Huntsville, Alabama

From the Huntsville Times of April 30, 2007

Huntsville homeowner kills intruder

One man was shot and killed as he allegedly broke into a residence at 900 Julia Street just before 4 a.m. today.

According to Huntsville police reports, a man was startled by a loud banging at his front door, and he and his roommate armed themselves and went to investigate. They discovered someone kicking in the front door, and one of the offenders was shot and killed as he entered the residence with a pistol in his hands.

The other offender ran away.

The names of the victims and the person who was shot and killed were being withheld early today.

From the The Huntsville Times of May 1, 2007

Man who killed intruder unlikely to face charges

An apartment resident who shot and killed an armed man who broke down his apartment door will not likely face charges, Huntsville police said.

Police investigators are looking at the incident as self-defense, police spokesman Wendell Johnson said Monday afternoon.

Police identified the intruder as Demarcus Williams, 26, of 3406 Elizabeth St.

The identity of the shooter, who lives at 900 Julia St. No. D, is being withheld by Sgt. Ed Cain of the major crimes unit, Johnson said.

Johnson said the man and his roommate were awakened about 3:15 a.m. Monday when someone tried to break in the front door. The two residents armed themselves, he said.

Williams, who was wearing a mask and had a gun, came into the apartment after kicking down the door, Johnson said. One of the residents shot and killed Williams.

"When somebody breaks in your house and you are in fear of your life, you have the right to self-defense," Johnson said. "But it's still under investigation."

Johnson said police are not releasing why Williams broke into the apartment and Johnson did not know if Williams and the apartment residents knew one another.

Investigators will decide whether to send the results of their investigation to the district attorney for further review, Johnson said.

Williams' shooting death was the city's seventh homicide of the year.

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Swansboro, North Carolina

From the Wilmington Morning Star of April 28, 2007

Swansboro High student, Paul Allen Kuerbitz, 18, of Windy Rush Lane in Cary, was charged with breaking and entering, possession of firearm with altered serial number, possession of a stolen firearm, larceny after breaking and entering, obtaining property by false pretenses, and attempted breaking and entering, the sheriff's office said.

Kuerbitz was arrested after a homeowner who had already been burglarized twice confronted a man attempting to break into his Stella Road home, the sheriff's office said. The homeowner, armed with a shotgun, began to question the man, who ran to a pickup truck and drove away.

The homeowner called county detectives, who traced the truck to Kuerbitz. On Tuesday, the detectives spoke with the high school senior, who was identified by the homeowner as the man who attempted to break into his house, the release said. Three guns stolen from the Stella Road home were recovered during the investigation, the sheriff's office said.

West Covina, California

From the San Gabriel Valley Tribune of April 28, 2007

Man fires at 3 dogs mauling cat

A man opened fire on a group of dogs as they mauled his cat Friday, officials said.

The incident occurred about 8:50 p.m. in the 1500 block of Elgenia Avenue, said West Covina police Lt. Dan Brooks.

The cat's owner observed a pit bull, a German shepherd, and a mixed-breed dog attacking his pet cat and grabbed a handgun to defend it, said Brooks.

The man went outside to aid his pet and the dogs charged at him, prompting him to fire a single shot, Brooks said.

The bullet struck the ground and the dogs ran away unharmed to a nearby house, which turned out to be the home of the dogs' owner, said Brooks.

The cat was killed in the attack, Brooks .

Brooks said the man will face no charges, as he did nothing wrong and was only acting to defend himself and his property, officials said.

The owner of the three dogs was cited for leash law violations by animal control officials, added Brooks.

Fresno, California

From the Fresno Bee of April 27, 2007

Man acquitted in neighbor's killing

Jury unanimously finds James Grove not guilty of manslaughter in his retrial.

Three years ago, a jury was split over whether rancher James Grove, 69, was guilty of killing his 61-year-old neighbor in the rural outskirts of Fresno.

But after a three-day retrial in Fresno County Superior Court, jurors announced a unanimous verdict Thursday.

All 12 found him not guilty of manslaughter -- though they wavered on that decision significantly during two days of deliberations.

Grove's supporters broke out in tears. One started clapping. Another said, "Thank you."

Grove raised his hands in the air, and his defense attorney, Ernest Kinney, clasped his hands around his client's shoulders.

"It's been a nightmare," Grove said moments after the verdict was read. "I'm just glad this part is over."

By "this part," Grove meant the criminal charges.

A wrongful-death lawsuit his former neighbor's family filed against him is still pending.

Kinney said the suit seeks $3.5 million.

Relatives of George Barber, the man Grove shot and killed in February 2002, could not be reached for comment.

A year and a half ago, Grove turned down a prosecutor's offer to plead no contest to a lesser crime and be put on probation but not serve jail time, Kinney said.

Instead, Grove insisted on a trial -- risking a potential 21-year prison sentence if convicted.

Grove and Barber lived relatively peacefully for years while they shared a fenced property line in the rural eastern limits of Fresno.

But then in the late 1990s, they started squabbling over almost everything -- loose dogs, overflowing irrigation and nasty-smelling smoke.

The men "hated each other," Fresno County prosecutor Jon Skiles said in his closing arguments Wednesday.

The smoke from Barber's chimney -- contaminated by a wood preservative burning in his fireplace -- would waft into Grove's property and bother his wife. One day, as the plumes of smoke rose again, Grove snapped, Skiles said.

