Waycross, Georgia

From the August 18, 2006 Waycross Journal-Herald (alas, they seem not to have a permanent link available for this article):

Burglar Is Shot

Homeowners Defend Selves Against Man Invading Home

A home invasion burglary in the Swamp Road community led to a non-fatal shooting Thursday morning, said Major Randy Royal of the Ware County Sheriff's Department.

Lawmen received a call to a residence located on E.C. White Lane at 3:54 a.m. Thursday, Royal said.

The investigation by the sheriff's office revealed that Willie "Bill" Freddie O'Berry III, 23, of Waycross, entered the residence through an unlocked door and confronted a female inside the home. She alerted her husband in another part of the residence and he, armed with a gun, confronted O'Berry.

"O'Berry advanced toward the homeowner and was shot three times," Royal said.

He said O'Berry then left the residence before collapsing in the front yard. He was held at gunpoint until deputies and technicians with the Ware County Emergency Medical Service arrived, Royal said.

Royal said the suspect remained conscious and was transported to Satilla Regional Medical Center. He was later transferred to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah for further treatment.

Royal said O'Berry's injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Before he entered the home, Royal said, O'Berry illegally entered three vehicles in the general area, two of which were parked outside the E.C. White Lane residence that he invaded.

Charges of burglary and entering an auto are pending against O'Berry, said Royal.

Sgt. Joe Morris is in charge of the investigation, said Royal. He added that no charges have been filed against the homeowner, who was defending himself and his family as well as his property.