11/4/09
Leon County, Texas
From October 26, 2009 Austin channel 8:
Law enforcement officials suspect a home invasion in Leon County is connected to a serial rapist who has been terrorizing elderly women in rural areas of Texas for months.
On Saturday, police say a man broke into the home of an 81-year-old woman.
The woman had a handgun and managed to fire several shots, scaring the man away.
The burglar got away with some cash and other items, but the woman was not hurt.
Investigators believe this incident may be connected to a series of sexual assaults on elderly women across four Central Texas counties, including Bell County.
At least seven women have been attacked since January.
All are over 60, widows and live alone in rural areas.
10/24/09
Columbus, Ohio
From the Columbus Dispatch of October 22, 2009
Great-grandmother who shot robber says 'God was with me'
When an armed robber barged into a North Side motel room Wednesday night and ordered the six people there to the floor, he put a 70-year-old woman closer to her handgun.
The great-grandmother knelt between the beds, reached into her purse on the floor and pulled out her .357 Magnum pistol.
She fired one shot at the robber, who staggered from the room, collapsed in the parking lot and died.
"It's a wonder she didn't shoot us all," said her 51-year-old son, who was preparing to hand over his cash when he heard the gunshot. "She's the worst shot in the world.
"She said to me, 'God was with me tonight. You know I couldn't have done that myself.'"
None of the family members, who live in Ironton, wanted to be identified, fearing retaliation; and the woman didn't want to be interviewed. They have moved to a different room in the motel.
"She's torn all to pieces," her son said. "Who would ever want to shoot someone?"
Wayne Winston, 25, died of a single gunshot wound in the chest, Franklin County Coroner Jan Gorniak said yesterday. Police listed his address as "streets of Columbus."
The woman has a permit to carry a concealed gun, her son said, and carries the gun she inherited from her late husband.
Asked to describe his mother, he said, "Religious. She's always been my hero."
The family was staying in a first-floor room at the Continent Inn, near I-71 and Rt. 161, while attending the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. The son said he was in the room with his mother, his wife, his daughter and son-in-law and a family friend.
The door was partially open so the adults could stay within earshot of two girls, ages 12 and 17, in the room next door.
The son said the door flew open shortly after 9 p.m. and they found themselves confronted by a man who pointed a black handgun at them and said, "Everybody here knows what the game is." He told them to get on the floor and began demanding money from the son and his son-in-law, who were closest to the door. The gunman seemed angry that the son-in-law had only $14.
"I was going into my pocket for money" when a shot rang out and the gunman ran from the room, the son said. "I thought I was shot. I didn't realize my mother had shot him. It was mass chaos."
He still wasn't sure what had happened when he went outside and saw the intruder's body in the parking lot. Then he heard a second shot. His mother, the gun at her side, had tensed up and "squeezed off another shot into the floor," he said.
Columbus police don't expect to file charges against the woman but said the case probably will be presented to a Franklin County grand jury as a routine procedure. The son said the officers who met with his family were "extremely supportive."
He has a horse farm and is attending the Quarter Horse Congress to watch his 21-year-old daughter compete and to support others who train at his farm.
Word of the shooting spread quickly yesterday among those attending the event, which is in its third and final week at the Ohio Expo Center.
"That's a hell of a woman," said George Wyeth, 63, of Claysville, Pa. "I don't blame her a bit. You pull a gun on someone, you ought to get shot."
"I give her a lot of credit," said Beverly Hicks, 77, of Perrysburg in northwestern Ohio, who doesn't know many people her age who carry guns. "I'd be afraid to carry a gun."
Police Sgt. Ken Tischler, a community liaison officer, said armed robberies of motel guests near the Continent are rare, but he had warned people attending the Congress about a rash of vehicle break-ins at motels in the I-71 and Rt. 161 area - 102 thefts from autos between mid-August and late September.
Labels: concealed carry permit, female, OH, senior
10/21/09
Hawkins, Texas
From KLTV of October 19, 2009
Homeowner's one shot lands would-be burglar in ER
It took one shot for an East Texas senior to put an end to a would-be robber's crime spree. The story began around 2am Monday morning at Southside Bank in Hawkins. The branch is located inside Brookshire's, right off Highway 14. That is where police say 19-year-old David McWhorter was spotted, first. We spoke to the homeowner whose one shot landed the alleged burglar in the ER.
"Just...put the gun up to the window, and he was standing there and I pulled the trigger," said the 78-year-old homeowner.
One shot through the window was all it took. Our homeowner didn't mind an on camera interview, but asked his name not be released. He suffers from a hip injury and was sitting in his chair when the suspect broke into his screened porch. He says it is not the first time he has been broken into. Every window is now nailed shut and a baggie full of ammo for his 4-10 single-shot shotgun is always nearby.
"Everything I worked hard for all my life...no one's just going to come in here and take it if I can help it," said the homeowner.
"If you can't retreat, you have every right in the world to protect yourself," said Hawkins Police Lieutenant A.J. Randell.
Randell says while police worked the call at Brookshire's, another call came in about the break-in about a block away. Police say the suspect was found across the street, inside his brother's car with a gun shot wound to the left shoulder.
"He came in, woke him up and said, 'I'd been shot! Take me to the hospital,'" said Randell.
"I'm sorry that it happened, but he shouldn't be trying to break in and trying to steal other people's property," said the 78-year-old. "Protect what's mine, you know?"
And, after 23 years of retired life, our homeowner doesn't plan on moving anytime soon.
Labels: senior, trespassing, TX
10/16/09
Greensboro, North Carolina
From DigiTriad.com of October 14, 2009
911 Calls Reveal Details Of Break-In Suspect Shot By Homeowner
Greensboro police say an 80-year-old man is not facing charges after he shot and killed a break-in suspect early Wednesday morning.
Charles Haithcock called 911 immediately following the shooting of 19-year-old Michael L. Medley who he says broke into his home.
Haithcock: "A man broke in on me and pulled a gun. i shot him and he's laying out in the yard."
911 Operator: "Is he breathing?"
Haithcock: "I don't know. he broke in the window. He pulled the air conditioning out in the living room. And I heard something and he come back to the bedroom. I was in the bed. And I opened the door and he had pulled, what looked like a shotgun, he was pointing it at me."
Police responded to the home on Walnut Street Wednesday morning, which is near Summit Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found Medley, Jr. dead from a gunshot wound.
"The guy ran into the back room, locked his door and shot through the bedroom door and killed him," said Haithcock's neighbor, who did not want to be identified.
At this time, Haithcock is not facing criminal charges. However, police say the shooting incident remains under investigation.
WFMY News 2 has learned that Medley has a criminal record, which includes a conviction for Common Law Robbery.
The apartment where the 80-year-old lives is located near the Greensboro Police Department's Eastern Division precinct.
"The police department is sitting right here, and they still kicked in this door and stole a car from in front of the house," said Haithcock's neighbor. "I would think this was the safest place to be."
Stay with digtriad.com and WFMY News 2 for more updates.
Labels: home invasion, NC, senior
10/13/09
Brewton, Alabama
From the Press-Register of October 12, 2009
81-year-old man shoots Escambia County home invader to death
An 81-year-old man shot and killed a masked gunman during a home invasion early this morning at a residence north of Brewton, Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said.
The sheriff said the robber had been released from a Nebraska jail just two days before he was killed.
Smith declined to identify the homeowner, but said the man and his wife were in bed in their home along U.S. 31 north of town about 3 a.m. when the intruder kicked in the door to the home and entered their bedroom, demanding money.
Smith said the homeowner managed to retrieve a pistol from the bedside table and pointed it at the robber, who told the homeowner to drop the weapon.
Instead, Smith said, the homeowner fired the gun, striking the intruder in the forehead, killing him instantly.
Smith identified the intruder as Jeremy Paul McCall, believed to be 35 years old. Smith said McCall had a prior record, and had been released from a Nebraska jail about 48 hours before he was killed.
Smith said McCall's body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile for autopsy.
The shooting will be presented to the grand jury, Smith said, but the sheriff said he doubted the homeowner would face any charges.
"The man was in his home, in bed with his wife, and he acted in self-defense," Smith said. "And as far as the wife, she had armed herself with a shotgun by the time I got there."
Labels: AL, home invasion, senior
10/3/09
Glendale, Oregon
From KTVZ of September 28, 2009
Oregon man, 93, pointed gun before he was shot
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says the shooting death of a 93-year-old man in southwest Oregon appears to have been in self-defense.
Spokeswoman Andrea Zielinski said detectives learned Clarence Hartley had been pointing a gun before he was shot by 75-year-old Clement Dewart on Friday. She says Hartley was a relative of the Dewart family and lived on their property in Glendale.
Zielinski says the investigation remains active. When it's finished, the results will be forwarded to a grand jury for a review of any possible criminal charges.
Labels: altercation, OR, senior
9/21/09
Knoxville, Tennessee
From WBIR of September 18, 2009
Burglary/assault suspect shot by victim's mother
A burglary suspect is recovering from a gunshot wound near his groin--a wound 75-year-old Ruth Robbins gave him after he fought with her son and then got in a scuffle with her.
Jesse Williams, 28, sits in the Morgan County jail, charged with burglary, aggravated assault, and simple assault, as he nurses a gunshot wound to his leg. He was taken there after being treated and released at UT Medical Center.
According to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Williams broke into David Brandenburg's Petros home Thursday night. Brandenburg, 43, and Williams fought, eventually making their way out into the yard.
Ruth Robbins came over from her home next door and tried to intervene to help Brandenburg, who is her son. At that point, authorities say Williams turned his attack on her--so she shot him.
The shooting happened at 9:03 Thursday night.
Brandenburg was injured in the fight but declined treatment. No charges have been filed against Robbins.
Labels: assault, female, senior, TN
Dayton, Ohio
From the Dayton Daily News of September 19, 2009
Elderly victim shoots would-be robber, 24, police say
A 24-year-old man who allegedly got out of his car and tried to rob an elderly man at gunpoint was shot by the would-be victim, who was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and fired to defend himself, police said.
The younger man was shot twice on Saturday, Sept. 19, and was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was under guard, Dayton police Sgt. Damon Castor said. The gunshot injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Castor said.
“Apparently he was trying to rob the older gentleman of something,” Castor said of the younger man. “He picked on the wrong person.”
The would-be victim, in his 70s, was not injured, Castor said. The confrontation took place at West Third Street and Brooklyn Avenue in west Dayton, police said.
It was not clear whether the alleged attacker was trying to steal the older man’s car or money, Castor said.
No charges had been filed Saturday. Police are investigating.
Labels: concealed carry permit, OH, senior, street robbery
9/20/09
Lake Worth, Florida
From the CBS 12 of September 17, 2009
Naked 91-year-old holds burglar at gunpoint
This next homeowner is a force to be reckoned with. He's 91, he was buck naked, but he and his dog decided to go after a would be burglar. He held the man at gunpoint until police arrived. Deputies say they found the would be burglar on the back porch by the pool drunk and trembling, probably not how he thought it would all go down. He got more than he bargained for when he decided to mess with this elderly man and his trusty rottweiler mix. 91-year-old Robert Thompson and his 5-year-old dog Rett tag-teamed a thug trying to break into their Lake Worth home Friday night.
Thompson said, "I think the guy was scared to death, he was screaming."
Thompson jumped out of bed, totally naked he went to go check things out with Rett by his side.
He said, "I started to let him out the door and he was so anxious he got caught in the door."
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office 26-year-old Jose Pascual was the man on the porch. Rett pinned Pascual, but this purple heart World War Two Veteran wanted back-up.
Thompson said, "I went in and got my cell phone and dialed 911 and got my gun."
Thompson says Pascual was coming toward him so he fired a shot. Authorities say he held the drunk intruder at gunpoint until deputies arrived, but he's giving his best bud Rett all the credit for the happy ending.
He said, "He's the hero."
Pascual was arrested, Thompson was taken to the hospital. One of the shots he fired ricocheted giving him a minor battle wound. He hopes the bad guys learned a lesson about messing the boys at 504 North C Street.
"If anyone violates my home they better be careful, that's all I got to say," said Thompson.
Thompson tells us that he has been living alone since his wife passed away 10 years ago, and that having Rett around makes life easier. The suspect in this case is facing burglary charges
Labels: FL, home invasion, intoxication, senior
9/16/09
Lewes, Delaware
From the Delaware Online of September 11, 2009
Intruders shot, cut by 74-year-old man, police say
State police say a 74-year-old man shot one intruder and cut another at his home west of Lewes. The intruders fled but were later arrested by police.
The incident happened about 6:20 p.m. Thursday in the 19000 block of Bee Jay Lane, off Beaver Dam Road.
Sgt. Walter Newton said the homeowner arrived back at the house and found an empty SUV in his driveway and a side door that had been locked was open. He then found the front door had been kicked in.
Two men -- later identified by police as Paul L. Spencer, 43, and Gregory B. Stewart, 49, both of Lincoln -- approached the homeowner at the side door and said they were “looking to purchase a dump truck,” Newton said.
The homeowner told them to leave, but they continued toward him. Spencer crossed the threshold and grabbed a landscaping tool and threatened the homeowner, Newton said. The homeowner took a machete from next to the door and swung it at Spencer, striking him several times in his right forearm and hand.
“Both suspects continued toward the homeowner, which caused him to fire two .25 caliber rounds from a handgun. One of the bullets struck Stewart in his abdomen,” Newton said.
Both Lincoln men then fled, but Stewart was arrested at Milford Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment of a gunshot wound, Newton said.
Police later located Spencer at his home and charged him with burglary, conspiracy, menacing and criminal mischief. He was treated for cuts to his right arm and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution. Bail information was not immediately available.
Warrants were on file charging Stewart with the same offenses, Newton said. He was reported in stable condition at the hospital.
The homeowner was not injured.
9/4/09
Chiloquin, Oregon
From KTVZ of September 4, 2009
Chiloquin man shoots intruder
Authorities say a Chiloquin man shot and wounded a neighbor who tried to enter his house.
Sheriff Tim Evinger of Klamath County says 24-year-old Calvin Lee Brown used a pair of 18-inch wooden handles to break Monte Rompal's bedroom window, prompting the 77-year-old man to fire a shot.
Evinger says deputies later found Brown at a nearby house - asleep and drunk with a bullet wound to his left upper arm.
Chiloquin Ambulance took Brown to Sky Lakes Medical Center, where he was in stable condition Thursday.
Evinger says Brown will likely be charged with attempted burglary and criminal mischief.
District Attorney Ed Caleb says it's unlikely Rompal will face charges.
Labels: intoxication, OR, senior, trespassing
9/3/09
Bedford Township, Michigan
From the Battle Creek Enquirer of August 22, 2009
Woman: Shooting man was self-defense
A 70-year-old Bedford Township woman said Friday she had no choice but to shoot a man coming at her with a shovel.
"I didn't want to hurt him but I didn't want him to hurt me," Virginia Hawes said in an interview at her home in Bedford Hills Mobile Village. "I didn't want to kill him. I just wanted to stop him. If he would have stopped, no one would have gotten hurt."
Battle Creek police said Hawes shot Nicholas Beltz, 24, in the leg in her yard about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
"He kept coming at me. I pointed the gun at his head, but I didn't want to shoot him in the head. I wimped out," she said.
Hawes said Beltz threatened her after she called police because his girlfriend, Emily Bannister, 18, said she was being assaulted.
Hawes said Bannister came to sit on her porch until police came. When Beltz began walking toward them, Hawes said she warned him to stay off her property.
"She was sitting on the porch and she got up but I told her to stay," Hawes said. "He said he just wanted to talk to her and he wanted to tell her he loved her and he kept coming. I thought he was going to hurt her."
Hawes' grandson, Bryan Hawes, 23, was outside with his grandmother and picked up a shovel, held it out horizontally in an attempt to block Beltz. But Beltz pushed Bryan Hawes aside and took the shovel.
Virginia Hawes said that is when she went inside her home, put five bullets in her .38-caliber revolver and walked back outside, holding the gun to her side.
She bought the handgun in March as protection from a former family member, registered it and had taken classes and practiced at South Side Sportsman Club in Battle Creek.
"I told him to get back and he kept walking toward me. I put the gun up and told him to get back or I will shoot. He called me an old bitch and he kept coming at me and holding the shovel."
Hawes said he told Beltz a half-dozen times to stop and leave her property.
When they were about four feet apart, she said he dropped the shovel but continued forward.
"He said, 'Shoot me in the head old bitch and I will take the gun away from you,' and I thought, 'If I shoot him in the head, how can he take the gun away?'"
Hawes said she believed that Beltz had been drinking and taking drugs and she decided she had to shoot.
She pointed the gun at his foot and pulled the trigger but said he stepped into the bullet and it hit him above the right knee.
"I figured I had to stop him. He was too drunk or high to understand," she said. "He went down like a tree."
After the shooting, Hawes went back inside the trailer, put the gun away and told her grandson to call police. When officers arrived, Beltz was on the ground moaning and she was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car after officers went inside to retrieve the gun.
Hawes, her grandson and witnesses were taken to the police station and questioned and she was released.
"I was prepared to spend a night in jail, but I didn't want to."
She doesn't regret the shooting.
"He was on our property and we were in danger. I didn't want to shoot in the air. I probably could have reached out and conked him with the gun.
"I have nothing to say to him. I really don't want to see him anymore."
Detective Sgt. Carter Bright of the Battle Creek Police Department said a report about the shooting will be sent to the prosecutor's office "but it appears to be self defense."
Bright said warrants have been issued charging domestic violence against Beltz and his girlfriend and assault and battery against Beltz, with Bryan Hawes as the victim.
Beltz's mother, Denise, said Friday afternoon her son remains in the hospital with significant pain.
"I am very upset by this. It was wrong that she had a gun and shot him. Nick is very upset and doesn't know why she did it."
Denise Beltz insisted her son would not hurt anyone and that her understanding was that he had turned to walk away when he was shot in the back of the leg; Bright said that theory does not appear to be true.