The 400-pound Barber had been shot in the stomach. He died the next day in a hospital.

Grove meant to kill his neighbor, Skiles said. But Kinney said his client reacted in self-defense.

Five months before he was killed, Barber showed Grove a new handgun he had bought, Kinney said. He said that during the following months, Barber tried to make it clear to Grove he kept it in his coat pocket. Barber suggested they settle their dispute with a gunfight, Kinney said.

He said Grove shot Barber only after Barber reached in his coat pocket and told him, "I'm going to shoot you."

In the end, jurors agreed with Kinney.

They deliberated for less than two days -- but changed their minds quite frequently, said Kinney, who talked to the jurors after the verdict.

At first, 10 jurors believed Grove should be convicted. Only two felt otherwise.

But, Kinney said, jurors swung the other way after they carefully read a state law that states a person can still act out of self-defense even if the person confronts -- instead of flees -- someone perceived to be a threat.

"It says right here -- you don't have to go to safety," Kinney said.

Spokane Valley, Washington

From Spokane’s KREM.com of April 26, 2007

Pit bulls shot and killed by neighbor

A man who claims he felt threatened by his neighbor's two pit bull-mixes shot and killed both dogs.

The incident happened on the 12000 block of East Broadway. The daughter of the dog owners came home to her parents' house, who were not home at the time. She let the two pit bull-mixes out of the house when she arrived; those dogs got into a neighbors' yard. The woman called for the animals and heard a yelp. Spokane Valley Police say the man shot and killed the dogs with a rifle.

The dogs were burried less than an hour after they were shot. Spokane Valley Police say the neighbor was justified in shooting the dogs if he felt threatened. The daughter of the dog owner tells KREM 2 News she has seen her neighbor point a rifle at the dogs before.

Germantown, Pennsylvania

From Philadelphia’s NBC10.com of April 26, 2007

Witness: Robber Shot In Struggle Over Gun

A man is hospitalized after police said he was shot trying to rob two people in Germantown Thursday afternoon.

NBC 10 reported that a neighbor had gone to visit a friend on the 400 block of East Woodlawn Street around 2:30 p.m. and the incident happened when he came out of the house.

"When he came outside of the house, a young man jumped up on the porch and approached them, and had a gun, and was attempting to rob them, and then during the robbery and a struggle went on and the gun discharged," said Sam Brackeen, a friend of the neighbor.

The alleged would-be robber was shot in the head and chest. He is listed in critical condition at Einstein Medical Center.

Police are still investigating the incident.

There is no word on what charges, if any, will be filed against any of those involved in the incident.

Brunswick, Georgia

From the Jacksonville Times-Union of April 26, 2007

Brunswick man acquitted in shooting death

A Brunswick man has been acquitted in the shooting death of another man in the parking lot of a Glynn County apartment complex two years ago.

Moses Emanuel Walker, who testified that he acted in self-defense, was found not guilty of murder and voluntary manslaughter charges in the death of Darrell Hobbs, 27, of Brunswick on Nov. 9, 2005, outside Camelia Apartments, 5800 Altama Ave.

A Glynn County jury deliberated about five and a half hours before acquitting Walker, 26. The verdict Wednesday night ended a trial that began April 18.

Hobbs was shot twice at close range with a .40-caliber Glock semiautomatic pistol. Walker was seated at the steering wheel of his car when he shot Hobbs who was standing outside at the driver's door, a Glynn County police investigation showed.

The shooting occurred during an argument about a woman, according to the investigation.

Walker testified that he believed Hobbs had a gun, and shot him as he appeared to be reaching for the weapon.

Hobbs had a criminal record, including convictions in 2004 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana. He also had been convicted of sale of cocaine in 1997, Georgia Department of Corrections records show.

Glynn police records show Walker had been identified as a suspect in six complaints reporting either family violence or public disturbances from 2002 through 2005. Walker had been arrested for criminal trespassing in January 2005 following a domestic dispute involving a sister at their mother's home, according to the police records.

Augusta, Georgia

From Augusta’s WRDW.com of April 26, 2007

Man shot during home invasion

A man is recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest after breaking into a house just before 4 o'clock this morning at 3721 Lexington Drive in Augusta.

Deputies say a woman living there shot the man once. Then he ran across the street tossed the gun and was found later lying on a picnic table.

He is being treated at MCG.

From Augusta’s WJBF.com of April 26, 2007

Homeowner Fights Back

The WJBF News Channel 6 Crime Tracker reports an arrest in an early morning, violent break-in in South Augusta. Happened shortly before four-thirty this morning, on the 37-hundred block of Lexington drive -- that's just off Rosier Road in South Augusta. The homeowner was no easy mark. She fought back against her attacker. It looks like the victim stopped the suspect in his tracks. The victim is a 57 year old woman who lives alone. But that only made her more prepared to protect herself. Even though she was abruptly awakened while asleep, it didn't take long for her to come to her senses and take aim at the suspect who turned out to be a neighbor. The Mount Vernon subdivision is usually quiet, but that peace was broken in this Lexington Drive home this morning. Detectives say 19 year old Justin Brent Haynie got into his neighbors home while she slept and put a knife to her throat.

Sgt. Calvin Chew, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “He jumped on the bed and he started trying to cover her mouth because she was shouting.”

