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9/16/09
 
Titusville, Florida

From the Central Florida News of September 16, 2009
Burglars Held Up By Homeowners

Two burglars attempting to steal a car from a Brevard County home were held at gunpoint by the homeowners.

Matthew Clark, 20, and Justin Sheppard, 19, are facing several charges including burglary and grand theft.

Authorities say the pair was burglarizing a home near Titusville on Karen Drive when the homeowners confronted them with a 12-gauge shotgun.

The woman and her son held the two until police arrived.

Clark and Sheppard are now being held on $5,000 bonds.

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posted by Dave at 9/16/2009 08:34:00 PM permalink

7/18/09
 
Boise, Idaho

From July 18, 2009 KIVI channel 6:

Boise Police received a call of a man with a gun this afternoon at approximately 1:18 p.m. in the area of Americana and River Streets. As multiple Boise Police units arrived on the scene, they located two men with handguns and de-escalated the situation.

According to BPD spokesman Charles McClure, "Witnesses tell police that the original suspect, later identified as John Dickey, had stolen personal property from the victim at a nearby homeless shelter. The suspect fled on foot traveling Eastbound on River Street. As the victim chased the suspect on foot, a third man intevened in the chase by producing a handgun and ordering the suspect to stop. The suspect was on the ground and held at gunpoint when the third citizen -- who was also a concealed weapons permit holder and only saw a man with a gun pointing it at someone, intervened and demanded that the other man drop his gun. Officers then arrived on scene and took the suspect into custody."

At this time, the original theft suspect -- John W. Dickey, 46 -- has been taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor petit theft. Dickey has no known address.

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posted by Clayton at 7/18/2009 08:12:00 PM permalink

7/1/09
 
Odessa, Texas

From KOSA of June 25, 2009
Burglar Shot by Owner of Truck He Was Breaking Into

A burglar is in jail tonight after he was shot by the owner of the truck he was breaking into and apprehended by police.

It was the latest in a string of attempted car robberies at the Woodlands Apartment Complex where the shooting took place.


After a series of attempted car break-ins management here at the woodlands apartment complex told residents to contact police if anything else was going on. The other night one resident did just that but not before shooting and detaining a would-be burglar.

"Pow pow pow... just like that".

Tony Lynch ran out of his apartment only to find a bleeding man on the ground.

"This is a really nice neighborhood. This is a real nice complex and it was a shock to me", said Lynch.

Police say a resident fired two rounds at two would-be burglars... hitting one in the ankle.
Neighbors say it wasn't the first burglary.

"The managers have put notes on the doors saying that everybody should be aware that we've been having some problems with breaking into vehicles", said Lynch.

Vandalism hit this resident.

"Pretty upset. You have to go back and re-do everything and fix it up".

After the break-in and shooting one witness tells us the gunman said he didn't mean for it to go off. So was this an accidental shooting or did he take "don't mess with Texas" a little too seriously?

"They kind of deserve it for breaking into a car", said Ryan Dominey.

"Would you just let them break in? I would end up shooting them too" added Ryan Dodd.

Either way... it's legal under Texas Penal Code 9.42.

"It authorizes a person to use deadly force to protect land or tanagible, movable property during the night-time", says Cpl. Sherrie Carruth of the Odessa Police Dept.

It may be legal... but police say it's rare. And Tony Lynch... wouldn't pull the trigger.

"It aint worth it man... you can replace a car but you can't replace a life".

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posted by Dave at 7/01/2009 09:23:00 PM permalink

5/14/09
 
Los Angeles, California

From the May 3, 2009 Los Angeles Times:

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

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

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

Police did not release the name or age of the victim, and would not say whether the resident who shot him was arrested.

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

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

12/11/08
 
Cedar Hill, Texas

From WFAA of December 5, 2008
Burglar shot dead in Cedar Hill driveway

Police said a Cedar Hill resident shot and killed a person attempting to break into a vehicle in his driveway Friday morning.

The gunfire erupted at 7:30 a.m. in the 9100 block of Sleepy Hollow, one of the city's nicest, most established neighborhoods.

Police said the homeowner heard an alarm going off on his pickup truck. He grabbed a gun, went outside, and opened fire when he saw the alleged burglar attempting to remove a stereo system.

The suspect died at the scene.

"This is extremely rare," said Cedar Hill spokesman Corky Brown. "This is a really quiet neighborhood like most of ours in Cedar Hill. It's very shocking to the neighbors to have something like this occur."

The names of the homeowner and the suspect have not been released.

The homeowner has not been arrested or charged at this point.

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posted by Dave at 12/11/2008 09:36:00 PM permalink

11/25/08
 
Jackson, Mississippi

From the Clarion Ledger of November 24, 2008
Man shot trying to steal SUV

Jackson police said the property owner who fatally shot a burglary suspect Saturday night had a right to pull the trigger under the Castle Doctrine.

Brandon Lenard, 20, of Jackson was shot outside a row of townhouses on County Cork Road after he allegedly broke into a Cadillac Escalade parked in front, police said.

Police spokesman Lt. Jeffery Scott said no charges will be filed against the owner of the SUV, whose name was not released.

When the police investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to a Hinds County grand jury, Scott said.

Lenard is the fifth burglary or robbery suspect to be shot to death in Jackson by a homeowner, property owner or store employee since the Castle Doctrine law took effect in 2006.

Among other things, the Castle Doctrine says a person has "no duty to retreat" if the person believes he is in imminent danger. The law protects someone who uses deadly force in self-defense from being sued.

Just before 9 p.m. Saturday, Lenard allegedly broke into the Escalade while its owner was inside a townhouse just a few feet away, police said.

"The owner heard something outside, so he stepped out of the house to see what it was. When he saw someone was in his vehicle, he went back inside to retrieve a weapon. He then went back outside to confront the suspect," Scott said.

Scott said there was an exchange of words between Lenard and the vehicle's owner just before Lenard tried to run from the scene.

Police said that as Lenard was leaving, he is believed to have put the SUV owner's life in danger. Scott would not say what he did.

"Our investigation has determined that the owner was in the imminent threat of danger based on items found at the scene, which I cannot elaborate (on)," Scott said. "We have made a determination that the actions of the property owner are in the parameters of the Castle Doctrine."

Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart said Sunday that Lenard did have a gun at the scene.

Lenard was shot once with a shotgun, Grisham-Stewart said. She said the pellets entered the back and side of his head.

Scott said investigators think Lenard was driven to the scene in an unidentified vehicle. Police are trying to find who might have been with Lenard that night.

Neighbors would not comment Sunday about the shooting.

(More)

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posted by Dave at 11/25/2008 07:09:00 PM permalink

11/20/08
 
North Pole, Alaska

From the Anchorage Daily News of November 18, 2008
Homeowner opens fire on intruder

A homeowner interrupting a burglary in progress late last week morning opened fire on the intruder as the burglar approached him and his wife, Alaska State Troopers said.

The burglar was not hit by the shots but did sustain minor injuries when he "went through the window" while fleeing the home, troopers said. Responding officers brought in a dog and tracked down a suspect, Bowen Alexander, 18, a short distance from the home, troopers said.

Troopers say Alexander had been drinking when he crashed his vehicle, broke into a home and entered the homeowner's vehicle. For reasons that were not immediately clear, Alexander then fled to the neighboring home, where the homeowner shot at him, troopers said.

Alexander was booked at the Fairbanks Correctional Center on charges of burglary, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, criminal trespass, assault and resisting arrest.

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posted by Dave at 11/20/2008 04:59:00 AM permalink

10/31/08
 
Watuagua, Texas

From the Dallas Morning News of October 29, 2008
Watauga homeowner stabbed, shot with own gun during robbery

A Watauga homeowner was stabbed several times and shot once with his own gun during a robbery early this morning, police said.

The incident occurred in the 6000 block of Sundown Drive in Watauga about 10 miles northeast of Fort Worth.

According to Watauga police, a man heard someone trying to break into a trailer parked in his driveway around 3:30 a.m.

Armed with a shotgun, the man confronted the intruder who stabbed him several times. The gun went off during the scuffle, and the homeowner was shot in the arm.

A neighbor who came to the help the homeowner was also stabbed multiple times, police said.

The homeowner, who police did not identify, was taken to Harris Methodist Medical Center in critical condition. Police said the neighbor drove himself to the hospital.

Police have no suspects or a detailed description of the intruder.

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posted by Dave at 10/31/2008 09:52:00 PM permalink

10/4/08
 
Riverview, Tennessee

From the Chattanoogan of October 1, 2008
Riverview Homeowner Holds Shotgun On Thief

Police said a Riverview homeowner found a thief in his car in his carport and held him at bay with a shotgun.

Lewis Card of Edgewood Circle said he heard his driveway alarm going off. He said he grabbed his shotgun and hurried outside.

Mr. Card said he spotted a black male inside his vehicle.

He said he held the shotgun on the intruder and ordered him outside the car. Then he directed him to lie down.

The homeowner said the man told him he was just after some change. Then he patted his pocket, causing the change to jingle.

He asked Mr. Card not to call police, saying he "didn't want to go back to jail."

With the shotgun still trained on him, he handed over his Tennessee ID card. Mr. Card said it appeared to be his correct card.

The man ran off after asking again that police not be called.

Mr. Card turned over the man's ID card to officers.

A warrant was taken out charging Corey Cortez Abernathy with theft under $500.

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posted by Dave at 10/04/2008 09:41:00 PM permalink

9/30/08
 
Shelby County, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of September 30, 2008
Armed Homeowner Confronts Trailer Thieves

Sheriff’s detectives say a Rosemark man held two thieves at gunpoint who tried to steal a utility trailer from his front yard yesterday. Detectives believe the suspects may also be responsible for stealing other utility trailers.

About 11:30 yesterday morning, Steven Rutter, 57, who lives in the 8700 block of Rosemark Road in north Shelby County, heard a vehicle slow down in front of his house. Rutter saw a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck back into his front yard.

Two men then began hooking up Rutter’s utility trailer to the pickup truck. Detectives say Rutter got his pistol and confronted the two men. Initially, Jessie Brown, 51, of Munford and Kelvin Nathaniel, 45, of Drummonds, told Rutter a neighbor said they could use the trailer to move some hay.

Rutter didn’t believe their story and called for Deputies. Moments later, Brown and Nathaniel were taken into custody. Both were charged with Theft of Property.

Detectives say the investigation is continuing and the suspects may be responsible for other utility trailer thefts in Shelby and neighboring counties.

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posted by Dave at 9/30/2008 10:11:00 PM permalink

8/30/08
 
Miami Lakes, Florida

From NBC6 of August 25, 2008
Police: Woman Shoots At Men Trying To Break Into Car

Miami-Dade police said a woman opened fire on three men who were trying to break into a car in Miami Lakes early Thursday.

The three men were trying to break into a car outside a home near Northwest 57th Avenue north of the Palmetto Expressway at about 1:30 a.m., police said. Miami-Dade police said they think the men were trying to steal the car's stereo.

A man and a woman who were inside the home came outside. When the man got into a confrontation with the three men, the woman started firing a gun, police said. Neighbors said they heard between four and seven shots.

"These subjects came here to do a crime," said Bobby Williams of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "Once that crime was committed, the boyfriend came out to stop them or at least to talk to them. They attacked him, so she was in fear for her boyfriend's safety and herself."

Ilana Lopez was inside the home at the time of the shooting.

"If he was in my property, burglarizing one of our vehicles, she did what she had to do to protect it," Lopez said.

The three men took off in an SUV, which police said was stolen. Police stopped the suspects outside a nearby CVS store and arrested them.

One of the three men had been shot in the chest and was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was in critical condition, NBC 6's Steve Litz reported.

The investigation continues. The suspects were expected to face charges.

Lopez said the car stereo was stolen once before, about three weeks ago.

"What can I say? I'm just tired of this going on around here," she said.

Florida's "Castle Doctrine" allows a potential victim to respond with deadly force if an intruder or criminal has intentions of death or great bodily harm, Litz reported. If the shooting is justified, the person will not be prosecuted.

Police said the shooting appeared to be justified, so the woman who fired the shots might not face charges.

The woman had no comment for reporters Thursday morning.

The names of those involved have not been released.

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posted by Dave at 8/30/2008 02:46:00 PM permalink

8/23/08
 
Jackson, Mississippi

From WLBT of August 16, 2008
Suspected Car Burglar Shot by Owner

A burglary victim opens fire on a man who he allegedly caught breaking into his vehicle Saturday morning.

JPD Lt. Jeffery Scott said 22-year old Mario Lampkin was shot once in the leg by the owner of the vehicle. Investigators say it happened just before 6 a.m. at 1315 North Jefferson Street.

Officers also believe Lampkin is responsible for breaking into two other vehicles before he was shot. Police say Lampkin managed to walk to nearby Baptist Hospital for treatment. He will be charged with auto burglary when released.

From the Clarion Ledger of August 16, 2008
Wounded man may face charges in car break-ins

A 22-year-old man will face burglary charges once he is released from a Jackson hospital.

Police say Mario Lampkin was shot in the leg by the owner of a car who claimed Lampkin was breaking into the vehicle. After he was shot, Lampkin walked to the Baptist Medical Center.

