Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Statesville officers drove slowly and watched closely as they patrolled the neighborhood where gunshots erupted along School Street on Wednesday afternoon. A day care center is just yards away.

Margaret Campbell, a concerned neighbor, said, "It's dangerous for the day care and the neighbors. I'm a senior citizen I can't walk fast, much less run."

Detectives said the frightening incident started when a man with a gun broke into a house, demanded money and then fired a warning shot. That's when a robbery turned into a shootout.

According to detectives, the gunman shot at the house while he ran away. At the same time, two of the victims inside shot at the robber.

Labels: intruder, SC

Labels: residence burglary, SC

Allsbroom man disarms would-be robber

Last Friday was an evening for break-ins in Loris, bringing victims to believe they might be related.

Bill Kaufmann, owner of The Sod Farm, was in bed like any other evening, when he heard a knock on his front door the evening of Jan. 25.

"They were waiting on us to shut our lights off," Kaufman said.

Thinking it was his foreman, Ronnie Thompson, Kaufmann opened the door, only to find a man holding a knife and threatening to kill him.

Kaufmann, who used to train police officers, managed to get the knife away from the suspect, and get to his shotgun that he kept in his bedroom.

"I could tell by the way he was holding the knife that he had never done this kind of thing before," Kaufmann said.

When the suspect saw the gun, he ran out of the house, just about the same time that three others suspects had broken a door down to get into the trailer Kaufmann uses for the Sod Farm's office.

"They had to know where we kept the petty cash, because they went right for that drawer, but we had happened to move it, so they didn't get cash, just deposit slips," Kaufmann said.

The burglary took place just across U.S. 701 from another burglary that happened earlier that morning on Barrett St., where safe and other items had been stolen. Two suspects were arrested following that break-in.

While there have been no reports that the two are related, one of the suspects that was arrested for the Barrett St. burglary, is listed as a possible suspect on the police report for The Sod Farm break-in.

Kaufmann believes that it was someone who worked for him previously because they knew exactly where the money was kept.

"They had to know where we kept the money, we have some idea of who it could be," Kaufmann said.

As for now, Kaufmann said that they have upgraded their security system at their home and office, and hope that it will keep them safe in the future.

"It was a wake up call to us, we though the deadbolts would be enough, and it wasn't," he said.

"It was quite an alarming experience," He said.

Kaufmann, who said that he could have shot the suspect, but didn't, said that people in the area need to know what is happening so they can protect themselves as well.

"People need to know that these kids are going around, busting in on people, the next person might shoot them," Kaufmann said.

Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC

Cross Hill Woman Comes Home, Kills Intruder

A Cross Hill woman returned home to find an intruder inside, and then shot and killed him. The incident happened about 8pm this evening on Pineland Shores Road. Laurens County Sheriff Ricky Chastain tells News Channel 7 that the woman heard someone in the home, grabbed a weapon, and saw him hiding in one of the rooms. She then shot him. It was not until after she shot him that she realized she knew him. Chastain says robbery appears to be the motive.

Investigators will now present the case to Solicitor Jerry Peace to determine if the woman will be charged. No names were released this evening.

Further links:
Laurens Co. Woman Shoots And Kills Home Invader

Labels: female, residence burglary, SC, trespassing

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Two people are facing burglary and attempted robbery charges after an apartment break-in led to one of them being shot.

The break-in and shooting happened late Saturday night in at the Campus Edge Apartments in Spartanburg County, near USC-Upstate.

Jeremy Lee and Jacob Holland, are charged with first degree burglary and attempted armed robbery after deputies said that the door of an apartment was kicked open.

Investigators said that a person living in the apartment opened fire with a shot gun.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Man won't face charges for shooting roommate in Summerville

Prosecutors have decided not to charge a man who shot his roommate three times.

Authorities say 25-year-old Joseph Harriott threw 24-year-old Brian Sessoms out of his Summerville home New Year's Day after Sessoms hit his 16-year-old girlfriend, then warned him he would shoot if he broke back in the home.

Police say Sessoms climbed back into the house through a window on the second floor, and Harriott shot him as he came down the stairs.

Prosecutors say Harriott then tried to treat Sessoms' wound to the stomach, but Sessoms kept fighting. Harriott shot his roommate two more times.

Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson says she decided not to charge Harriott because state law for self-defense says if the first shot is justified, a person can keep shooting until a threat is eliminated.

Further links:
Shooting 911 Tape - No Charges Filed

Deadly Shooting Ruled Self Defense

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC

Darlington County woman shot after home invasion

Darlington County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man who they claim shot a woman after breaking into her residence. According to Darlington County Chief Deputy Tom Gainey, the incident happened around 9:40am on 108 Woodhaven Drive. Gainey says someone broke into the house and a woman inside got her own pistol to defend herself. The suspect then managed to take the pistol away from the woman and shot her in the leg. He then fled the scene on foot through some nearby woods. The woman, who's name has not been released yet , was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Chief Gainey describes the suspect as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and toboggan.

Chief Gainey says the Sheriff's Bloodhound Team is now actively searching the area for the suspect. Nearby Darlington High School is now under lockdown until further notice according to Chief Gainey.

Labels: defender shot, home invasion, SC

No charges filed against 15-year-old

No charges have been filed against a 15-year-old boy who police say was trying to protect his mother when he shot and killed his stepfather Saturday.

Deputies had been dispatched to the Fairforest Drive apartment previously for domestic-related calls, said Richland County Sheriff’s department spokesman Lt. Chris Cowan.

Roosevelt Carter, 42, of 100 Fairforest Drive, Apt. No. 7 died at 9:32 a.m. Saturday at Palmetto Health Richland. He had been shot in the upper body.

The preliminary investigation indicates a domestic disturbance occurred inside the home. The boy’s name and age have not been released because of his age.

Further links:
Boy may have shot stepfather to protect mom

Sheriff: Man Shot, Killed By Step-son

Labels: domestic abuse, minor defender, SC

A man who broke into a house Thursday morning on 44th Avenue North at Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach was shot in the hand by someone in the house, said Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Doug Furlong.

Emergency operators dispatched police to the scene at 10:40 a.m.

The burglary suspect, who has not yet been charged, was transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. No one else was injured, Furlong said.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Deputies: Homeowner Shoots 2 Burglars

Spartanburg County deputies said two home invasion robbers were shot early Tuesday morning by the man who lived in the home they tried to burglarize.

Deputies said that the men forced their way into the home on Harley Court about 4 a.m. The man who lives in the home said that he got his pistol and fired several shots at the men, who ran away.

Investigators said that Lashawn D. Miller, 22, and Haldane D. Oden, 21, were located a short time later in the emergency room at Mary Black Hospital. Both men had gunshot wounds.

The sheriff's office said that Miller and Oden will be charged with first-degree burglary.

There was no immediate word on the extent of their injuries.