"It doesn't give her a right to have a gun when Nick didn't have a gun," Denise Beltz said.
Labels: assault, female, MI, senior
9/2/09
Charlotte, North Carolina
From WRAL of August 26, 2009
NC man, 76, shoots youth, 15, after home invasion
Police are unraveling a home invasion and burglary that began at an elderly couple's home and ended with a 15-year-old suspect shot to death on a nearby street.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said robbery and homicide investigative units are working to sort out the Saturday incident that began when four young men pushed into the upscale brick home that C.L. McClure, 76, shares with his wife in northeast Charlotte's Newell community.
"I'm not in any condition to talk" about the incident, McClure, a retired building fireproofer, told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday.
Police said four teens entered McClure's home Saturday. McClure was bound with duct tape and his wife held at gunpoint. The robbers left with some jewelry and a wallet.
McClure's son, Larry, who lives next door, said his father broke free and after checking that his wife was OK guessed at the robbers' route out of his neighborhood. C.L. McClure grabbed a pistol, got into his dark green van and pursued the crooks, Larry McClure said.
"He thought they might have been driving, and he wanted to get a tag number," Larry McClure said.
Larry McClure said his father told him he was in his van when he saw one of the suspected robbers and thought he was armed. C.L. McClure fired his pistol when the teen turned toward him, his son said.
Marcus Fluker, 15, died later at Carolinas Medical Center. Police said they didn't recover a gun from near his body.
Officers took C.L. McClure to headquarters for questioning but released him without charges.
Police charged the other three teens with robbery and burglary. Police identified them as Joseph Graves, 17, Matthew Everett Morgan, 17, and Tahjaue Wiley, 18.
Police said they want to prevent any possible retribution against McClure and have assigned an officer to keep an eye on the residence.
"I think there's a concern. They just want to be extra careful. It's extra upsetting to have a 15-year-old shot and killed," said Capt. Mike Smathers, who command's the department's robbery unit. "I don't care who you are; that's terrible. They're just trying to make sure peace is maintained."
Labels: home invasion, minor offender, NC, residence robbery, senior
7/23/09
Houston, Texas
From the Houston Chronicle of July 23, 2009
74-year-old man shoots carjacker in SW Houston
A 74-year-old man shot and wounded a teenager who attempted to carjack him with a knife early this morning in southwest Houston, police said.
The 18-year-old male suspect was wounded in the abdomen and was caught by police after he tried to run away following the shooting. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in fair condition.
No other injuries were reported.
Police have not released the suspect's name because no charges have been filed against him, but investigators said that he will mostly likely be charged with aggravated robbery.
The shooting happened outside a home in the 10900 block of Corona in southwest Houston about 6:30 a.m., police said.
The victim, August Peters, had just parked his car in front of his wife's home when he noticed another car drive past him and park at the curb across the street.
When the victim got out of his car, he told investigators that the teen came up to him and pressed a knife against his throat.
"He said, 'Give me your car or I'll kill you,'" said Victor Senties, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department.
The victim was able to reach inside his car to get a pistol. He fired two shots at the suspect, Senties said.
The suspect ran into the driveway of a home across the street and then somehow got into the home. He broke a window to get out and continued running away. Senties said no one was at the home at the time.
Police found the teen moments later on bridge on Wilcrest near Bellaire about two blocks from where he was shot.
Investigators are uncertain if the teenager got out of the car the victim had seen park on the street. They have no description of the vehicle and no other suspects at this time.
Labels: senior, street robbery, TX
7/22/09
Bristol, Florida
From the July 20, 2009 Tallahassee Democrat:
BRISTOL —Bradley Harvell, 82, closed the Slip N’ Slide bar that is connected to his house on County Road 333 around 8 p.m. Sunday and walked inside his house an hour later. He ate some dinner dropped off by a neighbor and then went to bed.Harvell said a short time later, he heard a knock at the door.
“There were two knocks at my door,” Harvell said. “I didn’t get up when I heard the first one. But I decided to go see who it was on the second knock.”
As Harvell cracked the door open to take a peek outside, a man dressed in a black T-shirt, black jeans with a blue bandanna covering his mouth, forced his way inside.
Harvell said the man, later identified as Octavius Barnes, 24, of Sanford, Fla., shot him with a stun gun, causing Harvell to fall back on his bed. The intruder then pulled out what appeared to be a black pistol and demanded money.
Harvell pulled out his money clip and gave the robber half of the cash. When pressed to give more, Harvell said he turned it all over.
But Harvell then reached for his .357 magnum among a pile of papers on the floor next to his bed and shot Barnes near the stomach. Barnes fell over on the TV, knocking it onto Harvell, who fired another round, striking Barnes in the head.
“I did what I did to try and save myself,” Harvell said Monday afternoon, after spending the night with his sister in Bristol. “I’m 82-years-old. I’ve made it this far, and I want to keep on living.”
The call came in about 9:20 p.m., according to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. When a deputy arrived, with her weapon drawn, Harvell said he told her, “There’s no need for the gun. I don’t think he’s going to get up and do anything else.”
Labels: FL, home invasion, senior
7/15/09
Mableton, Georgia
From WXIA of July 14, 2009
Police Seeking Home Invasion Suspect After Gunfight
A home invasion Tuesday afternoon ended in gunfire in South Cobb County, after a would-be robber tied up two men who lived at a home in Mableton.
Police said that one of the men got free and started shooting at the home invaders. That led to a massive search for the suspect, but the man remained on the run Tuesday night.
At around 1 p.m., a man with a gun broke into a home on Nickajack Road near Fontaine Road and rounded up all the people inside, tying them up.
One of the victims was able to get free, and retrieve his personal gun. He fired at the intruder in the confrontation that ensued, and police said that the suspect may have been shot before getting away on foot.
At some point after police arrived at the home, they received reports of gunshots fired in the area. Police cordoned off the general area near the home, including a section of the Silver Comet Trail -- believing initially it could be the work of the suspect on the loose.
Police said that they checked the wooded area near the home and were unable to find any trace of that suspect.
Investigators said that they do not believe the two incidents are related, which means the manhunt is now over, and the home invasion is still on the loose.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of July 15, 2009
"I had to get my gun" said Mableton man, 83, in shoot-out with home invader
A quick-thinking 83-year-old Mableton man foiled a home invader’s plans when he escaped bondage and shot the bandit.
John Parrish saved the day Tuesday with a pair of scissors and a .22-caliber revolver, police and a grateful son-in-law said.
“John Wayne is what we call him now,” said Danny Carlson, a tennis instructor who owns the home and who was shot in the right calf Tuesday as the octogenarian and the suspect exchanged gunfire.
“I don’t know what that guy would’ve done had he [Parrish] not come up here.”
Tuesday before 1 p.m., an armed man entered the basement of Carlson’s house on Nickajack Road, and encountered Parrish’s wife, Margaret.
Parrish and his wife occupy the basement’s in-law suite.
She’d heard her puppies barking and went to the bathroom to check on them, Carson said.
“As soon as she cracked the door, he grabbed her by the hair, put the gun in her ear and said, ‘If you make a sound, I’ll blow your brains out,’” John Parrish said Wednesday afternoon.
The intruder forced Parrish’s wife to the ground, tied her hands and feet with duct tape, and put a blanket over her head.
Parrish said he went to find his wife, and soon met the same fate – lying face down with his hands taped behind his back.
“He told me, ‘I don’t want to hurt you. I just want your money,’” Parrish said.
He told the invader he didn’t have any.
As the intruder stalked through the house, the retired freight dockworker hustled to free himself, twisting and wriggling his arms first, then crawling to the kitchen to find scissors to cut his legs free.
“I had to get my gun,” Parrish said.
Meanwhile, the intruder found a 10-year-old girl in the first-floor living room waiting to continue her tennis lessons with Carlson.
“He grabbed her and asked if anyone else was in the house,” said Carlson’s son, Chad, who came home from North Carolina on Wednesday after the incident.
The girl led the intruder to Danny Carlson’s office on the second floor of the house.
“I thought it was the little girl coming up to get me,” Carlson said. “But when I looked up, he had his arm around her and the gun pointed at me.”
The invader told the girl to sit down, and he bound Carlson and covered his head with a blanket.
“Then I just heard shooting,” he said.
Parrish had found his gun, loaded it, and sneaked upstairs.
“I shot three times and heard him groan,” Parrish said.
The intruder fired back twice, hitting Carlson once in the back of his right calf, and just missing Parrish.
“He ran past me and down the stairs out of the house,” Parrish said. “That shot came pretty close.”
Police say the suspect, described as a 6-foot-tall, roughly 250-pound black man in his 40s or 50s, is still at large, despite a lengthy search of the woods and nearby Silver Comet Trail near Carlson’s home.
Police say the intruder may have been wounded in the shootout.
Carlson said Parrish shot three times, “but we couldn’t find the bullets, so they must be in the intruder.”
Carlson was taken to the hospital and treated for the gunshot wound and a shattered tibia.
“The worst thing in the whole scenario is that the little girl had to witness all the gunfire,” Carlson said.
While Carlson said he would increase the security in the house, Parrish noted one thing he would do different.
“My wife never did want me to keep my gun loaded,” he said. “But now she said she does.”
Labels: GA, home invasion, senior
6/18/09
Roswell, Georgia
From Fox News of June 17, 2009
Cell Phone Protects Clerk From Knife Attack in Robbery
A Georgia liquor store clerk credits his police officer son with giving him two life-saving gifts — a cell phone and a gun.
Joseph Wescott says the phone he slipped into his shirt pocket stopped a knife to his chest when a robbery suspect attacked him at the store in a northern Atlanta suburb. He then reached under the counter for the .40-caliber handgun and shot the man.
"The knife that he had looked like it was about 10-foot long," the 67-year-old Wescott exclaimed.
When the suspect lunged at Wescott, he fell back and the knife struck the battery area of the phone, the clerk said. He then fired one shot at the man Monday night.
"That was the first time I had ever fired that gun," he said.
Police said Carlos JeanPeirre, 34, is recovering from non-life threatening wounds and faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and attempted robbery.
Wescott's son, Jason, said he gave both gifts to his father to keep him safe.
"Something like that can happen in a split second and it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it," Jason Wescott said.
After the attack, Joseph Wescot said he used his cell phone to call 911.
Labels: assault, business robbery, GA, senior
Machias, Maine
From the Bangor Daily News of June 16, 2009
Princeton woman, 77, escorts armed intruder from home at gunpoint
A 77-year-old Princeton woman faced down a man armed with a sawed-off shotgun and sent him running after she pointed her own gun at him, according to court documents.
Doris Gatchell’s daughter, Eileen Newman, said Monday that family members had since nicknamed their mother “Annie Oakley.”
Suspect Dean T. Moore, who was arrested shortly after the Friday, June 12, incident, made his first appearance Monday in Washington County Superior Court. He faces up to 30 years in jail and fines of up to $50,000 on each of the two most serious charges of burglary with a firearm and robbery. He also has been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, theft and criminal restraint. On Monday night, Moore remained in Washington County Jail unable to come up with the $15,000 bail set after his arrest.
Doris Gatchell’s daughter, Vanessa Gatchell, 50, was home watching television on South Princeton Road when she heard footsteps in the hallway at about 4:30 p.m., according to court documents made available Monday. Doris Gatchell had just left the house and Vanessa Gatchell thought her mother had returned because she had forgotten something. “She called out, but there was no answer,” according to the affidavit on file with the court.
Vanessa Gatchell went into the hallway and found Moore armed with a gun and a knife just standing there, the affidavit said.
The woman asked Moore not to hurt her and offered him money, according to the court documents. He refused to leave and demanded liquor, the affidavit said. “Ms. Gatchell opened two bottles of wine for [Moore], and he directed her to the front room where they both sat,” the affidavit said.
They talked about 30 minutes during which “he told her he was not afraid to hurt someone and he had used guns and knives before,” the court documents said. At some point during the conversation, Moore discarded the knife, but kept the shotgun, according to the documents.
The woman asked him to leave and said no one would have to know he had been there, but Moore declined to leave, the affidavit said.
Eventually Doris Gatchell returned home. Moore hid the firearm from view as Doris Gatchell entered the front room, the affidavit said. The two women then went into the kitchen, and Vanessa Gatchell told her mother that Moore had a gun and she “thought he was going to shoot them both,” the affidavit said.
Doris Gatchell retrieved her own gun and, according to the court documents, went into the front room and stood behind Moore’s chair.
Eileen Newman told the BDN on Monday that her mother, Doris, had a concealed weapons permit and had a gun “stashed” somewhere in the house. She said her parents at one time owned a sporting goods store that sold firearms. Her father, Ken, is deceased.
Doris Gatchell told Moore she had a gun and ordered him to leave, the affidavit said. “Mrs. Gatchell escorted the defendant out the door. Once on the porch [Moore] dropped his gun and then picked it up again. It was only at that point that Mrs. Gatchell saw the gun,” the court documents said.
The Gatchells then called the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Deputy Michael St. Louis said Monday that when police arrived they at first were not sure whether Moore had run into the woods near the house or had gone back to his home about a quarter of a mile from the Gatchell residence.
Police surrounded Moore’s house and tried to contact him, according to St. Louis, but there was no response. After about 90 minutes, however, Moore stepped out onto his front porch to smoke a cigarette and that was when police arrested him and took him to jail, St. Louis said. Officers found the firearm in Moore’s garage and later recovered the knife from the Gatchell residence, the chief deputy said.
The Maine State Police, the Baileyville and Calais police departments, the Maine Warden Service and the U.S. Border Patrol assisted on Friday night, he said. In court on Monday, Attorney Jeffrey Davidson of East Machias was appointed to represent Moore.
Deputy District Attorney Carletta Bassano said Monday that Moore is expected to appear for a hearing to reassess his bail on June 22 in Washington County Superior Court.
According to the affidavit, Moore has a long criminal history including a prior conviction for robbery and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. In 1998, Moore fled across the U.S.-Canadian border after he robbed a Calais convenience store clerk at knifepoint and stole more than $800. He quickly was apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, returned to the U.S. and later sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Labels: concealed carry permit, female, home invasion, ME, senior
6/9/09
Galveston County, Texas
From the June 3, 2009 Houston Chronicle:
Also covered by the June 2, 2009 Galveston County Daily News:A 77-year-old man was within his rights when he shot a robber during a holdup of a game room in unincorporated Galveston County, Texas City police officials said Tuesday.
“He is truly a victim whose back was against the wall,” said Texas City police Capt. Brian Goetschius, referring to Robert Hays.
Hays was among about a dozen patrons inside Players Paradise about 12:45 a.m. Monday when a pair of armed men stormed the club at 4801 State Highway 146, officials said.
Hays said he was "peacefully minding my own business'' when the armed robbers forced their way inside.
"The next thing I knew, I was essentially flying through the air backwards and slammed down on the floor,'' said Hays, a Korean War veteran.
Hays, now lying on the floor, handed the robber his wallet. "He looked through it and threw it back down on me," he said.
He watched as the robbers worked their way through the game room, taking the wallets and purses from their other victims.
A snub-nose .38 caliber revolver in his hands, Hays was ready in case the robbers came at him.
"There were only two ways he could get at me,'' Hays said. "I positioned myself on the floor where I could see him if he came either way.''
Hays pulled the revolver from under his shirt and fired a single shot, striking one of the masked robbers, Goetschius said.
"It's not an easy thing to pull a trigger on a human being,'' Hays said. "But, when that man stood over me and said, 'Give me all your money,' my blood just boiled."
The robber fell to the ground and dropped his gun, Goetschius said. “One of his shoes came off and he ran out the back door with the other suspect.”
Hays said he shot the man to protect himself and the other patrons at the game room, especially Sharon, his wife of 39 years.
"When that first man dropped his pistol and went down, she got up and grabbed (it) and was ready to back me up,'' Hays said.
TEXAS CITY — A 77-year-old Korean War veteran fired one round Monday, wounding one of two masked men suspected in the robbery of a game room on the outskirts of the city, authorities said.
There were about 12 patrons inside Players Paradise, 4801 state Highway 146 Suite B, when a frequent guest knocked on the door, Capt. Brian Goetschius of Texas City police said.
The game room, which was robbed at 12:44 a.m., was open only to members, Goetschius said.
“They looked through the monitors and recognized him as being there before,” Goetschius said. “They ordered everyone to the ground, went through several wallets and got the apron from the attendant.”
The veteran, Robert Hays of Texas City, was thrown to the ground, and then a suspect went through his wallet, Goetschius said.
“The 77-year-old concealed gun permit carrier drew his .38-caliber revolver and shot one of the crooks,” Goetschius said. “The crook immediately fell to the floor, and he dropped his gun and he lost a shoe.”
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, senior, TX
5/18/09
Sacramento, California
From the May 18, 2009 Sacramento Bee:
Sacramento County sheriff's detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting this morning of a man they say was breaking into a coin and jewelry.
The suspect was killed by the owner of the store on the 4900 block of Marconi Avenue. The 65-year-old owner has not been arrested, a sheriff's spokesman said.
The district attorney will determine if any charges are filed against the owner, based on results of the sheriff's investigation.
The shop owner was inside the store when the incident began at about 4:15 a.m. Investigators are gathering evidence that will help determine if the shooting was justified.
Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran said two men approached the store, which had been the target of another break-in on April 29. This time, the owner was inside and called the sheriff's department to report two men in their mid-20s and wearing black ski masks trying to enter.
Curran said that as the owner spoke on the phone with department personnel, the person taking the call heard several gunshots.
"Then the business owner said one subject was down in the parking lot," Curran said.
Deputies arrived to find a body in the park
ing lot. Fire department emergency personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Labels: business burglary, CA, senior
5/5/09
Weatherford, Texas
From the Weatherford Democrat of April 29, 2009
Grand jury: city homicide justifiable
The Weatherford home owner who shot and killed an intruder in March will not face criminal charges, a Parker County Grand Jury recently determined.
