Longview, Texas

From Tyler’s KLTV.com of December 30, 2006

Suspect Dead In Longview Home Robbery

A home invasion in Longview turns into a deadly volley of shots, leaving one homeowner hospitalized and a suspect dead. It happened around 11:30 last night at a duplex in the 800 block of Georgia lane. Police say 3 suspects, 2 black males and a white female, forced their way into a back door of this duplex on Georgia lane.

"3 suspects forced their way into a rear entrance of the duplex at least one was armed with a hand gun" said Longview police sergeant Shawn Pendleton.

They demanded money, and the residents would not comply. At some point a struggle ensued between the homeowner and the suspects and shots rang out, the homeowner was hit and the suspects quickly fled. 24 year old Charles Parker was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. But he wasn't the only casualty.

"Multiple shots were fired both from the suspects and at least one resident in the home. While we were working that shooting we got another call of a suspect lying in a parking lot. It was one of our suspects from our shooting on Georgia" said Pendleton.

25 year old George Edward Sanders Junior was shot in the chest and head. He was rushed to a hospital where he later died. Neighbors say the home had lots of activity day and night and suspect some illegal activity was going on.

"At this point I don't know whether the suspects knew the victim in the residence or if it was a random incident" Pendleton says.

Bakersfield, California

From the December 28, 2006 Bakersfield Californian:

Man sought on suspicion of domestic violence arrested

A man who was wanted on suspicion of domestic violence was arrested in Tehachapi on Sunday, according to a Thursday news release from the Bakersfield Police Department.

On Oct. 15, Reford Foss, 31, is suspected of going to his estranged wife’s house and assaulting her and her brother. His wife, afraid for her safety, shot Foss in the abdomen, police said. Foss was taken to Kern Medical Center but fled during treatment.

Foss was wanted on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, attempted kidnapping, burglary and violation of a restraining order. He was found at a relative’s home in Tehachapi on Dec. 24.

Durham, North Carolina

From the Durham News & Observer of December 30, 2006

Teen shot to death in Durham house

A 17-year-old was shot to death late Friday after apparently intruding in a house on Wabash Street.

Officers were called to 1420 Wabash St. at 10:30 p.m. and found 17-year-old Bennie M. Vanhook, who had been shot in the abdomen, Durham police said. Vanhook, who lived on Bluestone Drive, was taken to Duke University Hospital, where he died early today.

The resident at the Wabash Street address, 28-year-old Dennis Dingle Jr., told investigators that he and two females were in the house playing cards when they heard a knock on the door. Dingle told investigators he was expecting guests, so he opened the door.

Vanhook, who Dingle said had a gun, entered the house, and he and Dingle began to struggle, according to Durham police spokesman Kammie Michael. Vanhook fired one shot at Dingle, which missed, and Dingle then pulled out a handgun and shot Vanhook one time, investigators said.

Dingle and Vanhook did not know one another, Michael said. Investigators think the incident may have been a robbery attempt.

Dingle was charged with possession of cocaine. No charges have been filed in the shooting, which investigators said appears to have been justifiable self-defense, based on the preliminary investigation.

Both weapons were recovered at the scene.

Ross County, Ohio

From the Columbus Dispatch of December 30, 2006

Man’s shooting was self-defense, grand jury says

Ross County father killed his daughter’s boyfriend Dec. 24

A Ross County grand jury did not indict a man accused of killing his daughter’s boyfriend, saying he acted in self-defense when he shot the man who had threatened his family.

Acting Ross County Prosecutor Michael Ater said he will drop murder charges against Billy E. Moore, 46, who was arrested shortly after the Christmas Eve shooting.

Moore was accused of shooting Bradley Cassidy, 42, once in the chest. He was released from jail yesterday, Ater said.

At home yesterday, Moore said he was grateful that the charges were dropped but was truly sorry for what happened.

"It’s a terrible situation. I’d really like to apologize to (Cassidy’s) mom, his family and the neighbors," he said.

Authorities got a 911 call on Christmas Eve from Moore’s daughter, saying that she and Cassidy, with whom she had a relationship, had argued and that he threatened to burn down Moore’s home near Bainbridge. He also threatened to kill her and their young child, Ater said.

The woman ran to Moore’s house and called her father. But when Moore got to his house, the place was ransacked and he couldn’t find his daughter, Ater said.

Moore and his wife went to look for her. As they drove, Cassidy pulled his vehicle onto the road and blocked Moore’s path.

That’s when Cassidy told Moore that he had just killed Moore’s daughter and grandchild and had thrown their bodies into a ravine, prosecutors said.

Cassidy began lunging at Moore with a metal baseball bat, and Moore ran back to his truck and grabbed a pistol.

Moore told Cassidy to get away but Cassidy kept swinging at him. Moore then shot Cassidy once in the chest, prosecutors said. Cassidy was pronounced dead at Greenfield Area Medical Center.

Moore’s daughter and grandchild were found at a relative’s house and were not injured, Ater said.

"It was a very bad situation that I got put into, and I didn’t know what to do," Moore said. He said he was thankful that his daughter and 1-year-old grandson were not hurt but knows that difficult times lie ahead, especially for his grandson.

"Someday, I’m going to have to explain that I shot his father. I don’t know how I’m going to do that," Moore said.

Ater said the initial murder charge was "absolutely appropriate" based on the information authorities had at the time.

Vacaville, California

From the Vallejo Times Herald of December 29, 2006

Police: No link between attack, serial rapes

Following an investigation into an attempted sexual assault on Gable Avenue in Vacaville on Wednesday night, police report that they do not believe the attack was tied to a series of rapes which have occurred in Vacaville since 2003.

Wednesday's attack occurred about 7 p.m. when a man entered an apartment complex laundry room in the 100 block of Gable Avenue, hitting a woman there and forcing her to partially disrobe before he was confronted by another man armed with a handgun.

Vacaville Police Sgt. Charlie Spruill said investigation of the Gable Avenue attack indicated that it was unrelated to a series of previous sexual assaults.

Wichita Falls, Texas

From Wichita Falls’ KFDX.com of December 29, 2006

MAN RECOVERING FROM GUNSHOT WOUND

Wichita Falls Police say a man is still recovering after he was shot in the shoulder with a rifle Wednesday. Police say a 30-year-old man was at a house on Priscilla and got into an argument which turned physical with one of the female residents. When he refused to leave, the woman`s father shot him in the shoulder with a rifle. Police say the injured man could be charged with burglary once he is released from the hospital. Police still aren`t releasing his name because he has not been officially charged. They say the man who fired the rifle will most likely be cleared.

Lonsdale, Tennessee

From the Knoxville News Sentinel of December 29, 2006

Police: Lonsdale man shoots burglar

A would-be burglar got an unwelcome surprise today when a resident shot him as he tried to break in, authorities said.

The shooting happened around 1:15 p.m. at 1910 Lonsdale Pike, Knoxville Police Department Lt. Mark Pressley said.

No charges have been filed or names released yet.

The man made it to the corner of Tennessee and Western avenues, where he asked someone to call an ambulance, Pressley said. Police arrived with the ambulance, which took him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

His injuries weren't believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Everett, Washington

From the Everett Herald of December 29, 2006

Boat owner held two suspects in theft at gunpoint

The man spotted two men carting gear from his boat and then kept them cornered until police arrived, court documents say.

It could have been a scene out of the Old West, only there was no gunplay.

A man whose large fish-processing boat is moored in the Snohomish River in Everett was driving by Christmas Day when he noticed two men on the deck of the vessel.

The men carried orange survival suits, each valued at $400, that had been stored on the boat.

The man knew nobody was supposed to be on the boat, deputy prosecutor Chris Dickinson said in court papers Thursday charging one of the men.

The boat owner turned around and went onto the dock to confront the intruders.

He yelled and the two men, who dropped the survival suits and tried to hide.

The owner, who carried a firearm, ordered the men to come out of hiding or they would be shot, Dickinson said.

They got the message. They came out and were held at gunpoint while the owner called police.

Police arrested the pair. One of the men, a 40-year-old from Everett, was charged with first-degree vehicle prowling.

One of the men claimed the two had come to the vessel looking for scrap metal and had a large handcart with them to carry items from the ship.

He denied being there to take anything else, but the boat owner and police found several valuable items had been moved and could also have been carted away, Dickinson said.

The man who was charged has a drug-possession conviction as well as one for second-degree possession of stolen property, Dickinson said. He also has 23 misdemeanor convictions.

The man was being held on $10,000 bail.

Manatee, Florida

From the Bradenton Herald of December 29, 2006

Victim holds two suspects at gunpoint

Two men were arrested Thursday morning after the owner of the residence they were inside without permission showed up and held them at gunpoint, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office media release.