During the struggle Sergeant Calvin Chew says the victim, a 57 year old woman who lives alone somehow managed to grab her .357 off the nightstand. That was something haynie (sic) didn't know. Detectives say as haynie (sic) walked behind her with a knife to her neck, she quickly spun around and shot him in the stomach. Haynie grabbed her gun and ran. But he didn't get far.

“It was really shocking to me that something like this would happen.”

It was a little after four in the morning when Joann Hatchell heard voices. She says she saw police and the suspect in her backyard.

“Then I looked over at my picnic table and this young man was sitting there that was bloody front and back.” “He turned sideways and I recognized him. I said Brent.” “Is that Brent?”

Hatchell says she knows Haynie and he would often offer to help her out in the yard. He lives next door with his grandparents.

“I just think it's a sad situation that things like this happen.”

The victim wasn't seriously hurt, just a few scratches on her neck.

“This is actually the perfect scenario for self-defense and protecting your home and family.”

“A lot of time you hear about gun control and so forth but she was able to use her gun to protect herself in her home.”

Haynie is in serious condition in a local hospital. He's expected to be o.k. A list of charges is waiting on him when he gets out. They include burglary, kidnapping aggravated assault and weapons charges. The homeowner is not facing any charges. Investigators say there was no sign of forced entry. The suspect may have come in through an unlocked door.

From Augusta’s WRDW.com of April 26, 2007

Teen breaks into neighbor's house, ends up shot

He broke into her home...so she shot him.

19-year-old Justin "Brent" Haynie was arrested this morning for breaking into the home of his Lexington Drive neighbor, Theresa Wachowiak.

The 56-year-old woman shot him before he escaped, and he survived.

It was a burglary gone bad for Haynie. Little did he know his target was within arms reach of a revolver.

"Terrible. Scary, really," said neighbor Joann Hatchell. "I looked and this guy was sitting here and I didn't recognize him."

19-year-old Justin "Brent" Haynie was slumped over Hatchell's picnic table. He'd been shot.

"I said, 'Oh my God, that's Mary's grandson'," Hatchell told News 12.

The young man lived next door and often helped Hatchell with yard work, which is why she never imagined he'd break into the home of another neighbor, 56-year-old Theresa Wachowiak.

Woken up at 3:30 a-m, Wachowiak was startled by the intruder.

"She was initially, but she's a strong lady," said Sgt. Calvin Chew of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Chew says what she did next may have saved her life: "She had a gun in her nightstand, and she was able to retrieve the gun during the assault and ended up shooting the suspect."

Shot in the chest, Haynie then left, leaving a bloody trail to Hatchell's yard.
News 12 found Haynie's cousin, Patrick, who didn't want his face shown on TV.

"I think that I'm glad he's still living, but maybe it'll make him not do some of the things he's done," Patrick Haynie said.

Hatchell, whose morning was unlike any other in her lifetime, fears what could have happened.

"Do you own a gun, and if not, do you want one now?" we asked her.

"Yes. I would love to have a gun," she said. "I'm telling you, you're not safe anymore."

Brent Haynie is still recovering from that gunshot. He faces several charges, including burglary, aggravated assault, kidnapping and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.

We're told relatives have not been allowed to visit Haynie in the hospital because he's been placed under arrest.

Decatur, Alabama

From the Decatur Daily of April 26, 2007

Alleged robber who had gun pulled on him now in custody

A robber, who ran after a would-be victim pulled a gun on him, is now in custody, Decatur police said Wednesday.

With a towel wrapped around his hand to give the impression he was armed, Nicholas Bernard Lawson, 23, of 623 Central Parkway, Apt. No. 6, took cash and a pizza off a Domino's employee outside his apartment building on Jan. 11, police said.

The robbery took place amid the rash of armed robberies of pizza deliverymen earlier this year that prompted that particular driver, 52-year-old Rolando Zargosa, to arm himself while working his part-time job.

Zargosa told the masked robber that his wallet was in the car and went to get it, but instead reached into his pocket and pulled out his pistol.

The robber fled into a breezeway between the apartments, spilling the pizza, when he saw the gun.

Sgt. Chris Jones said police developed Lawson as a suspect and arrested him Tuesday on a charge of first-degree robbery. He will be taken to Morgan County Jail and held in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Charlotte, North Carolina

From Charlotte’s WSOCtv.com of April 26, 2007

Cab Driver Shot, Then Shoots Back During Attempted Robbery

3 people could be charged with trying to rob a car driver in East Charlotte. It all happened around 11:30 on Wednesday night. The cab driver pulled up in front of a home on Wilora Landing Road. Three people in the cab attempted to rob the driver. A scuffle ensued and the driver was shot in the ring finger. During the struggle, the cab rolled into the porch of the building. The driver was able to wrestle the gun away from one of the suspects. He then shot that person in the leg and shoulder. The injuries to the cab driver and robber are non-life threatening. All three passengers in the cab are in police custody.

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of April 26, 2007

Clerk says he fatally shot man trying to rob store

A store clerk who fatally shot a man Wednesday evening told police officers that the man had tried to rob him at gunpoint, interim Police Chief David Miller said.

The 23-year-old clerk, who was not identified Wednesday night, told police that two men broke into Fabulous Urban & Sportswear in the 3300 block of Mansfield Highway after the store closed, Miller said.