After hearing a full offense report, which included witness statements and evidence, jurors declined to indict the elderly shooter.
Weatherford police presented the case April 16. The homicide, which occurred in the 500 block of South Rusk Street, occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on March 4.
On the morning of the incident, Robert Earl Bardwell, 57, of Weatherford, was shot multiple times after police say he forced entry into a residence and started assaulting the elderly owner’s 34-year-old son.
The home owner, identified as a 66-year-old white male, reportedly attempted to warn Bardwell by firing one shot from an automatic pistol into the ceiling. However, when the assailant failed to heed the warning and continued to assault his son, police say the father shot the intruder several times, fatally wounding him.
According to police, Bardwell was estranged from a relationship with a female subject in the home at the time of the incident.
Following the incident, police declined to identify the shooter and his son because neither man was arrested.
Labels: assault, home invasion, senior, TX
3/7/09
Weatherford, Texas
From the Weatherford Democrat of March 4, 2009
Alleged intruder shot, killed in Rusk Street home
The victim of an early morning shooting had reportedly broken into a house on South Rusk Street and was assaulting a 34-year-old male in the home, when a resident shot and killed the alleged assailant. Robert Earl Bardwell was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Weatherford Police report officers were dispatched to the 500 block of South Rusk Street at approximately 1:13 a.m. in regards to the shooting. The initial investigation showed Bardwell went into the house without consent of the resident and assaulted his 34-year-old son. The resident, identified as a 66-year-old white male, attempted to warn the assailant by firing one shot from an automatic pistol into the ceiling. However, when Bardwell reportedly failed to heed the warning and continued to assault his son; the resident shot the intruder, fatally wounding him. Police say the 66-year-old has not been arrested. Whether the shooting was self-defense or a criminal offense will be determined by the Grand Jury.
Labels: assault, home invasion, senior, TX
1/30/09
Juliette, Georgia
From the Macon.com of January 29, 2009
Juliette man defends home from invasion
Marvin Bowdoin was sitting at his desk when the “cat bandit” kicked in his kitchen door Tuesday night, he said.
It was shortly after 9 p.m.
The 67-year-old Juliette grocer said he and his wife arrived at their residence on Juliette Road just in time to watch the last 30 minutes of “American Idol.” It had been a late closing at the family’s general merchandise store, Bowdoin’s Grocery.
The husband and wife finished the TV show. Then he left her in the den, walked down the hall to his office and started to sort through the day’s business receipts.
“She hadn’t made supper but she stayed in that room for some reason,” Bowdoin said Wednesday from his popular Juliette store, known for fishing tackle and tender cuts of beef.
“When I sat down, I heard that door crash open for some reason and I knew someone was in the house.”
Bowdoin said within seconds the intruder had gone from the kitchen to the dining room and nearly to the foyer with a shotgun in hand.
That’s where Bowdoin stopped the bandit — firing two shots from his .22 Magnum revolver.
“I tried to do my best to protect my family,” he said.
“This weapon was in my pocket. I tote a weapon every day of my life. It’s never away from me at any point. It’s some mean folks out there.”
The invader, not injured, fell to the floor before standing up and running back into the kitchen and out of the home. Bowdoin didn’t chase the person or keep firing.
Dressed head to toe in dark clothing, Bowdoin said he couldn’t tell a thing about the person’s appearance. They exchanged no words.
“I’m guessing it was a he, and he was short,” Bowdoin said.
The neighborhood grocer said had he used one of his three other firearms, he might have made a more precise shot.
“I’m just glad me and my wife are alive,” he said.
(More)
Labels: GA, home invasion, senior
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
1/17/09
Dalzell, South Carolina
From the Sumpter Item of January 17, 2009
Armed robbery goes awry
A masked bandit tried to rob the wrong store Thursday night.
A police report said about 11:19 p.m. a black man in his mid to late 20s brandished a shotgun at a 73-year-old store owner, demanded money and fired once, hitting the wall behind the owner. The store owner pulled out his own gun and returned fire and called 911 as the man fled the store on foot.
Smoking a cigarette not long after lunch time Friday, Milton McCarty leaned on the counter behind the cashier’s area, a half cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup resting near his elbow. He said he’s owned McCarty’s Super Convenience Store at 3909 Camden Highway for 40 years and when he works at night, he always carries his weapon, declining to say exactly what kind.
“He fired at me and I fired back at him and it was over with,” he said matter of factly, “and he took to running.”
He quickly dialed 911, he said, and officers were on the scene in minutes.
“I think I got him in the face a little bit, and that was it,” he said.
The robber — having robbed nothing actually — ran out the door heading east on Camden Highway, McCarty said, hooking his thumb in the air, pointing behind him. McCarty simply shook his head and let out a laugh when asked what he was thinking when the gunman opened fire.
“I carry mine (his weapon) all the time,” he said. “Everything’s fine.”
McCarty said this wasn’t the first time he’s had to use his gun while working, either.
“I shot one other fellow,” a while back, he said, but declined to get into details.
The suspect is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and 165 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket, black shoes, blue jeans and a mask McCarty said was navy blue.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said investigators were working to enhance the video images of the man and said they were unsure if the man left in a car after running out of the store.
“We’re not sure if there was a vehicle,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Labels: business robbery, SC, senior
1/15/09
South Bend, Indiana
From the South Bend Tribune of January 10, 2009
National media seek out South Bend woman
Sandra Hochstedler, the 70-year-old woman who held an intruder at gunpoint earlier this week, is out of the hospital and making the media rounds.
On Friday afternoon, a production crew with the news magazine Inside Edition visited Hochstedler's home to re-create the harrowing standoff for a segment to air on the show.
"It was quite a production. It was really interesting," Hochstedler said early Friday evening, shortly after the crew and host Les Trent had left her Portage Road home in northern St. Joseph County. "I really had to act. It was almost like I was in a studio."
"I'm hoping it will be inspiring to others," she said of the reason she agreed to film the segment, "to let them know that they can do this, that they can protect their homes. And if it comes to it, they can take extreme action."
On Sunday evening, as Hochstedler was hauling firewood from her garage into her home, a man reportedly came running at her from the street and chased her inside.
She grabbed her gun and dialed 911, she said, and after the man burst through her living room window she held him at gunpoint until police arrived, threatening to shoot him dead if he moved.
The story was immediately picked up by local media outlets, and soon, the national media came calling as well.
Besides Inside Edition, Hochstedler said she has been contacted by ABC News, Good Morning America, and the Fox News morning show Fox and Friends.
Although flattered, Hochstedler said she is still a bit baffled by all of the attention.
"It takes my breath away," she said her newfound celebrity, "because I'm like, 'What? How did it get national attention? What is the big deal about? Doesn't everyone try to protect their home?'æ"
Hochstedler said she has been slow in responding to some requests for interviews because she was only released from the hospital on Thursday. She was taken there Sunday evening after complaining of chest pains.
"By the time I was done being a tough woman and yelling at (the intruder) like I wasn't afraid, I sat down at the dining room table and it just all came out of me," she recalled.
At the hospital, Hochstedler said, doctors informed her she had actually suffered a heart attack and needed to have a cardiac catheter inserted to check for arterial blockage.
"I was resisting having it," she said of the procedure, explaining that she doesn't normally require a lot of "doctoring," "but they told me this was life threatening, that part of my heart had already died."
"It was due to shock," she continued. "It happens to people sometimes. That's what they call being scared to death."
Now that she's feeling better, Hochstedler said she wants to help others. As vice president of the German Township Neighborhood Association, she said she'd like to organize seminars to educate her neighbors on how to better secure their homes and protect themselves and their families.
Labels: female, home invasion, IN, senior
1/12/09
Batesville, Arkansas
From the Batesville Daily Guard of January 12, 2009
87-year-old scares man
Altha Rider usually keeps a .38 pistol by her bedside. Thursday night, the 87-year-old woman was ready to use it.
It wasn’t long after Rider went to bed Thursday night that someone tried to kick in the front door of her home at 65 Brushy Road, she told an officer, whom she met at the carport door with pistol in hand.
In a phone interview this morning, Rider told the Guard she is still a little shaken by the incident.
Rider said she had gone to bed around 9 p.m. with a light on in her den, and was awakened by the sound of her front door being kicked in around 10.
“When I heard the racket I screamed and then got up to see what happened,” Rider said. “I couldn’t see anyone, so I got up and went lookin’.”
Rider went looking with the .38 pistol that she keeps by her bedside for protection. She said she also has a .410 shotgun, but realized that would only give her one shot before she would have to reload.
According to Rider, the intruder had tried unsuccessfully to gain entry through a back door before going to the front of her home. The bottom half of the door was broken and splintered from the dead bolt down.
“He unlocked my storm door to get to the wood door,” Rider said. “But he didn’t get the door open — the door lock held.”
After not seeing anyone around her house, Rider said she called a family member, who then called police.
“They (police) were here right away and looked around, but they couldn’t find anybody,” Rider said.
The following day, an arrest was made and a missing person case was closed.
Police say Keith Eugene White, 31, of Batesville, reported missing since Nov. 25, 2008, was reportedly caught on McHue Road Friday morning.
This burglary occurred, police say, following the break-in attempt at Rider’s home.
According to Lt. Brenda Bittle, White was caught when deputies responded to a break-in on McHue Road.
“A key holder went to check on the house and found a door kicked in,” Bittle said. “When deputies arrived they searched the house and found White inside,” Bittle said.
“He had in his possession several items taken from other homes in the area Thursday night,” Bittle said.
White was arrested without incident and taken to jail, where he confessed to several burglaries and is a suspect in several more, Bittle said.
“He was out of prison on parole for burglary,” she said.
White is being held on a “no bond” parole hold pending formal charges.
Labels: AR, female, home invasion, senior
1/6/09
Springfield, Ohio
From the Springfield News Sun of January 6, 2008
Man, 93, shoots alleged intruder
Police are investigating a weekend shooting of an alleged intruder by a 93-year-old homeowner.
Mark Leon Applin, 32, address unknown, was taken by helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital with life-threatening injuries from the shooting that occurred about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, according to police reports. The hospital was unable to release information on Applin's condition Monday.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of West Southern Avenue following a report of a man trying to gain entry into a home.
When police arrived, a woman was standing outside her home pointing to Applin who was lying on the sidewalk. She identified him as a man who was trying to get into her home. She said she did not know how he ended up on the sidewalk or how he was injured.
At that time, another officer observed an elderly man in the house next door holding a gun in his hand. Police secured the gun from the man who said he shot the younger man, identified as Applin, after he broke into his home.
The man told officers that Applin, whom he did not know, kept knocking on his door and he told him to leave several times. Applin then allegedly entered through an unlocked back door and walked to the front door and ripped down the curtains. The homeowner said he then retrieved a gun from a box in the living room. He warned Applin he would shoot him if he didn't leave. Applin reportedly kept walking toward the homeowner, who said he fired one shot. Applin fell on the floor, then got up and ran out the front door, ending up on the sidewalk, the man said.
No charges have been filed, pending an investigation.
Labels: home invasion, OH, senior
12/25/08
Conroe, Texas
From the Houston Chronicle of December 20, 2008
Domestic dispute ends in a deadly shooting
A woman's 80-year-old grandfather fatally shot her estranged husband after he tried to take their two children from the grandparents' house, Conroe police said Saturday.
Brice Wade Boudreaux, 32, died Friday evening at the home on Silver Creek Drive in Conroe, police said in a statement.
The investigation was ongoing Saturday, and it was not immediately clear whether the grandfather would face charges. He was questioned by police and released.
According to police, Boudreaux's estranged wife and children have been living with her grandparents for about five months.
When Boudreaux arrived Friday and tried to take the children, the grandfather intervened and ordered him to leave. Boudreaux refused, pushing the man out of the way, the statement said.
The grandfather then allegedly retrieved a revolver from another room and placed it in his back pocket before again advising Boudreaux, who was aware the older man had a gun, to leave, police said.
As the two left the home out to the driveway, Boudreaux again pushed the older man and allegedly struck him in the chest area where he recently had a pacemaker inserted, police said.
Fearing for his life, police said the older man then allegedly shot Boudreaux once, killing him.
Labels: domestic dispute, senior, TX
Ocoee, Florida
From the Orlando Sentinel of December 25, 2008
Ocoee man, 91, shoots at, repels home invaders who threatened his wife
Charles Johnson is a man of his word.
On Oct. 4, 1936, then 19, Johnson promised to love and protect his bride, Berlie Mae.
On Tuesday, he did.
Now 91, he scared off two home invaders with his 38-caliber revolver when the men threatened his wife of 72 years at their home east of Ocoee.
"I was going to kill him either way," the retired jack-of-all-trades said Wednesday. "She's all I've got to live for . . . Why would I want to live?"
Terror erupted in the Johnsons' heavily barred house on Lake Stanley Road shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday as the couple watched TV news. She was sitting in her wheelchair. He was sitting nearby on the sofa.
That's when a stranger stepped through the back door.
"What are you doing? What are you doing?" Berlie Mae Johnson, 90, remembered asking as the man stepped on her shiny-clean tile floor. "By then, he had the gun to my head. I don't know what all I said."
The man ordered the couple: "Be quiet. Don't say a word. Don't move."
Overcome by shock and fear, Berlie Mae Johnson said she couldn't move as a second man wearing a stocking over his face started to come through a sliding-glass door from the backyard.
"It's terrible. You don't know what [they're] going to do. You expect at any moment . . ." she said, her voice breaking. "I can't hold up. My nerves are shot. He'd probably have killed me."
But the love of her life was ready.
Her husband, who goes by Johnny, had his stainless-steel Police Special revolver tucked under a cushion on the sofa. He has been protective, she said, ever since they met at a Church of God service in Cocoa during the Great Depression.
"You don't think, man. You do what you have to do," Johnson said of how he grabbed his revolver as the second intruder entered. "He saw the gun and, boy, he was gone."
Shifting his aim, Johnson fired at the man still holding a gun to his wife's head.
"I shot as plain in his middle as I could have," said Johnson, describing how the man jumped and ran out the door. "I think I missed."
Orange County deputy sheriffs began arriving within three minutes of Johnson's 911 call. The response was delayed slightly because the home invaders tore out the Johnsons' telephone, so Johnson had to walk next door to call for help.
A K-9 tracked the home invaders' scent until it disappeared through a neighborhood on the south shore of Lake Stanley. Local hospital emergency rooms were notified to be on the lookout for a man suffering from an unexplained bullet wound.
Johnson bought his revolver for protection decades ago. A former citrus grove manager and plumber, Johnson said, "I'm still active. I still garden. We want to get a message out to other people. Be prepared. Keep your doors locked. And be alert."
His wife added, "And have a gun ready."
The Johnsons weren't worried that the home invaders might return.
"If he comes back he'll be sorry," Johnson said. "I'm ready for him."
Labels: FL, home invasion, senior
11/25/08
Nashville, Tennessee
From News Channel 15 of November 24, 2008
69-Year-Old Shoots Home Intruder
Metro police said the victim of a home invasion turned the tides on his intruder.
Rather than running, the homeowner shot the burglar.
John Lewis is sick and tired of being the victim. He said burglars have broken into his home four times this year.
Lewis said it was about time the suspect got the raw end of the deal.
"You got to be able to protect yourself," he said.
To a thief, Lewis may look like an easy target. On Sunday, the 69-year-old Air Force veteran shot a hole through that reputation.
"I mean I'm not going to sit here and let somebody rob me over and over and over again," he said.
Around 10:30 p.m., he heard a crash.
"So he started kicking on the door. He made more noise than anybody I've ever dreamed of trying to break into a house," he said.
What he saw was a man holding a flashlight and a pickax.
Lewis was packing a 357 pistol.
"And the pistol went off. I had it cocked. It had a hair trigger and I touched it and it went off," he said.
The bullet hit suspect Jerry Watson in the leg.
Police said Watson, who has a lengthy criminal history, limped to the home next door and lost consciousness.
"What's there to think about? I mean he was going to hurt me or I was going to hurt him. One of the two," he said.
And rather than getting angry, neighbors are celebrating the story.
"I think it's wonderful. Yeah rah for Mr. Lewis. Yeah Rah! You got my vote. Maybe they'll stay away now," said Sarah Pannell.
As the suspect recovers at a local hospital, John wonders if the intruder learned his lesson.
"I don't know. Maybe he did with me. I hope so. Like I said if he didn't I'll teach him again," he said.
No matter the outcome, this pistol packing homeowner has no regrets.
This is the second time Lewis has shot an intruder. He said the first incident was 11 or 12 years ago.
During that break-in he came home and found a man inside his house. Lewis shot the intruder.
That suspect also lived and was later arrested.
Police said Watson has 26 criminal convictions ranging from burglary to drug offenses.
Labels: home invasion, senior, TN
11/2/08
Pennsylvania, Alabama
From the WTVY of November 2, 2008
Granny Shoots Intruder
An investigation is underway in Pennsylvania after police say a 75-year-old
granny shot a man who allegedly broke into her home.
The woman was sleeping upstairs, when an intoxicated man entered her home. She first asked him politely to leave, but when he proceeded up the stairs she grabbed her 38 caliber revolver and shot the man in the groin.
Turns out the man lives nearby and accidentally walked into the wrong house.
Police are investigating the case, but so far no charges have been filed.
Labels: AL, female, home invasion, intoxication, senior
10/28/08
Cleveland, Ohio
From MyFoxCleveland of October 27, 2008
Pet Shop Owner Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect
Cleveland Police believe a shop owner who shot a robbery suspect Monday acted in self-defense.
Police were called to the Cleveland Aviary on Bosworth Avenue in Cleveland (see Google map below ) Monday afternoon. According to Lt. Thomas Stacho, the suspect was dead on the front step of the pet shop when the first officers arrived.