Homeowner who shoots would-be robbers faces no charges

A 31-year-old man will not face charges for shooting two men who broke into his home, authorities said.

Lamont Dawkins said he grabbed his pistol and hid behind his refrigerator after hearing glass break and his back door being kicked about 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Dawkins said he fired several rounds as two men entered, and they ran away. Investigators found Lashawn Miller, 22, and Haldane Oden, 21, both of Spartanburg, in a hospital emergency room.

"I was scared at first, but now I feel good. I just didn't want nothing to happen to me," Dawkins told WYFF News 4.

Miller was treated for a gunshot wound to his right arm and Oden was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Authorities said both face first-degree burglary charges.

Dawkins will not be charged because he used the weapon to defend himself, authorities said.

Labels: residence robbery, SC

Two robbery suspects may have gunshot wounds

Greenville police were searching tonight for two men who may have been shot as they attempted to rob the Concrete Jungle on Laurens Road this afternoon, spokesman Cpl. Jason Rampey said.

The store’s operator told investigators that he fired multiple times when the two walked in and tried to rob the store at 1810 Laurens Road at about 4 p.m., Rampey said.

Police haven’t said how many shots were fired. "He shot more than once," Rampey said. The name of the store operator hasn’t been released.

Police notified all area hospitals that one or two men may be seeking treatment for a gunshot wound, Rampey said. "When we have something like this, we notify all the area hospitals," he said. "If there’s a gunshot wound staggering in, they notify us."

The two men "fled on foot away" from Laurens Road toward Blakely Road, Rampey said.

One man was described as a black male in his 30s and about 6 feet, 1 inch, weighing about 190 pounds and wearing a white T-shirt, blue shorts and a day-old beard, Rampey said.

The second man was described as a black male in his 20s, about 5 feet, 10 inches, weighing about 180 pounds, and wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, a black hat and white shoes.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Darlington County home invasion suspect shot to death

Deputies are investigating a series of home invasions that happened this morning, one of which led to the shooting death of a suspect, according to a press release from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded the first call at a residence on Pan Road just north of Darlington about 1:45 a.m. They were told five black men dressed in black and armed with weapons were seen kicking in the front door of the residence. The suspects abruptly left in a vehicle, however.

The second call came in about 2 a.m. at a residence on Selena Drive, farther north of Darlington than the scene of the first call. A resident reported hearing several gunshots. He said he got up and checked, but didn’t see a vehicle. He did notice a bullet hole near the window of a back bedroom, though.

Moments later, a third call came in from a residence on London Fog Drive where an unknown number of suspects armed with weapons broke in and confronted several people inside. One of the people in the residents managed to escape into a bedroom and shut the door, but one of the suspects followed and kicked in the door.

Gunfire was exchanged between the two. The occupant was struck by a bullet, while the suspect suffered a shotgun blast to the chest. The intruders fled the residence, but the one who had been shot was found in the back yard. An EMS crew examined him and he was pronounced dead at the scene by Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee.

The dead man has been identified as 21-year-old Dewayne Antron Washington, Hardee said in a press release. He said Washington was shot while at a residence near Jeffords Mill Road near Mont Clare, a community north of Darlington.

No charges in home invasion

Police say they won't file charges against a Darlington County homeowner, who officers say shot and killed a man after that man invaded his home.

It happened at a home on London Fog Drive in Darlington County last week. Deputies say several men invaded the house.

Officers say gunshots were exchanged between the homeowner and one of the intruders. Deputies say both were wounded and the intruder, Dewayne Washington, died.

We're told the homeowner is recovering in the hospital.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Funeral Home Owner Shoots Robber During Crime

Police in Union say a funeral home owner stopped a robbery by shooting a suspect.

It happened early Wednesday morning at Lewis Funeral Home on Duncan Bypass in Union.

Police say the funeral home owner, Scott Lewis, was embalming a body when a man came in with a gun. Investigators say the suspect threatened to kill Lewis if he didn't get money.

Officers say Lewis told the robber he needed to go to the van to get cash. When they reached the vehicle, Lewis turned around and shot the robber in the arm.

The suspect, 26-year-old Tracy Bishop, is receiving treatment in the hospital and will face several charges. Lewis will not face any charges.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Attempted robbery suspect shot and killed

Police say the suspect in an attempted robbery was shot and killed by one of his intended victims. Police say two men tried to rob a group of people inside a home on Berry Lane in the Lydia Community of Darlington County Sunday night.

They say one of the people in the home shot and killed one of the suspects. The other suspect, 17-year old Demario Hickmon from Bishopville, is charged with burglary and armed robbery.

Police say no charges will be filed against the person who shot the other suspect.

Darlington County home invasion suspect shot to death

Series of incidents under investigation
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Meanwhile, a home invasion that happened Sunday night on Berry Road in Lydia, where a suspect was shot and later died, remains under investigation.

Christopher Stephenson, 20, of Lydia was pronounced dead after undergoing surgery at a local hospital, Hardee said.

Investigators think Stephenson was armed when, about 8 p.m., he and another man intended to rob four people playing cards inside the residence, Darlington County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tom Gainey said Monday.

One person at the home had a concealed weapons permit and shot Stephenson with a handgun, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities have filed no charges against the person who shot Stephenson. That person has given a statement to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies arrested the other suspect in the home invasion, 17-year-old Demario J. Hickmon of Felder Lane in Bishopville. He faces charges of first-degree burglary, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy. He remains at the Darlington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.

Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC

1 dead, 1 injured during shootout in Laurens

A Tuesday night shootout at a horse farm in Laurens left one man dead and another injured, according to regional television outlet WYFF.

The shooting claimed the life of 64-year-old Robert Reid, of 3660 Indian Mound Road, Laurens. Reports indicate Reid died at the scene.

Meanwhile, Michael Smith, 32, of 3662 Indian Mound Road, Laurens, suffered one gunshot wound to the back and was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Reports indicate that Reid and Smith were working together at Treadway Farms Tuesday and spent a large portion of the day arguing with one another.

Smith reportedly told officers he was cleaning a gun on the farm property late in the day when Reid approached him, brandishing a gun.

Smith reportedly told the officers Reid fired and hit him in the back. Smith said he then picked up his gun and, in alleged self-defense, fired back at Reid.

An investigation by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.

Labels: altercation, defender shot, SC

Deputies: Homeowner Shoots Kills Burglar

A homeowner shot and killed a man trying to burglarize a Greenville County home late Tuesday night, investigators said.

Deputies said the homeowner was stabbed during the incident at a home on Lake Shore Drive.

Investigators said they got a call about 11 p.m.

The homeowners, a man and his wife, were inside the home when they arrived.

Deputies said that when they arrived, the homeowner told them that the burglar broke in through a window.

The homeowner said that he confronted the burglar in a hallway.