The clerk said he shot one of the intruders in the chest and leg with a gun kept at the store before calling police about 9:20 p.m., Miller said.

The man was pronounced dead at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth at 9:56 p.m., Miller said.

The store's manager, who identified himself as the clerk's uncle, said the robbers' weapons appeared to be Uzis. The man who was shot put his weapon to the clerk's head, he said.

"He did what he had to do," said the manager, who declined to give his name. "It was self-defense."

The manager said he moved to the area because of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, the store has been broken into at least four times, but this was the first armed robbery, he said.

Police were questioning the clerk late Wednesday and had not decided whether to charge him, Miller said.

The second robber was arrested, he said.

From Fort Worth’s CBS11tv.com of April 27, 2007

DA: Forest Hill Clerk Killed Man In Self Defense

In the attempted robbery gone wrong, a store clerk turned the tables on two men armed with a Tech-9.

Around closing time on Wednesday night, 21-year-old Michael Walker and 21-year-old Andrew Fobbs went into the Fabulous Urban and Sports Wear with intentions to rob it, say police.

Click here to see the store's surveillance video showing the dramatic standoff between the clerk and Walker.

The suspect and the clerk wrestled for each others guns. That's when the suspect let go of his to reach for the clerk's.

As they both fight for control of the weapon, the clerk shot Walker in the chest and leg. Walker later died at the hospital.

Meantime, the other suspect, made a run for it. But he couldn't get out because the door was locked.

The clerk called 911 and kept him there at gunpoint until police arrived.

The clerk won't face any charges because the District Attorney said it was a clear case of self-defense.

St. Albans, West Virginia

From the Charleston Gazette of April 26, 2007

Booker’s shooting death called self-defense


The shooting death of former Capital High School basketball star Lawrence “L.B.” Booker in St. Albans last week was “self-defense,” a St. Albans police officer said Wednesday.

Police responded to the shooting in the early morning hours of April 17. They spoke with Justin Johnson, who told police he had shot a man who attacked him with a gun in the parking lot of his apartment at 741 Holley St., according a search warrant for a Jeep Grand Cherokee spotted at the crime scene.

Booker, 23, of Dunbar, and a “company of other people” may have been trying to rob Johnson when shots were exchanged, said Lt. James Agee of the St. Albans Police Department.

“Booker and other parties came to St. Albans and put a gun to [Johnson’s] head,” Agee said.

After being shot twice, Booker was taken in the Jeep by a woman to Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, according to the search warrant. He later died at CAMC General Hospital.

“Mr. Johnson shot Mr. Booker, that much we know,” Agee said, adding that police recovered guns carried by both Booker and Johnson.

“Our belief is [Johnson] was going to be a victim of some violence [and] was defending himself,” Agee said.

Police have not charged anyone in the incident, but Agee said investigators are still seeking information from “people of interest.” An arrest will likely be forthcoming, he said.

Johnson cooperated with police on the night of the shooting, Agee said.

As a senior in 2001, Booker was a first-team All State basketball player for Capital. The season was highlighted by a game-winning, last-second 3-pointer in the state AAA finals against George Washington High School.

Dallas, Texas

From the Dallas Morning News of April 25, 2007

Police: Man kills daughter's boyfriend

A Dallas man fatally shot his daughter's estranged boyfriend in Pleasant Grove late Tuesday after he attacked her, police said.

Byron Hutchinson, 20, died at a local hospital. Larry Overshown, 54, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was being held Wednesday in the Dallas County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

According to police, Mr. Hutchinson and the woman had been having problems, and she obtained a protective order against him. She has a child with him, police said.

Mr. Hutchinson came to the residence in the 900 block of Cedarvale Court about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses told police that he began hitting and shoving the woman in the yard.

Mr. Overshown came out of the house and told Mr. Hutchison to stop attacking his daughter, police said.

Witnesses told police that Mr. Hutchinson tried to hit Mr. Overshown, who then shot him once in the chest. Mr. Overshown called the police.

"He was a very cooperative and concerned parent," said Sgt. Gene Reyes, a homicide unit supervisor. "He got tired of this Byron Hutchinson coming over and causing problems for his daughter."

A grand jury will decide whether Mr. Overshown will be indicted.

Watsonville, California

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel of April 25, 2007
(Scroll down)

Man shot in fight with housemate

One man was shot and another suffered injuries to his upper torso after one roommate shot another in an apparent act of self-defense Tuesday, sheriff's deputies said.

About 7:20 p.m. deputies responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of Trabing Road just outside Watsonville along Highway 1 at a house occupied by nine men in their 50s, according to Sgt. Bob MacAulay.

When they arrived, they learned that one man had become enraged and for unknown reasons started pounding on the door of a fellow roommate. When he couldn't gain entry, he went to another door and once inside attacked the man with a club.

The victim, whose right hand was already in a brace, grabbed a pistol and shot the attacker, hitting him in the neck, MacAulay said.

He was transported by helicopter to a San Jose trauma center. It wasn't known if his injuries are life-threatening. The man who was clubbed was taken by deputies to Watsonville Community Hospital for treatment.

MacAulay said it appears the shot was fired in self-defense. He didn't know if drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. The incident remains under investigation, MacAulay said.