According to police, the 86-year-old shop owner, whose name police did not release, was in the back room of the shop when the robber entered. Police said there was one clerk working in the front of the shop.
"The robber set upon him, immediately put a knife to his throat and ordered him to open the cash register," Stacho said.
Police said the shop owner came out the back room with a gun and asked the robber to leave.
"He ordered the robber to leave; the robber did not; he approached him in a menacing manner and the second man fired one round striking the man in the chest killing him," Stacho said.
The shop owner's daughter, Maria Oviero, said the shop had been the target of thieves before. She said her father got a gun after a couple of failed robbery attempts. She hoped he would never have to use the gun.
"It's sad that he has to use that kind of force. It's sad, but he had to do what he had to do. I'm just glad he is OK," Oviero said.
Police did not release the name of the suspect.
Labels: business robbery, OH, senior
10/16/08
Oildale, California
From Bakersfield Now of October 9, 2008
Man shoots dog while under attack
A man who shot a dog Thursday in Oildale was under attack at the time, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
Elmer Walker, 72, was walking on the 700 block of the north alley of Woodrow Avenue when two pit bulls pushed open a gate where they lived and attacked the man, sheriff's officials said.
Walker hit one of the dogs with a stick and shot the other dog with a .22 revolver he's permitted to carry, causing the dogs the retreat to their home.
Walker wasn't hurt, and the condition of the dog who was shot in the jaw was unknown.
The dog's owner, Arnold Coon II, said he feels the dog's were provoked, and he said the dogs don't have a history of violent behavior.
Kern County Animal Control Services Department took custody of the dogs and is conducting an investigation.
Labels: animal, CA, concealed carry permit, senior
10/9/08
Crest Hill, Illinois
From WLS-TV of October 9, 2008
Crest Hill man shoots, kills intruder
An intruder was shot and killed while breaking into a home in the far southwest suburbs.
It happened around 6 p.m. Wednesday night in Crest Hill on Pioneer Road. A 68-year-old man was in his apartment watching television when the intruder broke the bedroom window.
Police say he picked up a .38 revolver and fatally shot the intruder, identified as 34-year-old Demtrious Grove.
It is unclear whether any charges will be filed against the resident.
Labels: home invasion, IL, senior
9/30/08
Nashville, Tennessee
From News Channel 5 of September 30, 2008
Homeowner Shoots And Kills 19-Year-Old In Self-Defense
Police said a homeowner shot in self-defense when armed suspects tried to rob him overnight.
Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday, 67-year-old Douglas Dabbs pulled into his driveway on Tobylynn Drive and was getting out of his pickup truck when two armed men came up to him and tried to rob him. The two men were identified as Nibeyu Demissew Yosef and Jermichael Jerome Burgy.
Armed with BB guns the two men demanded money from Dabbs. Dabbs said he reached into the console of his truck, retrieved a handgun that fires .410 shotgun rounds and opened fire on the two robbers.
Yosef, 19, was wounded and transported by ambulance to Southern Hills Medical Center where he died shortly after arriving.
Burgy, 23, took off after the shooting, but police later tracked him down at Southern Hills where he was recovering from a non-critical gunshot wound to the head. Police said that Burgy admitted to being with Yosef during the robbery attempt, so police charged him with attempted aggravated robbery.
Police also said that Dabbs does not have a handgun carrying permit, but no charges against the homeowner were anticipated.
Burgy has been lodged in lieu of $80,000 bond. A convicted felon, Burgy had previously been found guilty of aggravated assault in 2006 and has been on probation for that offense. Burgy also has convictions for unlawful gun possession and driving without a license.
Yosef had been issued a total of four state misdemeanor citations in 2007 and 2008 for driving without a valid license.
Police said they were looking into whether this overnight robbery may have been linked to other robberies in the area, or whether this robbery was a random or targeted attack.s
Labels: senior, street robbery, TN
9/23/08
Cleveland, Ohio
From the Plain Dealer of September 23, 2008
East Side homeowner kills break-in suspect
A man was shot in the chest and killed about 2:45 this morning by a homeowner who said the man had broken into his house.
Police said it happened in the 13400 block of St. Clair Avenue.
Lawrence Hanson, 65, said he was awakened by the sound of someone breaking into the house. When the Hanson went downstairs to investigate, he saw signs that his house was being burglarized. He went back upstairs, got dressed and grabbed his gun.
Hanson said he had no intention to shoot and kill a burglar morning. Hanson confronted the man, whose name has not been released, and ordered the intruder to stop.
The man approached Hanson. The gun went off, and the man fell to the ground, Hanson said. "I can't believe I shot somebody," he said, standing next to his garage.
Hanson was not arrested, but police seized the gun. The case is under investigation.
Labels: intruder, OH, residence burglary, senior
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
8/16/08
Hemet, California
From KNBC of August 15, 2008
Police: Hemet Woman, 93, Misfires At Burglar
A 93-year-old Hemet woman shot at an intruder who entered her home, but she missed and the bullet went through a window and over a neighbor's home, Hemet police said Friday.
The woman shot at the intruder who entered her home in the 300 block of South Street shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, Lt. Duane Wisehart said.
She called police and they surrounded the home until she came out without the weapon, Wisehart said.
The woman told police she heard someone in her home and armed herself with a pistol, then shot at the intruder as the man walked down her hall toward her.
The bullet went through a kitchen window of the small, two-bedroom home, through a shade structure and over a house next door, Wisehart said.
The intruder took some pieces of jewelry and a watch, Wisehart said.
The woman told police that two men had come to her door earlier in the day and offered her an ADT alarm system. The woman said she had an alarm but it was broken and they offered to fix it for cash, Wisehart said.
The woman said she didn't have the cash to fix it and the men left, Wisehart said.
Police said they did not know if that contact was connected to the intruder. They found a bicycle nearby, Wisehart said, and a neighbor said he had seen two men, one on a bicycle and the other on foot, running east on Acacia from the home.
The home's garage door was pulled open from the outside, but the intruder or intruders entered through an open window.
"She's been given the security talk," Wisehart said.
The woman will not be facing charges, Wisehart said.
Police Friday cautioned residents to be careful of such contacts with strangers.
Labels: CA, female, home invasion, residence robbery, senior
8/9/08
Union City, Georgia
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of August 8, 2008
Teen shot breaking into Union City home, cops say
A would-be burglar got a painful surprise Friday when he tried to break into a Union City man's home, police said.
Around 4:30 p.m., the 75-year-old homeowner on Ravenwood Loop heard some noise coming from the rear of his house, Union City police spokesman George Louthe said.
"He saw his window getting wedged open," Louthe said. "He challenged the intruder, but (the intruder) kept coming through the window."
The man went for his 9 mm Glock handgun and returned to see a 17-year-old's leg straddling the window.
"He shot three times," Louthe said. "But the suspect ran."
The homeowner called 911 to report the home invasion, police said. Police did not release the name of the homeowner or the teen who was shot.
Just moments after his call, a neighbor on Ravenwood Circle — just behind the crime scene — called police to report a man shot in their back yard.
"He apparently climbed over the back fence," Louthe said of the wounded suspect.
The teen had been hit at least once, with an injury that seemed to reflect a bullet entering his leg and traveling to his groin, police said.
The suspect was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital, and was listed in serious but stable condition.
Charges against the teen are pending.
The Fulton County District Attorney's office will decide whether to charge the homeowner, Louthe said.
Labels: GA, home invasion, minor offender, senior
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
Hancock County, Mississippi
From the Sun Herald of July 29, 2008
84-year-old man wounds intruder
An 84-year-old man, who repeatedly held off an alleged intruder Sunday when the man tried to break into his home, finally got a gun in desperation and shot through a door, wounding the intruder in the leg.
At the time, the elderly resident was at home with his 74-year-old wife about 5 a.m. at their residence in the area of Adams Street in Bayside Park. Hancock County Sheriff's Investigator Andre Fizer said the couple heard a disturbance as a man tried to break through the front door and also tried to enter through a back door and a rear window of the residence.
The resident called 911 and reported that the intruder was trying to force his way into the home, and was threatening to kill him. He held himself against the door to keep the man from entering.
"The victim stated that when he became physically tired from holding the door, he became fearful for his and his wife's lives," Fizer said.
As he grew weaker trying to hold off the intruder, the resident asked his wife to bring his .45-caliber Colt handgun. He fired one shot through a lower panel of the door.
"He was getting tired," said Fizer, who listened to a tape of the 911 call during the ensuing investigation. "He said, 'I knew the guy was going to eventually overcome me.'
Although meant as a warning shot, the round struck 20-year-old Wade Ledesma of Bay St. Louis in the lower left leg. He was initially taken by American Medical Response to Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, then was transferred to University Hospital in Jackson. Ledesma was listed in fair condition Monday, Fizer said.
Deputies declined to release the name of the homeowner, saying the couple feared recrimination. Based on evidence and the 911 tape, no charges were filed against him.
From hearing the tape, "You could tell he was devastated," Fizer said. "You could tell he was scared."
It was not clear whether Ledesma knew his alleged victims. Pending his release from hospitalization, he faces charges of attempted burglary, malicious mischief, and disturbance of a family, Fizer said.
Deputies investigating the case included Fizer, Lt. Stacy Wilson, Sgt. Gary Dyess and Matt Schmidlin.
Labels: MS, senior, trespassing
7/18/08
Lakewood, New Jersey
From Newsday of July 18, 2008
Intruder shot by homeowner in critical condition
Police say a man who allegedly broke into a Lakewood home and was shot in the head by the owner remains in critical condition.
The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says 31-year-old Eric Tucker of Lakewood was shot by an elderly man who confronted him when he broke in through a kitchen window around 5 a.m. Friday.
Police have not released the homeowner's name, but say the gun used in the shooting was registered to him and that he called 911 to report the incident.
Two other men have been arrested and charged with burglary in connection with the break-in.
From Newsday of July 24, 2008
Burglary suspect who was shot in head dies
Authorities say a robbery suspect shot by a Lakewood homeowner last week has died.
Authorities say Eric Ticker was pronounced dead Wednesday, five days after the 31-year-old was shot in the head.
Police say Tucker climbed through a window to get into the home. Because of his injuries, he was not charged.
Two other men are accused of burglary in the incident.
The 66-year-old homeowner who shot Tucker has not been charged with a crime. But authorities in Ocean County say their investigation is continuing.
Labels: home invasion, NJ, senior
7/9/08
Basehor, Kansas
From the Basehor Sentinel of July 8, 2008
Basehor resident fends off burglar
An 88-year-old Basehor man was attacked in his home early Monday morning after an intruder broke in through a basement door.
According to Basehor Police Chief Lloyd Martley, around 5:25 a.m., an unknown suspect kicked in the basement door of the homeowner in the 15300 block of Parallel Road. The homeowner, who had a shotgun, confronted the intruder at the top of the stairs. There was a struggle over the gun and the suspect eventually gained control of the weapon hitting the homeowner with the butt of the gun. The suspect was then alerted to police in the driveway of the home, left through a patio door and headed into the woods west of the property empty handed.
The police were already in the driveway by the time the homeowner was able to get to a phone to call 911 because a Basehor police officer on patrol noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence that wasn’t normally there and had stopped to investigate, Martley said.
The homeowner sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention.
Since it was dark outside and there were no lights on in the house, the homeowner was not able to see the suspect’s face clearly, but is described as a short, heavy set Hispanic male wearing a white shirt and a blue baseball hat.
While several police agencies combed the area, they were unable to locate the suspect, Martley said. Police ask that if anyone sees a person matching the suspect’s description, to call the Basehor Police Department immediately at (913) 724-1313.
Labels: defender's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, KS, senior
7/3/08
Jackson, Mississippi
From the Clarion Ledger of July 3, 2008
Man, 71, shoots accused burglar
An elderly west Jackson resident who was attacked by a burglar two years ago shot a man Wednesday he suspected of breaking into his Pleasant Avenue home.
Police say the resident, identified by relatives as 71-year-old Edwin Chinn, was protecting himself when he shot Ricky Braggs.
Chinn's daughter, Sheryl Lenoir, said he lives by himself and had been burglarized and shot about two years ago.
"He got shot in the back, but he was able to beat (the attacker) down with a bat or something," she said. Chinn was not available for comment Wednesday, and his daughter said he was uncertain whether he would continue to live in the house.
Braggs, 34, has been accused of breaking into Chinn's home through his kitchen window just before noon Wednesday. Chinn's home is near Galloway Elementary School and the Player and Playerettes Club. Police said Braggs lived in the neighborhood.
Jackson police said Chinn shot Braggs once in the abdomen and once in the arm. Bullet holes were visible through the wall on the south side of the house.
Following the shooting, Braggs ran about two blocks before collapsing behind a house in the 1900 block near Woodrow Wilson Boulevard. He was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
"His wounds are not considered life-threatening," Jackson police spokesman Sgt. Jeffery Scott said.
Police will charge Braggs with house burglary once he is released from the hospital, Scott said.
Investigators detained Chinn for questioning but did not charge him, citing the Castle Doctrine law that allows residents to defend themselves and their property against perceived attacks.
Neighbors described Chinn as a "sweet, old man" who kept to himself.
"He would speak to you, but mostly he stayed over (on his property)," Natalie Spann said.
Braggs was convicted in Hinds County in August 1995 on two counts of business burglary and sentenced to four years in prison followed by three years of probation, according to Mississippi Department of Corrections records. His probation was revoked twice in 1997 for violations.
In April 2001, Braggs again was convicted on two counts of business burglary and sentenced to seven years in prison as a "habitual offender." He was released Sept. 8, 2007, after serving the full sentence (no probation).
The Castle Doctrine was enacted in 2006 to allow people to use deadly force to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles and businesses. The law removes the requirement that residents must first seek a safe retreat from an intruder before using deadly force.
Labels: home invasion, MS, senior
6/8/08
Carollton, Ohio
From MyFoxCleveland of June 6, 2008
Grandpa Comes to the Rescue, Grabs Shotgun from Intruder
A community garage sale brings all sorts of guests, but at the Sutton family home, in Carrollton, one visitor was not so welcome.
Amy Sutton, 25, was in the kitchen, about to go back out into the garage to see if any customers had arrived. Just then she noticed the door knob turning. As the door to the garage swung open, Sutton came face to face with an intruder.
"The guy just came in and looked straight at me and pointed his gun at me," said Sutton.
At first Sutton thought it was a joke, but as the man approached her, she knew her life was at stake. She started screaming for help as she turned and ran for the front door. The gunman ran after her, grabbing her and slamming her up against the wall.
"I screamed," Sutton said, and the intruder said, "Don't do that. Don't do that. I'll take your kids," Sutton told Fox 8.
Sutton's two children, Nicholas, 3, and Nathan, 1, were playing in the family room.
What the gunman didn't realize was that Sutton's 72-year-old grandfather, Joe Sabol, was also in the family room, sitting in a chair, when the gunman came into the house. If the intruder had turned around, he would have seen Sabol plain as day. Instead, he kept his back to the family room.
"He didn't know I was sitting here because when he opened that door he couldn't see me. He just went straight that way," Sabol explained.
Sutton says her only thought was getting the intruder as far away from her kids as possible. She wanted to get out of the house and scream for help, in hopes that other neighbors would hear her. She figured someone would -- since everyone was outside of their homes for the community garage sale.
Sutton, however, never made it that far. After being slammed up against the wall, she took off running again, but the gunman was close behind. He grabbed the back of her shirt. She kept going.
When Sutton got to the front door, the gunman had-had enough and went to shoot her in the back. Sutton heard him cock the shotgun.
"I just closed my eyes 'cause I'm thinking if he's gonna shoot me, so be it, just as long as my kids are safe," explained Sutton.
That's when Joe sprang into action. The great grandfather sneaked in on the gunman for a surprise attack of his own. He quietly walked up behind him.
Sabol saw his opportunity when the gunman turned the barrel of the gun to the floor as he cocked it. Sabol seized the moment.
"I reached down then and I got a tight grip on the stalk of the gun and when I got a hold of (it) there was no way he was gonna get that back," said Sabol.
Sutton says she looked back and saw her grandfather wrestling with the intruder.
"All I know is I look back and my pap is tackling the guy with a gun," said Sutton.
When the struggle was over, Sabol had control of the gun. The intruder turned on his heels and ran back the way he had come in, through the garage, and off into a wooded area.
Sutton quickly called the Carroll County Sheriff's Department. Deputies came out to search the area. They found 30-year-old Jason Haught hiding in the woods. He's been charged with one count of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and kidnapping, all of them are felonies of the first degree. He also faces a charge of burglary and theft, both third degree felonies.
Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams says Sutton is very lucky to be alive.
"I feel sure that if grandpa hadn't been there, this would've turned ugly. We could've been investigating a homicide," said Williams.
According to court records, Haught has a criminal past, including a prison term served for domestic violence in 2007, another domestic violence case in 2005, drug paraphernalia in 2004 and in 1999 a DUI -- just to name a few of the charges.
Sutton says she's always considered her grandfather a hero, but now he is in everyone eyes.
"He saved my life! If he wasn't here I would've been shot on the porch. Who knows what he (the gunman) would've done to my kids," Sutton told Fox 8.
Sabol says God must have given him strength in his time of need. Sabol is not only missing a lung, but he's had two open heart surgeries following a heart attack, and he has diabetes. He doesn't consider himself a hero. "Just gotta do what you gotta do. Yea. They're my pride and joy, all of them!"
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, OH, senior
6/5/08
Vienna, Maine
From the Sun Journal of June 5, 2008
Theft victim shoots up suspects' pickup truck
All Joe Lord needed to halt a pair of theft suspects was patience and a shotgun.
The 66-year-old man blew apart a Ford pickup truck Tuesday morning and scared away the couple he said had stolen $3,000 worth of scrap iron, steel and aluminum from his machine shop over the weekend.
Taking aim after more than two days without sleep, Lord shot holes in the front tires of the 2008 Ford F-250, blew out the windshield and rear window and shot up the radiator.