The 49-year-old victim drove by his rental residence at 6:20 a.m. and observed the lights on inside. He went to his other residence, grabbed his revolver and returned to his rental residence.

When he went inside, he found a man sleeping in one of the bedrooms and another man in the front living room area of the residence, located in the 400 block of 52nd Avenue West.

The man in the living room made an "aggressive move towards him," so the victim hit him with the butt of the gun, the report said.

The man who was sleeping came out of the bedroom at which time the victim held both men at gunpoint until deputies arrived.

Ryan A. Reiter, 24 and Kevin Drumm, 21 were arrested and each face a charge of armed burglary and possession of burglary tools. They were in possession of a crowbar and a large double bladed knife at the time of their arrests, the report said.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel of December 28, 2006

(Scroll Down)

Fatal shooting now ruled self-defense

Milwaukee police Thursday removed a homicide from their annual tally after a killing was ruled self-defense, a Police Department spokeswoman said.

Phillip Felder, 21, died Dec. 9 after suffering multiple gunshot wounds outside a party in the 2800 block of N. 9th St.

FBI rules state that police departments should not report shootings that are justified or accidental in their annual homicide lists. The Milwaukee County district attorney's office ruled the Felder homicide self-defense, said Anne E. Schwartz, department spokeswoman.

As of Thursday, 103 killings in Milwaukee have been classified as homicides. The figure was 122 at this time last year.

Atlas Township, Michigan

From Saginaw’s WNEM.com of December 28, 2006

Atlas Township Shooting Could Be Self Defense

A man is shot and killed after allegedly terrorizing a Mid-Michigan couple the night of December 23rd.

A 51-year-old man from Sterling Heights came to the Atlas Township home of his ex-wife. He reportedly sprayed the back of the house with 20 rounds from a 9-millimeter handgun. He threw a whisky bottle through a window, and broke into the home on Irish Road.

That is when the homeowner shot the man in the chest with an AK-47 rifle, killing the intruder.

The Genesee County Sheriff said the 911 tape recorded the man inside the house telling the dispatcher that someone was outside the home, firing at the house. He said he was going to have to shoot the man.

It will now be up to the prosecutor to rule whether it was an act of self defense or murder.

Billings, Montana

From the Billings Gazette of December 29, 2006

Man allegedly shot by son

A Hanna man remained in critical condition Thursday after his 17-year-old son allegedly shot him twice in the chest.

Authorities said the teenager shot Chuck Combs with a .22-caliber rifle on Dec. 22. Carbon County prosecutor David Clark said the shooting appeared to be in self-defense.

As of Thursday, charges hadn't been filed.

Meanwhile, acting Hanna Marshall Richard Fowler said Thursday that Combs was still in "extremely critical condition" at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.

Hospital officials declined to disclose any information about Combs.

Fowler said the shooting remained under investigation.

He said the home had a history of family violence, and that Combs' drinking may have contributed to a confrontation.

Ontario, California

From the December 28, 2006 Ontario Daily Bulletin:

ONTARIO - An intoxicated man was shot early today when he broke into an apartment he mistakenly thought was his own, police said.

The man, whose name wasn't immediately available, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound to the leg.

Police said the man lives in an apartment complex in the 1700 block of East D Street, but the apartment he approached at 1:45 a.m. wasn t his own, said Ontario police Lt. Dexter Thomas.

That didn't stop him from forcing his way inside. The break-in was so loud, it frightened the residents inside. One of the residents grabbed a shotgun.

"He came in the house, a warning shot was fired and then the intruder was shot in the leg," Thomas said.

The man's wound was not life-threatening.

Police also arrested the shooter, but not because he wounded the intruder.

"There's a bit of an exception," Thomas said. "He's a parolee that's not supposed to be around guns."

His name was also not available.

Packwood, Washington

From Seattle‘s KIROtv.com of December 28, 2006

2 Dead, 1 Hurt In Shooting Near Packwood

Gunfire that killed two people and injured one exploded near this Lewis County community Wednesday, when a homeowner found a visitor from Las Vegas breaking into his gun safe, the sheriff's office reported.

The homeowner said a male friend from nearby Morton arrived in the morning for a visit, along with two women and a man from Las Vegas, Nev., whom the homeowner did not know, said sheriff's Chief Criminal Deputy Joe Doench.

The homeowner told investigators he became suspicious he was being distracted by three of his guests, Doench said. Armed with a semi-automatic rifle, he directed the visitors to another part of the house.

There, he said he found one of the women had broken into his gun safe and was removing weapons, Doench said. She then shot the homeowner once in the ear with a rifle, giving him a superficial head wound.

The homeowner returned fire, killing the woman.

The visitor from Morton received several gunshot wounds to his legs, possibly from stray bullets, Doench said. He was taken to Morton General Hospital, where he died as he was being prepared for airlift to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The names of the dead and the homeowner were not immediately released.

Natalie Brooks, 44, and her husband, Jason Brooks, 38, of Las Vegas, were booked into the Lewis County Jail for investigation of residential burglary.

Elkmont, Alabama

From the Huntsville Times of December 28, 2006

Man shot in knee after he disobeys father

An Elkmont man's failure to heed a warning shot that his father fired into the electric stove not only landed him in the hospital, but also a trip to the county jail, authorities said.

Limestone County sheriff's Lt. Brad Curnutt said Steven Malone, 36, was allegedly drunk when he decided to kick in his father's door open on Christmas Eve.

When Malone's father asked him to leave, he refused.

"The dad fired a warning shot into the stove, and the son still wouldn't leave," Curnutt said. "So, the dad shot him in the right knee."

Malone's wound was not serious and he was treated and released. Deputies charged him with third-degree burglary and he was released on a $2,000 bond.

Staten Island, New York

From the Staten Island Advance of December 28, 2006

Victim fires his gun, terrified bandits flee

Bold attack on fish seller with a bundle of money outside South Shore bank

A 71-year-old fish seller about to deposit nearly $30,000 from his business was jumped yesterday outside a Prince's Bay bank by three bandits, who fled for their lives with half his cash as he fired several shots at them.

It was not known if anybody was hit.

Located next to a preschool, which was in session, the Richmond County Savings Bank where the shooting erupted is at the corner of Hylan and Seguine Avenue.

Employees of the preschool said they didn't realize what had happened until after the fact, when police arrived.

Police are looking into the possibility that the victim, a Prince's Bay was followed all the way from the Hunts Point market in the Bronx.

As of last night, the bandits remained at large.

The man was on his way home with the cash in a deposit bag when he pulled into the bank at 5770 Hylan Blvd. just after 9 a.m., according to police.

Before the man could reach the bank's front doors, three men -- described by police as white and in their 20s -- knocked him down from behind, then sprayed something in his face. They grabbed between $10,000 and $15,000 from the bag, spilling some of the cash on the ground, and fled in a maroon Ford, according to police sources.

The man, who was carrying a licensed weapon, fired several shots at the fleeing robbers, but it's unclear if he hit them, cops said. A police spokesman said it's unlikely the man will face any criminal charges for using his gun.

He was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for an injured finger, police said.

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Pembroke, North Carolina

From the Lumberton Robesonian of December 28, 2006

Woman claims self-defense in Christmas Day shooting death

Dixie Oxendine said when her ex-boyfriend, Ertle Ray Bell Jr., approached her carrying a rifle she knew that he planned to make good on his threat to kill her.

Oxendine said Bell already tried to run her off the road in April.

The 38-year-old woman, who had purchased a pistol right before Christmas, got out of her car and shut her eyes.

"I just closed my eyes and started shooting," she said. "I was scared he was going to shoot and kill me."

Bell, 24, of 56 Nancy Lane, Pembroke, was shot once in the head and four more times in the upper torso, sheriff's Detective Lt. Ricky Britt said.

After Oxendine shot Bell, she called the Pembroke Police Department. When officers arrived, she turned over her handgun and explained what had happened. Bell was pronounced dead at the scene. Britt said Bell's SKS rifle was found near his body.

"I was scared and that's all I knew to do," she said in an interview from her home on Tuesday.

The shooting occurred Christmas Day at 4:45 p.m. on Danielle Drive in the Pine Lake Park subdivision off Deep Branch Road.

No charges have been filed.

"It's a domestic dispute and (District Attorney) Johnson Britt has to review the case," Ricky Britt said.

Oxendine, a Robesonian newspaper carrier, said she and her nephew, Michael Brandon Dial, were delivering newspapers when Bell used his car to block her truck.

"He came to the truck and told me to get out," she said. "He said he had to talk to me."

Oxendine said she got out and asked him what he wanted. She said Bell was carrying rifle.

"He told me to get in his truck - I was coming with him," Oxendine said. "I said ‘no.' "

Oxendine described the relationship, which lasted from January to early March, as tumultuous. She said things got worse when the two broke up.