Los Angeles, California

From the Boston Globe of April 25, 2007

Cops: USC students hold off gunman

Students wrested a gun away from a University of Southern California student who had been asked to leave an off-campus party after threatening a young woman, police said Tuesday.

Zao Xing Yang, 19, was arrested early Sunday and is being held without bail, Chief William Bratton said at a news conference.

Some students at the party, held at a student's home, overheard Yang making intimidating statements to the woman and threatening her with violence about 3 a.m. Sunday, Bratton said.

Yang began arguing with the host, who noticed Yang was holding a gun, he said.

"Several students wrestled the gun away from Yang and held him until campus security and then LAPD officers arrived," Bratton said.

Detectives searched Yang's off-campus room Monday and found a safe containing methamphetamine packaged for sale, a .44-caliber Magnum revolver and several hundred dollars in cash, Bratton said.

Yang is charged with making criminal threats, assault with a firearm and personal use of a handgun. If convicted, he faces up to 18 years in prison.

Gastonia, North Carolina

From WSOC of April 24, 2007

Gastonia Man Says He Shot Intruder Through His Door

A Gastonia homeowner says he shot a man through the door of his Log Cabin Road home early Tuesday because the man was trying to break-in.

"I just wasn't going to allow (the break-in) to happen. I had no idea what his intentions was and I wasn't going to find out," he said.

The homeowner, who didn't want to be identified because he's still frightened, says he was sitting in his house when some time after midnight one of his young children heard something at the front door.

"My oldest child alerted me that there was someone on the porch trying to get in," he said.

He grabbed his pistol and started walking to the door, but before he got there it began to open.

"I saw the door open and I began to fire. I purposely aimed down. I didn't want to kill nobody," he said.

The intruder came very close to getting inside, but instead ended up running to a car waiting nearby.

"I fired over their heads and scared them off," the homeowner said.

Police say a short time later the intruder was dropped off at Gaston Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds to one leg. He had to be flown to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment.

Investigators are still trying to determine whether the homeowner fired in defiance or self defense. Gun laws in North Carolina say homeowners are justified using any degree of force if they believe the intruder is a threat or think the intruder intends to commit a felony.

Akron, Ohio

From the University of Akron‘sThe Buchtelite of April 24, 2007

Student fires gun near campus

APD and UAPD seek help finding suspect after late-night altercation on Cross Street on Thursday

Two men fired shots at each other Thursday morning near campus. Andre Darnell Smith, a 30-year-old part-time University of Akron student, allegedly fired at 23-year-old Terrell Garr at Garr's apartment on Cross Street, according to police reports.

The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. after Smith approached Garr's apartment and knocked on the door asking for the location of a fraternity while allegedly brandishing a gun. Garr told Akron police he ran upstairs to retrieve his roommate's gun and when he returned, Smith was in the middle of the road and fired at him. Garr returned fire, claiming it was self-defense.

No one was hit.

Following the incident UA released a special edition Zipmail requesting students' help.

"The City of Akron Police Department and the university are requesting your help in locating a suspect involved in an off-campus incident," the Zipmail said. "If you know about the location of the suspect or have any information about him, please contact APD or UAPD."

Smith is described as black, approximately six feet tall and weighing about 250 pounds. APD and UAPD are looking for Smith, who faces charges of aggravated burglary and felonious assault. There are warrants for his arrest.

Ville Platte, Louisiana

From the April 18, 2007 Associated PressInternational Herald Tribune:

VILLE PLATTE, Louisiana: A woman and her estranged husband killed each other when he came to her house in spite of a restraining order, authorities said.

Brenda Ortego Prudhomme, 59, and her husband, Carroll Wayne Prudhomme, 61, shot each other Monday at the rental house where Brenda Prudhomme had moved a few weeks ago, Ville Platte police Sgt. Linton Fontenot said.

He said the couple divorcing and "it wasn't going well" The Daily World reported Wednesday.

"He broke into her apartment and shot at her once but missed," Fontenot said. "She ran to the utility room where he shot at her again, this time hitting her in the torso."

She had retrieved a weapon, apparently stored in the utility room. "She returned fire, hitting him in the abdomen," Fontenot said. Both died at a hospital.

Jacksonville, Florida

From Jacksonville’s FOX30Online.com of April 23, 2007

Man Attacked, Shoots Suspect in Self Defense

A man fought back against his attackers Sunday night in Arlington by pulling a gun and firing. One of the suspected attackers was shot in the chest. The 17-year-old suspect is expected to survive.

Police say the victim fired in self defense and is not facing any charges at this time.

Police say the man was justified in shooting because he told police he was in fear for his life. Had he fired while the suspects were running away, he could be facing jail time.

“If the suspect is running away, there is not a threat of them hurting you,” Melissa Bujeda, the public information officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, said.

The man was riding his bicycle on Merrill Road Sunday night, when two people attacked him, police said. In retaliation, the man pulled a gun, fired it and hit one of his attackers in the chest. He was taken to the hospital where he is expected to recover from his injuries.

The two suspects were arrested and charged with battery.

Cleveland, Ohio

From the The Plain Dealer of April 23, 2007

Robber, 15, fatally shot by would-be victim

A 25-year-old Cleveland man shot and killed Arthur C. Buford, 15, after the boy tried to rob him, police said. Buford was shot in the chest at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, according to Cleveland police spokesman Thomas Stacho.

