Sarasota, Florida



From the Talahassee Democrat of January 19, 2005

Sarasota man, 79, fights with intruder, who later dies



A burglar who entered into a home through a bedroom window died after a fight with a 79-year-old man, police said.



Julian Scott responded to screams by his sister, Henrietta McCormick, 82, and armed himself with a handgun Tuesday morning, Sarasota County sheriff's deputies said.



Scott came upon George T. Jackson in McCormick's living room and, after a struggle, hit him in the head with the gun, deputies said.



When deputies arrived, Jackson was conscious but incoherent. Jackson, 24, was arrested on drug and residential burglary charges, then taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died, deputies reported.



"I don't feel good about it at all, and I'm sorry it had to happen, but I'm glad I was here to protect my sister," said Scott, who moved in with his sister a week ago.



The medical examiner's office was investigating the cause of death, sheriff's office spokesman Chuck Lesaltato said.



"We don't believe he died from the head injury," Lesaltato said.



Scott isn't expected to be charged, Lesaltato said.