Oxendine said Bell had called her house and threatened to kill her last Wednesday. She said the next day, he had approached her while she was on her paper route, but he didn't ask her to get out of the truck and Oxendine drove away.

She said she planned to take out papers on him after the holidays and had purchased a pistol for protection until then.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From the December 23, 2006 Oklahoman:

A suspected robber was shot and killed Friday by a resident during a break-in at a northwest Oklahoma City apartment, police said. The suspect, Robert Antonio Freeman, 20, died at the scene.

Shortly after midnight, police received a call from an apartment in the 12800 block of Stratford Drive, Capt. Steve McCool said.

People inside the apartment told police two men, identified by police as Freeman and his brother, Michael Montreal Freeman, 17, entered the unit and attempted the robbery, police said. An occupant fired, striking and killing Robert Freeman, McCool said.

It is not know whether Robert Freeman fired before he was shot, police said. Investigators still were determining Friday who shot Freeman.

Michael Freeman drove away and was captured by police a short time later in the 2100 block of NW 18, police said.

Michael Freeman was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on several complaints, including robbery with a firearm.

Dante, Virginia

From the Bristol Herald Courier of December 28, 2006

Maples: 'Now I’m glad I didn’t kill him'

Jim Maples woke early to the sound of breaking glass and knew trouble had come to his store.

He never expected, however, that within minutes, he’d have to shoot his wife’s second cousin and then stand guard until police arrived.

Maples sleeps in an apartment at the back of Midway Grocery, and just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, he heard one of the building’s front windows shatter.

When he got to the front of the store, 12-gauge shotgun in hand, he saw Jason G. Pruitt standing over the safe, trying to open it.

"I told him to put his hands on the window so I could see them," Maples said in an interview.

Pruitt complied but then quickly turned back toward Maples.

"So I fired a warning shot," Maples said. "Then he came at me, and so I shot him."

He later found out that he and Pruitt were kin, although they’d never met before.

"Now I’m glad I didn’t kill him," said Maples, 61.

The blast caught Pruitt in the shoulder, police said. He dropped the hammer and knife he’d been carrying and fell to the floor, Maples said.

The store owner stood over Pruitt and told him to lie still until police arrived. Having tested Maples’ mettle once, Pruitt decided this time to follow instructions.

The would-be robber did have the gall to ask for a cigarette while he waited, Maples said.

"I said, ‘fat chance,’ " Maples said. "I ain’t giving nobody who broke into my store a cigarette."

By the time deputies arrived, Pruitt’s two accomplices had fled, but he fingered them in an interview. Steven Hurd, 26, of Dante, and Kari Breeding, 24, of St. Paul, were arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit vandalism and breaking and entering, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Scott Stanley said.

Pruitt was airlifted to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport for surgery. He was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon and arrested immediately, Stanley said.

He faces charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, felony possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit vandalism and conspiracy to break and enter.

Stanley said Maples is unlikely to face any charges because he shot Pruitt in self-defense.

"He saved us a little bit of work," Stanley said.

Maples has operated the store since July and sleeps there as a means of protecting his investment, he said.

"We’re not in the best neighborhood," he said.

He just hopes he won’t develop a reputation as a quick draw.

"It’s like the Old West," Maples said. "You shoot somebody and then everybody has to test you.

Muncie, Indiana

From the Muncie Star-Press of December 28, 2006

Police say shooting was self-defense

A Muncie teenager shot in a near-southside home last week was armed with two guns himself and committing a robbery when he was wounded, police believe.

Deandre Lamont Ledsinger, 18, 1322 E. Waid St., suffered multiple gunshot wounds inside 1206 E. Sixth St. in the afternoon hours of Dec. 20.

The 19-year-old man who shot Ledsinger was acting in self defense and will probably not face criminal charges, Muncie police Sgt. Jason Webber said Wednesday.

Police have arrested Ledsinger on a preliminary charge of armed robbery, a class B felony carrying a standard 10-year prison term. The Muncie man is being held under a police hold at Ball Memorial Hospital, where he is recovering.

Information on his medical condition was unavailable Wednesday.

A probable cause affidavit for Ledsinger's arrest, based mostly on interviews with the robbery victim, gives the following account of the shooting:

-- As the 19-year-old returned home and exited his vehicle, Ledsinger, armed with a .38-caliber and .357-caliber handguns, and another man with a pump shotgun approached him.

-- Ledsinger followed the 19-year-old into his house where the money was stored. The second man stayed outside.

-- The 19-year-old gave Ledsinger $1,000. Ledsinger responded that he knew the man had $3,000 and started checking a bedroom for the rest of the cash.

-- As Ledsinger was checking a closet, the 19-year-old pulled a gun and shot Ledsinger. The two exchanged gunshots before the 19-year-old ran out the side door to the alley and called his mother.

-- When police arrived they located Ledsinger in the 19-year-old's bedroom with $1,000 in his pocket bound by a single rubber band as described by the robbery victim.

Investigators have been unable to interview Ledsinger because of his condition.

BMH spokesman Neil Gifford said he could confirm Ledsinger was still in the hospital but at the request of family could not give the patient's medical condition.

Bellflower, California

From Los Angeles’ CBS2.com of December 27, 2006

Would-Be Robbers Chased By Shotgun-Wielding Victim

Three would-be robbers apparently chose the wrong Bellflower house Wednesday. The three suspects were chased down by their intended victim, who was armed with a loaded shotgun, then caught by sheriff's deputies.

The robberies entered a home in the 17300 block of Artesia Court just after 1 p.m. and tried to rob the occupants, sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Berg said.

At some point, a female resident brought the shotgun to the male resident, and he chased the suspects out of the house, Berg said. There was some kind of exchange of gunfire, but no one was hit.

Two suspects were quickly taken into custody a short distance away by deputies when they tried to flee, and left their vehicle behind.

A third suspect was taken into custody about 5 p.m.

Ironically, the one item that might have been stolen was an unloaded gun -- or, at least it hasn't been recovered yet, Berg said.

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of December 28, 2006

Apparent robbery goes fatally wrong

Two men were fatally wounded and two others taken into custody early Wednesday after homeowners in east Harris County opened fire on them during an attempted robbery, the sheriff's office said.

Robert Deleon Jones and Jonathan Garcia were fatally wounded in the 3900 block of Crosby Barbers Hill about 2 a.m. Garcia died at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and the other man died at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Investigators said they were told that Jones, Garcia and two other men had been attempting to rob the residents.

The unidentified homeowners apparently were within their rights protecting their property and will not be charged in the shootings at this time, sheriff's Sgt. N. Araguz said, but the surviving men — Charles Duran and Rodney Jones — face charges of aggravated robbery.

From Houston’s KHOU.com of December 28, 2006

Teen shoots, kills 2 would-be robbers

An overnight home invasion robbery attempt in northeast Harris County ended in a hail of gunfire that left two suspects dead.

Investigators said a 17-year-old was home with his cousin when four armed men kicked in the door and started shooting.

The teen pulled out a shotgun of his own and fired back at the suspects, killing two of them.

Two other suspects were later caught.

The 17-year-old asked to not be identified.

“Truthfully, it was either them or me, regardless of who was on the other side of that door or whoever kicked my door down, it was either him or me,” he said. “I’m thankful to be standing here today. I thank god.”

Authorities said at this point they are not planning on filing charges against the teen.

Federal Way, Washington

From the Seattle Times of December 27, 2006

Homeowner fatally shoots intruder in Federal Way

A homeowner who was roused from sleep by an intruder armed himself with a shotgun, confronted the 31-year-old Federal Way man who had broken into his house and killed him, according to Federal Way police.

Around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday, a man called 911 to report that he had just shot an intruder, said police spokeswoman Stacy Flores.

Detectives went to the house in the 30600 block of 4th Place South, where they interviewed the homeowner and found signs of a break-in, she said.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office today identified Justin Herycyk as the man who died from a shotgun wound to the torso. His death was ruled a homicide.

Flores did not know whether Herycyk was armed when he broke into the man's house.

The case is still under investigation, she said, adding that the homeowner has not been arrested.

Kingsport, Tennessee

From the Kingsport Times-News of December 27, 2006

Clerk pulls handgun on robber, one shot fired before suspect flees empty-handed

A would-be-robber got more than he bargained for from behind the counter of a local convenience store.

At about 2:47 Wednesday morning, Kingsport Police responded to Central Chevron and Food Mart, 220 Carolina Pottery Drive. The clerk stated a white male entered the store with a knife and demanded all the money.

But, according to police, at this point the clerk pulled a handgun from behind the counter. When he told the suspect to leave, he lunged towards the clerk. One shot was fired in to the air, spooking the robber, who then fled empty-handed.

Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Charlotte Observer of December 27, 2006

Man shoots at home intruder

No injuries were reported late Tuesday night in an apparent attempted home burglary that turned into a fight with at least one shot being fired.

The incident happened about 11:45 p.m. in the Hickory Grove area of northeast Charlotte.

A man told police he was preparing to take out the trash at his home in the 5600 block of Keyway Boulevard, between Kimmerly Glen Drive and East W.T. Harris Boulevard, when he realized an intruder was in his house.

The resident told police he went to get a handgun and as he turned around, the attacker struck him in the back of the head. That triggered a fight between the attacker and the resident of the house. During the scuffle, the victim said, he fired his gun once, with the bullet striking the refrigerator.

The assailant then fled on foot.

San Luis Obispo, California

From the Lompoc Record of December 27, 2006

No arrests in Christmas shooting of Santa Maria man

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department might not make any arrests in a Christmas Day shooting that sent a Santa Maria man to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his shoulder.

Byron Hightower, 33, of Santa Maria, was shot once in the shoulder outside a relative’s home in the 300 block of Via Promesa and taken to Marian Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Sgt. Ron Hastie.

Hightower was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon, a hospital spokesperson said.

The suspected shooter, a 56-year-old man who lived at the residence and whose name is being withheld by the Sheriff’s Department, wasn’t arrested after the shooting.

“There still haven’t been any arrests,” Hastie said Tuesday morning. “At this time, we don’t anticipate any arrests.”

Self-defense may have been a factor in the shooting, which is why there may be no arrests in the case, he said, but detectives will meet with representatives of the District Attorney’s Office in the next few days to review the case and determine whether to file charges.

Hightower didn’t live at the Nipomo residence and is related to the suspected shooter by marriage, Hastie added.

Anchorage, Alaska

From the Anchorage Daily News of December 27, 2006

Hit-and-run driver shot after crash

BOTH ARMED: Pedestrian chases, fires at man who struck parked car.

A Christmas morning fender bender turned into a foot chase that left one man shot and injured on a Fairview street.

Police are still waiting for 22-year-old Josh Nida to recover from surgery after being shot in the chest to question him about the hit-and-run crash.

Nida drove a Subaru Impreza down 10th Avenue near LaTouche Street around 3 a.m. Monday, police say. He slammed into a parked car and kept driving on the snow-covered road.

Josh Cropper, a 25-year-old who works on the North Slope, said he was outside showing a friend where to park in front of his apartment complex. He saw the Impreza bang into the parked car on the south side of 10th Avenue and keep going. He decided to chase it. Cropper was armed with a 9mm Glock pistol at the time.

"I'm thinking he just hit a car and he's taking off. I need to get his license plate number or get him to stop," Cropper said.

Cropper pursued the car on foot down the road. About a block away, the car got stuck in a snowbank. Nida got out,
Cropper said. He was holding a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

"I'm thinking I'm about to be shot," Cropper said. "I shot him. He just ran down the road."

Police later said Nida had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to show up in court on a felony vehicle theft charge

A man riding in Nida's now snow-bound car as a passenger got out after the shot was fired and Nida ran off. He didn't seem concerned about Nida, Cropper said.

"He was like, 'I just want to grab my stuff,' " he said.

Cropper said he and his friend tried to hold the passenger at the scene, but the man eventually left. Cropper wouldn't say what he did next because "it's an ongoing investigation."

Police said Cropper fled the scene.

Another witness heard the shot and called 911. That witness tended to Nida until he was taken to the hospital where he had surgery.

Cropper, several hours later, went to the Anchorage Jail and told police what happened. He was then released.

The police have not yet interviewed Nida and no charges have yet been filed against anyone, said police spokeswoman Anita Shell.

Police are still looking for Nida's passenger and are asking him to come forward and tell them his version of events.

Police are considering Cropper's self-defense scenario, but want to hear from Nida and his passenger first, said Lt. Dave Koch.

"We only have one and a half sides to this story," Koch said. "We have (Cropper's) statement and the evidence found at the scene. But no statements from the passenger or Mr. Nida."

In an unrelated case, Nida is facing a vehicle theft charge. A $10,000 warrant for his arrest on that charge was issued Nov. 28. Police say the vehicle in the Christmas Day incident was not registered as stolen.

And, while Cropper holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon, it is not clear whether Nida was permitted to be carrying a weapon at all.

Cropper, who is a reservist for the U.S. Marines, wouldn't say whether it was the first time he'd shot someone. He didn't think much before pulling the trigger, he said.

"You're just reacting," he said.

Tucson, Arizona

From the Arizona Daily Star of December 27, 2006

2 shot, 1 fatally, at a River Road home

Evidence collected in shootings

One man was shot and killed and another was wounded as they attempted to remove belongings from a North Side home Tuesday morning, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Deputies went to the 300 block of East River Road, near North Stone Avenue, about 7:30 a.m. because of reports of yelling and gunshots, said Sgt. James Ogden, a Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesman.

Details remained sketchy Tuesday, but an initial investigation indicated the shooting occurred after a man awoke to find two men loading belongings from his home into a vehicle in the driveway, Ogden said.

The man, who was the only one home at the time, grabbed a handgun, then confronted and shot the two men in the driveway.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene and the wounded man was taken to a hospital. The extent of his injuries were unknown late Tuesday, Ogden said.

It's unknown if the two men were armed, Ogden said.

Ogden could not say if the two men were burglarizing the home, saying it's still early in the investigation. It appears the shooter did not know the two men, Ogden said.

He could not say from what part of the home the two men were removing belongings, what the items were or whether the shooter will face any charges.

Dallas, Texas

From Dallas’ NBC5i.com of December 26, 2006

Police: Wounded Home Invader Stumbles Into Post Office

Dallas police said a man was shot breaking into a home and stumbled, bleeding into a Post Office on the 7700 block of Military Parkway Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said the man broke into a house on the 3800 block of Tolbert Street, was shot twice by the homeowner and then ran to the Post Office. Once inside, the man begged for help and then collapsed, NBC 5 reported.

When police arrived they transported him to Baylor Medical Center.

Investigators said the homeowner will not likely face any charges.

Dallas, Texas

From Dallas’ NBC5i.com of December 24, 2006

Dallas Homeowner Shoots Intruder

A would-be home burglar was hospitalized Sunday morning after being shot by a homeowner, Dallas police said.

The shooting happened at about 12 p.m. Saturday in the 9800 block of La Brett Drive.

Police arrested the burglar when they arrived.

His condition is unknown at this time.

Fayetteville, North Carolina

From the Fayetteville Observer of December 23, 2006

Clerk foils robbery; 1 suspect is shot

Three teenagers are charged with trying to rob a Clinton Road food store Saturday afternoon.

One of the teens was wounded when a clerk at Draughon Food Store shot him.

Mark Maurice Tarver, 17, Aaron Marquis Carmichael, 18, and Lamyer Campbell, 18, are charged with attempted armed robbery and conspiring to rob the store at 1711 Clinton Road, arrest warrants say.

This is what happened, based on arrest warrants:

Clerk Tony Draughon and two other men were in the store when Tarver and Carmichael, wearing red bandanas over their faces, walked in.

Tarver walked to the register, pointed a silver handgun at Draughon and demanded money.

Carmichael stood by the door and acted as a lookout.

While Draughon was opening the cash register, he reached for a gun under the counter and began shooting.

Tarver and Carmichael ran but not before Tarver was shot in the hip.

Drove to hospital

The two ran back to a car parked on Cardinal Circle, where Campbell was waiting for them, and they drove to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Police arrested them at the hospital.

Tarver was treated and released. He was wearing blue hospital pajamas as he was being processed at the county magistrate’s office Saturday night.

A blood stain was visible on the right side of the long shirt.

Las Vegas, Nevada

From SignOnSanDiego.com (CA) of December 23, 2006

Pair cleared by jury in killing outside Las Vegas strip club

A jury has cleared two men of murder charges in the 2005 shooting death of a man outside a Las Vegas strip club.

Jesus Vega, a mortgage loan officer and former Marine, and Brian Baker, a mortgage broker, were found not guilty Thursday by a Clark County District Court jury.

But Vega was convicted of a lesser charge of discharging a weapon into a motor vehicle.

The pair were leaving the Sapphire Gentlemen's Club when they encountered Wei Liu, Amir Mogadam and Kristian Wong-Wui in the parking lot.

Baker, 32, was accused of giving an obscene gesture to the three as Mogadam's vehicle passed close to Baker and Vega. Baker testified that he thought he saw one of the men in the vehicle flash a gun.

Vega, 30, fatally shot Liu after Mogadam backed up and started driving toward Vega and Baker, police said.

Defense lawyer Dominic Gentile told the jury that Vega feared for his life and acted in self-defense.