"I disabled the truck," Lord said Wednesday. "That's all I did."
Disabled the truck, forced the suspects to flee on foot and gave police a big head start toward solving the crime, that is.
Investigators from the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office said they tracked down the driver of the truck, Elizabeth Evans of Mount Vernon. The truck is owned by her father.
The girl will be charged with theft, and charges are pending against an accomplice, said Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty.
Lord said that after watching his property on Kimball Pond Road for 56 hours straight, he would have aimed for the suspects themselves if he had seen them.
"It's not my intention to go around shooting people," Lord said. "But if they had been there, I would have shot them, no doubt about it. I was so exhausted."
Exhausted, but by all accounts a good shot with a 12-gauge loaded with buckshot.
Lord said he spotted the truck after returning to his shop for a third time Tuesday. It was parked there with a heap of scrap metal in the bed.
"I didn't do anything until I knew what they were doing," Lord said. "When I saw my steel in the back of the truck, I knew I had to do something."
Lord took aim and the disabling of the truck began.
"I blew out the radiator. I shot the two front tires and the windshield. There was some damage to the back window, too," Lord said. "I put some pellets in the seat. They said I got the water pump and the power steering, but I don't know about that."
None of the shots landed in the body of the truck, Lord said, because that was not his intent. He simply wanted the truck to stay where it was, and that is exactly what happened.
And, there were no more thieves milling around his business.
"A 12-gauge shotgun is pretty intimidating," Lord said. "It echoed for about a quarter-mile down to the lake."
More
Labels: ME, residence burglary, senior, trespassing
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
3/27/08
Milford Township, Ohio
From the Journal News of March 27, 2008
85-year-old opens fire on thugs
Raleigh Hensley's trip to "town" Tuesday ended with men taking his wallet with $5,500 and roughing him up, but the 85-year-old didn't give up his money without a fight and even shot at the fleeing car.
Butler County Sheriff's detectives announced today, March 27, they have the culprits, both of Hamilton, behind bars who allegedly robbed Hensley. They are Timothy Alfred, 44, of Millville Ave., charged with robbery and Mark Collins, 45, of Sunset Drive, charged with complicity to robbery.
Hensley, who has lived on Darrtown Road more than 50 years, said he went to Hamilton Tuesday afternoon, March 26, and stopped by a west side liquor store to purchase a "jug of wine."
"There were three or four guys around there," Hensley said. "They saw me pay with the money in my billfold. I tripped on the way out and one of them helped me up and asked if he could take me home."
Hensley laughed and told them he wasn't drinking and didn't need any help.
But the men apparently wanted to help themselves to his cash — all $5,500 of it.
"I didn't notice them following me home," Hensley said. "When I got out to get the mail, the red car sort of blocked me and they shoved me, trying to get my billfold. I told them, 'you ain't going to get it.'"
Eventually, the men were able to swipe the wallet and jumped back in the car speeding away toward McGonigle, Hensley said
"I got my gun and shot a couple times at the tires," Hensley said. He added he has been told him today he may have hit his mark. Butler County Detective Jason Rosser said a car believed to have been driven by the culprits has been located and is being processed. Hensley also tried to follow the getaway car, but lost them.
"I've never had any type of problem out here," Hensley said. "Still don't. They followed me home."
He added he usually does not carry thousands in cash, but had plans for the money they stole.
Labels: OH, senior, street robbery
3/24/08
Scottsdale, Arizona
From the East Valley Tribune of March 24, 2008
Scottsdale woman shoots at persistent intruder
A 74-year-old woman twice shot at a man after he made repeated attempts to break into her home, extort money from her and threatened to set fire to her garage.
Hugh Turner, 52, was arrested by Scottsdale police about 2 p.m. Friday on suspicion of threatening and intimidation and other offenses at a residence in the 27800 block of North 94th Street.
Turner allegedly threatened to burn the woman’s house down after pouring gasoline in her garage about midnight on Thursday if she refused to give him money, police said.
After the woman complied with his demands, Turner fled but later returned to the home about 4 a.m. Saturday and tried to break into an upstairs door using a ladder. The woman fired two shots from a handgun, but the man was able to get away unharmed, police said.
Officer’s from the parks and preserve unit on All-Terrain Vehicles found Turner in a desert area near the home and arrested him. Turner also was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson on an occupied structure, theft by extortion, endangerment and disorderly conduct.
Turner was treated at Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak hospital for an ankle injury he sustained after he jumped from the ladder at the woman’s home. He was booked into the Scottsdale City Jail. Police said the woman and man knew each other.
Labels: AZ, female, home invasion, senior
3/19/08
Tucker, Georgia
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of March 19, 2008
Elderly Tucker man kills intruder
If a DeKalb County home invasion suspect thought an elderly Tucker couple would make an easy target Tuesday night, he thought wrong.
Now the suspect is dead, and DeKalb police say the 81-year-old homeowner will not face charges for shooting and killing the man.
DeKalb police spokesman J.T. Ware said that about 11 p.m., the unidentified suspect, who appeared to be in his 20s, broke into the home on Zemory Drive, in a neighborhood off Lawrenceville Highway.
"The suspect, as he was entering the location, made enough noise to arouse the suspicions of the homeowner, and he was able to locate his weapon and load it," Ware said.
The homeowner confronted the suspect, and after a brief struggle, shot and killed the man, Ware said.
He said the homeowner, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized for treatment of wounds suffered during the struggle, but is expected to be okay. The man's 78-year-old wife was not injured.
Ware said police do not plan to charge the homeowner.
"He defended his home, defended his wife," Ware said. "He did what everybody would hope to do in a situation like that."
Labels: GA, home invasion, senior
3/18/08
Flint, Michigan
From the Flint Journal of March 16, 2008
Homeowner shoots man in Flint's first homicide
The city's first homicide of the year occurred Saturday morning when police said a 72-year-old man shot his 37-year-old housemate in the stomach.
Police were called to the scene about 7 a.m. and found Jonathon Joseph Stevens dead on the sidewalk next door to the home where he'd been living. Police have not released the name of the accused shooter.
Flint police Sgt. Roderick LeGardye said Stevens and the older man got into an argument early Saturday morning inside the home at 2518 Bagley St. During the fight, Stevens allegedly hit the elderly man with a large wooden stick. The 72-year-old then pulled out a gun and shot the victim at least once in the stomach, LeGardye said.
Stevens tried to run away but collapsed on the sidewalk. The suspect was taken to Hurley Medical Center with head injuries. He is not expected to be taken into police custody pending further investigation, LeGardye said.
"Right now, we're unsure what they were fighting about," LeGardye said.
LeGardye said Stevens was living in the older man's home but did not know their relationship. Stevens' wife had recently moved in and was at the home when the shooting occurred.
This has been the first time in years Flint has gone more than two months into a new year without a homicide.
(More)
**Update April 15, 2008**
Housemate slaying was self-defense: no charges
Labels: altercation, MI, senior
2/22/08
Jacksonville, Florida
From the February 21, 2008 Jacksonville, Florida Times-Union:
– A suspected burglar who was shot in the hand Tuesday was arrested on Wednesday. Police said a man broke into an apartment in the 700 block of Shearer Avenue, near Interstate 10 and Roosevelt Boulevard. The victim, a 65-year-old man, said he grabbed a revolver near him and fired once at the man. Police said 31-year-old Joseph Brown, who matched the suspect description, was found at Baptist Medical Center being treated for a gunshot wound and was arrested.
Labels: FL, residence burglary, senior
2/14/08
North Texas
From WFAA of February 13, 2008
WWII vet sends armed burglar suspect to hospital
Police said one man is in the hospital after an elderly North Texas man took action into his own hands when confronted by two armed brothers inside his home Saturday night.
Police said they believe the brothers went to 80-year-old James Pickett's home with the intent to rob him, and even possibly kill him. However, Pickett - a World War II veteran, former fighter and lifelong John Wayne devotee - wasn't about to let that happen.
It all began Saturday night when Pickett said he opened his door and two men barged inside.
"He just come through that door stabbing and beating," he said.
However, Pickett said just before he went to answer the door, he had first placed a pistol into his pocket.
"And he jumped and turned, and I shot him there," he said.
The two brothers, Paul and Holden Perry, ran, but didn't get far before calling an ambulance. One of the bullets just missed Paul Perry's spine.
"He's my hero," said one neighbor of Pickett.
"Well, I ain't got no business being a hero, by no means," he said.
Both brothers face assault, burglary and robbery charges. Deputies assured Pickett they aren't likely to get out of jail anytime soon. However, he didn't seem that worried anyhow.
"I think I'm a ten times better shot than he is," he said. "... But, they best not come back."
Labels: home invasion, senior, TX
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
1/21/08
Miami, Florida
From the Miami Herald of January 21, 2008
'Sweetest, kindest gentleman' shoots suspect
A white-haired 85-year-old man, rushing to his son's defense, shot and wounded a would-be car thief Monday morning in Little Havana, Miami police said.
The suspect, Norberto Fernandez, 29, had been trying to steal Jorge Jauregui's white Honda Accord in front of his house, 1368 SW 14th St.
Jorge Jauregui, 50, armed with a handgun, ordered Fernandez out of the car, police said.
''I don't care,'' responded the alleged thief, according to Miami police spokesman William Moreno.
The two engaged in a ''vicious fight,'' Moreno said.
Then his father, Florentino Jauregui, also armed, rushed out of the house and ''fearing his grandson was being overpowered,'' shot and wounded Fernandez, Moreno said.
The shooting could be ruled justified under Florida's self-defense law.
''He was not protecting property but was protecting bodily injury to his own grandson. The investigation is preliminary but it appears he might be covered under that law,'' Moreno said.
Fernandez, a felon with a long criminal history, was charged later Monday with burglary to a motor vehicle, aggravated assault and battery, police said.
He was also fingered as the man who robbed a woman of her purse a few blocks away earlier in the morning, police said. In that case, he was charged with strong-armed robbery.
Investigators believe he had escaped in a stolen white Toyota, which was later found nearby with a nail in the tire. He may have been trying to steal another car when confronted by the Jauregui family.
Fernandez was taken to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition, Moreno said.
A neighbor, Laura George, called grandfather Florentino Jauregui ``the sweetest, kindest gentleman in the neighborhood.''
The shooting happened about 9 a.m. in the 1300 block of Southwest 14th Street, only blocks from where another elderly resident, former 1930s Cuban track star Marta Suarez, helped police nab a purse snatcher in September.
Wearing designer sneakers, the 85-year-old Suarez chased the man into the path of a police cruiser. She got her purse back. He went to jail.
Suarez, still wearing the same Coach sneakers, wandered by the crime scene Monday after the latest confrontation between age and youth.
Labels: altercation, carjacking, FL, senior
1/15/08
Buffalo, New York
From Buffalo News of January 15, 2008
Pizzeria owner on Clinton fires shot, thwarting two robbers
The 78-year-old owner of a Clinton Street pizzeria averted a robbery Monday night when he fired a single warning shot, prompting two robbers to run away, police reported.
The attempted robbery took place inside Bocce Club Pizzeria, 630 Clinton, at about 7:40 p.m. when two men entered his business and one pointed a handgun at the owner, according to Ferry-Fillmore District Police.
The owner retaliated by pulling out his own gun and firing a single shot through the pizzeria's plexiglass, which scared off the thieves, police said.
This is the second time this month that robbers have targeted this pizzeria.
On Jan. 2, the owner was confronted at about 7 p.m. by two men who entered his business and one of the men pulled out a black semiautomatic pistol and demanded money from the cash register. During that incident, the men fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Labels: business robbery, NY, senior
1/8/08
Fairborn, South Dakota
From the Rapid City Journal of January 8, 2008
80-year-old woman shoots mountain lion in her yard
Eighty-year-old Martha Smith admits she was a little nervous when she walked out of her house to shoot a mountain lion snarling at her in her ranch house yard.
It was about 4:30 p.m. last Thursday and the light was already fading when she heard her dog barking outside her house south of Fairburn. Smith looked outside and saw a mountain lion in her garden.
Worried about the dog’s safety, she grabbed her .22 rifle, walked outside and took a shot at the lion but missed.
She went back inside and called 911 but the dispatcher had trouble finding someone from Game, Fish & Parks.
So Smith, who learned to shoot as a girl on the family ranch, grabbed the rifle again, went back outside and walked to within about 20 feet of the mountain lion. She said she was a little nervous. “I didn’t know whether I had a small one or a big one,” Smith said. All I could see was three feet of tail and it was snarling and spitting at me.”
Smith aimed for the cat’s chest where she figured its heart would be and fired. The cat jumped up, ran a short distance and dropped dead.
A GF&P staffer showed up a few hours later and measured the cat, a 90-pound male.
Smith said she was worried whether the young lion’s mother was around.
But the young cat had been fitted with a collar, so GF&P was able to track its mother, which had been shot by a hunter.
“Thank God he was little because I don’t think my .22 would have killed the big one, Smith said.
She says she always keeps her .22 rifle loaded. “What good’s a gun if it’s not loaded?”
Further links:
80-year-old Black Hills woman shoots mountain lion
1/6/08
Detroit, Michigan
From WDIV of January 6, 2008
Elderly Man Shoots Home Intruder
An 82-year-old man on Detroit's northwest side shot and severely wounded an intruder who walked into his Collingwood Street home Sunday afternoon.
Police said that the intruder, a 44-year-old man from Redford, was visiting friends in the neighborhood when he entered the home of Thomas Jackson, 82, and his wife.
Jackson grabbed his gun and shot the intruder.
Police are investigating why the man had entered the home, but a friend told Local 4 that the intruder has a history of mental illness
"What he does, he's been known to go into people's houses and just sit down," said friend Charles Smith.
"He don't know where he is. He'll go into people's cars and sit down, you know, follow strangers down the street."
The intruder was listed in critical condition at Henry Ford Hospital Sunday evening.
Labels: home invasion, mental illness, MI, senior
12/31/07
Orlando, Florida
From December 27, 2007 WKMG channel 6:
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Central Florida man who collects cash for parking at a church fought off five armed men who had ambushed him and demanded cash.
The 65-year-old victim, who did not want to be identified, said he was collecting cash in the Parramore area before an Orlando Magic basketball game when someone put a gun to his head.
He noticed that that he was surrounded by four other men as well.
The man said he pretended to reach into his jacket for cash but instead pulled out his hidden gun and opened fire.
The men fled during the shooting and it was not known if any of them were hit by bullets.
The victim said he had a permit for the concealed weapon.
He said he has been a victim of crime before.
"A couple of years ago, eight teens attacked me with a pipe trying to rob me," the man said.
Labels: concealed carry permit, FL, senior, street robbery
12/9/07
Hialeah Gardens, Florida
From CBS4 of December 8, 2007
Man Turns On Would-Be Robbers, Kills One
Four robbers get more than they bargain for when they target an elderly Hialeah Gardens man. Police said he shot and killed one of them while he was being attacked.
Police said 74-year-old, Jorge Leonton was not aware he was being followed from the bank to his home along Northwest 91st Avenue and 119th Street.
"I feel horrible, my body is still shaking," said Margarita Leonton, who is still shaken up on Saturday, after police said 4 armed men attacked her husband. "I never thought that this could happen especially at 10:30 in the morning."
Jorge Leonton was questioned by police after they said he drove to a nearby bank, withdrew cash, and began driving back home. On Saturday night he is back at home with his wife.
Little did he know, four men were following from behind, when he arrived home, and got out of his car police said one of the thugs put him in a chokehold position and demanded money he had just withdrawn from the ATM.
"He came to me with such great force, he was so violent and started to choke me," said Jorge Leonton. He said he told the robber to let go, Leonton has a conceal weapon permit.
"I took out my gun and told him, let me go or I'm going to shoot you, because I have a heart condition," said Leonton. "I can't breath, you can't grab me by the neck, because I'll die, I told him that 3 times."
The alleged robber refused to let go and Leonton shot him in a torso. "My vision became blurry and that's when I shot him," said Leonton.
The other three crooks drove away. Jorge told CBS4's Shomari Stone he didn't want to shoot him, but he had to because his life was in jeopardy. "It's bad I didn't want to shoot a human being, he is a human being regardless."
Paramedics lifted the wounded suspect to Ryder Trauma Center where he later died.
Margarita said her husband's gun saved his life. "If he wouldn't been armed, I think he would have been killed," she said.
They are searching for the other 3 suspects who got away.
Labels: concealed carry permit, FL, senior, street robbery
11/20/07
Dallas, Texas
From MyFox Dallas of November 19, 2007
Dallas Homeowner Shoots Home Invasion Suspect
A man was shot early Tuesday morning after he attempted to break into a Dallas home.
Police said a 76-year-old homeowner heard his dogs barking at around 3 a.m. at his home in the 3700 block of Fordham. He opened the front door and found a suspect prowling around the front yard.
When the door opened, the 28-year-old suspect ran inside. The two began fighting, and the homeowner managed to get a shotgun from under the bed.
He fired one shot, and the suspect was struck in the hand, shoulder and face.
Police arrived, and he was transported to Baylor Hospital. He was listed in serious but stable condition.
The homeowner suffered several blows to the face, but did not need medical attention.
Labels: home invasion, senior, TX
10/31/07
Memphis, Tennessee
From the October 31, 2007 Memphis Commercial-Appeal:
Memphis police early today were waiting for a suspect to be released from the hospital so they could charge him in a string of events in East Memphis that involved a crash, an attempted break-in, a shooting and smashed windows.
At about 3:30 the suspect crashed his vehicle into a pole on the 6500 block of Poplar Pike, then went to the nearby residence of an elderly couple.
He started banging on the door, demanding to be let in. When the 83-year-old man inside refused, the suspect kicked in a window.
The elderly man fired a shot at the suspect, which set him off running, police said. He was not struck.