During a struggle, the homeowner was stabbed and the burglar was fatally shot.

The burglar died at the scene.

“At this point we haven’t made an identification on the deceased,” Greenville County Sheriff's Lt. Tim Ridgeway said. “The homeowner's at the hospital at this time.”

Investigators said that the homeowner is doing well and that the homeowner’s wife was not hurt.

An autopsy is planned on the burglary suspect’s body later on Wednesday.

Deputies: Wounded Homeowner Kills Intruder

Though he was slashed several times, a retired pastor who lives in Greenville County managed to shoot and kill an intruder Tuesday night, deputies said.

Deputies said they were called to the home on Lake Shore Drive, just down the road from the Donaldson Center Airport, at about 11:30 p.m. The homeowners, 70-year-old William Willis and his wife Judith, were at the home when they arrived. They said Judith Willis was sitting on the side porch in her nightgown, her arms covered in blood.

Investigators said Judith Willis told them that she woke her husband after she heard a noise in another room. William Willis grabbed a gun that he kept in the bedroom and went to investigate.

Willis said he confronted a man that was in another room. Deputies said Willis was cut several times during the scuffle, the most serious wound to his arm.

Deputies said Willis shot the intruder several times. He later died at the scene.

Investigators said that Willis was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital. As of noon time, he was reported to be in good condition.

Deputies said that Judith Willis was not injured in the incident -- the blood on her arms was not hers.
…

Brock's wife, Mary Brock, told WYFF that Willis is a retired pastor who moved to the Upstate from New York. She said, "I'm glad that they're still here. I thank God that they are still here and He gave mercy for them last night as well as forever."

An autopsy is planned on the man who was killed later on Wednesday.

Greenville County Sheriff's Master Deputy Michael Hildebrand said, "From the information we've gotten so far, it doesn't look like there's going to be any charges against the victim. Looks like he was merely protecting his property which is justified under the law."

The coroner's office has identified the man who was killed, but they are trying to notify his family before releasing his name.

His last known address was at the Greenville County Detention Center.

The Solicitor's Office will review the case, but deputies said no charges are expected.

Labels: residence burglary, SC

Suspect Shot After Breaking into Home

39-year-old Kenny Cantwell of Hilton Head was shot early this morning when he broke into a home he mistook as his own.

Beaufort County Sheriff's deputies proactively patrolling the area night clubs first made contact with an intoxicated Cantwell at Hilton Head Plaza just after 2:30 am this morning. While inebriated, Cantwell was not disorderly at the time. Deputies offered to assist Cantwell by securing him a taxi to transport him to his nearby home at 24 Compass Point Rd. in the Point Comfort neighborhood. Cantwell agreed to the offer and left without incident in the taxi several minutes later.

However, about 15 minutes after Cantwell's departure, deputies were called to respond to a report of a gunshot victim at the residence of 16 Compass Point Rd. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Cantwell lying at the bottom of the steps of the residence, disoriented and bleeding profusely from his left leg.

Deputies met with the complainant, 51-year old Raymond Gaudreau, who resides at 16 Compass Point Rd. Gaudreau recounted to deputies that he was asleep on the couch in the living room of his home when he was awakened by the sound of someone trying to come in the front door. Gaudreau advised seeing the door come partially open, but an engaged chain lock prevented it from being opened completely.

Gaudreau called out to the unknown individual outside the door, asking his identity. The subject outside identified himself as "Ken" and yelled that he lived there and to open the door. Gaudreau warned the subject not to come in and that he was armed with a gun, at which time the subject threatened to break the door down.

Gaudreau fled through the house to the back deck outside where he called 911. During this time, the subject did make forced entry through the front door, charging through the home where he confronted Gaudreau on the back deck. Gaudreau, who was armed with a 9mm handgun, repeatedly advised the subject that he was armed with a gun and to stay back.

The subject disregarded Gaudreau's warnings, becoming violent as he picked up the metal patio table separating the two men and threw it at Gaudreau. As the subject lunged towards Gaudreau, Gaudreau fired his gun, shooting the subject in the lower left leg.

After being shot, the subject finally retreated, crawling back through the home and out the front door, where he was found by arriving deputies. The deputies immediately recognized the subject as Kenny Cantwell, the intoxicated subject whom they had sent home from Hilton Head Plaza just minutes before.

Cantwell was transported to Hilton Head Regional Medical Center for medical treatment of the gunshot wound to his leg. His condition is undisclosed at this time. The incident remains under active investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Armed Robberies: Hispanics Fight Back

A string of armed robberies targeting Hispanics ends with gunfire.

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

Three armed robberies. One common theme. Hispanic victims.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: SC, street robbery

Hotel Clerk Shoots Suspect

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

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

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

When police arrived, they rushed the suspect to MUSC.

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

Would-be robber picks wrong motel, gets shot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: business robbery, SC

Suspect Shot During Gunfire Exchange in Burton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: assault, SC

Aiken deputies: Homeowner shot man during robbery

Deputies say a Graniteville homeowner responded to the attempted theft of an all-terrain vehicle with gunshots.

Officials say Leonel T. Sanchez, 26, shot Jack H. Cooper, 18, as Cooper was trying to steal the ATV from the Bettis Academy Road home on Saturday morning.

At 1:15am, a motorist found Cooper lying on Bettis Academy Road, and gave him a ride to a convenience store, where deputies met Cooper.

Aiken County Emergency Medical Services then transported Cooper to the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta.

He will be charged with attempted grand larceny and possession of a firearm under 21.

An investigation also led to the arrest of Clarence W. Oglesby IV, 22. He's charged with attempted grand larceny. A 16-year-old juvenile was released to relatives.

The homeowner won't be charged.

Labels: residence burglary, SC

Suspect Pulls Gun on Clerk, Clerk Pulls Gun on Suspect

Richland County deputies are looking for a man they say robbed a food store on Longcreek Drive.

The robbery took place May 13 around 1 p.m. at the Food Fare on Longcreek Drive.

According to deputies, the suspect came in the store and attempted to rob the clerk. Deputies say the suspect pointed a gun at the employee and demanded money. Deputies say the victim refused, and instead pulled a gun on the suspect, who then ran from the store.

On the surveillance video, the suspect can be heard asking for cigarettes, then demanding the clerk to "give me the (expletive) money." The clerk responded, in part, by saying, "I'll shoot your (expletive)."

Labels: business robbery, SC

Gun-toting grocery clerk fires twice at robber

A store clerk chased away a would-be robber Friday when the clerk pulled a gun on the armed assailant and fired at the man.

Around 9:40 a.m., the Rock Hill Police Department responded to shots fired after an armed man entered Park Grocery at 732 E. Main St. in Rock Hill.

"As he walked up to the counter and pointed a handgun at the clerk, the clerk pulled his own gun and fired one shot at the suspect," said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department. "As the suspect ran, the ... victim fired a second shot."