The shooting happened just before 6 a.m. today at an apartment complex in the 1300 block of N. Jefferson St.

The car owner was questioned and released. That person has not been charged.

Two other cars at the apartment complex also had been burglarized. Police say they suspect Lampkin may be responsible for those, too.

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posted by Dave at 8/23/2008 10:28:00 PM permalink

7/30/08
 
Houston, Texas

From Click2Houston of July 29, 2008
Car Owner Shoots Suspected Thief

A car owner opened fire on a suspected thief early Tuesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston police said the car's owner found the man sitting in his vehicle at the Gulf Pointe Apartments on Gulf Pointe Drive near Dickinson Road shortly before 4 a.m.

The car's owner opened fire, wounding the man in the leg.

Residents said they heard at least two gunshots.

Investigators said the man was taken to Ben Taub Hospital. He is expected to survive.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office has not said if the car's owner will be charged.

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posted by Dave at 7/30/2008 05:58:00 AM permalink

7/9/08
 
Montgomery County, Texas

From the Conroe Courier of July 9, 2008
Fireworks stand owner shoots alleged burglar

A West Montgomery County homeowner shot and wounded a man he believes was trying to burglarize a fireworks stand on his property early Tuesday morning.

Jacob Kelly, 19, who lives in East County on West Geronimo Trail near the Midway area between Conroe and Cleveland, was in stable condition Tuesday at Conroe Regional Medical Center.

According to a report released by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery-area resident Fred Cook told investigators he woke up just after 12:30 a.m. and was in the kitchen of his home in the 9600 block of FM 149 near Keenan Cutoff Road when he saw a white male allegedly burglarizing his fireworks stand. The report states Cook woke his girlfriend and told her to call 9-1-1 while he went outside armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and confronted the intruder, later identified as Kelly.

Cook told Kelly to stop, according to the report, and Kelly allegedly turned toward Cook, who fired the weapon, striking Kelly in the arm, torso and legs. Despite being wounded, Kelly fled the scene on foot and was later found and arrested in the 9900 block of FM 149. Montgomery County EMS transported Kelly to the hospital.

Detective Michael Landrum is investigating the case, which will be forwarded to a grand jury for review of possible charges against Cook. Burglary charges are pending against Kelly.

Public Data shows Kelly was convicted of assault causing bodily injury in May in connection with an incident that occurred in November. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, with credit for time served.

Landrum’s report stated Cook claimed there was a second person and that he heard gunshots in the wooded area where the pair fled after the confrontation. No description of the second burglar was available.

(More)

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posted by Dave at 7/09/2008 09:28:00 AM permalink

7/7/08
 
Corpus Christi, Texas

From the Corpus Christi Caller Times of July 7, 2008
Man protects self from potential thieves with gun

A Corpus Christi man found three men looking into his car early Saturday morning and shot at them in fear for his own safety, according to a police report.

Police responded to the 3700 block of Kingston Drive at 4:39 a.m., where a 50-year-old man told them he was awakened by noises in his driveway. After seeing the three men, the man grabbed his .40 Glock and confronted the men. The man told police he feared for his safety and fired off a round into the trunk of the suspect's vehicle. They fled and have not been located. A description of the suspect's vehicle was not given by police.

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posted by Dave at 7/07/2008 10:21:00 PM permalink

5/9/08
 
Memphis, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of May 9, 2008
Memphis Car Burglar Shot by Vehicle’s Owner and Held at Gunpoint

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police say the SUV owner will not be charged.

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posted by Dave at 5/09/2008 05:35:00 PM permalink

 
Phoenix, Arizona

From AZCentral of May 8, 2008
Man shoots, kills robbery suspect in truck

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

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

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

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

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posted by Dave at 5/09/2008 07:52:00 AM permalink

4/23/08
 
Houston, Texas

From April 15, 2008 KHOU channel 11:

HOUSTON -- A burglary suspect is in the hospital after he was shot by a homeowner early Tuesday morning.

It happened at Kiley and Remington Springs, just east of downtown.

A little after 3:30 a.m., the homeowner heard noise coming from his driveway, looked out and reportedly saw the suspect breaking into one of his cars. He got a gun and went outside to confront the suspect.

Words were exchanged, and the suspect was allegedly inside the car. When he tried to run, the homeowner shot him once.

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posted by Clayton at 4/23/2008 07:24:00 AM permalink

4/10/08
 
St. Petersburg, Florida

From the Tampa Bay Online of April 9, 2008
Man Shoots Self In Leg Defending SUV

A man shot himself in the leg about 6 a.m. today as he wrestled with someone trying to break into his SUV in St. Petersburg, said George Kajtsa of the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Police found Richard X. Summers,39, wounded in the upper leg and holding down 18-year-old Marlos M. Conrad.

Kajtsa said Conrad, of 3801 W. Wallace Ave., Tampa, followed Summers' fiancé into their housing complex at 10265 Gandy Boulevard while she was driving a GMC Yukon Denali. She exited the SUV, someone tripped the alarm and she yelled for Summers.

Police say Summers, armed with a handgun, confronted Conrad inside the SUV. They struggled and the gun went off.

Conrad is being held at Pinellas County Jail on charges of strong-arm robbery and auto burglary.

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posted by Dave at 4/10/2008 06:56:00 AM permalink

3/25/08
 
Phenix City, Alabama

From WSBTV of March 25, 2008
Man Shoots, Kills Cousin Stealing Gas

Authorities in Russell County have not filed charges against a homeowner who said today he shot and killed a man who was siphoning gasoline from his truck in the middle of the night, only to discover the victim was a cousin.

Robert Lee Warren of Hatchechubee said the man identified by the coroner as 40-year-old Henry Moses made a threatening move toward him after being confronted, so he pulled the trigger in self-defense.

Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. said Moses died of a single gunshot to the chest about 2 a.m. CDT on Easter Sunday. The body was found near a blue pickup truck under an awning that Warren used as a carport. He said its unclear how much, if any, gasoline was taken.

Prosecutor Buster Landreau said it was too early to say whether an indictment could result when a grand jury considers the case.

Alabama law allows residents to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger.

With the average price for regular, self-serve gasoline hitting $3.26 a gallon in the United States, gasoline thefts are being reported across the country.

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posted by Dave at 3/25/2008 03:36:00 PM permalink

2/24/08
 
Indianapolis, Indiana

From February 23, 2008 WISH channel 8:
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Metro Police say a homeowner shot a man in self-defense outside his eastside home Saturday morning. But it's not the man's first time using a gun.

...

Metro Police were called by a homeowner, Richard Burns, who said he had just shot a man behind his Brookville Road home.

"Apparently he heard a noise outside, went outside to see what was going on, and related to the detectives that this individual came at him with a knife, and which time he fired a shot," IMPD Sgt. Paul Thompson said.

Burns told detectives the man he shot was coming out of his car, perhaps trying to steal it.

The victim was hit in the chest and taken to Wishard Hospital in serious condition. While doctors work to save the victim's life, detectives work to figure out a complex case.

Police will determine if this shooting was indeed self-defense. What they'll also look at is the fact that Mr. Burns has been involved in two other shootings, this year alone.

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posted by Clayton at 2/24/2008 07:33:00 AM permalink

2/19/08
 
Mobile, Alabama

From the Press-Register of February 19, 2008
Burglary suspect shot as he flees

A 19-year-old man was shot in the back Sunday evening after he was caught rifling through an older model Chevrolet Caprice sitting in a Mobile auto body shop lot, police said.

The wounded man apparently didn't find much in the car, and as he fled he lost his tennis shoes, said the business owner who shot the man. The teen was taken to the hospital, but another man with him escaped, police said.

It was the second incident over the weekend in which a man was shot while believed to be committing a crime.

On Saturday, one of two men allegedly forcing their way into a Midtown home was shot and killed by either his own gun or his partner's gun as a resident struggled to keep them out of the house, police said.

Unlike the home invader, the 19-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police spokesman Officer Eric Gallichant said.

Isaac Taylor said he was inside his business --

Taylor Made Auto Shop on Halls Mill Road -- about 6:30 p.m. when he heard something outside.

Taylor, 44, said he opened the door and surveyed a dark parking lot full of vehicles he had been hired to fix.

He said he spotted a man sitting in the Caprice. There was another man moving around inside a black four-door Honda Civic, Taylor said Monday.

Taylor said he fired his .38-caliber pistol as the two men fled. He said he then caught and tackled the 19-year-old in the driveway that the auto shop shares with Aramark Uniform Services.

"He told me his stomach was burning," Taylor said. "The way he had been running, I didn't think he had been shot."

Taylor said he called 911 when he realized that the man was wounded.

Police declined to release the 19-year-old's name Monday. The man will be arrested and charged once he is released from the hospital, Gallichant said.

Police will identify the man once investigators sign warrants against him, Gallichant said.

Taylor said he had seen the man he shot using his driveway as a short cut between Halls Mill and Navco roads. He said he didn't get a good look at the second man.

Usually no one is at the shop on Sundays, but Taylor said he was there trying to finish painting a Nissan Ultima.

"I guess they thought no one was out here," he said.

Taylor said he thought the men had rifled through several unlocked vehicles, but he didn't know if anything was taken.

He is asking his customers whether anything is missing when they come to pick up their vehicles.

Taylor said he carries a gun because of previous robberies and burglaries.

"I'm working hard every day," Taylor said Monday evening as he pulled tape off the door of the newly painted red Ultima.

In addition to the 19-year-old's tennis shoes, one of Taylor's employees found jumper cables lying in the parking lot Monday, he said.

"I hate to say this, but I kind of feel sorry for him," Taylor said.

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posted by Dave at 2/19/2008 06:06:00 PM permalink

2/12/08
 
Fort Bend County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of February 11, 2008
Fort Bend homeowner shoots suspected thieves

Two men were shot Sunday when they allegedly tried to steal auto parts from in front of a home near Stafford in Fort Bend County.

The men, whose names were not immediately known, were shot about 2:30 a.m. in the 2700 block of Oakdale Court, said Fort Bend County Sheriff's spokeswoman Terriann Carlson.

Carlson said the homeowner heard unusual sounds coming from outside his house and then saw a man approaching his front door.

The homeowner got a weapon and told a woman in the house to call police.

"In an attempt to protect themselves and their property, several persons inside the residence discharged their weapons numerous times, hitting one suspect in the head area and the second in the back," Carlson said in a released statement.

One man was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and another man was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Both were in serious condition.

The identities of the homeowner and the others who fired weapons were not released.

The case will be sent to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office and then will be reviewed by a grand jury.

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posted by Dave at 2/12/2008 07:33:00 AM permalink

2/9/08
 
Balen, New Mexico

From the Valencia County News Bulletin of February 9, 2008
Belen teen shot after alleged auto break in

A Belen teenager is recovering in an Albuquerque hospital after being shot early Friday morning while allegedly breaking into a vehicle.

Belen Police Detective Richard Perea said a 16-year-old Belen boy is in stable condition at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Perea said the teenager is suffering from wounds to the back of his right arm and leg.

"We got a report of an attempted burglary of a vehicle on La Luz at about midnight on Thursday," Perea said. "The homeowner heard something outside and looked out the window. She told the officers that she saw two individuals who ran off when they saw her looking out."

The detective said the homeowner's husband reported hearing something again at about 3:45 a.m. Perea said the man walked outside with a shotgun and discovered someone inside his Toyota pickup truck.

"He (the homeowner) walked outside and fired one shot at the direction of the suspect, who had fled once the man walked outside of his home," Perea said. "The suspect was hit on the back of his right arm and leg, by a shotgun with bird shot."

Perea said the teenager stumbled, but was able to make it to an awaiting car down the street and left. The homeowner, whose name has not been released, told police later that he wasn't sure if he hit anyone. The detective said that when police arrived, they couldn't find the suspect's vehicle or any evidence that someone had been shot.

It wasn't until a few hours later when an ambulance was called for a gunshot victim at a Belen home that police were able to make the connection, Perea said.

"The driver of the car that left after the attempted burglary, had taken (the suspect) home and then went home himself," Perea said. "A few hours later, (he) called his friend, who picked him up, and took him to his mother's house. She's the one who called 911."

Perea said the case is still under investigation and charges have not yet been filed against the two teenagers. As for the homeowner, the detective said he needs to complete the investigation and conduct a follow-up interview before submitting the case to the district attorney's office for review.

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posted by Dave at 2/09/2008 11:26:00 AM permalink

1/8/08
 
Tracy, California

From the Tracy Press of January 5, 2008
A man shoots a suspected thief three times and is released by police

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

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

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

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

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

Further links:
Man arrested in shooting after release from hospital

Man confronts, shoots armed suspected thief

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

7/27/07
 
Taft, California

From San Francisco’s SFGate.com of July 27, 2007
Pistol Packing Pastor Nabs Theft Suspect

A former Bakersfield police officer turned pastor helped nab a man who allegedly stole a car from his church's parking lot.

James Kilgore, pastor at Taft Free Will Baptist Church, said he always keeps a gun and handcuffs in his fanny pack. They came in handy on Tuesday, when one of his elderly parishioners left Bible study to find his car had vanished.