But prosecutor Linda Lewis questioned whether Vega and Baker acted in self-defense. The pair did not run to their vehicles or try to leave after Baker reported seeing a weapon, she said.

Lewis said Liu never stepped out of the vehicle and was shot while riding in the vehicle.

Gentile said Mogadam is a recovering heroin addict and owner of Dope Fiend Records, a Los Angeles-based hip-hop record label.

Gentile said Mogadam lived with Liu in Las Vegas and both had been gang members in Los Angeles.

Indianapolis, Indiana

From the Indianapolis Star of December 23, 2006

Two men killed in separate shootings

Alan Mills, 30, of Muncie, died around 5:45 a.m. at Wishard Memorial Hospital, six hours after being shot in the chest and abdomen. Police say Mills was shot after a fight broke out among loved ones in the 2500 block of Villa Avenue.

The unidentified shooter and his family were present when the police arrived and were cooperative, calling the act self-defense.

No arrests were made, but the investigation continues and the gun was recovered, said Indianapolis Police Sgt. Matthew Mount.

East St. Louis, Illinois

From the December 22, 2006 St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

In the first case, police said two men were attempting to rob a home in the 5200 block of Ohio Avenue when they exchanged gunfire with other men inside the house. Police said one of the two was Richard R. Cosey III, 28, of the 7000 block of West A Street in Belleville. Cosey died of multiple gunshot wounds.

A large caliber weapon was found on the porch from where his body was removed.

A second man, 25, of East St. Louis, believed to have been involved in the robbery hobbled from the scene and flagged down a passing motorist, police said. He was driven to an area hospital with gunshot wounds to his chest and leg.

East St. Louis Police Captain Lenzie Stewart said that three men were inside the home on Ohio Avenue when they exchanged gunfire with the two men who were on the front porch.

“We received information that the occupants of the residence were attempting to defend themselves in what is believed to have been a robbery attempt,” Stewart said. Two of the three men were being interviewed by police.

Port Arthur, Texas

From the December 21, 2006 Houston Chronicle:

PORT ARTHUR — In the middle of Joshua Bush's forehead, two inches above his eyes, lies the evidence that prosecutors say could send the teenager to prison for attempted murder: a 9 mm bullet, lodged just under the skin.

Prosecutors say it will prove that Bush, 17, tried to kill the owner of a used-car lot after a robbery in July. And they have obtained a search warrant to extract the slug.

But Bush and his lawyer are fighting the removal, in a legal and medical oddity that raises questions about patient privacy and how far the government can go to solve crimes without running afoul of the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

"It's unfortunate this arguably important piece of evidence is in a place where it can't be easily retrieved," said Seth Chandler, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. "You have to balance our desire to convict the guilty against the government not poking around our bodies on a supposition."

Investigators say that Bush was part of a group of gang members who broke into a used car lot and tried to steal vehicles. According to police, Bush tried to shoot businessman Alan Olive, and when Olive returned fire, a bullet struck the teenager and burrowed into the soft, fatty tissue of his forehead.

Prosecutor Ramon Rodriguez said gang members who took part in the robbery identified Bush as one of those involved. When he was questioned about a week later, Bush admitted taking part in the robbery but not the shooting, police said.

"The officers noticed the guy looks like hell. One of his eyes is black and he has a big old knot on his forehead," Rodriguez said. "He tells police he got hurt playing basketball."

A few days later, Bush went to the hospital and told doctors he had been hit by a stray bullet as he sat on a couch in an apartment.

"Officers started putting events together," Rodriguez said.

A judge took the unusual step of issuing a search warrant to retrieve the bullet from Bush's head in October. But a Beaumont doctor determined that small pieces of bone were growing around the slug, and he did not have the proper tools in the emergency room to do it. The doctor said that removal would require surgery under general anesthesia and that no operating rooms were available.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

From Albuquerque’s KRQE.com of December 22, 2006

Killing reported as home defense

Albuquerque police are investigating a South Valley homicide which initially was reported as a homeowner shooting an intruder who then drove into the home as he tried to flee.

The 911 call came in about noon from the 600 block of Desert Dr. SW with the homeowner saying he had just shot an intruder.

Police think the suspected intruder, after being shot, got into a car, rammed a roof-support pillar and fence, then died.

Police are questioning the homeowner and his wife and kids who were in the home at the time.

Detectives have not determined if the shooting took place inside or outside the house, but they did recover a gun inside.

No one is charged with a crime at this point.

Late this afternoon the body of the suspected intruder was still in the car.

Police have been waiting for a search warrant to proceed with the investigation.

Investigators also cautioned the information currently released is very preliminary. They also said they're still checking out the homeowner's story.

The homeowner and his family were not hurt in this incident.

No names have been released.

From Albuquerque’s KRQE.com of December 26, 2006

Dead man tried burglary

A deadly shooting in southwest Albuquerque Friday was the result of a burglary gone bad, according to Albuquerque police who released the dead burglar’s name today.

Raymond Gabaldon, 40, had a long criminal record and was driving a stolen car when he picked the home in the 600 block of Desert Drive SW to burglarize. He broke into the home apparently unaware the frightened homeowner, his wife and two children were there, according to police.

The homeowner then shot Gabaldon who fled to the car reported stolen on Dec. 7, his birthday, but crashed it into the home and a fence as he died behind the wheel from the gunshot wound.

Police are not releasing the family’s name and said the homeowner will not face charges. He called 911 reporting he had shot an intruder although police initially cautioned they needed to investigate further before accepting the story.

Gabaldon had a history of burglary and auto theft charges dating back to the 1990's.

“We don't know exactly yet, but we do know that the officer that was at the homicide had taken several calls with the same description,” Albuquerque police Officer Trish Hoffman said. “So we do believe he may be linked to some other burglaries maybe that we haven't been able to solve."

While the homeowner has not been charged, police are forwarding the case to the district attorney's office for review.

This was the third time in a month that a homeowner in the metro area shot and killed someone entering their homes.

In all three cases the homeowners were not charged.

Norman, Oklahoma

From Oklahoma City’s KOCO.com of December 22, 2006

Police: Norman Man Shoots, Kills Intruder

Norman police said a man was shot and killed Thursday after breaking into a northeast Norman home.

Responding to a 911 call from the resident, police said they found the body of Keith Dewayne Robinson, 23, in the home about 11:45 p.m.

Capt. J.D. Younger said the resident told officers he returned home from work about 11:30 p.m. and found Robinson inside.

The man told detectives he fought with Robinson and then shot him.

The man's name hasn't been released, and Younger said detectives are still investigating the shooting.

From the Norman Transcript of December 22, 2006

Resident shoots late-night intruder

A man who police say broke into a northeast Norman home was shot to death by the resident late Thursday.

Keith Dewayne Robinson, 23, was pronounced dead at the home on Princeton Circle shortly before midnight. Police said the home’s occupant, Ernest Bernal, 49, arrived at home about 11:30 p.m. Police said Bernal discovered Robinson inside the home.

“A confrontation between the resident and the intruder ensued in which the resident shot the intruder,” according to a police press release.

Norman police received the call about 11:40 p.m.

The shooting death is under investigation by Norman police department’s criminal investigation’s division.

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.

Shelby, North Carolina

From the Shelby Star of December 20, 2006

Shelby police looking for carjacker

Police are searching for a suspect in connection with a Wednesday night carjacking at the South Post Road Food Lion. The incident happened around 7:35 p.m. The suspect and car's owner fired shots at each other before the suspect left in a 2003 pewter Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle was described as having four installed TVs, two 12-inch speakers and 22-inch chrome wheels. The suspect is described as a tall black male wearing a toboggan, possibly between the ages of 25 and 35

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of December 21, 2006

Resident shoots man on his property

The two warning signs at Abel Sisneros home should be enough for trespassers.

The sign of the front door says: “Warning. Nothing inside is worth risking your life for. Owners of this property are armed and highly skilled to protect life, liberty and property from criminal attacks.”

And consider the sign on the front window: “No trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again.”

But Sisneros, 25, said Thursday he still had to shoot a man in his home early Thursday after the man broke down the front door and entered the home.

“With all those signs, he still tried to get in,” said Sisneros, an AutoZone sales manager who goes to the firing range at least once a month. “I can’t believe it.”

The man was identified as Sheldon Reece, 32, of Fort Worth, who suffered a gunshot wound to his knee, according to Fort Worth police reports.

The shooting happened about 1:22 a.m. Thursday in the 1600 block of Edgewood Terrace South.

Sisneros said he has lived at the house for the past six years without any major problems.

Early Thursday, Sisneros sat in his bedroom and surfed through channels on his television.