The suspect was not hit by the gunfire. No charges will be filed against the clerk, Waldrop said.

The man did not get any money during the attempted robbery, Waldrop said. The assailant is described as a black man weighing 170 to 180 pounds and ranging in height from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches. He wore a black jumpsuit and a khaki hood or ski mask, Waldrop said.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Beaufort Woman Shoots and Kills Alleged Burglar

Beaufort Police are investigating a shooting that left a 17 year old Yemassee man dead. It happened around 11pm Saturday at the Wilderness Cove Apartments. Police said Alphonso Bright was shot and killed when he forced his way into the home of a 20 year old Beaufort woman. Officers said Bright asked Aileen Sugano if her boyfriend was home. When she told him no, he left, only to come back moments later and push his way inside. Police said he grabbed a bag of marijuana and some cash that was on the table. They said Sugano pulled a gun out from under the couch and fired a shot that hit Bright. Then she called 911.

Bright died later at the hospital. Sugano is charged with possession of marijuana. Beaufort Police are still investigating the shooting.

Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC

Man shoots attacker, not charged

A man who shot another in the chest Thursday night in front of an apartment complex will not be charged by the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

The shooter was defending himself, a department spokesman said of the 10:30 p.m. altercation at the Mallard Point Apartments off Hallbrook Road.

According to the sheriff's department, three men and a woman approached another man in front of the apartment complex. There was an ongoing dispute between the man and one or more of the four suspects. One suspect dropped a gun, which the victim picked up and fired at one of the men. The round struck the man in the chest.

The shooting victim was taken to Palmetto Health Richland where he was in stable but serious condition.

Information about the suspects was not immediately available.

Deputies: Man Shoots At Attackers in Self-Defense

Deputies are searching for four suspects they say approached a man they knew, when he opened fire on them.

Investigators say at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Mallard Point Apartments on 1101 Hallbrook Road, three men and a woman approached a man to settle an ongoing dispute over the woman.

After that, deputies say one of the suspects dropped a gun, and the victim picked it up and shot the suspect in the chest.

Investigators say the suspect has non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies will not file charges against the shooter.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC

Delivery driver fires at carjacker

A newspaper delivery driver thwarted the carjacking of his van near Red Top on Monday while his 7-year-old daughter was asleep inside, then fired a gun after the robber left the van, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said.

James E. Duke Jr., 44, of Charleston suffered only a bruised shoulder in the 2 a.m. encounter that began in a parking lot at 3586 Savannah Highway, a sheriff's report states. His daughter was not injured. The robber was not hit.

Duke reported jumping into the open rear doors of the van as the man started to drive off, deputies said. As the van turned south on Savannah Highway, Duke grabbed a pole and began hitting the man with it. The robber hit the brakes then accelerated, causing Duke to hit the back of the bench seat where his daughter was sleeping.

The delivery driver handed over his cell phone and the cash in his wallet after the man threatened to shoot him and his daughter, deputies said. By that time, the van had reached a gas station at the intersection with S.C. Highway 162.

The robber got out, but started to walk back toward the van, deputies said. Duke accelerated, did a U-turn, then retrieved a Glock handgun he carries in a bag inside the van. He fired at the robber.

The driver works as an independent contractor with The Post and Courier. He described the robber as a black man in his mid-20s, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 160 pounds, wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Labels: carjacking, SC, street robbery

An intruder kicked in the back door of a house and confronted three adults and a child inside, Summerville Police Capt. Jon Rogers said. Jamond M. Simmons, the homeowner, grappled with the man, who was shot with his own gun and taken to Medical University Hospital, Rogers said.

Here is Simmons' account of what happened: An intruder, whom Simmons said he did not know, burst through the door demanding money. Simmons told him there wasn't any money in the house. The man threatened to start shooting people if they didn't give him something of value. When he turned his head, Simmons lunged forward and grabbed him. There was a scuffle, and the intruder was shot in the stomach.

"I just thank God none of my family got hurt," Simmons said.

Bryan B. Green, 18, of Ladson underwent surgery Monday and is recovering, Rogers said.

Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC

'Ain't nobody going to run me over'

WWII vet says he shot man who invaded his home armed with rifle

An Orangeburg man says he shot another man who broke into his home, while the person who was shot is telling another story.

A 24-year-old Minel Street man remains hospitalized at the Regional Medical Center after being shot at least once in the back.

World War II veteran and former Golden Glove boxer Newman Jackson says that if he had it to do all over again -- he would.

"Yes, sir!" Jackson said. "I can't stand that. I worked hard for what I got. I hate a thief, I hate a thief."

No charges were filed against any of the parties believed to have been involved in the incident as of late Tuesday.

Jackson, who fired his weapon from his bed, calls the incident a home invasion.

"You can't do without a gun in Orangeburg," the former WWII destroyer mechanic said. "I don't go around looking for trouble but ain't nobody going to run me over, either."

The wounded man, meanwhile, says it was perhaps a misunderstanding.

He told deputies that he, a friend and a female acquaintance were at the female's house drinking beer early Tuesday. The trio then left because he "needed to talk to the man about some money," according to an Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office incident report.

The wounded man said that while brandishing a gun, his friend kicked in the front door to the residence and ran inside, according to the report.

There, the friend encountered the 80-year-old Jackson. The invader then fled the residence, the report states.

When the second man tried to flee, he was shot in the back and fell, he said.

(More detail, and more versions)

Man glad he didn’t ‘freeze up’ for intruders

A judge has refused to grant bond to two men accused of breaking into a Charleston Highway home in February, including the man deputies say was shot by the homeowner.

“I’m not going to set bond on Mr. Aiken and Mr. Randolph. I’m going to deny bond,” Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said Wednesday. “I do think the level of danger they are to the community is substantial.”

That decision from the bench came after 1st Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bryan Jeffries asked the court deny bond to the trio accused in the Feb. 20 invasion of the Charleston Highway home of 80-year-old Newman “Ted” Jackson.

Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel St., and Joseph Randolph, 23, of 105 Scarlett Drive, both of Orangeburg; and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of 405 West Pinckney St., Denmark, were charged with first-degree burglary a day later. Deputies say Aiken was shot after he broke into Jackson’s home.

Goodstein set bond on Rice at $25,000 surety with the stipulation that should she make bail, she’s confined to house arrest.

The story of Jackson defending his home became “water cooler” conversation around the community.

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, Jackson talked about that night and his decision to pull the trigger, which apparently stopped the incident from going further.

“I thought I had about 20 seconds, but I had about five seconds,” Jackson said. “These things happen so fast.”

When deputies arrived on the scene, they were given conflicting reports. One individual told deputies his friend kicked in the front door to the residence and ran inside. A gunshot rang out and he was struck as his friend ran from the residence.

Another version was that the two males were drinking beer earlier and “needed to talk to the man about some money,” according to an Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office incident report.