Kilgore and Walter Brenton, 72, drove around looking for Brenton's 1986 Ford Crown Victoria, and spotted the alleged thief driving it a few blocks away.

The pastor followed the driver until he crashed, tackled him as he crawled out of the car and then handcuffed him until police arrived on the scene.

Ronald Lee Allen, 46, of Taft, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto and being in possession of stolen property, said Kern County sheriff's Sgt. Martin Downs.

"We don't recommend that people try to apprehend suspects, although in this case it worked out really well," Downs said.

Kilgore said he was glad to put his law enforcement training to use, but said it was likely God had a role in helping him restrain the suspect.

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posted by Pete at 7/27/2007 05:16:00 PM permalink

 
New Orleans, Louisiana

From New Orleans’ WWLtv.com of July 27, 2007
Mid-City car owner exchanges gunfire with suspected car thief

Police are investigating a series of car break-ins in a Mid-City neighborhood after a suspect exchanged gunfire with the owner of a car he attempted to steal Thursday night.

The percussion of gunshots woke residents near the corner of Palmyra and S. Gayoso. No one was hit, however.

Nevertheless, several cars sustained damage when the vehicles were broken into.

New Orleans Police have a suspect in custody they believe is responsible for the burglaries, but are still searching the area for a weapon and evidence. Few other details have been released.

"I woke up and came outside," Patsy Fluker said. "I noticed my car was broken into. There was a lot of blood everywhere on all the seats."

One neighborhood resident moved back following Hurricane Katrina to show his support for the city he loves. Having to be anxious about possible car break-ins isn't something he wants to do.

"For me to come back to worry about somebody breaking into my car, that's just something I don't want to do," Tyrus Morris said.

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posted by Pete at 7/27/2007 12:24:00 PM permalink

 
El Paso, Texas

From El Paso’s KFoxtv.com of July 27, 2007
Homeowner Scares Teen With Gunshot

A teen is in a Dona Ana juvenile detention center after he was found trying to break into a neighbor's truck at 9:30 Wednesday night on the 6600 block of Gopher Road.

The owner of the truck shot a handgun into the air to try to scare the teen. The homeowner reported that he does have a permit to possess a concealed weapon.

The teen was charged with two counts of burglary of a vehicle.

The teens says he was looking for his puppy.

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posted by Pete at 7/27/2007 05:15:00 AM permalink

7/22/07
 
Anna, Texas

From the McKinney Courier-Gazette of July 22, 2007
Anna man catches boy breaking into truck

Robert Trammell, of Anna, said his son woke him up Thursday morning after he saw someone breaking into his truck.

“My son come running in here and hollered at me and said, ‘Daddy, get up, get up, someone just broke in the truck,’” Trammell said. “So I jump up and he said they took off running so I didn’t know if it was an adult or who it was, so I grab my shotgun and went to chase him.”

When they finally caught up to him, Robert said he realized the guy who broke into his car was just a 13-year-old boy.

“He said, ‘I’m only 13 years old, and I was like whoa, whoa, back up,” Robert said.

The vehicle burglary happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in the 3600 block of County Road 421 in Anna, according to Collin County briefing reports.

Lt. John Norton, of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, said Robert’s 18-year-old son, Zach, first witnessed someone trying to break into his father’s 1996 Ford Ranger pickup.

Robert said he wasn’t sure who was out there, so he brought along a shotgun for protection.

“We come out and got in the car and went to chase after him,” Robert said. “At that time, we came running back around the corner and my son almost run into him with the car.”

Robert said he pointed the shotgun at him and ordered him to lie on the ground.

“He kept sticking his hand in his pocket, and I didn’t know if he had a gun or not,” Robert said. “I had the operator on the phone from 911 and she said do you feel like you’re in danger? And I said, to be honest with you ma’am, I don’t know what he keeps trying to put his hand on and she said by all means you could shoot him to defend yourself if you want to.”

The suspect eventually got on the ground, Robert said.

“Finally, he lied down on the ground and the last time he stuck his hand in his pocket, I put that shotgun on the back of his back and I told him, you need to lay still or I’m going to shoot you because they just informed me that I can if you keep sticking your hand in your pocket and I don’t know what you’ve got in there,” Robert said.

He kept talking to the suspect until police arrived. He said he was shocked when he learned the guy who tried to break into his truck was only 13 years old.

“I asked him if you’re 13 years old, what are you doing out at 2 in the morning?” Robert said. “He said my mom and dad are poor, so I’m out trying to get some money. I told him do you realize you almost just lost your life over a $40 radio from Wal-Mart?”

Norton said sheriff’s deputies took the unidentified boy to Medical Center of McKinney for injuries he sustained when he ran into the car door. He was treated and released and transported to Collin County Juvenile Detention Center, where he was being held Friday.

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posted by Pete at 7/22/2007 05:24:00 PM permalink

7/10/07
 
Nampa, Idaho

From Boise’s 2News.tv of July 10, 2007
Man Shoots Burglar

Everyone wants to think their neighborhood is peaceful. That's what many thought about one Nampa street until early this morning.

Around 2:30 in the morning, shots rang out outside a home on Jerry Lee Lane.

The man accused of firing the shots lives there. Police say, he was the victim of two prior robberies over the weekend. The man waited up all night for the suspects to appear again, and when they did, he shot one of them in the legs with a pellet gun.

The case will be forwarded to the Canyon County Prosecutor's Office. No charges have been filed yet.

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posted by Pete at 7/10/2007 05:23:00 PM permalink

6/28/07
 
Provo, Utah

From the Provo Daily Herald of June 28, 2007
Provo man uses pistol against burglar

Burgle him once, he buys a gun and an alarm.

Try it again and you might get shot.

Police say residents of the Old Academy on University Avenue took on an auto burglar with loaded guns Wednesday morning.

It was the second time the resident's vehicle had been burglarized, and Provo Capt. Cliff Argyle said the man purchased an alarm after the first burglary.

The alarm paged the vehicle owner at 4:30 a.m., notifying him that his Toyota 4Runner had been broken into. He ran down to the underground parking lot with his roommate.

Both brought their pistols.

The two residents confronted the would-be burglars, telling them to get on the ground, Argyle said.

The suspects instead ran to their vehicle and started to drive away. The roommate of the vehicle owner fired his pistol at the green sedan, hitting the front driver's-side tire.

"The tire did not deflate, and the driver kept driving and the vehicle went on its way," Argyle said. The suspects got away in their green sedan. The roommates did get a license plate number and police are waiting to release it.
…

The Old Academy is Brigham Young University contracted housing. Part of the agreement signed by tenants states that there will be no firearms "unless prior written consent is received from owner/agent and all other tenants in the rental unit."

As for whether the roommates could face charges within Provo City, Argyle said none are being considered at this time. He did say this crime story is unique.

"We've had people confront vehicle burglars in the past, but this is the first time I can recall where the person has used a firearm to confront someone," Argyle said.

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posted by Pete at 6/28/2007 06:15:00 AM permalink

6/26/07
 
Shreveport, Louisiana

From Shreveport's KTBS of June 26, 2007
Homeowner kills suspected burglar

A homeowner shot and killed a suspected burglar this morning after finding him breaking into a car and a storage shed in his townhouse development.

Police said the homeowner tried to hold the burglar at bay until officers arrived, but the burglar tried to attack him.

The 49-year-old homeowner was questioned by police and released with no charges filed. The case will be sent to the district attorney for a decision on whether charges should be filed.

The shooting happened about 2:30 a.m. on Carlsbad Drive in far southeast Shreveport.

Killed was Jonathan Sternitzky, 19, who lived on nearby Monet Drive in the same development.

The homeowner said he saw the break-ins in progress, got a gun and went outside. He told police he tried to hold Sternitzky until officers got there but Sternitzky tried to attack him.

Police said the homeowner fired one shot, hitting Sternitzky in the chest.

Police said the mortally wounded man ran around the corner of the building before he collapsed and died.

Authorities did not release the name of the homeowner.

Clay Carroll backed his neighbor's action.

"Let people know that this ain't gonna be an area where it's tolerated," Carroll said. "We need to keep the crime out."
From Shreveport’s KTBS.com of August 20, 2007
D.A. says shooting of burglar by homeowner was justified

A homeowner acted in self-defense when he fatally shot a man after catching him breaking into a car in his Shreveport townhouse development, Caddo District Attorney Paul Carmouche said today.

Prosecutors reviewed the findings of a police investigation and autopsy results before concluding the homeowner -- who was trying to hold the burglar at bay until police arrived -- was being attacked by the burglar when he fired, Carmouche said.

Carmouche said the 49-year-old homeowner was sitting on his Carlsbad Drive patio about 3 a.m. on June 26 when he heard someone breaking into a car. The homeowner got a gun from his house and confronted the burglar.

The burglar tried to convince the homeowner to let him go, then told him he had previous arrests and "nothing to lose" and charged the homeowner, Carmouche said. The homeowner fell back and fired one shot, hitting the other man in the chest.

Mortally wounded Jonathan Sternitzky, 19, ran around the corner of the building before he collapsed and died.

Sternitzky lived on nearby Monet Drive in the same development. Autopsy results showed Sternitzky had multiple drugs in his system, Carmouche said.

"Based on the autopsy report, the homeowner's statements and the facts, it is a justifiable homicide," Carmouche said.

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posted by Pete at 6/26/2007 08:02:00 PM permalink

6/6/07
 
Houston, Texas

From Click2Houston of June 6, 2007
Man Shoots Suspected Car Thief

A car owner shot a man who tried to steal his car early Wednesday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said the car owner saw his Chevrolet Camaro being driven out of his driveway in the 6700 block of Avenue H near Cesar Chavez Boulevard at about 4:30 a.m.

The owner ran out of the home with his gun in hand, officials said.

Investigators said the suspect lunged at the owner with a screwdriver and stabbed him in the head twice.

Police said the owner fired seven shots at the suspect, striking him three times in the stomach and leg.

The suspect and car owner were transported to Ben Taub Hospital. The suspect was last listed in serious condition and the car owner was stable.

Detectives said the suspect could face charges of burglary of a motor vehicle.

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posted by Dave at 6/06/2007 07:08:00 AM permalink

5/9/07
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of May 9, 2007
Suspect Nabbed After Being Brought to Univ.of Penna. Hospital

A thief who attempted a car break-in Wednesday morning in the city's southwest section was foiled apparently by his own gun -- and a fearless car owner.

The incident happened around 10am in the 8400 block of Lindbergh Boulevard. Police say a car owner spotted the suspect attempting to break into his car.

When he approached the suspect, who was armed with a handgun, a struggle ensued. During that struggle the gun discharged, and the suspect was shot in the thigh by his own gun. He then fled to a waiting car where an accomplice rushed him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In the meantime, the car owner called 911 and informed police of what had happened. When the suspect and his accomplice arrived at the hospital, police were waiting and both the alleged thief and his accomplice were placed under arrest.

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posted by Pete at 5/09/2007 09:45:00 AM permalink

4/15/07
 
Reno, Nevada

From Reno’s KRNV.com of April 15, 2007
Resident Shoots Suspected Car Thief

According to police, a resident on Winter Street shot a man Saturday night after finding him in his car.

Police say the suspect in the vehicle approached the resident.

The resident was armed with a shotgun and police say he fired one round, striking the suspect in the upper chest and upper arm.

The suspect was transported to Renown Medical Center where he listed is in serious condition. The investigation is on-going.

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posted by Pete at 4/15/2007 12:42:00 PM permalink

4/13/07
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

From Tulsa’s KOTV.com of April 13, 2007
Homeowner Shoots At Burglary Suspect

Tulsa Police are investigating an early Friday morning shooting that started with a vehicle break-in. Police officers were called to 3700 block of East 2nd Place about 4 a.m. Friday. A homeowner told police officers, he caught a man inside his SUV. After a confrontation between the homeowner and the suspect, the homeowner says he thought the burglar was pulling out a weapon so he fired one shot at the suspect.

The suspect ran off.

Detectives are still investigating.

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posted by Pete at 4/13/2007 12:07:00 PM permalink

4/11/07
 
Sacramento, California

From Sacramento’s KCRA.com of April 11, 2007
Saechin Will Not Face Criminal Charges, DA Says

Sacramento Man Accused Of Shooting Alleged Car Burglar

A south Sacramento man accused of shooting a suspected car burglar earlier this month will not face criminal charges, District Attorney Jan Scully said Wednesday.

Sou Saechin was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he confronted three suspected car burglars outside his Rock Creek Way home.

Saechin was accused of using a .22-caliber rifle to shoot one of the suspects in the chest and shooting at the suspects' car as it fled the area. The injured 17-year-old suspect, who was identified only as J.C., is expected to survive.

The other two suspected burglars, Marco Virelas and Larry Tran, were later arrested in connection with the case.

"Under the circumstances, we do not believe a jury would find Saechin acted unlawfully in firing this first shot in self defense," Scully's office said in a prepared statement.

Authorities said Saechin then fired three more shots as the three suspects' car left the area. Saechin told authorities he was not attempting to shoot any person, but was simply trying to leave a mark on the suspects' car so the police could later identify it.