Labels: home invasion, senior, TN
10/27/07
Gainesville, Florida
From Orlando’s WESH.com of October 27, 2007
Blind Man Shoots Home Intruder In NeckYou can see his criminal history here.
According to police, Cevaughn Curtis Jr., 28, broke into Arthur Williams' house in Gainesville at around 3 a.m.
Curtis, police said, knocked on the door, asked to be let inside but Williams refused. Curtis then tried to force his way into the home.
The 75-year-old retired taxi dispatcher, who's been legally blind for the past 61 years, opened fire on the would-be-thief who kicked down his door, police said.
Police said Williams shot Curtis, who tried to flee but collapsed on the front porch, in the left side of the neck. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
Police said Curtis was charged with burglary of an occupied residence and battery on a person over the age of 65.
Officials are praising Williams for protecting himself.
Labels: FL, home invasion, senior
10/26/07
Houston, Texas
From Houston’s KTRK of October 26, 2007
Suspected burglar may have been living in couple's attic
An elderly homeowner in northeast Houston is shaken up after shooting a suspected burglar. It turns out the man had actually been living in her attic and she never knew.
Police say the suspect had been living in the attic at the home near Hardy and Lorraine, getting in and out of the house through a side window.
Police say the man saw the husband leave Friday afternoon, so he thought the house was empty. He went inside, but little did he know the man's 84-year-old wife was there. She heard the commotion and was waiting with her pistol in hand.
Police say she fired several rounds, hitting the suspect once in the neck area.
"She was in fear of her life," said Sgt. Richard Nieto with the Houston Police Department. "A stranger was inside her home. She used the force necessary to protect her personal safety."
The suspect ran down the alley behind the house, collapsing on the sidewalk in front of Shermann Elementary School. Police say the children were never in harm's way and it didn't disrupt the day.
Based on evidence found inside the attic, police think the suspect had been living there for a while. They also think he may have robbed the husband at knifepoint on Thursday.
The suspect is at Ben Taub Hospital, facing several charges. The woman who shot him is not facing charges.
Labels: female, residence burglary, senior, TX
10/24/07
Wichita, Kansas
From the Wichita Eagle of October 24, 2007
Woman shot, man injured in domestic dispute
Wichita police are investigating a domestic violence disturbance that occurred Tuesday night in the 500 block of North Spruce.
Sgt. Jeff Davis said a 76-year-old man asked his 52-year-old girlfriend and roommate to move out. She poured bleach on him, a police report said, and then sprayed him with Mace. As she began hitting him with a frying pan, he pulled out a .38 revolver and shot her twice in the left shoulder.
Emergency workers transported both of them to Wesley Medical Center.
Doctors treated and released the man; the woman is in serious condition, Davis said. Police did not arrest the man, Davis said, but expect to arrest the woman when she is out of the hospital.
"We think this was a situation of self-defense," Davis said.
Labels: domestic abuse, KS, senior
10/15/07
Mobile, Alabama
From Mobile’s WSBtv.com of October 15, 2007
Elderly Woman Shoots Homeless Man In Her Laundry Room
Mobile police said an 81-year-old woman shot a homeless man this morning after finding him washing his clothes in her laundry room.
Police spokesman Officer Eric Gallichant told the Press-Register that Ethel Sanders told people she heard noises in her laundry room. When she went to investigate, she found a man standing in his underwear near the washing machine.
Gallichant said Sanders was carrying a handgun and shot the man when he came at her. He said Sanders fell to the ground and dropped the gun after firing.
Gallichant said the man grabbed the gun, pointed it at Sanders and took his clothes from the washing machine.
The man fled and Sanders called police just before 8 a.m. Officers caught the man at the nearby Plateau Community Center.
James Penn, who is 25, was taken to University of South Alabama Medical Center. Gallichant said he is expected to survive. Upon release from the hospital, Gallichant said, Penn will be charged with first-degree burglary.
Labels: AL, residence burglary, senior
Kansas City, Missouri
From the Kansas City Star of October 15, 2007
Shots exchanged during KC home invasion
An intruder who forced his way into a Kansas City home early this morning was chased off when a resident fired a shot through his closed bedroom door.
Kansas City police were called to the house in the 4100 block of South Benton St. about 1:50 a.m. and found signs that the front door had been pried open.
A 69-year-old man told officers that he was awakened by the sound of the door being forced open. The man said that as he heard the intruder approach his bedroom he fired a shot from a .40-caliber handgun. The suspect fired a return shot and fled.
Another man was sleeping in the house, but neither resident saw the intruder, according to police reports. The residents were not injured and there were no signs that a bullet hit the intruder.
10/11/07
Wenatchee, Washington
From Seattle’s KOMOtv.com of October 11, 2007
Man swinging bottle shot by driver at Highway 2 rest area
The Chelan County sheriff's office says a man seeking a ride was critically wounded while harassing a driver who stopped at a Highway 2 rest area.
The sheriff's office says 45-year-old Jay Kneer of Renton was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle Wednesday night with a head wound.
Investigators say 66-year-old Dennis Shaw of Lynnwood and his wife had stopped at the Nason Creek rest area 14 miles west of Leavenworth where Kneer asked him for a ride.
When Shaw refused, Kneer became angry, followed Shaw to his car and struck his vehicle window with a glass bottle.
Shaw told investigators the attack continued when he pointed a handgun at Kneer. Shaw says he fired in an attempt to scare Kneer and hit him in the head.
The Shaws were not injured.
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
10/8/07
Nashville, Tennessee
From Nashville’s WKRN.com of October 8, 2007
Gunfire Kills East Nashville Store Owner
The owner of a convenience store in east Nashville was shot and killed at her store on Cahal Avenue Monday afternoon.
Customers found the body of 70-year-old Classie Wilson inside her store, Cahal Market, at about 1 p.m. Monday.
She had been shot in the chest.
Police believe Wilson and the suspect exchanged gunfire before she was fatally wounded.
Officers said the suspect came in, asking for to purchase [sic] a single pack of cigarettes when the altercation began.
Wilson and her husband owned and operated the Cahall Market for more than 20 years.
Her son, Ronald Wilson, spoke with News 2 Monday.
He said, “She lived by example. For 28, 30 years we’ve been at the store she’s helped people when they needed it… If they didn’t have enough money or couldn’t pay, she’d help them out.”
Police are searching for a suspect Monday night.
They believe he escaped on foot and may still be in the neighborhood.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, female, senior, TN
10/2/07
La Vernia, Texas
From MySanAntonio.com of October 2, 2007
Elderly man shoots, kills suspected burglar
An elderly man in La Vernia caught two burglars in the act, but they were no match for his trigger finger and his shotgun. One of the men is dead, and the other is behind bars.
"He's an old timer up there in the county and an old hunter," Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt Jr. said.
And 83-year-old Raymond Bunte wasn't afraid to defend someone else's home.
"He didn't take any mess, I mean he meant business," Tackitt said.
Bunte heard suspicious noises next door on a rural road in La Vernia at about 2 p.m. Friday. He stumbled across a kicked in door and two thieves helping themselves to Dolores Hendershot's valuables. He blocked their exit and ordered the men out and on the ground. But 23-year-old Dustin Houston didn't get very far when he tried to flee.
"One of them for sure is never going to do another burglary," Tackitt said.
That's because Houston was shot dead through the windshield. Deputies say 24-year-old Steven Christopher Muniz then took off running. Texas Rangers tracked him down in San Antonio.
"If it's a matter of your life or someone else's life? You do what you have to do to protect yourself," Tackitt said.
It will be up to a grand jury to decide whether or not Bunte's actions were justified or if he will face charges.
Labels: residence burglary, senior, TX
9/7/07
Dellona Township, Michigan
From the Oshkosh Northwestern of September 7, 2007
Bar owner chases down .44 Magnum-toting robber
Herb Ott doesn’t like to be robbed. In fact, he takes it pretty darn personally.
On Thursday around noon, a man in a camouflage mask and clothing and carrying a .44 Magnum handgun and a bag walked into Ott’s bar, Poor Nate’s Tavern, in the township of Dellona about 50 miles northwest of Madison.
The bartender, who declined to give her name, said the robber never pointed the gun at her, but went straight to the money drawer. She began screaming for Ott, who was upstairs doing the bar’s books, as the robber headed out the back door with nearly $5,000 in his bag.
The 68-year-old Ott came charging downstairs and burst out the back door after the robber, shouting at him to stop.
"I told him, ’Give me my frickin’ money back,"’ Ott said.
Ott followed the robber through the countryside behind the bar, careful to keep his distance. The robber ducked from tree to tree, looking back at him from time to time, Ott said.
He ran up a hill toward some rental cottages before Ott found him trying to hide behind a shed.
Ott began to swear at the robber - "I used the Lord’s name in vain. I think he was scared" - and the robber handed the money bag and loaded gun over to him.
"I says, ’Why did you do it?’ He said, ’I’m sorry, but I’m broke,"’ Ott said.
Ott walked the robber back to the bar and made him sit at a table until Sauk County Sheriff’s deputies arrived.
Ott said he recognized the 31-year-old robber once he had the mask off him. He had come into the bar in the past to cash checks, Ott said, which explains how the robber knew where the money was.
The man offered no explanation for the robbery or his decision to surrender, Ott said.
"He just said he was sorry after I found out who he was," Ott said.
Ott has owned Poor Nate’s Place, on State Highway 23 between Reedsburg and Wisconsin Dells, for more than 30 years. He thinks he’s been robbed at least twice before. The police always have recovered his money, he said, but this time he took matters into his own hands.
"I wasn’t going to let him just walk away with a bag of money," Ott said. "Why would a guy just let him walk away?"
Sauk County Chief Deputy Chip Meister said chasing down a man who has a .44 Magnum may not have been the wisest move, but it worked.
"Obviously, it wasn’t the safest action. However, because of his efforts the suspect was apprehended," Meister said.
Ott said he didn’t have a plan when he went out the back door.
"I just wanted to follow him and, I guess, see where he went to and see if he got in a car and get a license number or whatever. I just stayed my distance and yelled at him and finally he gave up. He just handed me the gun and the money and that was it."
Ott said he expected the robber to turn and open fire. But he knew what he would have done:
"I figured if he’s going to shoot, I’m going to duck."
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, senior, WI
9/5/07
Greenville, South Carolina
From Greenville’s WYFF4.com of September 5, 2007
Deputies: Homeowner Shoots Kills BurglarFrom Greenville’s WYFF4.com of September 6, 2007
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, senior
8/25/07
Orange County, Florida
From the Orlando Sentinel of August 25, 2007
Orange homeowner shoots burglary suspect
A 65-year-old Orange County homeowner shot a man late Friday as he was breaking into his home in the 2200 block of W. Pine St.
Harvey Lee Williams, 22, was shot in the right arm and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The homeowner, who fired from inside his house, does not face charges, Orange County Sheriff's Cmdr. Bruce McMullen said. Williams has not been charged, but the investigation is not complete.
From WFTV of August 25, 2007
Elderly Man Shoots Suspected Burglar
Orange County deputies responding to a report of a burglary found a man with a gunshot wound to his right arm just after midnight Saturday morning.
Their investigation discovered that the shooting victim had been burglarizing a home on West Pine Street and had been shot by the homeowner, a 65 year old man.
Fire rescue transported Harvey Lee Williams to Orlando Regional Medical Center,
The wound to Williams was considered non life threatening.
He was charged with burglary, and later booked into the Orange County Jail.
The elderly homeowner was not charged.
8/18/07
Pensacola, Florida
From the Pensacola News Journal of August 17, 2007
76-year-old man wrestles gun away from robber
A 76-year-old Pensacola man wrestled a gun from a 64-year-old man trying to rob him Friday, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of an armed robbery at Tall Oaks Campground about 11 a.m. and found Jay Robbins, 64, of Pensacola being held at gunpoint by Paul Ehler, 76.
According to investigators, Ehler said he was sitting in his office chair when Roberts walked in and said he was going to rob Ehler.
Ehler told investigators Roberts wanted him to sit in a chair to be bound. But when the suspect fumbled with the rope, Ehler came around the desk and attacked him, the report said.
After a brief struggle, Ehler got the gun away from the suspect and held him until deputies arrived.
Robbins was arrested for one count of armed robbery and taken to Escambia County Jail where he is being held on $50,000 bond.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, FL, residence robbery, senior
8/13/07
Clovis, New Mexico
From the Washington Post of August 9, 2007
Man, 85, Fools, Captures Alleged Burglar
An 85-year-old man whose home was burglarized three times within a week decided to take matters into his own hands. Alton Tillman left his home at his regular time Tuesday, but doubled back and quietly went inside, finding emptied drawers, items in disarray _ and someone's feet sticking out from under a bed, police said.
Tillman ordered him out, then called 911.
When officers arrived, they found Tillman pointing a handgun at a 16-year-old boy standing against a wall, they said.
Officers said they found several items belonging to Tillman in the boy's pockets and other items of the man's at the youth's home a block away.
The teenager was charged with felony burglary and larceny.
Police Capt. Patrick Whitney said people should call officers rather than acting on their own.
"We're not Superman either, but at least we do have the equipment and the training," he said.
Labels: NM, residence burglary, senior
8/2/07
Dallas, Texas
From CBS11 of August 2, 2007
N. Texas Man Fights Back, Shoots Would-Be Robber
Police say an elderly North Texan battled robbers, shooting one of them during an attack in Pleasant Grove.
72-year-old Robert Cushingberry says he was just defending himself when two men approached him and a companion wanting money.
Cushingberry says he's been robbed before. Because of that, he says, he now takes precautions.
Cushingberry says when the men approached and started threatening him, he pulled out a gun from under his seat and opened fire. So did the two men. "I was standing at the at the back of my truck where my pistol was," he said, "when he saw me reach in there to get it. That's when he shot the first two times. After that, it was just one on one."
Blood stains cover the parking lot where it happened at Overton and Bonnie View. Bullet holes are scattered throughout Cushingberry's truck.
People in this Pleasant Grove neighborhood say they would like to see the area cleaned up.
Jeff Jefferson lives in the area. "You are going to have the good and the bad," he said. "Do things they are not supposed to do. Hopefully we can clean up the area."
One of the robbers was shot in the stomach and taken to Baylor Hospital. The second suspect has been arrested. Cushingberry has not been charged.
Labels: senior, street robbery, TX
Reidsville, North Carolina
From the Reidsville Review of August 2, 2007
Man awakes, chases suspect
An 80-year-old man armed with a shotgun sent a would-be burglar running it [sic] into the woods.
Scratching sounds woke Edward Childress about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at his home on 6363 U.S. Business. When Childress went to investigate, he found a man standing on a ladder looking in his window, according to a sheriff’s office report.
Childress grabbed his shotgun, and the man ran off.
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Edwards and his dog, Amos, tracked Kennith David Eanes to train tracks about a mile away.
Eanes, 40, of 6960 N.C. 770 in Ruffin, is charged with attempted breaking and entering, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail is set at $10,000, and a court date is scheduled for Aug. 21.
Labels: NC, residence burglary, senior
7/6/07
Jackson, Wyoming
From the Casper Star-Tribune of July 6, 2007
Man gets clear in grizzly killing
Ken Meade agrees it's fair to say he's relieved he was not charged with killing an endangered species.
Federal officials recently determined the 65-year-old Lander man killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last fall.
The case marks what is perhaps the last time a federal agency will be involved with investigating a grizzly killing. The bears were removed from federal protection earlier this year, and control of the animals now rests with the state.
Meade said the one shot he fired to kill the 4-year-old, 350- to 400-pound male grizzly in October was "the luckiest shot of my life."
On Oct. 11, Meade was hunting elk on Togwotee Pass with his chocolate Lab, Clementine. He was camping in a camper, less than 50 yards from U.S. Highway 26/287, he said this week, two weeks after he received word his case had been ruled to be self-defense. He had declined to be interviewed last fall because of the ongoing investigation.
7/4/07
Hickory, North Carolina
From Charlotte's WSOC of July 4, 2007
79-Year-Old Man Shoots Intruder During Hickory Home Invasion
An elderly man feared for his life and shot a 23-year-old man who broke into his home Tuesday night in Hickory.
The 79-year-old man woke up to find that someone had broken into his home.
His quick thinking may have saved his life and his wife’s.
The man told his wife to go the neighbor’s house and be safe. Get out while she could.
The man then grabbed his handgun that he had in the house and waited for the intruder.
When the burglar walked into his bedroom, the elderly man shot him in the head.
The elderly man said it was a split second decision and one that he doesn’t regret.
Investigators said the man had a right to defend himself and his home.
The 23-year-old intruder is in the hospital and is expected to survive.
Investigators said that he would be arrested as soon as he is discharged from the hospital.
From the Army Times of July 5, 2007
Ex-sharpshooter surprises would-be burglar
When an unexpected knock rattled the front door, 79-year-old Dwight Cook left his perch in front of the television to investigate. But no one was there.
Minutes later, he heard the sliding glass doors break, and Cook sent his wife to the neighbors’ house and grabbed his gun. The would-be robber who entered Cook’s home late Tuesday night wasn’t expecting to run into anyone — let alone a former Army sharpshooter.
Cook used his .22-caliber weapon to fire a warning shot into the ceiling, but the bullet ricocheted and part of it hit the intruder in the forehead, said Lt. Hank Guess with the Hickory Police Department.
“I wasn’t aiming for him. I’ve handled guns since I was 12,” Cook said. “If I wanted to hit him, I would have. If he’d moved, the next shot would have stopped him.”
Cook held the man at gunpoint until police arrived after he dialed 911.
The intruder, 23-year-old Derek Scott Frenceschini of Hickory, was arrested. He was hospitalized for the bullet fragment in his skull and a fractured hand he injured during the break-in, officials said.
Labels: home invasion, NC, senior
6/30/07
Portland, Oregon
From the The Oregoniann of June 30, 2007
Portland man, 71, wounds intruderFrom the KATU of July 9, 2007
A Northeast Portland homeowner who came face to face with an intruder in the early morning darkness Friday shot him once in the head, leaving him seriously injured, family members and authorities said.