“I heard a light pounding on the front door,” said Sisneros, who was on his Christmas holiday break from work. He lives in the two-story home with his fiancee. “I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

Sisneros said he grabbed his 9 mm pistol and stood at the top of stairs when the man broke through the locked front door and fell down.

“He didn’t say anything,” Sisneros said. “I then just fired two shots.”

The man groaned, then ran to the back of the house. He stayed in a hallway until police arrived.

“He couldn’t get out of the back way and he knew I was still in the front of the house, so he was trapped,” Sisneros said. “When the officers arrived, they led him out the back door.”

Initially, Fort Worth patrol officers seized Sisneros’ handgun, but they returned it a few minutes later after sorting out the details.

Rockford, Minnesota

From WaconiaPatriot.com of December 20, 2006

Watertown man killed in Rockford

A Watertown man was killed when he reportedly broke into the home of a former girlfriend around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 13 in Rockford.

Erik Richter, 35, was killed by two 12-guage-shotgun blasts fired by Eric Cegon when Richter broke into the apartment where Cegon and Richter’s former girlfriend, Samantha Simons, lived together with Simon’s 2-year-old son.

Wright County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Todd Hoffman said deputies were looking for Richter because he had allegedly violated an order for protection ordering him to stay away from Simons. He had reportedly threatened her life with a knife the previous week.

Richter was due in court later that morning to answer charges that he had threatened Simons life. A judge could have sent him back to jail for that alleged threat.

According to sheriff’s deputies, Richter broke into the apartment carrying a loaded gun. Hoffman said part of the investigation includes determining who owned the gun and how Richter obtained it. They are also looking into whether drugs or alcohol played a role in incident. Hoffman said the Wright County Attorney would determine within the next two weeks whether charges against the Simons’ current boyfriend, Cegon, are appropriate.

State law allows persons to defend themselves with deadly force if a threat of great bodily harm or death is present. Hoffman said the case is a tragic event where Richter reportedly would not allow anyone beside himself to be involved with Simons.

Hoffman declined comment on whether investigators would recommend charges be filed against Cegon.

Richter had reportedly posted a $10,000 bail to avoid jail for the previous alleged threats he made against Simons. He broke a condition of that release when he allegedly threatened Simons on Dec. 6. Richter has previously been convicted for possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Previous coverage:

From the December 13, 2006 Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune:

A man was shot to death early Wednesday after forcibly entering a home in Rockford, said the Wright County Sheriff's Office.

The man, Erik A. Richter, 35 of Watertown, forced his way into his former girlfriend's home in violation of a conditional release order, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

Deputies were called about 3:30 a.m. to a shooting in the home of Samantha E. Simons, 21, in the 8800 block of Walnut Place, a news release said. The intruder was shot by Simons' friend, a 30-year-old man from Rockford. Investigators were trying to determine whether the shooting was a case of self-defense, said Lt. Greg Howell. He said he couldn't provide any other details.

From Minneapolis’ WCCO.com of January 17, 2007

Man Won't Be Charged For Killing Girlfriend's Ex

The Wright County prosecutor has decided not to press charges against a Rockford, Minn. man who shot his girlfriend's former boyfriend in December.

Eric M. Cegon, 30, shot 35-year-old Erik A. Richter, of Watertown, Minn., twice with a shotgun early in the morning of Dec. 13 when Richter broke in through a back door into the Rockford home of Samantha E. Simons, 21.

According to Wright County Attorney Thomas Kelly, the relationship between Richter and Simons turned abusive, culminating with a charge of domestic assault filed in April 2005.

When Simons began a relationship with Cegon in September 2006, Richter began threatening both of them.

"He refused to let her go, and said that if he couldn't have her, nobody would," Kelly said.

Richter was charged with making terroristic threats and inflicting criminal damage to property on Nov. 6 of last year after he broke all the windows on Cegon's vehicle and tried to climb through his bedroom window, yelling his intentions to kill Cegon.

As a result of the incident, Richter was ordered to have no contact with either Simons or Cegon and was ordered to not possess or use firearms. Simons also applied for an additional restraining order against Richter.

Richter violated the order when, according to Kelly, he allegedly threatened her with a knife on Dec. 6. Due to the incident, a pick-up order was placed for probable cause felony assault. A court date was set for Dec. 13.

Cegon and Simons went to bed the evening of Dec. 12 prepared for a visit from Richter. They barricaded the front door of Simons' house with a small sofa, locked themselves with Simons' son in an upstairs bedroom and blocked the door with a dresser.

Cegon armed himself with a shotgun.

At 3:30 a.m., according to Kelly, Richter broke through the front door of the house and ran upstairs, forcing open the bedroom door and knocking down the dresser. He had in his hand a loaded, .45-caliber Colt semi-automatic handgun.

Later investigation revealed Richter had also brought leg irons and handcuffs.

Cegon shot Richter twice.

According to Kelly, the state law allowing a person to defend himself with necessary deadly force in his home if he feels threatened by an intruder applied to Cegon's case.

"Did Cegon have an honest and reasonable belief that he or Simons were in imminent jeopardy of great bodily harm or death? Yes," said Kelly in a press statement. "Was Cegon's use of deadly force necessary to avert great bodily harm or death? Yes.

"In this case, the state has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Cegon was not justified in using deadly force," he continued. "Based upon the facts, I am unable to meet that burden and therefore no criminal charges will be filed against Cegon."

Pelham, New Hampshire

From Syracuse’s (NY) WSTM.com of December 20, 2006

Homeowner uses unloaded shotgun to detain alleged burglar

Police in New Hampshire say homeowner helped catch a would-be burglar by taking away his car keys -- then pointing an unloaded shotgun at him.

Police say a Pelham resident confronted a man who broke into a locked shed beside the home this morning. The homeowner took away the man's car keys, then called police. When the man began banging on the door demanding his keys, the homeowner used the unloaded gun to hold him at bay until police arrived.

An 18-year-old is charged with burglary.

Rock Hill, South Carolina

From Charlotte’s (NC) WSOCtv.com of December 20, 2006

Murder Charges Against Rock Hill Man Dropped; Shooting Deemed Self Defense

A man won’t be tried on murder charges after he shot and killed a young father late Tuesday night, according to the Rock Hill Solicitor’s Office.

Family members say 21-year-old Lionel Chiles went to confront Rick Hall outside a house on Calhoun Street, and then attacked him. Hall fired a shot, hitting Chiles in the neck.

Chiles’ 2-year-old son, who was sitting in a car nearby, witnessed the shooting.

“This is something that this child is going to have to live with, because regardless of age, they do remember,” said Chiles’ mother, Alberta Barnette.

Hall’s father says his son was only defending himself.

“He’s innocent. It was self defense,” he said. “It was self defense; he was just protecting himself.”

The solicitor’s office agreed on Wednesday afternoon, and police dropped murder charges against Hall.

Officers say Chiles was unarmed, but because the attack happened on Hall’s property, he was allowed to defend himself.

Despite the violence, friends like Ashley Best remember Chiles as a man who was kind and cared for his young son. Best says Chiles’ life ended for no reason.

"He was just 21 years old. He was just starting his life, and he didn't deserve it,” she said.

A law recently passed in South Carolina now makes it easier to prove self defense when it involves the defendant’s property.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From the Tulsa World of December 20, 2006

Gun-toting Tulsan nabs burglary suspect

A Tulsan captured a man inside his garage Monday and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.

Police were called to the 1100 block of South Atlanta Place to investigate a report of gunshots about 7:45 a.m. Monday, an arrest report shows.

When they arrived, they found a man holding a burglary suspect at gunpoint. The man told police that he saw someone in his garage stealing tools and toys, so he got a gun and confronted the intruder.

Later, police found that the burglary suspect's vehicle had been reported stolen.

Police arrested Anthony Shelton, 46, on two complaints of second-degree burglary after a former felony conviction, and one count each of possession of stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of December 19, 2006

Resident says he shot man during break-in

A man was in surgery Tuesday after he was blasted with a shotgun during what the shooter described as a break-in at an east-side residence, police said.

The shooting occurred at 5:55 a.m. in the 4600 block of East Berry Street, said Lt. Dean Sullivan, a Fort Worth police spokesman.

The alleged burglar was reportedly in serious condition at John Peter Smith Hospital, Sullivan said.

A resident told police that he was in the process of moving out of the home, Sullivan said.

He said he was concerned about his property because he had heard of recent burglaries in the neighborhood and went to the house with a friend to check on things, Sullivan said.

The man told police he heard a noise coming from inside a detached garage, Sullivan said. He said he grabbed a shotgun, went inside and found a burglar, Sullivan said.

"It appears the property owner shot the suspect who, he said, was in the process of stealing from him," Sullivan said. "We don't know yet if there was any kind of altercation."

Police will continue investigating the case, Sullivan said.