Buford and an accomplice reportedly robbed a man at gunpoint on the porch of his house near East 134th Street and Kinsman Road. Stacho said the robbery victim had just walked home from a nearby store. Stacho said the robbery victim, whose name was withheld, told police he pulled his own gun and shot the teenager, who staggered away and collapsed in the street. The accomplice banged on neighbors' doors for help before fleeing, Stacho said.

From the Wilmington News-Journal of April 25, 2007

Man carrying concealed gun fatally shoots robbery suspect

A man pulled a gun from a shoulder holster and shot a teenage robbery suspect in one of the first fatal shootings in the state involving a concealed carry permit holder, police said.

Damon Wells, 25, was walking from a neighborhood store back to his east side home Saturday night when two youths confronted him. 'One pulled a gun and told him, 'Don't move or I'll pop you,' said police Lt. Thomas Stacho. 'He said he thought he was going to die.'

Wells put his hands up and walked to his front porch, then pulled his gun and shot 15-year-old Arthur Buford several times in the chest, Stacho said. Buford stumbled away and collapsed on a sidewalk where he died. The other suspect fled.

Police released Wells on Monday without filing charges, but city prosecutors will continue to investigate the case, Stacho said. Police were holding Wells' .40-caliber Smith and Wesson as evidence.

Wells has an unlisted phone number and could not be reached for comment.

Stacho did not know of any other fatal shootings in Cleveland involving a person with a permit to carry a concealed gun.

More

From Newsnet5 of April 27, 2007

NAACP Leader Calls Homicide Among Young Black Men Epidemic

The Cleveland NAACP responded Friday to criticism surrounding the shooting death of a teenage boy during a robbery.

NAACP President George Forbes and Cleveland Councilman Zach Reed said the black community failed 15-year-old Arthur Buford, NewsChannel5 reported.

They said Buford was wrong for allegedly trying to rob Damon Wells at gunpoint on Saturday.

Wells opened fire and killed Buford at East 134th Street and Kinsman. Police said Wells had a valid weapons permit and used the gun in self-defense.

"Then you have a 26-year-old young man who had every right to protect his life, protect his fiance and protect his property. But he has to life with the fact that for the rest of his lie he shot a 15-year-old boy," said Reed.

"That man had a right to do what he did. If he didn't do it, we'd be sitting here today mourning him rather than the 15-year-old," said Forbes.

They pointed out that homicide is the leading cause of death for black men 15 to 24.

Forbes said that if we saw those kind of numbers for an illness, the community would be outraged.

He said the community should also treat this as an epidemic.

Sacramento, California

From Sacramento’s CBS13.com of April 23, 2007

Security Guard Shoots, Kills Man Near Sac State

A security guard has shot and killed a man near Sac State this morning.

The shooting happened around 4:00am this morning on University Avenue near Howe Avenue.

Police say a security guard approached three men gathered around a vehicle. The men reportedly jumped in their car, then raced right at the guard who pulled his gun and fired into the car.

The 19-year-old victim was taken to the UC Davis Med Center but he has died..

Police say it appears the security guard fired in self-defense but they are continuing their investigation.

Memphis, Tennessee

From Memphis’ MyEyewitnessNews.com of April 23, 2007

Robber Killed During Home Invasion Robbery

Memphis Police are investigating a home invasion robbery in North Memphis. It happened just after midnight on Monday morning, April 23rd in the 1200 block of Clearpark Drive.

Police say there were two men in the home. The two robbers then forced their way into the home, where they met the two men who live there. A struggle ensued over a gun and one of the robbers was shot and killed. The other robber fled the scene. One of the men in the house was shot in the arm, but will be okay.

Falls City, Nebraska

From the Lincoln Journal Star of April 21, 2007

Jury finds Stella man not guilty in shooting death

Richardson County District Court jurors found Dennis L. Lockard not guilty of second-degree murder Saturday morning in the Aug. 18 death of James Nutile, 32, of Humboldt.

Lockard embraced his attorney, James Martin Davis, of Omaha, after the verdict was read at 10:53 but then left the courthouse without comment.

The case went to the jury of seven men and five women on Friday, after a week-long trial. Lockard, 39, of Stella, faced charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony. He was found not guilty on both.

In closing arguments, defense attorney James Martin Davis said his client obeyed one of the oldest laws in human history: the law of self-preservation. Lockard testified during the trial that after he fired a warning shot meant to stop a fight between Nutile and another man, Nutile rushed Lockard, grabbing him with one hand while "slashing" him with the other. As Lockard fell, he felt he was being stabbed, Davis said.

Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien, who helped prosecute the case, said Lockard could have chosen many options that would have left Nutile alive. Instead, he introduced a gun into a fistfight, making a volatile situation worse.

What was not disputed was that Nutile was partying with friends outside a house on Main Street in Stella while Lockard was visiting his parents next door. Nutile got in a fight with one of his friends, and Lockard tried to break it up by firing a warning shot with a .40-caliber handgun.

After the warning shot, Nutile rushed Lockard and knocked him down. Lockard fired two more shots from the gun, both of which struck Nutile in the chest.

One major dispute involves Nutile's position after he pushed Lockard. Four eyewitnesses to the shooting, who testified for the prosecution, said Nutile was standing when the bullets hit him. Lockard and his 19-year-old son, who also witnessed the shooting, both testified that Nutile was on top of Lockard.