(Much More)

Burglar shot in home invasion sentenced to 15 years

An Orangeburg man shot during the February home invasion of a World War II veteran was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday.

Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel Street, was originally charged with first-degree burglary, a charge that after plea negotiations was reduced to second-degree burglary.

"I'm going to commit you to the state Department of Corrections for a period of 15 years," Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said as Aiken held his head down.

The guilty plea came after two days of negotiations and reconsiderations surrounding the plea. Initially, Aiken was to offer his plea on Monday.

The plea hearing was rescheduled several times while details were worked out. The case would go before the bench, be withdrawn, then go before the bench again.

It finally went through around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Goodstein voiced concerns about the agreement to reduce the charge from first- to second-degree burglary.

"I think that's substantial, substantial," Goodstein said.

However, the case against the Muriel Street man proceeded until the sentence was on the books.

The cases against two co-defendants, Joseph Randolph, 23, of Orangeburg and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of Denmark are still pending.

The charges against Aiken came after the Feb. 20 invasion of the home of Ted Jackson, an 80-year-old World War II veteran and gun enthusiast.

It was about 2 a.m. on that date when the shooting occurred. Jackson said his dog began barking, alerting him that something was amiss.

As Jackson turned on a light, he grabbed a pistol. Seconds later, a man carrying an AK-47 kicked open his bedroom door.

At a bond hearing for Aiken earlier this year, Jackson said he's faced Japanese cannon bigger than a machine gun.

He fired at the intruder, striking the man in the upper shoulder.

Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.

When told of Aiken's sentence, Jackson said, "Yeah, that's OK, that's good. I'm glad that part's over."

However, Jackson wonders if it really is over. About two weeks ago, someone broke into his home while he was away. He wonders if that latest break-in isn't related to the February shooting.

Since then, the 80-year-old has installed steel plating around his entry ways to bolster the doors -- and make them bulletproof.

"You can run a Jeep through there and you wouldn't get in," Jackson said.

Obviously a no-nonsense individual, Jackson says that given the same circumstances, he'd do it all over again.

"Somebody's coming in my house? You dadblasted right I would," Jackson said. "If my little dog hadn't woke me up, it could have been a lot different. (A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"

Burglar shot in home invasion sentenced to 15 years

An Orangeburg man shot during the February home invasion of a World War II veteran was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday.

Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel Street, was originally charged with first-degree burglary, a charge that after plea negotiations was reduced to second-degree burglary.

...

The charges against Aiken came after the Feb. 20 invasion of the home of Ted Jackson, an 80-year-old World War II veteran and gun enthusiast.

It was about 2 a.m. on that date when the shooting occurred. Jackson said his dog began barking, alerting him that something was amiss.

As Jackson turned on a light, he grabbed a pistol. Seconds later, a man carrying an AK-47 kicked open his bedroom door.

At a bond hearing for Aiken earlier this year, Jackson said he's faced Japanese cannon bigger than a machine gun.

He fired at the intruder, striking the man in the upper shoulder.

Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.

When told of Aiken's sentence, Jackson said, "Yeah, that's OK, that's good. I'm glad that part's over."

However, Jackson wonders if it really is over. About two weeks ago, someone broke into his home while he was away. He wonders if that latest break-in isn't related to the February shooting.

Since then, the 80-year-old has installed steel plating around his entry ways to bolster the doors -- and make them bulletproof.

"You can run a Jeep through there and you wouldn't get in," Jackson said.

Obviously a no-nonsense individual, Jackson says that given the same circumstances, he'd do it all over again.

"Somebody's coming in my house? You dadblasted right I would," Jackson said. "If my little dog hadn't woke me up, it could have been a lot different. (A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"

(More)

Labels: home invasion, SC

Woman uses gun to scare off intruder

A woman used a gun to scare off an intruder who entered her home Saturday, according to a press release issued Monday by Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman was in her home at Journey’s End Road near Darlington when the incident occurred. The woman, who called the sheriff’s office at about 7:15 p.m., said she stepped from her laundry room and saw a man standing in her living room.

She told deputies that when the man saw her, he turned over a coffee table and appeared to be trying to get to her. The woman said she ran to a bedroom, got a pistol and came back to the living room, where she told the intruder that she was armed.

When the intruder saw the pistol, he turned and ran from the residence. The woman said she fired several shots as he ran from the house, but she doesn’t know if any of the bullets hit him.

The woman wasn’t injured, according to the press release.

Deputies used bloodhounds to try to find the intruder, but they lost the scent after a short distance. Investigators said they think the suspect fled the area in a vehicle, according to the press release.

The intruder is described as a black man 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt and blue jeans.

Investigators said they think the man entered her house through an unlocked sliding door, according to the release.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Garden City Man Found Not Guilty

After nearly 12 hours of deliberation a jury found a Horry County man not guilty of murder.

Police say 76-year-old Henry Bramlett shot his neighbor, Robert Tomlinson, more than a dozen times after a property line dispute.

But prosecutors say the evidence solicited to the character of the victim showed he wasn’t a good neighbor in the minds of jurors.

Defense attorney Morgan Martin told the jury his client acted in self-defense.

The shooting happened in August of 2005 off Stanley Drive in Garden City. Bramlett was facing life in prison with no chance at parole. Today he is a free man.

Labels: altercation, SC

A Blacksburg homeowner fired three shots while two burglary suspects were running from his home at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states. Police have charged R.J. Osborne, 19, and his brother, Ronald Franklin Osborne Jr., 20, both of 103 Maxine Lane, Blacksburg, each with 2nddegree burglary.

Labels: residence burglary, SC

Injured wife says she killed husband in self defense

A domestic dispute left one dead and another seriously injured in Newberry County Friday night. The wife says she shot her husband to protect herself.

"If it happened the way I have been told it happened, he needed what he got," says neighbor Talmadge Ellisor.

Ellisor is talking about his next door neighbor, 63-year old Dennis Franklin. He was found shot to death inside his Newberry home Friday night.

Investigators say his wife, 59-year-old Cynthia Franklin, fired the shots that killed him. When officers responded to the home, they found her suffering serious wounds to her head, face, and upper body.

She had been hit several times with a large stick similar to a handle on a wooden tool.

"Her husband was a good-sized man. Cynthia had heart problems, and as far as I know she had to do it in self defense," Ellisor told News 10.

Residents on Pine Hill Circle are upset by what happened last night, but they're not surprised. That's because this is not the first time law enforcement has been called to the home of Cynthia and Dennis Franklin.

"A couple neighbors told us law enforcement had been there before and that there had been domestic disputes there before but, that as a general rule they would keep to themselves," says Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster.

"I would say they both were loner type people, they didn't mingle very much," says Ellisor.

The Newberry County Sheriff's Department is still reviewing the case to determine what action should be taken. Cynthia Franklin is still in the hospital and her condition is listed as stable.