"It's too soon to tell if criminal charges will be filed against the property owner," he added. "We'll gather facts and evidence and present it to a reviewing district attorney.

"Of course, there is a potential, depending on the separate investigation of the apparent burglary, that the suspect could be charged with burglary of a building, which is a state jail felony."

Huntsville, Alabama

From the Huntsville Times of December 19, 2006

4 arrested in home invasion

Shots exchanged in city's 2nd incident in 12-hour span

Police arrested two men and two women in connection with a home invasion Monday at 2416 Springhill Road after the homeowner exchanged gunfire with intruders. It was the second home invasion in the city within 12 hours.

Police also made arrests over the weekend in connection with a Dec. 1 home invasion.

Lorenza Elliott Sr., 66, said he and his son, Lorenza Elliott Jr., 28, were at home shortly before 11 a.m. Monday when his son saw four people - two men and two women - brandishing guns on his front porch. One person had a 9 mm pistol and another was carrying a rifle, he said.

"He called to me when he saw them out there with guns," Elliott Sr. said.

Elliott Sr., a former Decatur police officer, said he was retrieving his .357 Magnum pistol out of the bedroom when the intruders kicked in his door and accused his son of breaking into their home across the street on Eastland Drive.

"He (one intruder) kicked the door in and said "get your (expletive) out of here. I'm going to kill you,''' Elliott Sr. said. "The door just flew open."

Elliott Sr. said he told the intruders that his son was not involved in any burglary, then one of the men fired a shot, hitting the doorframe. Elliott Sr. said he then fired back, and the intruders retreated to their home on Eastland.

Elliott Sr. said his former police training helped him exercise restraint when he returned fire by not aiming directly at the intruders.

(More)

Forrest City, Arkansas

From the Forrest City Times Herald of December 18, 2006

Store employee shoots at would-be robber

Sheriff’s deputies and Forrest City Police are investigating three separate violent incidents, one of which has resulted in an arrest.

Early this morning, a would-be robber was allegedly chased away from the Phillips 66 station at Wheatley.

Salih A. Nomi, an employee at the Phillips 66, reported that around 2:10 a.m., a man wearing a dark hat and ski mask came to the door and while standing in the doorway pointed a black handgun and told him, “Give me all the money.”

Nomi reported he told him OK, but instead pulled a 9 mm pistol and fired a shot at the suspect, which missed, shattering the door glass. The suspect fired one round, missing Nomi, and ran. Nomi said he pursued the suspect and fired four more rounds at him, missing him all four times.

Manatee, Florida

From the Bradenton Herald of December 17, 2006

Suspects pose as police in invasion

Four men broke into a home in the 5500 block of 47th Court East Saturday morning. One of the suspects was shot by the homeowner, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

"Four guys busted into a house on the east side of town screaming they were the police," said Lt. John Baroncelli of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened at about 4 a.m., Baroncelli said.

The suspect shot by the homeowner was apprehended when he was dropped off at Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The sheriff's office will not release information on how many times the suspect was shot, only that he was in stable condition.

The other three suspects are unknown.

Detectives have been actively investigating the incident since it occurred, Baroncelli said.

San Antonio, Texas

From San Antonio’s KSAT.com of December 18, 2006

Would-Be Robber Fatally Shot Inside Convenience Store

Police are trying to figure out if a man who showed up at a hospital with a fatal gunshot wound is the same person who tried to hold up a convenience store.

Police said that two armed people who had their faces covered walked into Evans Ice House at 2908 Mission Road and demanded money from a clerk.

The clerk, though, didn't comply with the would-be robbers' demands and instead opened fire on them, police said.

A little later, a man showed up at Southeast Baptist Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest.

He was then transferred to Wilford Hall Medical Center, where he died.

Some women who showed up with the man at the hospital are being questioned by police. No arrests have been made.

The clerk will not face charges since police considered the actions to be in self-defense.

From the MySanAntonio.com of December 19, 2006

Shooting latest woe for Evan's Ice House

One month after neighborhood leaders protested the renewal of a beer license for a popular South Side ice house, police said the owner defended himself against a would-be robber when he shot and killed a man armed with a sawed-off shotgun.
…

At about 1:30 a.m. Monday, Evans was in a back office getting ready to close the ice house when his stepfather and a female employee ran in screaming that two people with guns were robbing the bar, a police report said.

Evans, who has a concealed handgun license, grabbed his gun and headed out of his office. He was about to open a door leading to the main bar when it swung open and he came face to face with a man and the barrel of the shotgun, according to his account and the report.

"The way we were confronted, I had no choice," said a shaken Evans on Monday afternoon.

The report said Evans fired a shot he said struck the man's chest. The man ran out of the bar. Evans fired again, striking the man in the back. He also fired at a woman who'd entered the bar allegedly brandishing a .32-caliber handgun, but missed.

The pair fled the scene in a vehicle driven by another woman and went to a hospital.

The man later died at Wilford Hall Medical Center, according to the Bexar County medical examiner's office. Authorities identified him as Kevin Bryant, 28.

The car's suspected driver, Vianca Dehoyos, 22, and Debra Flores, 28, who police think entered the bar with Bryant, were both in Bexar County Jail on Monday, charged with aggravated robbery. Each had a bond of $25,000.

No charges have been filed against Evans. Police said he acted in self-defense.

Richland County, South Carolina

From Columbia’s The State of December 18, 2006

Summerville man dies after being shot

A Summerville man died Sunday morning in Richland County after being shot, according to Richland County sheriff’s reports.

Roderick J. Gadsden of Summerville bled to death from a gunshot wound, said Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.

About 3 a.m. Sunday, Gadsden broke down the front door at a home on Rocky Mount Road where his former girlfriend, Fareeda Sims, and her current boyfriend, Jason L. Washington, were asleep, said Lt. Chris Cowan, Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

Washington, of Columbia, woke up and argued with Gadsden, Cowan said. Washington then took out a handgun and fired several shots, striking Gadsden, who died inside the house, Cowan said.

No charges have been filed, but Cowan said the case is under investigation.

In May, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department charged Gadsden with criminal domestic violence in an incident involving Sims, Cowan said.

Sonoma County, California

From the San Jose Mercury News of December 17, 2006

Sonoma County resident shoots and kills intruder

A Sonoma County man shot an intruder who smashed a window and entered his house early this morning in unincorporated Sonoma County near Cloverdale, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department reported today.

The victims, 53-year-old Gerald Steckmyer and 48-year-old Carla Steckmyer, told deputies that they were awakened by a man jumping up and down on the hood of their car shortly before 3 a.m.

Gerald Steckmyer opened a window and told the man to stop jumping on the car. The suspect then got off the car and walked toward the house.

The Steckmyers called 911 and remained on the phone as the suspect tried to open the front door.

When he failed to open the door, the suspect broke out a front window of the home with a five-gallon water bottle and entered the home carrying the bottle, the sheriff's department reported.

The suspect was walking through the house toward the Steckmyers, who were in the master bedroom, when Gerald Steckmyer grabbed a handgun and fired at the suspect, stopping him just outside the bedroom door, the sheriff's department reported.

The suspect, whose name is being withheld pending identification and notification of his family, was described as a man in his 20s. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sonoma County Sheriff's Lt. Steve Satterwhite said the shooting appears to be a ``justifiable homicide.''

San Antonio, Texas

From the San Antonio Express-News of December 15, 2006

Store clerk fights back

The clerk was undeterred by the masked assailant he spotted in his store’s surveillance camera. Grabbing his own gun, the 37-year-old met him outside, and the two fired shots at each other.

“It’s like the old West again,” a detective said.

Police made the shooting on the 1000 block of Culebra Road minutes later, at around 10 p.m.

The clerk was shot in the leg and taken to an unknown hospital in good condition.

The assailant, however, fled. Police don’t have a good description of his get-away car. But some vindication remained from the ordeal: He also left penniless.

Ahwatukee, Arizona

From the The Arizona Republic of December 15, 2006

Man shot after entering wrong house

A Mesa man is recovering this morning after he entered the wrong house while drunk and was shot by an Ahwatukee homeowner, police said.

The 34-year-old man, whose name was not released by police, began pounding on the homeowner's door at 3:15 a.m. in the 4100 block of East La Puente Avenue near 48th Street and Elliot Road, causing the homeowner to wake up, police said.

The homeowner, armed with a handgun, opened his front door and two men, who had been drinking heavily, pushed their way into the house, police said.

The homeowner ordered them out, but they refused and began to physically fight, police said.

During the fight the gun accidentally went off and shot the man in the abdomen and arm, police said.

The man and his 38-year-old friend were looking for his wife's house, police said.

After police arrived one of the men told them it "was a big misunderstanding," police said.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, but police are submitting a report for possible trespassing charges against the victim, police said.