A pathologist's testimony seemed to support Lockard's version because gunpowder residue recovered from Nutile's shirt showed that one of the fatal shots was fired from no farther than a foot away. Tests couldn't determine the distance from the other shot.

Jurors also heard from Terry Davis, a forensic psychiatrist from Omaha, who said enough methamphetamine was present in Nutile's blood to say with certainty the drug was having an effect on him. People on meth can be violent, aggressive, psychotic, anxious and delusional, among other behaviors, the psychiatrist said.

(More about the trial)

Grants, New Mexico

From the Gallup Independent of April 21, 2007

Grants man holds gun on escapee

A recent failure of an inmate to report back to authorities after a furlough ended in a local resident holding the man at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

After an incident in March 2006, charges were filed against Paul Valdez by the N.M. State Police on numerous counts, including armed robbery, aggravated burglary, two counts of breaking and entering, and the unlawful taking of an automobile.

Recently Valdez was found incompetent to stand trial; so, he was transported early this month by the Sheriff's Department to Las Vegas, where people are sometimes sent while officials make a determination of their competency to stand trial.

While he was in the Las Vegas institution, his uncle, Gino Valdez Jr., died, and Valdez was to be a pallbearer at the funeral. Valdez was transferred back to the Cibola County Detention Center and was released April 9 on a 24-hour furlough.

His family then drove Valdez back to the detention center, but he never made it inside; instead, he ran across the street from the facility. As soon as law enforcement was notified, a massive police presence initiated a search for the fleeing Valdez.

After a two-hour search, a local resident notified authorities that Valdez had been hiding in the brush and bushes. The resident had a gun and had made Valdez lie down on the ground until authorities arrived. Valdez did not resist. He is now back in custody.

Although all ended well, the outcome could have been worse.

"(If) that citizen had shot Valdez, this could have been a different story. As citizens, you do have the right to make a felony arrest in your presence, but you cannot use undue force. There is a fine line there, so check on the laws first or you may be explaining your actions before a jury of your peers," Hall said.

Valdez now faces additional charges of escape from a criminal detention center.

Hoopa, California

From the Eureka Times-Standard of April 21, 2007

Hoopa clerk pulls gun, shoots alleged robber

A man authorities said attempted to rob a Hoopa convenience store is recovering at a hospital after he was shot by the clerk of the store he was attempting to rob.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Department said David Lee Moon, 19, of Hoopa, walked into the store off State Route 96 around 7:45 p.m. Thursday, brandished a handgun at the clerk and demanded money.

The clerk, who was not named, then took out his own firearm and shot Moon.

Moon ran from the store and was found 100 yards away, in a trailer park. He was taken to a Eureka hospital by ambulance.

The Sheriff's Department said Moon is in stable condition in the hospital.

Huntsville, Alabama

From Huntsville’s WAAYtv.com of April 20, 2007

Jurors Say Leamon Acted in Self Defense

That's the verdict Friday in a Madison County murder trial. Today's verdict could set a precedent for future cases involving the use of deadly force in the state of Alabama. Leamon is now a free man, and his attorney says today's verdict is a victory for all Alabama homeowners.

After two days of deliberations, the jury reached their verdict just before noon today. Steven Leamon claimed that he fatally shot Christopher Griffin because the victim was trying to kick through his front door in the middle of the night. The shooting happened at Leamon's Huntsville home back in November of 2005. Leamon's attorney Roy Miller says Griffin intended to rob his client.

This could be a precedent-setting case as a result of Alabama's "lethal force law" which was passed by state lawmakers last year. That law allows home and business owners to kill an intruder without penalty if they believe they are in eminent (sic) danger.

Norfolk, Virginia

From the The Virginian-Pilot of April 20, 2007

Man will not be charged in would-be intruder's death

A man fatally shot on Harvard Street in February had been attempting to break into an apartment, and the man who fired will not be charged, Commonwealth's Attorney Jack Doyle said in a letter released Thursday.

It was about 2 a.m. Feb. 28 when Keith Foreman tried to break into a ground-floor apartment at 416 Harvard St., Doyle wrote in a letter to police, after his review of the case. He said a man and a woman were inside the apartment at the time.

One of them called out to the intruder, but he "continued in his effort to pry open the window," Doyle wrote. The man in the apartment fired a weapon, striking Foreman once.

Later that morning, Foreman's body was found nearby.

Foreman had a 1993 conviction related to a break-in at another home on Harvard Street in which a purse was stolen. He also was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 1994, Doyle wrote in the letter. He fought with a man who died six days later of his injuries, The Pilot reported at the time.

Foreman was 6 feet tall and 308 pounds when he died. The shooter had a reasonable fear that both he and the woman in the apartment were in danger, Doyle wrote.

Lincoln County, Kentucky

From the Cincinnati Enquirer of April 20, 2007

One tough beauty queen


Venus Ramey, 82, shoots tire, stops intruders

Venus Ramey has earned lots of fame in her 82 years.

She was Miss America 1944 and later a candidate for Cincinnati City Council and worked to save Over-the-Rhine's historic buildings. She performed on Broadway and in movies.

Now, though, she's in the news for another reason.

After confronting a man she said was stealing from her Kentucky farm, Ramey pulled out a gun and shot out a tire on his truck so he couldn't leave, allowing police to arrest him and two others.