Scully's office said the shots fired at the fleeing car appeared to be a penal code violation involving discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. These three shots did not strike the car or any person.

The district attorney's office said that the only witnesses who saw what happened were Saechin and the suspected car burglars. Saechin is a necessary witness against the burglars, while they are necessary witnesses against Saechin, officials said.

"For this reason, it is not legally practical to prosecute both cases," Scully's office said in a statement. "Under the circumstances, since no one was injured by the unlawful shots (Saechin) fired as the car drove away, the district attorney has elected not to prosecute Mr. Saechin, who has no record and whose testimony will be needed to prosecute the burglars."

The district attorney's office said it will prosecute Virelas and Tran for the car burglary, as well as for probation violations.

Tran and Virelas both have criminal records, Scully's office said. Tran is currently on felony probation for unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm and misdemeanor probation for giving false information to a peace officer. Virelas is on misdemeanor probation for unlawfully possessing an assault weapon. Both have additional criminal records.

Since J.C. is a juvenile, Scully's office said it will make no statement about any prosecution he may face.

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posted by Pete at 4/11/2007 09:46:00 AM permalink

4/5/07
 
Indianapolis, Indiana

From the Indianapolis Star of April 5, 2007
Homeowner shoots scavenger in scuffle

A junk scavenger was shot in the leg today during a fight with an Eastside homeowner over a trash barrel.

Police said Nikia Johnson and an accomplice were taking a trash barrel from behind a garage in the 2700 block of Adams Street when the homeowner raised the garage door and discovered them.

The homeowner, Gus Eldridge, 53, said he told the men to return the barrel and they did, but the men refused to pick up the trash they had dumped from it.

Eldridge and Johnson argued and were scuffling when a .45 caliber handgun Eldridge was carrying discharged, striking Johnson in the leg.

Eldridge said he carries the gun whenever he is outside of his home because of the crime in the area."I'm just too old to wrestle,'' he said. "The gun just went off.

''Police are still investigating and no charges have been filed.
From Indianapolis’ WTHR.com of April 5, 2007
Homeowner shoots alleged thief

Police are investigating a shooting on the east side. They say a man was allegedly trying to steal something from a garage before 11:00 am when he was shot by the homeowner.

"I asked the guy to put it back and he refused to put it back. He wanted to fight. I don't understand," said Gus Eldridge, homeowner, with a shrug.

The suspect was shot in the leg and is reportedly in good condition at Wishard Hospital.

This story will be updated later.

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posted by Pete at 4/05/2007 12:50:00 PM permalink

3/29/07
 
North Little Rock, Arkansas

From Little Rock’s KATV.com of March 29, 2007
Homeowner Claims Self Defense in North Little Rock Shooting

It happened early Thursday morning near Haywood and Water Street. Police say a man has admitted to shooting at another man, but claims it was in self-defense.

(Sharea Yancy, Neighbor) "I knew there was somebody over there laying down because I seen the white sheet."

When Sharea Yancy got home early Thursday morning, her North Little Rock neighborhood was full of police, and the coroner was on the scene. Across the street from her house a man lay dead on the ground.

(Yancy) "It's just shocking. I was kind of shaken. It just shocked me."

When police responded to a shots-fired call around 12:30 a.m., they found the body of 22-year-old Erroll Bernard Robinson, Jr. on the front porch of a vacant home on Water Street.

A resident around the corner, 43-year-old Myron Doss, told investigators he fired twice in self-defense, and the man ran away.

(Officer Carmen Green, North Little Rock Police Dept.) "The resident heard glass break outside his residence. When he opened the door he saw a black male crouched down behind his vehicle. When he stepped out onto his porch that's when the individual stood up turned towards him and fired one shot. And returned? Yes and he returned fire."

So far, police have not made any arrests.

(Yancy) "If it was me, I would have done the same thing if everything was legit and everything went like he said it was. People are just getting tired. It's like you stay at your house and I'll stay at mine and leave other people's things alone."

The man who was found dead had been arrested previously on robbery charges. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
From Little Rock’s CWArkansas.com of March 30, 2007
Homeowner Kills Suspect

A North Little Rock neighborhood that's out of control. That's what some people are saying after an overnight shooting in the Rose City area that left one man dead. But North Little Rock police believe it's a case of self-defense.

Mickie Brown likes her neighborhood, one that is usually quiet the silence broken by gunfire early this morning. "Shocked I thought I slept through this. I live across the street, one of the bullets could have ricocheted and hit me," says Brown.

North Little Rock police say someone was trying to break into a car parked in front of a house. When the homeowner came out, he was armed and approached the man. The suspect fired at him and the homeowner shot back... 21 year old Bernard Robinson died on the steps of this vacant home a block away. "They need more patrol, watch more and cut down on the gang bangers," says Brown.

Brown says this part of Rose City isn't a bad area they just need a little help. "it's a proud neighborhood, I've been here seven years and never had a problem. The police need to step up and get some of the bad elements out of the neighborhood," says Brown.

The homicide is too much for Akika Perkins and her small children. "They aren't going to grow up around here, not if this is going to happen," says Perkins.

It's the fifth homicide for the city, but it's the first for this east-end neighborhood. Brown says it's a preventable tragedy. "Here we sit today with a 22 year old who didn't get to finish his life out," says Brown.

North Little Rock detectives are not done in this case. Investigating tonight whether what happened last night was a justified shooting or a crime. Meanwhile those living in the area want something to change. Investigators are looking at the shooting as being justified since the suspect was invading the homeowner’s property. The last decision will come from the prosecutor's office on whether to file charges. The homeowner was questioned and released.

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posted by Pete at 3/29/2007 05:44:00 PM permalink

3/27/07
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

From Tulsa’s KOTV.com of March 27, 2007
Gunshot Scares Away Burglary Suspect

A burglary victim chases off a suspect with his gun overnight in Tulsa. It happened around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday in the 2300 North Boston.

Tulsa Police say a man heard someone messing with his car outside his home. He grabbed his gun and fired a couple of warning shots into the ground. Police say the suspect ran off and tried to break into a home a couple of blocks away.

Tulsa Police officers searched the area for some time but never found the suspect.

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posted by Pete at 3/27/2007 04:59:00 AM permalink

1/27/07
 
Jackson, Mississippi

From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of January 27, 2007
Jackson hairdresser fires shots at thieves

Men seen on security monitor trying to steal customer's vehicle

A west Jackson hairdresser foiled an auto theft outside his business Friday morning with a .357 Magnum.

Al Bell, 44, owner of Al's Style House at 5025 U.S. 80W, was tending to his first customer of the day, chatting with her and drinking coffee, when he looked at one of his security monitors and saw a pickup pulling up next to her sport utility vehicle. He saw two men get out, and one quickly wedge the driver's side door open and climb inside.

"She was shocked, and I was too," he said. "We really just couldn't believe what was going on."

This is what Bell said happened next: As his client called 911, he pulled the large handgun from a drawer, strode outside, raised his gun and yelled, "Freeze!"

They bolted for the green, late model, four-door Ford pickup.

Bell fired, blowing out the front driver's side tire of the Ford.

The men were still scrambling for the truck.

Again, Bell yelled "Freeze!" They did not stop.

He fired again, flattening the rear driver's side tire of the truck.

By this time, the men were in the truck and driving off - on two flat tires.

Bell fired a third time, blowing a hole in the rear driver's side door.

The truck roared off, east on U.S. 80 toward Metrocenter.

Jackson police officers took a report on the attempted vehicle theft.

"The castle law gives you the right to protect yourself and your property," said JPD Cmdr. Lee Vance, who is in charge of the precinct where the incident took place. "We didn't charge him."

The Castle Doctrine, which became law July 1, expands property owners' self-defense rights by protecting people who use deadly force against an intruder or carjacker if they believe they are in imminent danger.

While it is not known if any of Bell's rounds hit the men, Vance said there have been no reports of wounded patients at area hospitals.

That suits Bell fine.

"I ain't trying to get no blood on my hands," he said. "I didn't want to hurt nobody. I had a chance to kill them, but I just was trying to protect my property and my client."

He hopes the would-be SUV thieves do not return.

"I hope they catch them," he said. "I just hope they don't bother us anymore."

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posted by Pete at 1/27/2007 05:00:00 AM permalink

1/16/07
 
Springfield, Illinois

From the Springfield News-Leader of January 16, 2007
Man shoots at suspected vandal, police say

A man shot at a suspect who reportedly tried to break into his vehicle last night, Springfield police said.

A resident reported hearing something outside while at home before midnight at the 1400 block of West Nichols Street, Lt. Scott Levin said.

He discovered a male suspect trying to break into his vehicle with a screwdriver, Levin said. The resident pointed a shotgun at the suspect and ordered him to wait inside his house until police arrived, he said.

The suspect reportedly noticed a handgun inside the house and grabbed it.

“They kind of had a standoff there for a little bit,” Levin said.

The suspect eventually ran off, and pointed the handgun toward the resident as he fled, the lieutenant said. The resident thought he had left the handgun unloaded, and fired the shotgun at the suspect, he said.

“It was a birdshot load, basically. No injuries or anything like that were on the suspect,” Levin said.

Dogs helped police locate and arrest the suspect, who hid under a shed in the area, Levin said. The suspect may face a property damage charge.

The resident’s actions were reported and sent to a prosecutor for review, police said.

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posted by Pete at 1/16/2007 05:25:00 PM permalink

1/3/07
 
Los Lunas, New Mexico

From Albuquerque’s KOBtv.com of January 2, 2007
Car theft ends with two hospitalized

The attempted theft of a car in Los Lunas Tuesday morning ended with a seven mile car chase and two men in the hospital.

Officials say that a homeowner heard his son’s Cadillac running outside the house and ran outdoors to stop the man in the car from leaving.

According to police, the man in the car then used the car to pin the other man against a fence. The homeowner responded by firing a shot through the windshield, striking the suspect once.

The homeowner pursued the stolen car for seven miles until it ended up crashed in a ditch. The suspect fled to a local volunteer fire department where he collapsed.

Both the homeowner and the suspect were taken to University of New Mexico Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Charges against the alleged car thief are pending. Officials need to consult with the Valencia County district attorney before determining what, if any, charges will be filed against the homeowner.
From the KRQE.com of January 2, 2007
Pinned man shoots alleged car thief

The getaway went all wrong for an alleged car thief in Valencia County this morning when he fled with a Cadillac and a gunshot wound.

Police say the alleged thief pinned the homeowner with the car he was trying to steal, but got shot himself in the process.

This morning a Tomé homeowner woke up to see his son's car being stolen out of the family's driveway. He armed himself and ran out to make it clear this was not going to be an easy steal.

The suspected thief drove the Cadillac he was trying to steal toward the homeowner pinning him against a fence. The homeowner retaliated by firing one shot.

That shot hit the suspect, but he fled the scene in the Cadillac with the homeowner following him for seven miles.

“When he went out, he was pinned by that vehicle against the fence,” New Mexico State Police Sgt. Robert Miller said. “There were shots fired by the victim.

“At that point they continued on a small pursuit.”

But before the homeowner caught up, the alleged thief crashed and abandoned the Caddy. While bleeding from his wound, he stumbled and fell in front of a commuter driving to work who happened to be behind him.

The commuter thought he hit the suspect with his truck, ran out alarmed and then realized the bleeding man had been shot. He then called 911.

The suspect remains at UNM hospital with a gunshot wound, but police said it is not life-threatening.

The father was also taken to UNM Hospital but treated and released.

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posted by Pete at 1/03/2007 03:09:00 AM permalink

12/22/06
 
Athens, Georgia

From the Athens Banner-Herald of December 21, 2006
Repairman pulls gun on would-be thief

A man working on the roof of an Atlanta Highway pizza shop Tuesday saw someone trying to break into cars, climbed down from the roof and confronted the would-be thief with a gun, Athens-Clarke police said.

The 46-year-old Statham man was repairing an air-conditioning unit atop CiCi's Pizza, 3190 Atlanta Highway, at about 11:15 a.m. when he saw Nicholas Ivan Grover acting suspiciously in the parking lot below, according to police.

The man climbed off the roof when Grover tried to open the repairman's van, police said. When the repairman confronted him, Grover said he thought the van was his cousin's and then asked for a job, according to police. "I'll give you some work," the repairman reportedly told Grover as he pulled a gun, prompting Grover to run into a nearby store, where officers arrested him, police said. Grover, of Loganville, was charged with two counts of criminal attempt at entering auto.

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posted by Pete at 12/22/2006 01:10:00 PM permalink

12/11/06
 
Scottsdale, Arizona

From Phoenix’ AZCentral.com of December 11, 2006
Car burglar shot at outside bar

Police are searching for a burglary suspect who prompted a shooting outside a Scottsdale bar.

A security guard at the Club Tropicana, 7043 E. McDowell Road, fired at least one round at the man after spotting him breaking into a black Chevy Suburban at 2:20 a.m. Sunday, police said.

It was unclear if the man or the stolen vehicle were struck by the guard's gunshot. The vehicle has not been located.