About 4:50 a.m., Leroy Hudson, 71, and his wife, Janice, 62, awakened to the sound of a break-in, said Walter Hudson, 49, the second of the couple's nine children. Walter Hudson relayed his parents' account of events:
Leroy Hudson was asleep upstairs and Janice Hudson was asleep downstairs in their home near Northeast 107th Avenue and Glisan Street. When they heard suspicious noises from their enclosed back porch, they met in a hall and got out a gun.
Janice Hudson called 9-1-1 to report an intruder. Leroy Hudson opened the back door of the house and found a man standing in front of him. He demanded to know what the man was doing, hoping to scare him off.
But the man said nothing. Instead, he walked toward Leroy Hudson, and Hudson raised the gun and shot him. Police arrived soon after.
Police have not released the intruder's identity but think he's about 26 years old, said Officer Brian Schmautz, a Portland Police Bureau spokesman.
The man's gunshot wound was life-threatening and he had surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, Schmautz said. No condition report was available.
Janice Hudson had stayed on the line and told 9-1-1 operators that a gun had been fired and someone was down, Schmautz said. When police reached the home, they stood outside and called for the homeowners to step out. Police then found the man lying on the back porch amid signs of forced entry. The intruder was not armed.
The Hudsons' home was busy Friday with the couple's children and grandchildren stopping by to offer support and help clean up.
Walter Hudson said he was grateful no one in his family was hurt but his thoughts also were with the intruder's family.
"It's so terrible on both sides," he said.
Walter Hudson said his father served in the military about 50 years ago, but he didn't know the details. He didn't believe his father had used a gun on a person outside the military.
His parents and his aunt, who turns 84 today, moved into the house a year and half ago, he said. His father hasn't told him how the incident affected the couple emotionally, but it was a surprise to encounter such a threatening situation in the peaceful neighborhood.
Schmautz cautioned residents about keeping guns at home. An intruder could turn a weapon against a resident in such a confrontation, he said.
Also, Schmautz said residents should weigh the risk of personal danger against the loss of belongings.
No charges have been pressed in the incident. The Multnomah County district attorney's office will consider what action is warranted, Schmautz said.
Police: No charges for homeowner who shot intruder
An elderly man who shot a suspected intruder in the head at his northeast Portland home late last month will not face criminal charges, officials announced Monday.
The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office completed its review of the June 29 incident and determined the case would not go before a grand jury, police said.
According to police, 71-year-old Leroy Hudson awoke in the early morning hours to the sound of breaking glass and someone moving around in an enclosed porch area of his home in the 10700 block of Northeast Glisan Street.
Police have not elaborated on what happened next but at some point Hudson shot at the suspected intruder.
The injured suspect, 26-year-old Brent Alexander Sweet, was treated at Legacy Emanuel Hospital and released over the past weekend.
Police have charged Sweet with first-degree criminal trespass, and he was scheduled to be arraigned Monday.
Labels: home invasion, OR, senior
6/21/07
Putnam Valley, New York
From Westchester’s Journal-News of June 21, 2007
Police: Ex-cop shoots attacker, who had been served divorce papers
A retired Kent police officer who was serving legal papers to a town man in a divorce proceeding shot the man in the chest twice yesterday after the man attacked him with a police baton, state police said.
Officers went about 4:30 p.m. to 33 Lincoln Road, where 66-year-old Dennis Illuminate had gone to serve divorce papers on Douglas Greenwich, said Capt. Keith Corlett of the state police.
Greenwich, 52, who was at the house to pick up a dresser, became enraged at the sight of Illuminate, who had served him with legal papers on two previous occasions, Corlett said. Illuminate, who is also a former Kent councilman, fired his licensed .25-caliber handgun, striking Greenwich in the upper torso, but the men continued to struggle, Corlett said. Illuminate fired a second round, which also struck Greenwich in the chest, he said.
Greenwich, who was found lying in the driveway by state police, was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition last night.
"It looks like this may be a classic self-defense case," Corlett said. "We're in the process of discussing the case with the Putnam County District Attorney's Office, which will make the decision as to whether any charges will be filed."
Greenwich, an electrician, had moved out of the house and told his wife he was coming by yesterday to pick up a dresser, police said. His wife called her lawyer, who had been having difficulty locating Greenwich to serve him with the legal papers. The lawyer, in turn, called Illuminate to tell him Greenwich would be at the house.
The two men were alone at the house when the incident took place, Corlett said.
Illuminate, a Carmel resident, retired from the town of Kent Police Department 24 years ago and has been an active process server for many years, Corlett said.
Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, NY, senior
6/20/07
Holly, Colorado
From Syracuse’s (NY) WSTM.com of June 20, 2007
Rabid coyote attacks woman
An 87-year-old Colorado woman is recovering from wounds she suffered when she was attacked by a rabid coyote.
The attack happened last Friday, June 15 at a farm south of the town of Holly in southeastern Colorado.
Elsie Rushton, 87, was sitting out on her deck, enjoying the sunshine, when the coyote attacked. She says she first thought it was just a small dog running through her yard.
Rushton and her husband say they have lived in the house since 1948. They say they often see coyotes, but they rarely come onto their property.
This time, a coyote attacked Rushton, biting her on her legs and on her right arm.
"It came back through the yard here. The coyote come up through the stairs on the deck and jumped on my wife," said Rushton's 89-year-old husband, Hugh.
"It was terrible you know. Somebody grab a hold of your hand like that, something like a creature grabs a hold of your hand and tears it to pieces," said Rushton.
Hugh Rushton shot and killed the coyote and it later tested positive for rabies.
Rushton received seven stitches for her injuries. She has already had eight rounds of antibiotics, but doctors say she still needs more.
The coyote's brain tissue has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing to determine what kind of rabies it had.
State health officials say it most likely got the disease from a bat.
However, if it had the skunk strain of rabies, it is a bigger concern because skunks are more likely to spread the disease to other animals.
The most common carriers of rabies in Colorado are bats, but any wild animal can be infected and can transmit the disease through a bite.
It's the first such attack in that area of Colorado in 30 years.
Doral, Florida
From Miami’s CBS4.com of June 20, 2007
After Attacked By 3 Dogs, Man Opened Fire
Three dogs attacked Mauricio Garcia when he was walking near his home at 9343 SW 4th Lane, in Doral, late Wednesday morning. He pulled out a gun and shot one of them to death.
He was scared, but when CBS4 later caught up with him, he said jokingly, "I'm alive".
CBS Chopper4 flew over the scene soon after the incident happened, and the 74-year-old Garcia could be seen sitting down, the pants covering his left leg were torn. A woman was handing water to him.
"I heard it," said neighbor Alice Villa. "He pulled out a gun and shot the dog right there."
Miami-Dade officials said the three dogs belonged to a neighbor who others in the community said "is a nice guy", and no charges will be pressed against him.
The dogs are miniature schnauzers, which can be trained to be aggressive, and some confirmed the dogs have a history of biting.
Garcia, on the other hand is doing well, and no charges will be filed against him. He has a concealed weapon's permit.
Labels: animal, concealed carry permit, FL, senior
5/9/07
St. Paul, Minnesota
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press of May 9, 2007
Man, 68, arrested after teenager shot near St. Paul bus stopFrom the St. Paul Pioneer Press of May 11, 2007
A 68-year-old man who told police three teenagers robbed him on a St. Paul street Tuesday night shot one of the men, police say, but officers are still trying to sort through what happened.
The 18-year-old victim was shot in the shoulder and taken to Regions Hospital, said Tom Walsh, a police spokesman. He said the man is expected to survive.
Officers arrested Donald W. Hurd on suspicion of felony assault, but Walsh said it's unlikely he'll be charged.
Police were called to Como and Snelling avenues about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a man yelling he had been shot, Walsh said.
Hurd was there and told police he didn't have a gun and no shots had been fired, but officers found a gun on Hurd, Walsh said. They also found the victim nearby.
The four people involved had been riding a Metro Transit bus, but it's unclear whether they were riding together, Walsh said. They all got off at Como and Snelling avenues, Walsh said.
Hurd said the three teenagers pushed the back of his head, knocked him to the ground and took his wallet, Walsh said. Police are investigating the robbery and the teenagers have not been arrested.
Mugging victim leaves jail with nowhere to go
Man who shot one of 3 attackers could still face charges
After spending two nights in the Ramsey County jail, Donald Hurd walked out Thursday with no wallet, no cash and nowhere to go.
The 68-year-old man was mugged Tuesday night in St. Paul, and officers arrested him after he shot one of the suspected robbers.
Hurd was taking the bus Tuesday to pick up his Chevrolet truck from a repair shop and was attacked between stops. On Thursday, he made it to the Roseville shop, but his truck wasn't ready.
The Bigfork, Minn., man thought the jailers would return $100 in cash the robbers hadn't found. He was going to use it to stay in a motel Thursday night. As it turns out, when the jail returns inmates' property, they trade cash for a check. Hurd didn't know what good a check would do him because his driver's license had been stolen.
"I don't like to ask for help," said Hurd, who is retired but comes to the Twin Cities to do odd jobs. He is divorced, and his family lives out of state. "If you get into a situation, it's up to you to get out of it."
Hurd's problems might not be over. Though he was released from jail, he could yet face criminal charges.
He might be a hero in the court of public opinion, but whether Hurd broke the law is a different story.
Hurd said he was only trying to scare the three young men who attacked him. Legal experts said Hurd's case doesn't seem to meet the self-defense standard in Minnesota. The 18-year-old man who Hurd shot in the shoulder is expected to be fine, police said.
You would think somewhere between the letter of the law, there's some space there for some consideration and understanding," Hurd said. "It is an injustice."
The robbery suspects weren't arrested. The investigation into the robbery and the shooting continues, police said.
Hurd was born in St. Paul and raised in San Francisco. He came back to St. Paul when he was 15, after his mother was killed in a car accident, and he lived with his father.
On his 17th birthday, Hurd enlisted in the Army and worked as a military police officer. He was stationed in Germany, what is now Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
After leaving the Army, Hurd returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife raised a family. He worked different jobs over the years - driving trucks and school buses, working as a plumber and an electrician, and being a security guard.
He's a quiet man and said he's embarrassed by the attention his case has received. He said he would have done the same thing if he came across someone in his situation.
"I would give up myself to destroy evil," he said Thursday. "It's just the way I am."
Hurd doesn't have a criminal history, but he acknowledged some problems with the way he handled things Tuesday night. He lied to police at first about the shooting, which he said he did because he was scared and confused. He doesn't have a permit to carry the pistol he had with him.
If he could go back to when he fired his gun Tuesday and change things, he's not sure he would.
"God only knows," Hurd said. "I don't want to say yes and I don't want to say no because you have a different frame of mind in that situation. I felt like I was violated. You look for some justice for yourself."
State Rep. Tony Cornish, who sponsored a bill this legislative session to give citizens more leeway in using deadly force to defend themselves, said he was outraged by what happened to Hurd.
"Maybe if these scumbags that were beating and robbing our old people had some doubt in their mind if they were going to survive their own crime, they would have some doubt about committing it in the first place," said Cornish, R-Good Thunder.
Cornish's bill, which he called "Stand Your Ground" legislation, didn't get a committee hearing. Though it might not have applied directly in Hurd's case, Cornish said, the law would have offered clarity about when and how citizens can defend themselves.
Current Minnesota law says it's justifiable to kill someone if you are "resisting or preventing an offense" that you "reasonably" believe could lead to "great bodily harm or death" for you or another person. If you are in your own home, deadly force can be used to prevent someone from committing a felony.
Even so, local attorneys think an argument could be made for Hurd's actions. If he is charged and the case goes to a jury, he'll likely come across as a sympathetic figure, they said.
"These aren't cases prosecutors like to take to juries," said Richard Frase, a University of Minnesota law professor.
Labels: MN, senior, street robbery
5/4/07
Lawton, Oklahoma
From KSWO of May 4, 2007
Pistol packin' grandma stops robbery attempt at her liquor store
Criminals listen up. You might want to think twice before messing with one pistol-packin' grandma. A couple of would-be-robbers found out the hard way when they tried to hold up a west Lawton liquor store. What they didn't know was that the owner, 75-year-old Rosemarie O'Keeffe, was waiting for them-- armed with a gun and ready to pull the trigger. It seems they changed their minds pretty quickly when they realized they were staring down the barrel of her pistol.
O'Keeffe says she just did what she had to do to protect herself and her business. She was behind the register at her liquor store this week, when she saw something that didn't look right. Two men wearing hoodies, with gauze bandages over their faces walking up to her store. "It really made me think an ancient mummy, the way he was covered up, so you know he wasn't doing anything good."
O'Keeffe says it happened very quick. She could see out of the window from her register, saw the two guys walk by, and by the time they got to the door, she had a surprise for them.
"I said, 'Oh my God he's going to rob me. What do I do?' I get up. I grab my gun and I point it at the door. He came in and I said, 'Get out or I'll shoot'."
She wasn't joking. That was all the two masked men needed to see. O'Keeffe says they immediately high-tailed it out the door and ran away through the alley.
"I had them all in my view. I could have shot them. I could have killed them both."
O'Keeffe says her sons taught her how to use a gun, and when she told them what had happened, they couldn't have been prouder. So, is her daughter-in-law Pam Dobbs. "She takes no bull," Dobbs said. "We really need that in today's society. Our society has gotten meaner, so I wasn't a bit surprised because she's very tough."
Believe it or not, this is the second time O'Keeffe has stopped a robber. She says a couple of years ago, she chased another man off with a whiskey bottle. She says she was going to beat him with it.
So far police have not arrested the two men in the most recent robbery attempt. O'Keeffe believes they were likely in their late teens.
Labels: business burglary, female, OK, senior
Augusta, Georgia
From Augusta’s WJBG.com of May 4, 2007
Another Local Homeowner Forced To Kill Intruder
An 84-year old man fired the shots overnight. Investigators say he hit the woman trying to rob his home--- a woman in her late 20s early thirties who is now in serious condition at MCG. Frank Sams says the same woman had been coming to his house trying to steal from him and his wife several times this week. He was outside with his gun early this morning when she came back. He says he saw her trying to break in this building behind his house when he fired. Investigators say this is just another case of a homeowner protecting themselves and their property. This shooting follows a similar incident earlier this week. Authorities say a homeowner came face to face with a burglar trying to get in his home Wednesday. The army captain shot and killed him. No charges are expected.
Labels: GA, residence burglary, senior
4/20/07
Lincoln County, Kentucky
From the Cincinnati Enquirer of April 20, 2007
One tough beauty queen
Venus Ramey, 82, shoots tire, stops intruders
Venus Ramey has earned lots of fame in her 82 years.
She was Miss America 1944 and later a candidate for Cincinnati City Council and worked to save Over-the-Rhine's historic buildings. She performed on Broadway and in movies.
Now, though, she's in the news for another reason.
After confronting a man she said was stealing from her Kentucky farm, Ramey pulled out a gun and shot out a tire on his truck so he couldn't leave, allowing police to arrest him and two others.
"He was probably wetting his pants," Ramey said Thursday from her home in Waynesburg, about 140 miles south of Cincinnati.
Ramey was on her Lincoln County farm last week - "Friday the 13th, apropos date, isn't it?" she noted Thursday - feeding a horse when she saw her dog run to a nearby building where she stores old steel-shaping machines, lathes and other equipment.
"This stuff is over 100 years old," she said.
For some time, thieves had been breaking into the building to steal the machines to sell for scrap. She hadn't been able to catch anyone in the act until last week.
She drove over to the building and blocked the truck sitting there.
When she asked a man what he was doing, he replied "scrapping," and said he would leave.
"I said, 'Oh, no you won't,' and I shot their tires so they couldn't leave," Ramey said.
She had to balance on her walking stick as she pulled out a snub-nosed .38-caliber handgun.
"I didn't even think twice. I just went and did it. If they'd even dared come close to me, they'd be 6 feet under by now."
Ramey then tried to flag down people driving by. When one stopped, she asked them to call 911. Eventually, three people were arrested - one at the scene and two others walking on a nearby road.
"They've been stealing from me for years. Those good-for-nothing slobs," she said.
Ramey, who lived in Cincinnati on and off for about 30 years, admitted that she is known for taking chances for what she believes in.
(More about her past)
Labels: female, KY, residence burglary, senior
4/17/07
Noyo, California
From the Ukiah Daily Journal of April 17, 2007
Suspect shot by victim
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has arrested a San Francisco man for attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a man while trying to rob a boat in Noyo Harbor on Saturday.
According to sheriff's reports, deputies responded to Noyo Harbor at 8:24 p.m. Saturday and found the victim, a 69-year-old Willows man, suffering from multiple stab-wounds to the chest.
The victim was transported to the Mendocino Coast District Hospital for treatment. He told deputies that he had discovered the suspect, Jessie Hawley, 19, of San Francisco, allegedly trying to burglarize his boat.
Hawley allegedly stabbed the victim several times, after which the victim retrieved a gun and shot Hawley three times in the legs, according to the victim's statement.
The victim was flown to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Hawley was arrested later in the evening when he arrived at MDCH seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the legs. He told sheriff's detectives he had been shot in a different part of town.
Hawley was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and, after being cleared for his injuries, was transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held on $500,000 bond.
From the April 19, 2007 Fort Bragg Advocate-News:
A 19-year-old San Francisco man and a 69-year old Willows man were hospitalized with gunshot and knife wounds, respectively, following what Sheriff's investigators believe was a burglary gone wrong. According to Sheriff's Office reports, Jessie Hawley, of San Francisco, was arrested at Mendocino Coast District Hospital for attempted murder and taken to county jail after being cleared from the hospital with gunshot wounds to his legs.
At around 9 p.m., Saturday, April 14, a caller to 911 reported that he had been stabbed at a boat, temporarily moored in the harbor near the Wharf Restaurant. Deputies arrived to find that a 69-year-old male subject had been stabbed in the chest.