Her neighborhood, however, is not.

"I'm sure if I would do my wife that way, that I would deserve what happened," Ellisor says.

911 tape of Newberry woman who killed husband in self defense

News 10 has obtained the 911 call from a Newberry County woman who said she killed her husband.

We've transcribed the exact words Cynthia Franklin told a dispatcher when she said her husband was beating her and that she killed him to save her life.

Dispatcher: Newberry County 911.

CF: Yes, ma'am, this is Cynthia Franklin.

Cynthia Franklin dialed 911 from home Friday night.

CF: My husband's been drinking and he started beating me up. He started hitting me on top of the head with a big old stick.

Cynthia told the dispatcher her husband Dennis was so enraged, she thought he'd kill her. So, she said she fought back.

CF: He's on the floor in my bedroom and I shot him.

Dispatcher: You shot him?

CF: Um-Hm. I had to. He was killing me.

Dispatcher: Ok.

CF: No, this is self defense!.

Cynthia said she shot her husband dead in their bedroom with a gun they kept for protection.

"She was beaten bad," says Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. "He was capable to continue, and I don't feel she had any other choice."

Sheriff Foster says Cynthia has injuries to her head, arms and back. He also says charges against her are unlikely.

Cynthia is in her late 50s. Her husband was in his 60s. Investigators say the couple was married 40 years and had four daughters. But reports show Friday night wasn't the first time Cynthia called 911 from their home.

Officers arrested Dennis Franklin in 1999 for making a threat against Cynthia. Records show Cynthia did not want to press charges, telling investigators she was "stuck" because she relied on her husband's insurance for medicine she needed for her heart.

Dennis Franklin went to an anger class, and charges were dismissed.

Fast forward to Friday, when Cynthia thought she was so hurt, she might die.

.CF:If I don't make it would you please tell my girls - I have 4 girls - I'm doing what I can. But will you tell them that I love them and I'm sorry this happened. I didn't know he was going to do this and he was set on killing me tonight..

She's now out of the hospital, recovering with her girls away from the place that was both her home and house filled with fear.

Prosecutors: Woman Killed Her Husband in Self-Defense

Prosecutors have decided that a fatal domestic shooting in Newberry County last month was done in self-defense.

Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace determined that the female victim in the case, 59-year-old Cynthia Franklin, took appropriate actions to save her life, and that no charges will be filed in the case.

Deputies say Cynthia Franklin shot to death her husband, 63-year-old Dennis Franklin, back on January 26. Officers say the two got into a domestic dispute.

Investigators say they found the woman suffering significant wounds to her head, face, and upper body. They say there were obvious signs of a violent struggle in the home and that Cynthia was struck multiple times with a large stick.

Cynthia also told authorities she was trying to get away and made it to the bedroom where the pistol was kept, then shot her husband as he tried to attack her.

"This was a tragic situation," said Sheriff Foster in a written release. "While we certainly agree with the decision not to prosecute Mrs. Franklin, she and her family are left to deal with the devastating effects of this incident."

Labels: domestic abuse, SC

Store Owner, Customer, Fight Back in Store Shootout

Marlboro county authorities are investigating a shootout at a Blenheim convenience store.

It happened shortly after eleven Tuesday night at McArthur's Trax on North Main Street.

The store's owner and customer didn't let the robber leave without a fight.

In 21 years of business Billy McArthur never had to use the gun he keeps in his store.

That was, until Tuesday night.

"We were all in there and then all of a sudden someone busted in the door, with a gun in his hand and was talking about give me your money," said McArthur.

Mcarthur says there were at least five people in the store at the time- a crowd the robber, probably didn't see coming.

McArthur says the suspect walked into the store, up to the counter and demanded money, that's when a customer approached the suspect, the suspect then turned around, and he shot the man.

The customer's son then grabbed a nearby can of beans and threw it at the robber, which gave McArthur time to grab his gun, and fire a round at the suspect.

The bullet missed the man, but McArthur says the message was clear.

"If I got a chance to shoot them, I'm gonna shoot them...that's just all there is to it," said McArthur.

Now the suspect's on the loose, the customer's in the hospital and McArthur's fielding questions from just about everyone in town.

Billy McArthur says after all these years, he didn't expect a robbery.

Now he says anyone else who plans on harming him or his business should expect, a fight.

Investigators are still looking for the suspect in this case.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Woman shoots carjacker in Two Notch Wal-Mart parking lot

A man and woman who were shopping at the Wal-Mart on Two Notch Road say a would-be carjacker was not only unsuccessful on Saturday - he is now suffering from a gunshot wound.

Harold Jeffcoat, 29, is the suspect. The victims say the man who tried to rob them came towards them as they were getting into their car and said, "Man, you know what time it is? Give me the keys!" Then they say Jeffcoat pushed his pistol into the man's stomach.

That's when the woman acted. She opened the passenger door and got her pistol from the glove box. She says she fired about five shots at the suspect, who ran away.

Officials say they found Jeffcoat at the Providence NE emergency room. He was there for a gunshot wound to the buttocks.

Jeffcoat is currently at the detention center on a $200,000 bond in this case, and is expected to face additional charges.

Labels: carjacking, SC

Murder Charges Against Rock Hill Man Dropped; Shooting Deemed Self Defense

A man won’t be tried on murder charges after he shot and killed a young father late Tuesday night, according to the Rock Hill Solicitor’s Office.

Family members say 21-year-old Lionel Chiles went to confront Rick Hall outside a house on Calhoun Street, and then attacked him. Hall fired a shot, hitting Chiles in the neck.

Chiles’ 2-year-old son, who was sitting in a car nearby, witnessed the shooting.

“This is something that this child is going to have to live with, because regardless of age, they do remember,” said Chiles’ mother, Alberta Barnette.

Hall’s father says his son was only defending himself.

“He’s innocent. It was self defense,” he said. “It was self defense; he was just protecting himself.”

The solicitor’s office agreed on Wednesday afternoon, and police dropped murder charges against Hall.

Officers say Chiles was unarmed, but because the attack happened on Hall’s property, he was allowed to defend himself.

Despite the violence, friends like Ashley Best remember Chiles as a man who was kind and cared for his young son. Best says Chiles’ life ended for no reason.

"He was just 21 years old. He was just starting his life, and he didn't deserve it,” she said.

A law recently passed in South Carolina now makes it easier to prove self defense when it involves the defendant’s property.

Labels: assault, SC

Summerville man dies after being shot

A Summerville man died Sunday morning in Richland County after being shot, according to Richland County sheriff’s reports.

Roderick J. Gadsden of Summerville bled to death from a gunshot wound, said Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.