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posted by Pete at 12/11/2006 06:51:00 PM permalink

12/1/06
 
Woodside, Utah

First hand account by Dennis Udink, November 19, 2006:
I think my handgun saved my life today. I'll never know for sure what would have happened if I hadn't been carrying it, but I'm certainly glad that I carry it with me everywhere I go. Bear with me folks, this is gonna be a long story.

This morning, I took Michael and Bradley out for a little hike near the base of the Book Cliffs about 3.5 miles northeast of Woodside, where I had been thinking about placing a geocache. We had driven about three miles from the highway on a rough dirt road, and parked where the road ended. We were in the middle of nowhere. From the point where the road ends, there is an old pack trail that winds back and forth to the east all the way to the top of the Book Cliffs. The trail climbs about 1,000 vertical feet in a very short horizontal distance, and we hiked about 1/4 of the way up the trail before it became too steep and rugged for the kids. A few minutes after we'd turned around and were heading back to the truck, I noticed that somebody was standing next to the truck, and we were still about 0.4 miles away. There were no other vehicles in sight, so I assumed that the guy was on foot, and I couldn't figure out what in the hell he was doing in the middle of nowhere on foot. I could barely see what he was doing, but he was snooping around the truck and he even climbed into the truck bed. I was really freaked out, and I yelled down and told him to get the hell away from my truck. I'm not sure if he could even understand me, but I'm sure that he heard me.

He ducked out of sight behind the truck for a minute--I think he was in the truck bed again--then he reappeared and was walking around the side of the truck. I yelled at him again, and he stopped to look up toward me for a few seconds, then went on looking into my truck (luckily, it was locked). At that point I knew that we were in trouble, because if some guy knows that I'm nearby and he continues messing with my truck, he's probably crazy. My voice commands to leave the truck alone went unheeded, so I pulled my handgun out of its holster, told the kids to plug their ears, and fired a round into the ground in the opposite direction from the guy at the truck. I certainly got his attention, but he still didn't leave immediately. He did stop to look up at me again, but then I saw his arm come down in a sweeping motion toward the right-rear tire, and I could hear the air suddenly escaping. He walked to the other side of the truck and slashed the left-rear tire, then he walked off heading south.

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posted by Clayton at 12/01/2006 08:04:00 PM permalink

11/1/06
 
Grand Junction, Colorado

From November 1, 2006 Denver channel 7:
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- A man allegedly found trying to break into a car got a lot more than he expected when his intended victim fought back.

Grand Junction police said 28-year-old Aaron Johnson pulled a knife on the man when confronted Tuesday afternoon, but the victim was armed with a gun and chased Johnson down the street.

...

No one was hurt, and police and sheriff's deputies caught the man within five minutes.

Johnson faces multiple charges including burglary, and possession of more than a gram of methamphetamine.

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posted by Clayton at 11/01/2006 02:27:00 PM permalink

10/15/06
 
Houston, Texas

From October 10, 2006 channel 2:
HOUSTON -- Two suspected robbers, one of them shot, showed up at a north Houston gas station early Tuesday asking for help, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The men pulled up to the Shell Station in the 9300 block of the North Freeway at West Mount Houston Road shortly after 3 a.m., according to authorities.

...

Officials said the driver took police to the original place of the shooting.

The other man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his leg.

Police said the men went to the gas station after they tried to steal tools from a truck and were shot at by the homeowner.

Charges are pending.

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posted by Clayton at 10/15/2006 03:15:00 PM permalink

10/5/06
 
Amarillo, Texas

From the Amarillo Globe News of October 4, 2006
Man fires shots at burglar, struck by unknown object

A man suffered injuries when he was struck with an unknown weapon after he reportedly shot at a burglar who was trying to break into his car late Monday.

According to the Amarillo Police Department, Michael Ray Howard heard a disturbance in the front yard of his home in the 4800 block of Southwest 57th Avenue about 10:40 p.m., and, when he went outside, he saw a person attempting to break into his vehicle.

When Howard approached his vehicle, the burglar displayed some type of weapon, police said, and Howard then fired one shot at the burglar with a handgun.

When Howard fired his gun, another man then struck Howard in the back of the head.

The burglar and the other man then fled from the scene, police said.

It is unknown if the burglar was struck by gunfire, police said.

Howard was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

APD Cpl. Jerry Neufeld said police will present their investigation to the Randall County Criminal District Attorney's Office to determine whether any charges will be filed in the incident.

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posted by Pete at 10/05/2006 12:32:00 AM permalink

9/8/06
 
Hopkins, South Carolina

From September 8, 2006 WLTX-TV channel 19:
(Richland County) - Richland County deputies are investigating a case where a homeowner was shot by robbers, but not before he also injured one of them.

Officers say the incident began around 2:45 Friday morning at a home on Dry Branch Way in Hopkins. Investigators say the homeowner heard a noise outside and decided to see what it was. According to reports, he found two men trying to break into his car.

Detectives say the homeowner ran back inside, and the two suspects followed him. The homeowner and one of the suspects then shot at each other, leaving both of them wounded. The second suspect ran from the home.

Officers say both the homeowner and the injured suspect, 21-year-old Gregory Weaver, are recovering in the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The second suspect, 25-year-old Donald Richardson, was arrested by deputies later following a short chase on Bluff Road.

Deputies say they'll charge both Weaver and Richardson with assault and battery with intent to kill and auto tampering. Richardson will also face a stolen vehicle charge.

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posted by Clayton at 9/08/2006 12:01:00 PM permalink

7/13/06
 
Odessa, Texas

From the July 13, 2006 Midland Reporter-Telegram:
ODESSA -- An Odessa homeowner shot one of two suspects allegedly attempting to burglarize his vehicles early Wednesday, police said.

According to a statement released Wednesday by the Odessa Police Department, authorities responded at approximately 1:40 a.m. to the 6500 block of Opal Drive in reference to a gunshot victim, who was transported to Medical Center Hospital where he was treated.

A preliminary investigation revealed the homeowner had observed two white male suspects burglarizing his 2005 Chevy Suburban. The suspects had also allegedly burglarized the homeowner's second vehicle, a 2002 Ford Mustang.

The homeowner fired two shots from a handgun, with one flying in the air and the second in the direction of the suspects. One suspect was struck and the second suspect fled from the scene. Officers recovered stolen items from the homeowner's vehicles.
Note: Texas is pretty tolerant of shooting someone for burglarizing a vehicle--although the shooter may still have some anxious hours about this--but in most other states, this would not qualify as a lawful shooting, or even close.

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posted by Clayton at 7/13/2006 04:11:00 PM permalink

6/14/06
 
Nashville, Tennessee

From Nashville’s NewsChannel5.com of June 13, 2006
Man Shoots in Self-Defense, Police Say

Tuesday, an ex-con was in a hospital bed, and the citizen who put him there said it was self-defense.

Police don’t want people to go looking for trouble, but they say people have a right to defend themselves and their family. East Nashville residents tired of being targets said they're not going to let criminals control their streets.

“We work hard every day, and we come home and stuff's torn up or stolen,” victim Teddy Frazier said.

Frazier watched Monday as a stranger started casing his 1991 Chevy Silverado

"He's looking in the window, pulling up on it," he said.

The 46-year-old electrician grabbed his gun and confronted the thief.

“The marks are here where he was trying to pry open the window,” Frazier said.

“I told him: ‘You need to get off my truck.’ I warned him twice before I actually pointed the gun at him,” Frazier said.

Frazier said the man lunged at him. The pool of blood in the grass tells what happened next.

“I had no choice. I went ahead and shot him,” Frazier said.

Floyd Cleveland took one bullet to the leg. As soon as he's out of the hospital, he'll be charged with aggravated assault and attempted burglary.

He's no stranger to the system. Cleveland has been arrested for burglary and assault. In fact, he had just been paroled May 22 of this year.

Police said it appears Frazier acted in self-defense, and he agrees crime fighting is best left to the cops

“My advice is … to call police and report it,” Frazier said. “This stuff needs to stop. There ain't nothing else I can say. People need to quit being scared.”

Detectives are running Floyd Cleveland's fingerprints to see if he's responsible for any other crimes in east Nashville.

Police are investigating what may be a similar case nearby. Saturday night, two robbers mugged a man on Bethwood Drive. Less than 20 minutes later, someone shot the robbery suspects near the Casey homes. Detectives continued looking for the shooter.

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posted by Pete at 6/14/2006 03:03:00 AM permalink

5/26/06
 
Richmond, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of May 26, 2006
Two teens wounded in attempted Rosenberg car theft

Two teenagers who attempted to steal a Rosenberg man's car at gunpoint were shot and wounded when the victim managed to pull his own pistol and open fire.

The incident happened just a block from the Richmond police station about 1 a.m. this morning, said Richmond police Sgt. Lowell Neinast.

Neinast said McRon Thompson, 23, had just left work and was at a car wash in the 1400 block of Jackson when he noticed three vehicles drive slowly through the parking lot. The vehicles left and then returned a few minutes later.

Thompson became suspicious and got a pistol from his car and loaded it and put it in his pocket.

A few minutes later Thompson saw [sic] was confronted by a masked gunman who demanded that Thompson get into the trunk of Thompson's vehicle.

While one suspect held Thompson at gunpoint, another suspect, later identified as Joshua Payne, 18, of Brookshire, drove Thompson's car to the 500 block of Calhoun. The men ordered Thompson out of the car and at that point he managed to get his pistol from his pocket and open fire on the pair.

Payne was shot in the back and the 15-year-old in the right shoulder.

The gunfire attracted the attention of police just one block away who rushed to the scene on foot and captured both suspects.

Payne was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital and the 15-year-old to to Ben Taub Hospital where their conditions were not immediately available.

Both suspects face charges of aggravated robbery. No charges are expected against Thompson, Neinast said.

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posted by Pete at 5/26/2006 11:24:00 AM permalink

5/15/06
 
Amarillo, Texas

From Amarillo‘s KVII.com of May 12, 2006
No charges filed in shooting of teen during car burlgary

Texas law says it's OK to protect your property using force.

But what's the definition of “force” and how far can you go?

Police say Michael Ray McKay, 52, shot a 15-year-old boy early Thursday morning.

McKay says the teen and some friends were breaking into his car.

State law allows the use of force to protect your property, but defense attorney, Paul Herrmann says the question is, “Was aggravated assault with a deadly weapon the proper force in this case, or was it too extreme?”

“That's the problem, sometimes you think you are justified in using deadly force, but you have to ask yourself. Other people have to believe that you are,” explains Hermann

At this time no charges have been filed against either McKay or the 15-year-old.

The teen was shot in the back and is being treated at a local hospital.

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posted by Pete at 5/15/2006 12:08:00 AM permalink

5/13/06
 
Palm Springs, California

From Los Angeles’ CBS2.com of May 13, 2006
Resident And Burglary Suspects Engage In Shootout

A shootout erupted between a resident and a suspected burglar early Saturday morning.

Palm Springs Police officers were dispatched at 1:42 a.m. to the 700 block of San Lorenzo Road on a shots fired call.

A resident interrupted a car burglary in progress. One of the alleged thieves pulled out a gun and fired at the resident. The resident pulled out a gun of his own, fired back at the suspects, who drove away in a black car.

Several bullet holes were found in two vehicles near the scene. One bullet narrowly missed a man sleeping in his apartment.

"We don't recommend that any citizen take the law into their own hands, especially in the middle of the street," said Sgt. John Booth.

The suspects were described to be three or four men in a late 1980's Toyota Camry or Lexus.

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posted by Pete at 5/13/2006 06:21:00 PM permalink

4/16/06
 
Nevada County, California

From Grass Valley’s TheUnion.com of April 15, 2006
(Scroll Down)
At 9:02 p.m., a caller from the 19000 block of Hansen Lane reported someone going through her vehicle. Shots were fired from a small caliber handgun to scare the intruder. The intruder fled.

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posted by Pete at 4/16/2006 10:01:00 AM permalink

3/26/06
 
Orange County, Florida

From Orlando’s WFTV.com of March 26, 2006
Man Shoots Teen Who Was Allegedly Breaking Into Car

An Orange County man shot one teen and tackled another after, he said, they tried to break into his car. Deputies were questioning the man to see if he used the weapon in self-defense

Deputies said they received a 9-1-1 call Sunday morning from a home on Capanella Avenue and Raleigh Street. A woman reported her car was being broken into. Then, she said, her boyfriend was going outside with a gun. When deputies arrived, he had shot one suspect and tackled another.

Michael Graham was determined to protect his car. He confronted the 15- and 14-year-old suspected auto burglars as, he said, they tried to get inside an Acura.

"I see him struggling in his car. I said, 'You alright, you alright?' And he said, 'No, somebody is trying to break in my car,'" explained neighbor Darrell Owens.

After a brief struggle, Graham's gun went off. He shot the 15-year-old in the back of his leg. The teen briefly got away. Meanwhile, Graham caught up to the other teen and tackled him.

Deputies took 14-year-old Capree Patterson into custody. They then followed a blood trail and found the 15-year-old laying a few blocks away. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Deputies were still investigating. But if the homeowner's story is true, he had every right to shoot the teen.

