopped in his vehicle, drove toward the home's owner and was greeted with two shotgun blasts, police said.
Liberty Township Police on Monday arrested Anthony Joseph Sitts, 37, for criminal trespass following the 9:23 p.m. incident in the 100 block of Gordon Road.
Police said Sitts went onto the Gordon Road property and entered the house without permission. He walked into the garage and started banging on the door to the house, said Chief James Holler of the Liberty Township Police.
The homeowner, who was not identified by police, exited the front of the residence, and when Sitts saw him, the suspect got into his 1992 Chevrolet Blazer and drove in the direction of the homeowner.
The homeowner used a shotgun to fire two shots at Sitts' vehicle, police said. The first shot hit the driver side door and the second, fired as Sitts was turning toward the homeowner, hit the rear of the car and knocked out the rear windows, Holler said.
