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.