"If he felt threatened, yes, there's someone in his car, or on his property, he may be okay," said Comm. Denise Demps-Rollins, Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The 15-year-old's name is not being released. He has non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies were also investigating to see if the teen tried to steal another car earlier Sunday morning.

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posted by Pete at 3/26/2006 10:58:00 AM permalink

2/7/06
 
Johnson County, Texas

From the February 7, 2006 Burelson-Crowley Connection:
Paul Peterson, 22, of Fort Worth, “who went on a one-man crime spree” and was shot Jan. 30, is in custody at the Johnson County Corrections Center on $17,000 in bail after being released from John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford said.

...

Peterson reportedly stole a Ford pickup about 6:30 a.m. Monday belonging to a Joshua resident that was parked in Big Willy’s parking lot along Interstate 35 and Farm-to-Market Road 1187. He was then involved in a hit-and-run accident in the vicinity of I-35 and Renfro in Burleson. Alford said several motorists called 9-1-1 because of the reckless way Peterson was driving.

Alvarado police then attempted to locate the vehicle, which crashed into a guard rail at the Greensville/Barnesville exit on I-35. Callers related that Peterson jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot and Johnson County deputies became involved.

A call at 7:30 a.m. from a residence in the 8800 block of I-35 reported a suspicious person wanting the residents to hide him in their attic. The man was identified as Peterson, who again fled the area on foot into a wooded area near a creek.

At about 9:40 a.m. Peterson resurfaced and was observed breaking into vehicles located in the 3400 block of County Road 204. Peterson then made his way to the 3700 block of CR 204 where he had broken into a vehicle, a building and then stole a Kawasaki All-Terrain Vehicle that was later recovered with stolen property on it, including a .22-caliber rifle.

Peterson next showed up in the 4200 block of CR 204, where he attempted to solicit help to get back to Arlington.

“This is when Peterson was confronted by one of the owners of the stolen property, a fight ensued, and Peterson was wounded when shot with a shotgun,” Alford said.

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posted by Clayton at 2/07/2006 07:14:00 PM permalink

1/19/06
 
Lillington, North Carolina

From the Sanford Herald of January 19, 2006
Man dies after allleged car theft attempt

Sanford man was shot and killed early Tuesday while allegedly trying to steal a car from a home outside Lillington, according to Harnett County sheriff's deputies.

Ashley Demetrius Gilliam, 21, of 805 Rose St., Sanford, died around 4:40 a.m. Tuesday after being shot outside 3415 U.S. 421, Lillington. According to the report, Gilliam was allegedly trying to steal a car from that address, which is the home of Gary Nolan and Raquel Patterson Jackson. Gilliam was approached by Gary Jackson and his father-in-law Derrick Allen Byrd, who lived next door.

An altercation started and shots were fired. Gilliam was shot and killed.

By Wednesday, deputies had not filed any charges, although they said the investigation was still ongoing.

Deputies have not said whether they believe whether Gary Nolan Jackson or Derrick Allen Byrd was responsible for shooting Gilliam, or whether Gilliam was armed and if he fired any shots.

Court records in Lee County show that Gilliam had an extensive criminal record here. Dating back to 2001, charges include burglary, assault, possession with intent to sell marijuana, and multiple violations stemming from involvement in a widespread car-theft ring Sanford police uncovered in 2003.

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posted by Pete at 1/19/2006 04:59:00 PM permalink

1/14/06
 
West Price Hill, Ohio

From the Cincinatti Enquirer of January 14, 2006
Resident, thieves in shootout

Pair fire on man who replies in kind; no one hurt

George Jones Jr. saw two people breaking into cars Thursday near Pedretti Avenue and West Eighth Street.

"He was going to stop the thefts from the cars," said Cincinnati police Capt. Drew Raabe.

Instead, he sparked a gunfight around 10:30 p.m., police say.

Police say residents should call them if they see something suspicious. In other words, pick up the phone and not a pistol.

The car burglars shot at Jones, who was also armed and shot back.

"He fired three shots back at them," Raabe said.

Jones, 53, was not hit - neither were the burglars.

Police are looking for the two burglars and witnesses who may have seen the gun battle, Raabe said.

They are also investigating Jones' account of the shooting.

Efforts to reach Jones Friday were unsuccessful.

"We would rather they call the police," Raabe said. "I understand everyone has the right to protect their property ... but we would rather they call police."

A person who shoots a burglar can face criminal charges, regardless of whether it was self-defense. The person must prove to a jury he didn't provoke the incident, believed he was in danger of death or great harm and attempted to leave the situation, said Mark Piepmeier, assistant Hamilton County prosecutor.

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posted by Pete at 1/14/2006 07:03:00 AM permalink

1/6/06
 
Harris County, Texas

From Houston’s ABCLocal.Go.com of January 6, 2006
Robbery victim fights back and shoots suspect

A man tells police he shot a suspect who was allegedly destroying his property.

It happened around 2am Friday on Antoine near W. Little York in northwest Harris County. He spotted a group of men breaking out the windows of his Suburban. He scared them off, but says they returned. The homeowner heard a gunshot and grabbed his gun. He shot one of the men and they all sped off.

The man gave police a detailed description of the suspects and the car. Police picked them up nearby.

The suspect who was shot was taken to the hospital. The other men with him were arrested.

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posted by Pete at 1/06/2006 05:50:00 AM permalink

12/22/05
 
Beaverton, Oregon

From Beaverton’s KPTV.com of December 22, 2005
Man shoots car prowl suspect

A 27-year-old soldier just back from Iraq shot a man he said came at him with a screwdriver, after he allegedly tried to steal a car outside the soldier's Beaverton apartment.

Jose Ruiz Gomez of Gresham -- the suspected car prowler -- will be charged with second-degree theft and unlawful entry of a vehicle.

He was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Police are not releasing the name of the man who shot Ruiz Gomez. But they did say they are viewing the incident as a case of self-defense.

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posted by Pete at 12/22/2005 03:01:00 AM permalink

12/19/05
 
Jackson, Mississippi

From Jackson’s WLBT.com of December 18, 2005
Suspected Burglar Fatally Shot at Jackson Business

A man, who police say was attempting to rob a Jackson business, was shot and killed Saturday night.

Jackson police were called to Livingston Towing and Recovery at 3228 Medger Evers Boulevard at 11:38 p.m.

There they found 35 year old Timothy Darby of Jackson fatally shot in the rear of the business. J.P.D. spokesman Detective Brendan Bell said Darby allegedly attempted to burglarize a vehicle on the company lot when the business owners interrupted him.

Bell said the owners struggled with the suspect over the owner's gun.

During the struggle Darby was shot once in the left shoulder.

Police have not released the names of the towing company's owners.

Bell said the owners also lived on the business property.

No formal charges have been filed.

A woman answering the phone at Livingston Towing and Recovery said no one was available to comment on the shooting death.
From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of December 23, 2005
Tow firm shooter faces gun charge

A Jackson businessman who shot and killed a suspected burglar is facing a new charge because of a conviction more than two decades ago.

Fred James Perry, 55, owner of Livingston Towing & Recovery at 3228 Medgar Evers Blvd., has been charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Perry was convicted in 1982 of armed robbery, according to Hinds County Circuit Court records.

A felon can't own or possess a firearm. Under federal law, felons convicted of possessing firearms face up to 10 years in federal prison or a $250,000 fine. Under state law, the maximum penalty is three years in prison.

Jackson Police Department Detective Brendon Bell said Perry has not been charged in the Saturday night shooting of Timothy Darby, 36, of Jackson. The shooting is still under investigation, he said. The case will be presented to a grand jury.

Bell said he did not know when detectives did a background check on Perry. But Perry was taken to the police station and questioned Saturday night, police said.

Perry was arrested Wednesday, according to the police docket. He was released Thursday afternoon on $10,000 bond from the Hinds County Detention Center at Raymond.
From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of May 9, 2006
Jury deems killing justified

For the second time in six months, a Hinds County grand jury has declined to indict a person who killed another while defending his home or business.

In the latest case, the grand jury said Fred James Perry, 55, owner of Livingston Towing & Recovery at 3228 Medgar Evers Blvd. in Jackson, should not be prosecuted for fatally shooting suspected burglar Timothy Darby, 36, of Jackson on Dec 17.

Police did not arrest Perry in Darby's death but did charge him as a felon in possession of a firearm because of Perry's 1982 conviction for armed robbery.

But the grand jury also returned no indictment on that charge.

"We presented to the grand jury on both a felon in possession of a firearm and the homicide, and they returned a no bill (didn't indict) on both charges," Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson said. "Why, I don't know. We thought they might convict on the felon in possession of a handgun."

But Peterson said the grand jury may have looked at the circumstances of the case and decided not to indict on either charge.

Perry saw Darby on his lot late the night of Dec. 17 attempting to break into a vehicle, Jackson police said. Words may have been exchanged between the two before Perry fired one shot that hit Darby.

Darby was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart said.

A woman who identified herself as Perry's wife said Monday they did not want to comment about the fatal shooting, but then added that Jackson is a high-crime area.

"We are going to support the city officials, police and district attorney," she said. "They are working hard to do what they have to do."

In a Nov. 27 shooting, Jackson homeowner Cedric Marshall wasn't indicted in the death of Marcus D. Rawls, 23, also of Jackson.

Marshall was indicted in March on gun and possession-of-cocaine charges from an Oct. 14 arrest.

Police found Rawls dead on the porch at 464 Willaman St. at 4:36 a.m. Nov. 27. He was wearing a ski mask and gloves. He died from a gunshot wound to the head, Grisham-Stewart said.

Published reports said Marshall thought two men were trying to break into his home and shot through the door to scare away the intruders.

Police would not say at the time of the shooting if Rawls was accompanied by anyone else.

Under current Mississippi law, a citizen can legally kill someone when resisting an attempt to commit a felony upon the person or in that person's dwelling. A killing also is justified if a person thinks there is imminent danger of a felony being committed or the infliction of great personal injury upon him.

A new law passed by the 2006 Legislature expands the self-defense law to an occupied vehicle, place of business, place of employment or in the immediate premises. It goes into effect July 1.

A person deemed not guilty of any crime, under the new law, would be immune from civil liability.

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posted by Pete at 12/19/2005 03:55:00 AM permalink

11/30/05
 
Bradenton, Florida

From the Sarasota Herald-Tribune of November 30, 2005
Guard shoots, kills man who pointed pellet gun

A security guard shot and killed a man suspected of car burglary early Tuesday who authorities say was armed with a pellet gun.

No charges have been filed against the guard, Pablo Feliciano, 33, who works for Critical Intervention Services. The shooting happened about 2 a.m. at Manatee Woods Apartments in the 3400 block of Fifth Street East.

Feliciano told detectives that he heard a car alarm going off outside a vacant duplex and went to investigate. He said he saw a man breaking into a vehicle.

The suspect ran as Feliciano approached. Feliciano chased the suspect, who authorities say turned and pointed a gun -- later determined to be a pellet gun -- at him. The guard fired two rounds at the suspect, who turned and took off. Sheriff's deputies found the man's body in the next block.

Detectives on Tuesday did not release the name of the shooting victim; there was no identification on the body. Sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow said the shooting would likely be deemed justifiable.

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posted by Pete at 11/30/2005 03:03:00 AM permalink

11/17/05
 
Seaford, Delaware

From the Delaware State Police of November 14, 2005
Pair Apprehended while Breaking into Vehicles

Delaware State Police arrested two suspects Sunday morning after they were observed breaking into vehicles in Up Country Mobile Home Park, located on Woodland Road.

At approximately 4:00 a.m., a witness observed a male suspect attempting to enter a neighbor’s vehicle. The suspect was unable to make entry into this vehicle so he went to the next vehicle and entered it. When the witness saw the suspect enter the vehicle she called 911 and her neighbors. The witness then saw the male suspect enter a third vehicle, so she went outside in an attempt to obtain the tag number of a black vehicle that was following the male suspect. The owners of one of the vehicles that the suspect had entered then exited their home armed with a shotgun and ordered the male suspect to stop. Meanwhile the witness was able to obtain the tag number of the suspect vehicle. A female suspect who was operating the suspect vehicle then yelled for the male suspect to get in the car. The female suspect then put the car in reverse and backed up approximately 50 feet. The female suspect then put the car in drive and accelerated towards the witness. The witness was not able to get out of the way of the car and she was struck by its front end and knocked to the ground. The female suspect then turned the car around and sped towards the witness who was still on the ground. The neighbors were able to pull the witness out of the way and the suspects sped off.

Troopers who were responding to the scene located the suspects inside the park and took them into custody without further incident. While searching the suspect vehicle troopers located four car stereos that were apparently stolen by the suspects.

Amber D. Kennedy, 23, of Seaford, was charged with two counts of possession of a deadly weapon (the car) during the commission of a felony, two counts of burglary, reckless endangering 1st degree, attempted burglary, conspiracy, and attempted theft.

Ralph J. Sutton, 17, of Bridgeville, was charged with the same offenses as Kennedy.

Kennedy and Sutton were both released on $21,000 secured bond pending further court action.

The witness, who is a 52-year-old female, was treated at Nanticoke Hospital for multiple contusions.