About 3 a.m. Sunday, Gadsden broke down the front door at a home on Rocky Mount Road where his former girlfriend, Fareeda Sims, and her current boyfriend, Jason L. Washington, were asleep, said Lt. Chris Cowan, Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

Washington, of Columbia, woke up and argued with Gadsden, Cowan said. Washington then took out a handgun and fired several shots, striking Gadsden, who died inside the house, Cowan said.

No charges have been filed, but Cowan said the case is under investigation.

In May, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department charged Gadsden with criminal domestic violence in an incident involving Sims, Cowan said.

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC

Lynchburg man who shot father found not guilty

A Lee County man accused of shooting his father has been found not guilty.

It happened back in July at Mister C's in Lynchburg.

Authorities say Charles Nelson, Sr. and Charles Nelson, Jr. got into a physical fight, when the son shot his dad.

Both men were taken to the hospital.

The defense argued that Nelson, Jr. shot his dad in self-defense.

Labels: domestic dispute, SC

McCullough found not guilty

A not guilty verdict was handed down in the April McCullough trial.

She shot and killed her boyfriend in Anderson County almost two years ago. A jury decided, it wasn't murder, it was a case of self-defense.

After hearing the verdict, April McCullough was relieved.

Prosecutors contended in court McCullough murdered Scotty Fowler at her mother's house in February of 2005, but McCullough's attorney told the jury fowler was angry about a pending break-up, and forced his way through the door. That's when McCullough, afraid for her life, shot him in a back bedroom.

McCullough herself was emotionally drained, and didn't say very much, but her attorney, Druanne White, spoke for her.

We received a statement from the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, saying they respect the jury's verdict, but also saying this was not a clear-cut case of self-defense based on the amount of time the jury deliberated.

Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC

Man ambushed burglars, shot one

A Georgetown County man interrupted two burglars at his daughter's Andrews home, shot one of the men inside the home and held the other at gunpoint until police arrived, the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office said.

The men, Ronald Chandler, 34, and Mark Kelvin Jayroe, 45, both of Andrews, are being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center on charges of first-degree burglary, according to a news release. Chandler was shot in the chest and was treated and released from Georgetown Memorial Hospital.

The charges against the men stem from an incident just before 8 p.m. Thursday in the 500 block of Persimmon Avenue in Andrews, the release said. When deputies arrived they found Donald Stewart holding Jayroe at gunpoint in the front yard.

After they took Jayroe into custody, Stewart said he shot another suspect, who ran away.

The incident began when Stewart's daughter left him at her home at 3:30 p.m. because someone had burglarized it twice before during the week, the release said. Stewart told police he felt the burglars would be back so he hid under a blanket in the home and waited.

Stewart said two men came to the house and began taking a dresser from the home when he surprised them inside the house, the release said.

The men dropped the dresser and Stewart shot one in the chest before they ran from the home, the release said.

One of the men came back to the house to get the truck the men had left parked there and Stewart confronted him and held him on the ground until deputies arrived, the release said.

Labels: residence burglary, SC

Labels: defender shot, home invasion, SC, street property theft

Robbery leaves 1 dead, another wounded

A shooting in Myrtle Beach killed one man and sent another to the hospital, a Myrtle Beach Police incident report shows.

John Graham Jr., 19, of Myrtle Beach died after the shooting Monday on the sidewalk in front of 1304 Dunbar St., said Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard. An autopsy was performed Monday, but the results have not been released, Willard said.

Myrtle Beach police responded to the report of a robbery and shooting at 1 a.m.

A Myrtle Beach man at the scene told police that two men had robbed him and that one of the men then shot him in the left thigh and left big toe with a handgun, the report states.

The victim told police he then pulled out his handgun and shot one of the men, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, according to the report.

Labels: defender shot, SC, street robbery

Home Invasion Suspect Shot by Homeowner

Deputies say a man tried to break-in to a Columbia home, when he was shot by the homeowner.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department says 49-year-old Lloyd Graham tried to break into the home on New Way Road in Columbia around 12:30 Monday morning.

Investigators say the homeowner responded to the break-in by shooting the perpetrator.

Police say Graham was shot in the leg and was treated at Palmetto Richland. He is expected to be okay.

Authorities say Graham will be charged when he is released from the hospital.

Labels: home invasion, SC

LYMAN, S.C. -- A Lyman homeowner shot and killed two people he said were breaking into his house early Wednesday morning, investigators said.The shooting happened on Lawrence street at about 2:45 a.m.According to Spartanburg County Dispatchers, a man called to report that three people were trying to break into his home and that he had shot them.

At least one of the intruders was dead, the man said.When investigators arrived at the home, the man said that he had heard intruders and fired his shotgun when they opened his bedroom door.The coroner was called to the home at about 3 a.m. One of the people who was shot was found dead and the other was taken to Spartanburg Regional Hospital, where he died.Mike Shaw with Spartanburg County Coroner's office said that Marshall LeShawn Anderson, 28, and Travis Earl Anderson, 22, were killed.A third intruder was not shot and was arrested, investigators said.

Labels: intruder, SC

Homeowner shoots, kills intruder

An apparent home invasion ended in gunfire, and one of the accused burglars shot dead.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department says two men forced their way into a home on Ferrell Rd., off Two Notch Road near Fontaine, and began shooting.

The homeowner returned fire, shooting and killing one of the suspects. The other suspect fled.

It's believed this was a robbery attempt.

Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the suspects or the homeowner.

Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC

Store Owner Fires Gun for Her Safety

Another dangerous encounter for the owners of a Hardeeville package store resulted in a gunshot Friday.

It’s the second time in just over a month they had to fire. On June 19th, Greene’s Package Shop worker Herb Tolar was robbed at gunpoint and then fired at the man as he ran away. Back then, Tolar told WSAV, “I thought he was going to kill me. So I was going to kill him. I pursued him outside and I shot to kill. If I see him again, I will blow him away.”

And now, the same store, which is on Highway 17 in Hardeeville was the site of another shooting. This time, it was the wife who fired.

“They knew I meant business,” Florence Tolar said, as she remembered the Friday morning encounter.

Her size and sweet demeanor don’t keep her from standing her ground.

“I kept my position just in case those boys came out. I had every opportunity to shoot them,” she said.

She chose to fire her gun at the floor as she was confronted by four young men who were fleeing from police Friday. It’s a choice she says could have easily turned fatal.

"I had to make the decision,” she said. “And I'll tell you- if those boys would have been a little bit taller, a little bit bigger, I would have shot them. And I would have killed them."

“My wife really surprised me, “ Herb Tolar said. “I’m really proud of her that she did what she did.”

(More)

Labels: business robbery, SC

12 Year Old Points Gun at Burglars; Group Takes Off

An accused group of thugs-- thwarted by a 12-year old with a gun. It happened in Greenville when police say five masked men stormed into a house and started beating up the child's father.

FOX Carolina's Jamie Guirola reports, Try and picture it. A 12 year old walks into the living room, sees his mother frantically protecting the baby, and several strangers attacking his father. The 12 year old rushes out of the living room-- but comes back pointing a gun at the five suspects. As of Monday night-- all but one are in jail.