The victim, whose name was withheld by authorities, told deputies that he returned to his boat and found someone burglarizing it. Sheriff's Office reports said the victim was then stabbed by the burglar. The victim told investigators that he was able to get his gun and shoot the suspect three times in the legs while both were still on the boat.
Sheriff's Captain Kevin Broin said while the victim fled the boat, Hawley found another gun on board and shot at the victim out one of the boat's window as he ran away.
"It wasn't a safe place to be right about that time," said Broin, adding that the victim turned his gun over to authorities upon their arrival. Broin said the knife used to stab the victim was believed to be a weapon which Hawley regularly carried with him.
Labels: assault, CA, residence burglary, senior
4/10/07
Rittman, Ohio
From the Wooster Daily Record of April 10, 2007
Break-in Part II: McComas home hit SaturdayFrom the Akron Beacon Journal of April 10, 2007
The West Sunset Drive man who set a trap to catch the person he said was stealing from him faced another burglar Saturday morning.
This time, the 78-year-old William Kenneth McComas lost the struggle for the gun and sustained muscle strains and bruises on the back, neck and head.
He was treated and released from WRH Health Systems, where he was transported by Rittman Emergency Medical Services.
A few hours after the incident, Casey Wood, 18, of Fairlawn Avenue, and Charles Mattingly, 21, of Fourth Street, were arrested, police Chief Larry Boggs said.
Wood is being held on a burglary charge with a $10,000 bond, while Mattingly faces a charge of receiving stolen property and $5,000 bond.
Saturday's incident is the second time in a week McComas faced an intruder, but police say it appears to be unrelated. On March 31, McComas waited in the dark with a handgun and a telephone for a man he suspected of stealing from his home.
Chris Lively, 26, of Front Street, was arrested in that incident. McComas held a gun on Lively until the police arrived a few minutes later.
The most recent incident began about 6:30 a.m., by McComas' recollection. He heard someone hitting the newly installed unbreakable glass on his kitchen door. He said he looked out the window to see if there was a car in his driveway, but saw none and went back to bed.
Moments later, the wood on the kitchen door gave way to a kick, and an intruder burst into McComas' bedroom door.
Later at the police station, McComas identified the man who he saw in the bedroom as Wood. He recalled performing Wood's father's wedding some years before and remembered meeting the young man, he said.
The police press release said Wood and Mattingly entered the home, but McComas said he remembers seeing only Wood.
When Wood burst in the bedroom door, he called McComas by name and shouted to give him his money and billfold, McComas said.
McComas said he pulled a firearm out from under the bedcovers, but was holding the barrel.
The intruder struggled for the gun. McComas let go because he was afraid the younger man would shoot him, McComas said. He said his body was twisted during the struggle, resulting in the bruises and muscle strains.
The man threatened to kill him and claimed to be on crack, McComas said.
The intruder left with about $500 in cash, medication and the handgun, McComas said.
McComas dialed for the police as Wood walked out the door. He recalled Wood turning around, spying the phone and calling out, "I love you, Kenny."
Four police officers arrived two minutes after getting the call at 6:38 a.m., Boggs said.
(More)
Retired preacher aiming to stop intruders
Rittman man confronts burglars twice in a week
Dr. Kenny McComas has dealt with some rather notorious criminals during his decades of prison counseling, including a face-to-face meeting with Robert Kennedy's assassin, Sirhan Sirhan.
But the retired Baptist preacher is working now at the other end of the law-enforcement spectrum -- he's catching crime suspects.
Helping to rehabilitate criminals was a choice for McComas, while catching suspects became a matter of self-defense for the 77-year-old Rittman resident who still holds a Bible in one hand but packs big-time heat in the other.
McComas used a lay-in-wait tactic with a loaded gun and a telephone in the master bedroom of his modest ranch to apprehend an intruder during an afternoon break-in March 31.
McComas wasn't quite as effective Saturday, however, when he was accosted in his bedroom at 6:30 a.m. But less than 10 hours later, Rittman police had arrested Rittman residents Casey P. Wood, 18, and Charles W. Mattingly, 21, on the strength of leads that McComas provided.
McComas said he had hired both men to perform odd jobs around his home in the 500 block of West Sunset Drive.
The two break-ins were the latest in a string of seven since July at McComas' home next door to Calvary Baptist Church.
(Lots More)
Labels: home invasion, OH, residence robbery, senior
3/30/07
Hobbs, New Mexico
From KAMC of March 30, 2007
Elderly Hobbs Man Shoots Intruder
Hobbs police say they rarely hear of burglaries when people are home and it`s even rarer for a victim to fire shots.
Residents of Hobbs say Jerald Hanson has been around the town forever. He’s a guy you can see riding around town on his motorcycle who never puts up with much from anybody. He’s known by most as Pac Rat but ever since early Friday morning he’s been known for a lot more.
"Lying in bed, heard some funny noises you know? And this guy was in my house. He had a knife and he says give me all your money or I`ll kill you! That`s where he made a mistake, he started counting it. It just gave me enough time to go under my pillow and get my gun. I shot at him."
That’s the account from Hanson after police say 36 year old Rodney Rudy broke into his home around 3:30 Friday morning.
"Here we have an instance where a gentleman is 76-years old and you have a suspect that`s 36-years old in a lot better shape, a lot younger, obviously standing over with a knife, surprising someone that was asleep. So it`s a situation that doesn`t happen often" says Captain Donnie Graham with the Hobbs Police Department.
Hanson fired two shots at the suspect, one of those hit Rudy in the left abdomen and back area. He then ran to a nearby home. Police found him and took him to Lea Regional Hospital. He was later taken to University Medical Center in Lubbock where he remains in stable condition. Police say when he recovers he could face some serious charges including robbery or aggravated burglary. Both are second degree felonies.
Hobbs police say New Mexico citizens are allowed to take reasonable and necessary steps to protect themselves or their property and they will investigate what happened at Hanson’s house.
Labels: NM, residence robbery, senior
3/13/07
Clewiston, Florida
From the Bradenton Herald of March 13, 2007
Manatee home invasion suspect shot in ClewistonFrom MyFoxTampaBay.com of March 12, 2007
A string of home invasions that started in Manatee County ended when a homeowner shot one of the suspects in Clewiston, authorities said Monday.
Two 20-year-olds, a man and woman, were arrested and are suspected in the Saturday home invasion in Manatee County, where a 92-year-old man was beaten and pepper-sprayed, and another one in Polk County, where an 85-year-old woman was beaten.
According to the Clewiston Police Department, Luke Irons, of St. Petersburg, and Chrisanthe Apergis, of Seminole, armed with a BB pistol and a tire iron, forced their way into the home of two elderly homeowners at about 7 p.m. Sunday.
The suspects struggled with the victims, a 74-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman.
The man broke free, grabbed a handgun and fired twice at Irons, hitting him both times, according to a police report.
Irons and Apergis fled the home, but Irons collapsed in the driveway, where the police found him.
The two are suspected in the Manatee County crime, as well as the similar home invasion in Lakeland on Sunday.
Manatee County sheriff's investigators on Monday were in Clewiston, a small agricultural town on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, taking statements for charges to be filed in Manatee County incident, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.
"We extremely pleased there were captured," Bristow said. "They picked on the vulnerable by preying on the elderly."
According to a Manatee sheriff's report, the Saturday attack occurred about 11 a.m., when the 92-year-old victim was in his carport, in the El Rancho Mobile Home Park, in the 500 block of 44th Avenue East, when a man asked to use his bathroom.
The elderly man said OK, but the suspect dragged him into the mobile home and started beating him, according to a sheriff's report.
During the attack, the man used pepper spray on the victim.
They were charged with attempted home invasion robbery, burglary and aggravated battery of an elderly person.
Home invasions stopped with gunfireUpdated 03/17/07
Cora Canale was in bed with her oxygen going when someone showed up in her bedroom.
"He stood over me and said, 'Come on, come on, you gotta give me the money,' and I wasn't even awake," the 85-year-old recalled.
What Canale thought was a dream at first became a real life nightmare. The intruder forced her into the living room and pushed her onto the floor next to the sofa.
"I thought at one time he was going to choke me because he stuck a pillow or something across my face. I couldn't breath and he finally let up," she said.
She took off her two diamond rings and hid them while he rifled through her belongings.
Investigators say Luke Irons and his girlfriend Chrisanthe Apergia of Pinellas County were behind the robbery at Canale's and at the homes of two other elderly people over the weekend.
Police say when Irons left Canale's home, he took her car. He left one he took in a Manatee County home invasion behind.
But after terrorizing older folks in the Bay Area, investigators say he met his match in Hendry County.
Clewiston police say when Irons was breaking into a home there, an elderly man shot him.
"So I hope it would say 'bad guys beware,'" offered Lakeland police spokesman, Jack Gillen.
Irons is now hospitalized in intensive care. He just got out of prison a few months ago
It is astounding that a criminal with this kind of rap sheet has served no jail time.
(Or, to see the original, go here and search for Last Name = Irons, First Name = Luke, and then click on his name on the next screen.) (No permalink available.)
Labels: assault, FL, home invasion, residence robbery, senior
3/4/07
Franklinton, Ohio
From the Columbus Dispatch of March 4, 2007
Franklinton man, 79, kills intruder, police say
A 79-year-old Franklinton man struggled with and fatally shot an armed intruder at his home last night, police say.
"The intruder kicked in the back door and struck the homeowner, knocking him down," said Columbus Police homicide detective William B. Rotthoff. "They wrestled. The homeowner grabbed the intruder’s gun, pulled out his own pistol and shot him in the chest."
The intruder, whose name was not immediately released, ran from 962 Sullivant Ave. and turned north up the alley next to the house.
A neighbor called police after hearing a gunshot at 8:44 p.m. A patrol officer arrived, finding the intruder lying in the alley. The assailant was taken to Mount Carmel West hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:21 p.m.
The two-story, wood-frame home between Avondale and Hawkes avenues belongs to Virgil R. Lovejoy Jr., a resident there since 1972.
Lovejoy’s daughter, whose name wasn’t available, said that her father had been robbed at least three times before. The family had tried to convince him to move, but he refused to leave.
Labels: home invasion, OH, senior
2/23/07
Elkins, West Virginia
From Clarksburg’s WBOY.com of February 19, 2007
Randolph County Man Charged With Murder Has Bond HearingFrom Clarksburg’s WBOY.com of February 22, 2007
Police say Steven Dan Snider fatally shot Leslie Woodford Friday night.
A Randolph County judge has set bond for a man accused of killing another man during a domestic dispute.
Steven Snider, 49, is in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail his bond has been set at 250 thousand dollars, cash only. Sheriff's deputies say Snider shot Leslie Woodford after a domestic dispute Friday night.
According to sheriff's deputies, Woodford was finalizing a messy divorce with his ex-wife.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, deputies Mark T. Brady and Richard T. Swisher responded to a 911 call at a home on Sully Road near Alpina.
Woodford went to his ex-wife's father's home, kicked in the front door and pointed a handgun at the 76-year-old man.
Woodford was threatening to kill the family, authorities said.
The father attempted to defend himself with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Woodford confronted his ex-wife, but left the scene before authorities arrived.
Brady said Woodford then went to the South Henry Avenue home of Steven Dan Snider, who had been dating Woodford's ex-wife.
Deputies said Woodford busted down his door and shot at Snider.
Snider fired back and fatally wounded Woodford. Woodford was airlifted to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where he was pronounced dead.
Snider is now charged with second degree murder.
Both incidents are under investigation by the Elkins Police Department, the Randolph County Sheriff's Department and the West Virginia State Police.
Case Dismissed Against Randolph County Man Charged in Fatal Shooting
Evidence indicated the shooting was self defense.
A Randolph County magistrate has closed the case against Steven Snider in the shooting death of Leslie Woodford.
Authorities arrested Snider after police said Woodford burst into his home, tried to shoot him and Snider fired back.
At that hearing, Randolph County Prosecutor Frank Bush moved to dismiss the case against Snider, saying the evidence indicates the shooting was done in self defense.
That case has raised questions about what is self defense.
State law doesn't specifically address the issue so how do you know when you can defend yourself with deadly force?
Bush said its a difficult claim since each and every case is different.
The magistrate granted the state's request to dismiss the case without prejudice. Snider's attorneys says the prosecutor made the right choice based on the evidence.
An amendment to the West Virginia state code covering home protections is making its way through the state Legislature.
The amendment outlines reasons to allow the use of deadly force.
1. The person against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered, a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person's will from the dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle.
2. The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.
From a police perspective, investigating a shooting, self defense or not, still must be treated as a crime.
Right now that bill is making its way through the House Judiciary Committee. Snider has been released from jail and is back home.
Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, senior, WV
2/20/07
Orangeburg, South Carolina
From Orangeburg’s The Times and Democrat of February 20, 2007
'Ain't nobody going to run me over'From the Orangeburg Times and Democrat of April 12, 2007
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 intrudersFrom the Orangeburg Times and Democrat of August 29, 2007
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 yearsFrom the Times and Democrat of August 29, 2007
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, senior
Tifton, Georgia
From the February 19, 2007 Tifton Gazette:
Three teens were allegedly involved in the attempted robbery of a 75-year-old Tifton man Sunday, according to incident reports obtained from the Tifton Police Department.
According to the reports, the victim told police that a 14-year-old female called him Sunday and asked him if she could come clean his home, a service that she had reportedly performed in the past. He declined the offer and told her that she could come later to clean, the report states.
Some time later, the man heard a knock at his Eighth Street carport door. When he answered the same 14-year-old female was standing there with another 14-year-old female that the complainant knew.
The report states that the man opened the door and allowed the girls to enter his home. As they were talking, another knock came at his carport door. The man opened the door, the report states, and an unknown, young white male entered the home wearing a blue bandanna around his face.
The complainant told police that the man demanded $200 from him for “propositioning her,” referring to one of the girls. The complainant refused to give the man money, he told police.
At that point, the masked man drew closer to the victim and allegedly threatened to cut him with the knife that he was carrying.
The complainant told police that one of the girls grabbed the intruder by the arm and began leading him out of the home, saying, “Don’t do it.”
The victim followed them out of the home after he retrieved a hand gun for self-defense, the report states. Once the intruder saw the handgun, all three of the teens left the premises.
The two females were arrested and charged early Monday morning with aggravated assault and criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, according to a Tift County Sheriff’s Office jail booking report.
Labels: GA, residence robbery, senior
2/12/07
Gates, New York
From Rochester’s 10NBC.com of February 12, 2007
A 72-year-old man catches his own crookFrom Rochester’s RNews.com of February 12, 2007
A 72-year-old Gates man took the law into his own hands when he captured a burglar in his home.
The suspect is identified as Eric Ray Mull. He's accused of breaking into a home on Buffalo Road around 10:30 Sunday night. Gates police say the homeowner, who has not been identified, heard a loud crash and grabbed his registered revolver.
The elderly man confronted Mull and ordered him to stop. When Mull refused, the homeowner fired his weapon, missing the suspect, then held him to the ground until police arrived to arrest him.
Armed Resident Confronts Intruder
A Gates couple decided a number of years ago to have guns in their home. They believe without them last night, they wouldn't be alive today.
"My wife had just gone upstairs and I was lying on the couch and I heard this big crash," said Bill, the homeowner.
Bill realized the crash was someone breaking down the side door of his Buffalo Road home.
"He was screaming, ‘Someone's shooting at me, someone's shooting at me!’"
"I jumped up and grabbed the gun I always have where it's conveniently tucked away."
The 38 special is one of Bill's lawfully registered guns.
The man kept coming into the house.
"I was right here, and he was there,” said Bill, pointing in front of him. "I said ‘Stop or get down!’ and he kept coming at me and I fired the shot… he dropped to the floor."
The gunshot just missed Eric Ray Mull's head and hit the stairwell.
Meanwhile, the house was dark and Bill's wife was upstairs calling 911. She didn't know whether the shot fired came from her husband, or was aimed at her husband.
"It's very scary," said Bill. “If I would have aimed about three feet higher I would have caught her in the leg."
Since the gun was registered, no charges have been filed against Bill. No gun was found on mull (sic).
This is not the first time Mull had visited Bill's home. Mull came to the door last week asking for money to shovel the driveway. They told him to go away.
Gates police say Mull is a prior felon. He is now charged with burglary, criminal mischief and petit larceny. He remains in the Monroe County Jail on $50,000 cash bond.
Labels: home invasion, NY, residence robbery, senior
2/8/07
Florence, South Carolina
From Florence’s MorningNewsOnline.com of February 8, 2007
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, senior
1/30/07
Peel, Arkansas
From Mountain Home’s Baxter Bulletin of January 30, 2007
Man kills alleged intruder
A man wanted for questioning about a shooting death and an apparent burglary attempt is free after the Marion County Sheriff's Department decided not to detain him after he turned himself in.
Joe Kelley, a 71-year-old Peel resident, was asleep recovering from heart surgery Friday when he woke to sounds at his front door, according to a Marion County Sheriff's Department report.
Kelley said he found a man in his hallway and shot him with a 12-gauge shotgun, according to the report.
According to the report, police found Travis Morrison, 27, of Harrison, dead on the floor of Kelley's home late Friday night. Marion County Sheriff Carl McBee reported Kelley told police he was "scared to death" when he shot the intruder.
Kelley was not detained because the shooting death was the result of apparent self-defense, the sheriff said.
McBee said Kelley described a second man who entered the home after the shooting, asked questions of him and attempted to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Morrison. The sheriff said the suspected accomplice was gone when police arrived.
The next morning, Johnny Lee Carter, 32, of Harrison, turned himself in at the Marion County Sheriff's Department, according to a second police report. Carter told police he had been with Morrison on the night of the shooting, according to the report.
McBee said the incident still is under investigation.
Labels: AR, residence burglary, senior