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posted by Pete at 11/17/2005 12:26:00 PM permalink

11/14/05
 
Yakima, Washington

From Yakima‘s KAPPtv.com of November 14, 2005
Homeowner Catches Suspects

Yakima Police were called to 84th and Summitview Avenues early Saturday morning. A homeowner had two burglary suspects held at gunpoint. Eighteen-year-old Tyler Walters and 20 year-old Rudy Delgado of Yakima, have been charged with theft, malicious mischief and possession of stolen property. Police say the two broke into a car. When the armed homeowner confronted them they tried to run him down with their own car. He fired a few shots at the car. No one was injured but one of the shots came close enough to cut through the shirt one of the suspects was wearing.

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posted by Pete at 11/14/2005 08:07:00 PM permalink

10/13/05
 
Gary, Indiana

From the Merrillville Post-Tribune of October 13, 2005
Man says he fired gun after thieves shot first

An east side man told police would-be thieves breaking into his van fired at him when he confronted them, so he shot back, wounding a 16-year-old suspect.

The teen, struck in the leg and wrist, was admitted to the Methodist Hospitals in Merrillville, where he is being held under police guard.

Gary juvenile division supervisor Lt. Charles Austin is investigating the break-in that led to the shooting. None of the other suspects allegedly involved were arrested at the scene.

The teen could be charged as an adult if police can provide evidence he was armed while committing other crimes. Members of the Homicide Squad are investigating the shooting incident, Cmdr. Michael Nardini said.

“We’ve got CSI (Crime Scene Investigations) back out there today gathering evidence to see if it matches what the homeowner is saying,” Nardini said.

David Thedford, 55, told Patrolman Nicholas Ferrell his neighbor called him about 2 a.m. and said five suspects were trying to get into his van, parked in the 700 block of Georgia Street.

Thedford, an employee with Numark Security, went outside and ordered the young men to stop.

“He heard three shots,” the report states, and Thedford shot back with his .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, the report states.

When police arrived, they found the wounded teen lying on the ground near Thedford’s white 1989 GMC Safari van.

Nearby were Thedford’s tackle box, fishing net and rod and reel, which had been removed from the vehicle, police said. The van and a 1993 Ford Explorer were damaged by gunfire, police said.

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posted by Pete at 10/13/2005 03:35:00 AM permalink

10/10/05
 
Kansas City, Kansas

From Kansas City’s WCTV5.com of October 10, 2005
Witnesses: Person Shoots Man Trying to Steal Equipment

A man trying to steal work equipment ended up getting a bullet instead, witnesses.

It happened at about 2:45 a.m. in the 1300 block of Freeman.

An alarm on the driveway went off, so his son went outside to investigate, a family member on the scene said.

That was when the son ran into the would-be burglar and shot him, the family member said.

Paramedics took the man to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

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posted by Pete at 10/10/2005 03:46:00 PM permalink

10/5/05
 
Live Oak, California

From the Gridley Herald of October 5, 2005
SHOOTING IN LIVE OAK

On Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m. the Butte County Sheriff's Department received a transfer call from Sutter County Sheriff's Department of a gunshot victim on Township Rd. in the Gridley area.

Sutter County deputies secured the scene until Butte County deputies arrived to take over the investigation.

It was reported that the gunshot victim was the suspect in an attempted theft of a car carrier trailer which was located in the 400 block of Township Rd.

Butte County Deputy Brett Marsters contacted the victim of the attempted trailer theft and was informed that the suspect and another male attempted to remove a car trailer from the victim's property.

According to the police report, the victim attempted to stop the suspects as they fled from the property, with the victim and a friend chasing them.

It was reported that the victim then went back to his house, retrieved a shotgun and his quad runner and attempted to locate the suspect who was on foot.

The victim located the suspect and tried to stop him from leaving the area.

The victim allegedly fired a warning shot into the air and the suspect who was identified as, 20-year-old Steve Osment, fled again.

The victim allegedly fired again toward the ground and it was reported the suspect still did not stop.

The suspect attempted to stop a passing vehicle, telling the two women occupants that someone was trying to kill him.

The women stayed at the scene and called 911.

Osment was transported to Enloe Medical Center for treatment of his wounds from the bird shot.

He was later interviewed by deputies and arrested for attempted vehicle theft and prowling. Bail was set at $10,000.

The Butte County Sheriff's department is continuing the investigation to try to identify the other involved suspect which fled the scene.

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posted by Pete at 10/05/2005 03:54:00 PM permalink

9/13/05
 
Albuquerque, New Mexico

From Albuquerque‘s KOBtv.com of September 13, 2005
Attempted truck theft ends with gunshot wound

A man who drew his weapon on a suspected thief attempting to steal his pickup from in front of his house wound up shooting and critically injuring a third person.

The incident happened Monday afternoon on Ricardo Road south of Belen. Deputies say a homeowner went outside and pointed a gun at the car thief and told him to get out of his truck. That’s when deputies say an accomplice drove another car directly at the homeowner at a high rate of speed.

“Our calling party, our victim, turned around with his gun and fired a round into the windshield of that vehicle, striking the driver of it,” said Valencia County Sheriff’s Department Spokeswoman Shannon Brady.

The man who was shot was in critical condition Monday night following surgery. The man who reportedly was trying to steal the homeowner’s truck ran away from the scene when the shooting occurred and hasn’t been found. Deputies haven’t released the names of any of the people involved.

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posted by Pete at 9/13/2005 04:18:00 PM permalink

8/15/05
 
LaCrosse, Wisconsin

From the LaCrosse Tribune of June 8, 2005
City man stops truck burglary in progress

Having his truck broken into three times in the past month was too much for Brian Sidie.

So when Sidie saw someone in the cab of his pickup about 11 p.m. Monday, he took action.

While getting a drink in his kitchen that night, Sidie glanced outside to see a young man walking down the street.

He turned away, thinking it was a neighbor, but took one more look before going back to bed. This time, the young man was in his pickup.

Sidie grabbed his rifle and headed outside. "I came around the front of my truck and slapped my hand on the hood. He just shot up and looked at me," Sidie said. "I told him, ‘You aren't going anywhere.'"

Careful never to point the gun at the young man, Sidie pushed the pickup door closed and refused to let the man go.

Sidie's wife called La Crosse police, who said they arrived to find Daryl A. Sumlar, 17, inside the truck.

Sidie said he has lost more than $500 worth of property in the previous thefts. In this case, the intruder caused $200 in damage to Sidie's stereo system, police said.

Sumlar, of Sparta, Wis., was charged Tuesday with entry to a locked vehicle, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors.

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posted by Pete at 8/15/2005 02:13:00 PM permalink

8/14/05
 
Olympia, Washington

From August 10, 2005 KIRO-TV channel 7:
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A man pulled a pistol on a car prowler here Tuesday morning and held him at gunpoint until police arrived, KIRO TV News reported.

Police credit the man with solving a string of car prowls and helping to recover more than $4,000 in stolen property.

Chuck Estes awoke Tuesday to find the roof of his wife's convertible slashed and her stereo system stolen.

Estes told KIRO TV News South Sound Bureau Chief Richard Thompson that, "One thing I can't stand in life is a thief."

Estes said he was driving through his neighborhood when he spotted a vehicle suspected in the theft from his wife's car.

Estes had a .44-caliber Magnum Smith and Wesson pistol with him. He approached the suspect's car, drew his gun and ordered the teenaged occupant to put his hands on the dashboard.

Estes called police who arrested the 16-year-old boy. They also arrested a 21-year-old man they say was an accomplice nearby.
A more detailed account at the August 14, 2005 Olympia Olympian:
Estes didn't keep the gun -- a revolver with a 6-inch barrel -- pointed very long, he said. He holstered it immediately after determining the suspect didn't pose a threat, he said.

"I made it very clear to stay in the car and that he was not at risk and that I was not a threat," said Estes, 40, who has a concealed weapon permit.

It was about 4 a.m., and Estes was on his way to work when he noticed someone had sliced into his wife's convertible to steal her stereo and speakers. He didn't think he had time to deal with it right away.

But as he headed down the street, he noticed two younger males climbing into a Volkswagen Rabbit loaded with electronics and other equipment. He thought it seemed suspicious and decided to stop. One suspect ran.

Holding his flashlight and gun, Estes approached the driver's side window and ordered the suspect to put his hands on the dashboard. Then he called 9-1-1.

"Hopefully that's the last time I'll have to pull it out of the holster," Estes said.

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posted by Clayton at 8/14/2005 09:13:00 AM permalink

7/24/05
 
Tacoma, Washington

From the Tacoma News Tribune of July 24, 2005
16-year-old, woman arrested in connection with auto break-in

A teenager was arrested early Friday morning after he was interrupted breaking into a car.

A resident in the 900 block of East 53rd Street looked out his kitchen window just after 6 a.m. Friday and saw a large white car parked on the street, with someone breaking into his neighbor’s nearby car.

The resident got a gun and confronted the 16-year-old boy who was rummaging through the car. The white car, with three of the teen’s friends inside, left.

A stereo, a set of speakers and about 200 CDs were missing from the car.

Another neighbor followed the white car to a residence and reported its location to police.

Officers searched the property and found the speakers, stereo and some CDs in a garage. A 22-year-old woman sleeping in the garage was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property. The boy was arrested outside the first home.

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posted by Pete at 7/24/2005 04:25:00 PM permalink

7/20/05
 
Houston, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of July 19, 2005
Vehicle break-in draws gunfire

One of 3 men is shot after they were surprised by neighbors, one of whom is an officer

A trio of alleged burglars picked the wrong house early Tuesday, drawing gunfire from a next-door neighbor and a police officer who lives across the street and little sympathy from residents who said they were tired of being victimized by thieves.

One of the men was shot in the head and is not expected to recover, authorities said. The man, whose identity was not available, was on life support Tuesday night at Ben Taub General Hospital .

"They must not be from around here," said Sarah Dugger, who lives a block from the shooting scene in the 11700 block of Biscayne Way. "Everyone around here knows cops live there, and we like it."

"I'm sorry if they got hurt," Douglas Brown said. "But maybe it'll stop some of them."

Brown, who lives on Rittenhouse, said thieves burglarized his pickup last year, taking his stereo, CDs and the tools he uses to make his living in construction work.

"People ought to be able to own a few things without being afraid to go to sleep at night for fear they'll lose them," he said.

Homicide detectives said the shooting happened about 4:30 a.m. after north Houston homeowner Jaime Castilla Hernandez, 57, was awakened by his barking dog. He told officers he saw three men breaking into a Ford Expedition in a neighbor's driveway.

Hernandez called 911 and his son, Houston police officer Noe Hernandez, who lives across the street, detectives said.

The elder Hernandez took his 12-gauge shotgun outside and ordered the burglars to stop loading items into a minivan parked in the street. When they continued, investigators said, Hernandez fired a blast into the air and another in the direction of the thieves.

He told police he fired at the back of the van after one of the men pointed what appeared to be a weapon at him. Investigators said he may have wounded a man inside the van.

About the same time, detectives said, Noe Hernandez, wearing a police raid jacket with his badge hanging from his neck, ordered the three men to freeze and put their hands where he could see them.

Police said one of the men got into the driver's seat of the minivan and pointed a gun at Noe Hernandez, who fired.

The van started to speed away, leaving behind one of the men who had been hit in the head by gunfire. A department spokesman said it was unclear Tuesday night whose gunfire had struck the man.

About a half-block away, the minivan stopped. Investigators said the passenger got out and ran to the driver's door, pushing the driver out of the way and taking his place before speeding away. Police said that led them to believe the first driver also was wounded.

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posted by Pete at 7/20/2005 06:58:00 AM permalink

6/29/05
 
Houston, Texas

From Houston’s Click2Houston.com of June 29, 2005
Police: Homeowner Returns Fire, Shoots Suspected Thief

Three Other Suspected Thieves Flee Scene

A northeast Houston homeowner shot a suspected thief who he caught trying to steal his pickup truck Wednesday morning, police told Local 2.

The shooting happened outside the man's home on Richland at Sultan at about 4:15 a.m. shortly after four men arrived in a stolen Cutlass Ciera.

Police said the homeowner heard something going on outside, grabbed his shotgun and went outside to investigate.

Investigators said the homeowner fired the gun after one of the suspected thieves fired a gun at him first.

One of the suspects was struck in the back. He was transported to Ben Taub Hospital and is expected to survive.

The three other suspects fled the scene.

A nearby resident told Local 2 that the area has repeatedly experienced problems with car theft and vandalism.

"They are kicking in the brake lights, stealing the CD players out of our vehicles. The cops ain't done nothing about it so far," neighbor Kenneth Mallard said.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office will decide if the homeowner will face charges in the shooting.

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posted by Pete at 6/29/2005 04:15:00 PM permalink

6/26/05
 
Houston, Texas

From Houston‘s Click2Houston.com of June 24, 2005
Police: Owner Shoots Suspect Using Stolen Wrecker To Steal Car

One Suspect In Critical Condition

A northeast Houston man opened fire on suspected car thieves who were trying to steal his vehicle, police told Local 2 Friday.

Officers said two men driving a stolen tow truck were trying to tow a car out of the Swiss Village Apartments parking lot on Homestead near Tidwell shortly before 5 a.m.

