Grand Junction, Colorado

From the Grand Junction Sentinel of July 27, 2006

Man who shot burglar not facing any charges

A man who broke into a Grand Junction home and was shot by someone inside the home faces burglary, menacing and assault charges, while the man who shot him will not be charged.

Authorities said Michael Craig, 27, shot Michael Ball, 28, twice in the chest in self-defense on July 17.

Ball is suspected of second-degree burglary, a felony, and two misdemeanors, menacing and third-degree assault.

Ball allegedly broke into the home at 2995 Pinyon Ave. and began assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Myranda Clifton, 24, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department.

Craig told investigators he heard someone trying to break into the home, so he retrieved a handgun and told Clifton to call 911, according to the arrest affidavit.

Clifton was on the phone with dispatch when Craig confronted Ball with the gun when Ball entered the home, the affidavit said.

Ball ignored Craig and went into Clifton’s room, where he punched her in the head, according to the affidavit.

Craig followed Ball, telling him to stop, at which point Ball advanced on Craig, who shot Ball twice, according to the affidavit.

Clifton was on the phone with 911 throughout the event, and it was recorded, according to the affidavit.