These are the alleged home invaders without their masks. The youngest barely seventeen, the oldest just 20. George Dickert didn't have time to think about their ages when he tells us they broke into his home and tried to rob his family.

George Dickert/Victim: "F*$# you! That's what I was thinking."

Sunday night, George says, one of the suspects in the group followed him into his house after he smoked a cigarette. He tells us the man pulled out a gun, threatening him. When George reached for a different gun in self-defense a fight broke out.

George: "I work five days a week and my wife works six days a week. We're an honest couple. We do what we have to do to make a living and some idiot decided he wanted what I had."

When the struggle started, police say, two other men came into the house and started beating on George. That's when George's 12 year old made the move credited with scaring the accused thugs out of the house-- and stopping the burglary-- without even firing the gun.'

George: "He did what he had to do to protect his family last night. And a 12 year old child should never have to go through that. Even if he does know what to do, he should not have to do that."

Police later found these four near George's home sweating and breathing heavily. Something George hopes they'll do again if they're convicted and sentenced to the max.

George: "...And I will press and push and do whatever it takes to make sure every individual in it gets it."

Police aren't releasing details about the fifth person they're looking for. George says he has five guns in the house. His taught his son how to use each of them.

Labels: assault, home invasion, minor defender, residence robbery, SC

Conway man killed in shooting

A 25-year-old Conway man died during a home invasion early Saturday morning, police said.

Johnny W. Collier was pronounced dead following a shooting about 1:45 a.m. Saturday on Dunn Short Cut Road in Conway, according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Dan Bellamy.

Sgt. Bob Carr, public information officer for Horry County Police, said the case is still under investigation.

"Apparently there was a home invasion and the suspect [Collier] was killed at the scene," Carr said.

"He went in there and threatened people in the house and the altercation occurred after that," Carr said. "The guy was in the father's house and then fled to the son's house. ... The man had a gun on his son. There were a number of shots fired, and we cannot be sure who shot what shots at this time."

Carr said the father and son both fired shots. One of them was shot by the suspect, treated and released from Conway Regional Medical Center.

The names of the father and son were not released.

Labels: altercation, home invasion, SC

Caught on Tape: Store Owner Shoots at Robbers

Mary Todd is the first to tell you - she takes safety into her own hands.

"I don't keep a gun on me, but there's one always with hand's reach," she says, nodding towards a silver pistol.

Just a week and a half ago, the owner of Todd's Food Store in Beech Island was forced to put it to use. On the afternoon of June 16th, three masked gunmen walked into the store, while a fourth waited in the car.

"They started grabbing customers, putting them on the ground, sticking guns to their heads and so forth," says Investigator Chuck Cain with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

Investigator Cain says the crooks would have succeeded if it weren't for Mary. As one of the men tried to kick in her office door, she fought back.

"I shot my gun through my little office window," she says.

Adds Cain, "Right then the boys were like, 'We're getting shot at, we're outta here.'"

In the end, the only thing the men got was out without getting shot. Now, investigators hope one of them slips up and talks about it.

"There were four suspects involved in this," says Investigator Cain. "There is absolutely no way these four are gonna keep their mouths shut."

Cain believes the four have ties to Aiken and Augusta.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Store heist erupts into shootout

A Hardeeville liquor store manager decided he'd have his own shot -- or two -- at exacting justice on the man who robbed his store at gunpoint Monday morning.

After the robber took about $1,500 to $2,000 in cash from the counter of Greene's Package Shop, manager Herbert Tolar snubbed the man's demand that he stay in the store for 10 minutes, instead chasing the robber out with his .38-caliber revolver in hand.

"He threatened my life, and I was going to kill the (SOB)," Tolar said Monday afternoon.

Tolar said he shot at the robber twice as he ran away, and the robber shot back. No one was hit.

He said the man came in the store on U.S. 17 at 10:19 a.m. and asked about some whisky behind the counter, but by the time Tolar turned around, there was an automatic handgun in his face. Tolar told police he had cash on the counter because he had just opened the store.

The robber ran from the store along U.S. 17 North, and though a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office dog team was called in, his scent couldn't be picked up, police said.

The robber is described as a black male, 25 to 35 years old, 5-feet-8 inches to 5-feet-10 inches tall and weighing 160 to 170 pounds, according to Hardeeville police.

Labels: business robbery, SC

Man says he fired shots in self-defense

Police are investigating an incident in which a Blacksburg resident told police he fired shots at a man to scare him off.

According to a report on file at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Henry Edward Stansel, 32, of 405 Upper Deal St., said Terry Ray Hall, 28, of 524 Misty Lane, Gaffney, came to Stansel's home and began beating on the side of his house and also broke out a window.

Police said Stansel told them he protected himself by firing shots at Hall to scare him away. Hall was struck once in the abdomen.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Leigh Caldwell said Hall is in stable condition in intensive care at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Sheriff's Deputy Detective Tim Clark is investigating.

Labels: home invasion, SC

Farrow Rd. shooting injures suspect

Richland County deputies are searching for two robbers. They believe one of the teens should be easy to spot. He's got a gun shot to the leg.

How did the suspect end up shot? Jerome McFadden, a father and store owner, is also now a hero, "You got to do what you got to do, and because of my son I put my life on the line here today."

Deputies say two teenagers held up Jerome's Fresh Meat and Produce Market on Farrow Road in Columbia. The owner wasn't there alone, his 12-year-old son was working with him.

Mcfadden says, "They told me if we called the police they would shoot all of us come back and kill us."

Defending his store, but more importantly, his son, McFadden fired two shots, hitting one robber in the leg. "I said you can do what you want, just don't hurt my son. They didn't hurt us. They took everything in the store except nickles [sic] and pennies."

McFadden says the teenagers robbed him of Newport cigarettes and about $700.

Richland County Sheriff's Department Lt. Chris Cowan says, "This is completely inexcusable crime - horrible. A man has been victimized, his son victimized and a community victimized as well."

This isn't the first time McFadden's been robbed. It happened two years ago, but it is the first time he's fought back.

McFadden says what's worse, the latest thieves may have robbed his son of a career in dad's footsteps. "He's shook up a little bit, and said, 'Dad I'm not coming back to work here tomorrow.' I couldn't force him."

McFadden says he may not open Wednesday, but the doors won't be shut for good, "This is part of his life. This is me. This is what I love doing."

Labels: business robbery, SC

2 gunned down in botched robbery

Police: Muggers, victims trade shots

Two men were killed early Monday in a gunfight sparked by an armed robbery attempt near the intersection of Cassandra Lane and 22nd Avenue South, Myrtle Beach police said.

The incident occurred within about 10 blocks of a robbery and shooting that took place in the 1300 block of Kings Highway a day ear