Roosevelt Grant is a neighbor of the car owner. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw the white Buick LeSabre hooked up to a tow truck. Then, he said he saw his neighbor running after his car and shooting a gun at the two men inside the wrecker.

"I just heard a loud, squealing noise and I just happened to see a wrecker truck," Grant said. "To take something that belongs to you is just not right."

The car's owner fired a total of six shots at the wrecker, hitting Antonio Devon Hunt, 29, who police said was driving the tow truck. He was shot once in the head and transported to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.

The other man escaped.

Police said that the men stole the tow truck a week ago and were using it to steal vehicles.

"I feel sure that they stole the wrecker for a reason and, so, it's entirely possible that other vehicles have been stolen in this manner and fashion," said Sgt. Jim Binford, with HPD Homicide.

The car theft suspects also allegedly punctured the tires of three other vehicles in the area. Officials believe they were trying to prevent anyone from chasing them.

Neighbors supported the car owner who fought back when his vehicle was being stolen.

"I didn't even know he owned a gun. I probably would have done the same thing if it was my car," a neighbor known only as Linda said.

Police do not expect to file charges against the owner because the shooting appears to be justified. The case will be referred to a grand jury.

Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect their property or, under certain circumstances, to stop someone they believe is committing a crime.

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posted by Pete at 6/26/2005 05:53:00 PM permalink

6/2/05
 
Roseburg, Oregon

From the Roseburg News-Review of April 20, 2005
Car theft victim solves crime himself

A man whose 1990 Toyota Camry was stolen Monday in Roseburg was at the post office Tuesday when he saw another man drive up in his car.

The victim and a co-worker accosted the suspected car thief, 38-year-old William Jordan, a local transient, and held him at gunpoint until police arrived around 3:30 p.m., according to a Roseburg Police Department spokesman.

The victim reportedly had left his keys in the car at his place of employment and Jordan saw his opportunity and took it.

Jordan made the news a few weeks ago when he stole a Pepsi delivery van from the downtown Safeway parking lot. He was released on that charge the day after his arrest, pending a review by the District Attorney's office, according to the police spokesman.

Jordan was taken to the Douglas County Jail again Tuesday, and he was scheduled to be arraigned on the new vehicle theft charge this afternoon.
No subsequent stories about this incident were found.

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posted by Pete at 6/02/2005 05:01:00 AM permalink

4/28/05
 
Houston, Texas

From Houston’s Click2Houston.com of April 28, 2005
Wrecker Driver Opens Fire On 2 Men

Man Tells Police Men Tried To Steal Truck

A wrecker driver opened fire Thursday morning outside a southwest Houston restaurant after he said two men tried to steal his truck.

Police said the wrecker driver claimed the two men jumped into his tow truck at about 12:30 a.m. when he stopped at a restaurant on Richmond at Fondren.

The wrecker driver told police that was when he pulled out his gun and shot at the men. Neither man was injured.

Police questioned the wrecker driver and the two men but did not arrest anyone.

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posted by Pete at 4/28/2005 04:53:00 PM permalink

2/11/05
 
Spokane, Washington

From the Spokane Spokesman-Review of February 11, 2005
(Requires free registration)
Neighbor shoots suspected car prowler

Suspect is in critical condition; shooter's case is under investigation

A 38-year-old car prowler suffered two gunshot wounds and was fighting for his life Thursday after he swung an aluminum bat at a gun-wielding neighbor, police said.

The confrontation occurred just before 5:20 a.m. in the alley behind 3318 W. Walton Ave., Spokane Police Sgt. Gary Warren said. The neighbor told police that he heard suspicious noises, grabbed his .22-caliber pistol and went outside to investigate.

The neighbor, whom police did not name, found the car prowler straddling a mountain bike as he leaned into a black Chevy pickup. The prowler, identified by police as 38-year-old William D. Keele, had used the bat to smash the passenger-side wing window to get inside the truck, Warren said.

"He was inside the truck," Warren said of Keele. "He comes out with a bat … takes a swing and misses. The homeowner has a gun. He doesn't miss."

Warren said Keele has three active warrants for his arrest.

The neighbor, who was in his 50s, fired three shots. One hit Keele in the chest, one hit his foot and one shot apparently missed, Warren said. The neighbor had not been charged in connection with the shooting.

"The state doesn't condone you shooting people for stealing property," Cpl. Jim Muzatko said. "But if someone threatens you, you don't have to wait to become a victim. You don't have to wait until someone hits you with a bat. You do what you do to protect yourself."

(More)

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posted by Pete at 2/11/2005 05:35:00 AM permalink

2/4/05
 
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader of December 24, 2004
Man suffers back wound after altercation in Wilkes-Barre

A man was hospitalized after suffering a puncture wound during an altercation that led to gunfire at a home in the 100 block of Parrish Street early Wednesday morning, police said.

According to Wilkes-Barre police:

Charles Baldrica Sr. said that shortly after 5 a.m. he was awakened by Michael Kane, a house guest, who said he heard something outside. His son, Charles Baldrica Jr., and Kane went outside where they saw two men tampering with a motorcycle chained in their driveway.

Kane confronted the two men.

Baldrica Jr. and Kane went back into the house to tell Baldrica Sr.

Moments later the two men tried to break through the back door. Baldrica Sr. grabbed a semi-automatic pistol from his bedroom. He saw one of the suspects pointing a small handgun at him.

He shot one round and the suspects began to leave the house. He fired two more rounds and later told an officer he heard one of the men say he was hit.

Kane suffered a large puncture wound on his lower left back and was taken to Scranton Community Medical Center, according to police.

Hospital spokeswoman Jane Gaul said Thursday she had no information about Kane's condition.

Baldrica Sr. did not return a message left at his house Thursday night. When reached at his home, his son also refused to speak about the incident.

The investigation continues.
No subsequent stories about this incident were found.

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posted by Pete at 2/04/2005 05:07:00 PM permalink

8/23/04
 
Chesapeake, Virginia

From Norfolk’s WAVY.com of August 23, 2004
Chesapeake Police Seek Three Suspects After Shots Exchanged With Homeowner

Chesapeake police are looking for three suspects after they say a homeowner exchanged gunfire with the three early Monday morning.

According to officials, a man in the 1700 block of Cedar Road heard his dog barking in his Deep Creek backyard just before 4:00am.

When he went to investigate, police say he found three individuals that appeared to be stealing equipment from his neighbor's truck.

The man - who police have not identified - says when he confronted the three, they fired gunshots towards him. He then returned fire with his own gun.

No one was hurt.

Police say they are looking for three black males driving a black Ford Explorer.

The trio could be charged with attempted malicious wounding.


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posted by Pete at 8/23/2004 01:40:00 PM permalink

3/19/04
 
Houston, Texas

From Houston's Click2Houston.com of March 19, 2004:

Resident Fights Back At Suspected Car Robbers

Man Hears People Breaking Into Cars, Fires Gun At Suspects

A resident fought back, shooting three people he caught breaking into cars early Friday morning, News2Houston reported.

Sheriff's deputies said the man heard a neighbor's car being broken into on Debeney near Aldine Mail Route Road around 3:15 a.m. Friday.

The man told officials he fired a gun after he stepped outside and saw five men reportedly breaking into several vehicles.Three of the five robbers were hit by gunshots.

Officials said the injured suspects drove themselves to the Houston Community Hospital to be treated for minor gunshot injuries; they were listed in stable condition.

Sheriff's deputies said the men who went to the hospital were placed in police custody and face several charges. Two men remain on the loose.

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posted by Pete at 3/19/2004 02:30:00 PM permalink

3/11/04
 
Houston, Texas

From Houston's KPRC TV of March 11, 2004:

Van Owner Allegedly Shoots Suspected Burglar

A suspected car burglar was shot by the vehicle's owner late Thursday night.

The incident happened at the North Point Apartment Complex on Lyerly near Fulton around 10 p.m.

Police said the owner heard a noise outside his apartment and decided to check on his van.

When the man rushed outside with his gun, he told officers the burglar attacked him with a screwdriver.

The van's owner fired his gun, shooting the suspect in the chest.Officials said the victim was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He is expected to be OK.

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posted by Pete at 3/11/2004 01:14:00 PM permalink

2/17/04
 
Las Vegas, Nevada

From Reno's KRNV.com of February 17, 2004:

Homeowner, car vandals trade shots outside North Vegas home

A Las Vegas homeowner traded gunfire with vandals stealing the tires and rims from his sport utility vehicle Tuesday morning.

No one was hurt, but authorities say the man's SUV, his home and at least one neighboring home were hit by bullets during the shooting on Grey Knoll Circle.

Courtney Hunt says he was awakened by his dog barking, and confronted the vandals, who shot at him before he shot back. Hunt shot again at the vandals as they drove away with three of his four expensive rims.

Police are looking for the vandals, and investigating whether Hunt should face criminal charges for discharging his gun in the street outside his home.

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posted by Pete at 2/17/2004 01:04:00 PM permalink

2/2/04
 
Reno, Nevada

From the Reno Gazette-Journal of January 30, 2004:
Reno man pulls gun on suspected burglar

A Reno man suspected of trying to break into a Ford truck was held at gunpoint by the owner until police arrived, authorities said.

The Reno truck owner told police he saw Bernardo Torres, 28, try to break into his vehicle about 3 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Gentry Way. He took a handgun from his house and called police.

Torres had driven to Gentry in a stolen Toyota Corolla, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted vehicle burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle and booked into Washoe County Jail.

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posted by Pete at 2/02/2004 02:13:00 AM permalink

12/20/03
 
Clinton, Mississippi

From the Jackson Clarion Ledger of December 20, 2003

Homeowner shoots man in leg during attempted break-in

A suspected auto burglar was shot early Friday morning by a Clinton homeowner awakened when he heard the man pillaging through his truck, police said.

Clinton Police Chief Don Byington said Harold Mitchell Jr., 50, of 2606 Hillside Drive, Clinton, suffered superficial wounds to his leg about 4:45 a.m. Friday. The homeowner fired a warning shot into the air before firing at Mitchell, he said.

The resident, who Byington would not name, shot Mitchell twice with a 9 mm handgun at 235 Saddlewood Drive, Byington said.

Mitchell was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was treated and returned to police custody, Byington said. Mitchell has an extensive criminal history dating to 1971, Byington said, with charges ranging from house burglary to strong arm robbery to cocaine possession.

"It makes you wonder why he was out of jail," Byington said.

Mitchell was charged with auto burglary and was being held by authorities without bond, Byington said.

No charges were filed against the man who shot Mitchell, Byington said. The case will be presented to a Hinds County grand jury, he said.

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posted by Pete at 12/20/2003 02:46:00 AM permalink

11/16/03
 
Thurston County, Washington

Not strictly a self-defense use, and probably not the smartest step to have taken, but the results were good. From the November 14, 2003 Olympia, Washington Olympian:
Josh Lenoue had stepped onto his front porch when he heard noises coming from the woods near his neighbor's property.

It was after sunset, and he could see lights that flickered off from the trees when he walked by to investigate.

Lenoue hurried back to his house, grabbed a flashlight and a .22-caliber handgun, summoned his German shepherd and went back outside.

As he crept closer to the area at 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, three men appeared out of the darkness, approaching him.

The 29-year-old commercial truck driver pointed his gun and ordered them to the ground.

It turned out that Lenoue had observed car headlights. He had interrupted three men who, according to police, were taking parts from a stolen car.

"As soon as I shined the flashlight on them, I knew what was going on," Lenoue said Thursday, saying the men told him they were repairing the car for a friend.

Lenoue used his cell phone to call 9-1-1 while he watched over the three men, drawing Thurston County Sheriff's deputies to his neighborhood in the 8100 block of 61st Avenue Northeast, near Tolmie State Park. Deputies arrested three male suspects.

The sheriff's office doesn't encourage citizens to take matters into their own hands, sheriff's Capt. Dan Kimball said. But, without Lenoue's intervention, deputies probably would have had little success in tracking the thieves, he said.

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posted by Clayton at 11/16/2003 01:38:00 PM permalink

11/15/03
 
San Antonio, Texas

From the San Antonio Express-News of November 13, 2003.

This isn't one of the better examples, since the shooter was no longer directly being threatened. Keep in mind that Texas law is different from every other state: this action would be unlawful just about anywhere else:
A North Side man who fired several shots early Wednesday at a fleeing car after his truck was burglarized will not face charges, police said, because he was protecting his property.

When he heard the alarm on his Ford F-150 going off at 3 a.m., Jason Peña ran from his home in the 12100 block of Stoney Circle with gun in hand. He told police two men had pried open the pickup's door with a screwdriver.

He told them to "freeze," according to a police report.

The men ran off with Peña in pursuit. The taller, slimmer man jumped in a waiting Chevrolet Cavalier, and he and a driver sped off. Peña told police he fired several shots at the fleeing car but didn't know if any had struck the gray car or the people inside.
At least one didn't get away:
Police arrived to find Peña pointing his gun at Hugo Hernandez, lying face down in a driveway in the 12100 block of Ridge Summit.

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posted by Clayton at 11/15/2003 02:32:00 PM permalink

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