The victim is in stable condition, police said.

Updated 12/16/06

Sandia Park, New Mexico

From Albuquerque’s KOAT.com of December 15, 2006

One Dead In Home Shooting

Investigators Believe Self-Defense Led To Shooting

What started as a call about a possible home invasion in the east mountains turned deadly Thursday night.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said it received several calls about a person trying to enter a home on La Madera Road in the Sandia Park neighborhood at about 8 p.m. Thursday night. But by the time deputies arrived one person, now identified as 23-year old Christopher Mack, was dead in the home.

Investigators believe the homeowner armed himself with a gun before deputies could get there and fired at Mack. Deputies said they spoke with the homeowner and have since released him.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said they are trying to figure out what led Mack to the home in the first place.

The case will now be turned over to the District Attorney's office for further investigation

From Albuquerque’s KOBtv.com of December 16, 2006

Intruder shot in East Mountains home was schizophrenic, mother says

A La Madera man may not face charges after deputies say he shot and killed a man who was invading his home in the East Mountains.

Christopher Mack, 23, was killed Thursday night.

Deputies say Mack broke into a La Madera home around 8 p.m. Thursday. The homeowner called deputies, but by the time they got there, Mack was dead.

Deputies say the homeowner shot the man in self-defense, so the homeowner may not face charges.

Mack’s mother, Patti Scherer, told Eyewitness News 4 he was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago. She says she’s been trying to get him help ever since.

“He may have been confused, trying to find his way home,” she said. “Maybe he assumed he was in his house, and this man was a stranger in his house.”

Scherer says her son has never been a violent person and has no criminal history.

She says her other son, Patrick, died of poisoning four years ago at the same age as Christopher: 23 years, eight months.

Layhill, Maryland

From Gaithersburg’s Gazette.net of December 14, 2006

Two men, armored guards trade fire outside Layhill bank

A shootout featuring armored truck guards and two men took place Thursday morning in Layhill as a delivery was being made at a bank. One of the guards suffered a gunshot wound and one of the other men may also have been shot, according to Montgomery County Police.

The driver and guard of the Dunbar Armored truck arrived about 11 a.m. at the Bank of America, 2101 Bel Pre Road, when they were approached by two men, one with a gun.

Police said both the guards and the men fired shots. One of the guards was hit, and was treated at an area hospital; the condition of the other man who may have been shot is unknown.

The men fled toward the Sunoco gas station on Bel Pre Road, joined two to four other men, and drove away in a 2003 blue-green Volkswagen Jetta, which police say was carjacked by the men.

A silver Chrysler minivan was also seen leaving the scene.

The original driver of the Jetta was unharmed and the car was found unoccupied a few hours later, but the location of the car was not released, according to Cpl. Sonia Pruitt, a spokeswoman for Montgomery County Police.

Pruitt also said that it did not appear that the armored truck employees and the men knew each other.

Alexandria, New York

From the Waterbury (CT) Republican American of December 14, 2006

The great equalizer (Editorial)

Unless you get upstate New York television stations on your satellite dish or surf TV stations' Web sites, you probably haven't heard about what happened to Raymond and Joyce Papin.

On Dec. 4, the couple had retired for the evening when they heard a noise in their house on the outskirts of Alexandria, a town of about 4,000 on the St. Lawrence River. Mr. Papin, 82, got up and found two masked men in camouflage clothing poking around his kitchen, according to WWTI-TV Channel 50. When the robbers demanded money, Mr. Papin smashed the smaller of the two in the face with a sugar bowl, and a struggle ensued.

Seconds later, Mrs. Papin, 74, entered the kitchen packing a shotgun and told the intruders to beat it. They obliged. The Papins were shaken by the incident, but uninjured. The criminals likewise were unharmed, but also went away empty-handed. The thugs figured the Papins would be easy marks because they are elderly and live on a farm a good distance from the village. What they didn't figure on was the shotgun.

Criminologists estimate at least 2 million crimes a year in America are thwarted in just this manner: armed citizens use guns to defend themselves and their property without ever firing a shot. Unfortunately, most media outlets don't consider this news, so almost all the incidents go unreported.

But think how many more crimes could be averted if anti-gun politicians weren't so obsessed with making the job of criminals easier by disarming upright citizens.

Kansas City, Missouri

From the Kansas City Star of December 13, 2006

Prosecutors decline to file murder charges in two homicides

Jackson County prosecutors recently declined to file murder charges in two homicides because investigators believed the shooters fired in self-defense.

The first one occurred Sept. 2 in the 3500 block of East 51st Street.

According to police, Isaac J. Calvert Jr., 18, stood behind an apartment building and fired into an apartment at someone with whom he was angry. A stray bullet penetrated another apartment and wounded a 49-year-old woman. Someone in the apartment Calvert intended to hit fired back, killing Calvert.

Police found Calvert’s body behind the building about 2:30 a.m.

The second fatal shooting occurred about 5:45 a.m. Oct. 3 in the 9800 block of East 52nd Street. A woman told police that Dallas Bromley, 26, of Oak Grove, had started arguing with her over money. Another man joined the argument, and the two men drew guns.

Both fired. Bromley died at the scene. The other man was wounded in the neck and was hospitalized.

Detectives said they found several marijuana “bricks” in the home and in a vehicle in the driveway. Since Bromley was inside someone else’s home with a gun to collect money and had fired his gun, the shooting was ruled self-defense, police said.

Tanner Williams, Alabama

From Mobile’s WKRG.com of December 13, 2006

Country Store Robbery

Gun fire ends a Thursday morning store theft and it was the store owner doing the shooting. It happened at the “Country Store” in Tanner Williams. Carlton Shumock shot at two men as they drove away with three hundred dollars of his money. Mobile sheriff deputies have charged Jacob Phillips and Rex Gorham with theft of property. The owner says he heard a cashier yell and that’s when he sprang into action. “I didn't know what to think.

All I knew was I took off after him. And I knew he got the money because she said he had. He run out and jumped in the pickup out here. I hollered halt or I'll shoot, he didn't halt and I shot." Said Carlton Shumock, owner of “The Country Store.” Mobile sheriff deputies caught up and arrested the two suspects about a mile from the store. A large portion of the money was recovered.

Petersburg, Virginia

From Richmond’s NBC12.com of December 13, 2006

Police search for suspect shot during alleged burglary

Warrants have been issued for two men shot while allegedly breaking into a Petersburg home. One suspect is still in the hospital, but the other is on the streets this afternoon. Milton Tyrone Clanton, 23, was treated and released from a hospital Sunday night before police could catch up with him. Investigators believe he and Hurley R. Jackson III, 20, broke into a home off Hill Street and began burglarizing it when they were shot by the owner and ran off.

Springfield, Ohio

From Dayton’s WHIOtv.comPublication of December 13, 2006

1 Fatally Shot In Apparent Home Invasion

Deputies in Clark County said one man is dead and another in critical condition after an apparent home invasion overnight.

The shooting happened just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in German Township. Sheriff Gene Kelly said both men were shot multiple times.

Investigators said the deceased man was found on the front porch. They said the other man was taken by Careflight to Miami Valley Hospital.

Deputies said, at this time, the people inside the home fired in self-defense.

From the DaytonNewsSource.com of December 13, 2006

One killed, one wounded in home invasion

Authorities say one man was shot and killed and another wounded by a woman whose Springfield-area home the men were breaking into in an attempted robbery.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly says the home invasion occurred late Tuesday night when two men -- one who was masked and at least one who was armed -- forced their way into the home and started to assault the male homeowner.

The sheriff says the woman retrieved a handgun from inside the house, there was a struggle, and the woman shot both of the suspects.

The sheriff says one of the men died after making it out to the front porch, and the other was taken to a hospital in Dayton.

From Dayton’s WHIO.com of December 13, 2006

Former Springfield Star Athlete Killed In Shooting

Authorities said one man was shot and killed and another was wounded when they allegedly tried to break into a Springfield-area home.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said the home invasion happened late Tuesday night when two armed men forced their way into the Darnell Drive home and started attacking Colin Jenkins, 19.

Officers said Jenkins' girlfriend, Megan Stapleton, 19, was in a bedroom getting ready for bed when the two men came inside. Kelly said Stapleton shot the men with a gun that the couple already had in the home.

John Carson, 29, of Springfield, died at the scene after being shot multiple times. Carson is a former stand-out athlete at South High School. He was a star basketball player on the team before graduating in 1996.

The other suspect, 23-year-old Dow Huffman of West Liberty, was also shot multiple times. He is listed in critical condition at Miami Valley Hospital.

Kelly said officers believe the woman shot the men in self defense, and the home invasion was likely a random act. He said the homeowners and the two suspects did not know each other.