"He was probably wetting his pants," Ramey said Thursday from her home in Waynesburg, about 140 miles south of Cincinnati.

Ramey was on her Lincoln County farm last week - "Friday the 13th, apropos date, isn't it?" she noted Thursday - feeding a horse when she saw her dog run to a nearby building where she stores old steel-shaping machines, lathes and other equipment.

"This stuff is over 100 years old," she said.

For some time, thieves had been breaking into the building to steal the machines to sell for scrap. She hadn't been able to catch anyone in the act until last week.

She drove over to the building and blocked the truck sitting there.

When she asked a man what he was doing, he replied "scrapping," and said he would leave.

"I said, 'Oh, no you won't,' and I shot their tires so they couldn't leave," Ramey said.

She had to balance on her walking stick as she pulled out a snub-nosed .38-caliber handgun.

"I didn't even think twice. I just went and did it. If they'd even dared come close to me, they'd be 6 feet under by now."

Ramey then tried to flag down people driving by. When one stopped, she asked them to call 911. Eventually, three people were arrested - one at the scene and two others walking on a nearby road.

"They've been stealing from me for years. Those good-for-nothing slobs," she said.

Ramey, who lived in Cincinnati on and off for about 30 years, admitted that she is known for taking chances for what she believes in.

(More about her past)

White Oak, Pennsylvania

From ThePittsburghChannel.com of April 20, 2007

Home Invader Shot; Others Wounded Fighting Back

One man was shot during a home invasion in White Oak, and two others were hurt while fighting the intruder off, according to Allegheny County police.

It happened at about 11 p.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Carmella Drive. (Map)

Police said the 19-year-old shooting victim, who has not been identified yet, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian.

Louisville, Kentucky

From WLKY of April 20, 2007

Clerks Attack Robbers

Police said two men entered Expressway Liquors at the 300 block of Lee Street, pointed guns and demanded cash.

But a clerk had other ideas.

“There was a clerk in the back room who heard the commotion,” owner Kenny Singer said. “He had a weapon with him, as he came out the door, the man was pointing a weapon at him and my clerk just started firing.”

The clerk fired five shots as the robber retreated. Police said Terrance Daniel Wilburn was caught on tape stumbling out of the store after the botched robbery. Police said he or an unidentified accomplice might have been shot.

But Louisville Metro police public information officer Dwight Mitchell said both clerks were lucky that they didn’t get themselves hurt. He said employees should comply with robbers’ demands, be good witnesses and not take aim at robbers.

“(Fighting back) serves as a tremendous risk you’re taking,” Mitchell said. “Does that risk outweigh the outcome?”

Both owners acknowledge a risk, but also a reward.

Just inside Singer’s door is a sign about robbers doing time. Next to it is a sign warning of a potential death sentence.

“When these guys take it upon themselves that they're going to just take a gun and go in and hold up a place I feel sure, one day, one of them's just going to be laying on this floor,” Singer said.

Read more about 2nd clerk with taser

Pensacola, Florida

From the Pensacola News-Journal of April 20, 2007

Two suspects shot

Two men were shot Thursday in separate incidents after they apparently entered homes and were confronted by residents, Escambia County deputies said.

(The report of the first shooting follows this post)

The other shooting occurred about 11 a.m. in the 8100 block of Untreiner Avenue in Ensley, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The report stated DeAngelo James, 23, of the 100 block of Topaz Avenue entered the Untreiner Avenue home of Houston Harris, 70, to talk with Harris' granddaughter.

When the conversation became heated, the woman -- whose identity was not released -- asked James to leave, but he refused, the report stated.

According to investigators, James then put a pillow over her head to smother her. The women faked an asthma attack, and James released her.

She then called the Sheriff's Office, but James ran before deputies arrived. After speaking with Harris and his granddaughter, deputies left the scene to prepare a warrant for the arrest of James, according to the report.

The report noted James then returned, and Harris attempted to hold him until deputies returned.

While waiting, James attacked Harris. During the struggle, a handgun Harris was holding in his pocket went off, shooting James in the mouth, the report said.

James was transported to Scared Heart Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, investigators said.

However, the hospital said they had no record of James.

Investigators determined that Harris was justified in his use of force, but the case will be forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for review.

The following charges are pending against James: one felony count of burglary and one misdemeanor count of battery, the report said..

Pensacola, Florida

From the Pensacola News-Journal of April 20, 2007

Two suspects shot

Two men were shot Thursday in separate incidents after they apparently entered homes and were confronted by residents, Escambia County deputies said.

Kenneth Russell Pike, 19, was in critical condition at Baptist Hospital late Thursday night after he was shot in the chest.

The shooting happened about 5:15 p.m. in the 2700 block of Hollywood Avenue, Escambia Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Mike Ward said.

Ward said Sheri Lavvorn, 44, and her daughter-in-law, Shirley Anne Beall, 20, returned to their home on Hollywood and found a door ajar.

When they saw an intruder, whom deputies later identified as Pike, Beall -- who is eight months pregnant -- grabbed a shotgun.

Beall then gave the gun to Lavvorn and called 911, Ward said.

"The suspect tried to leave and pushed Beall to the ground," he said. "Then Pike ran out of the house, jumped into the passenger side of a vehicle, and Lavvorn gave chase."

The driver of the car tried to run over Lavvorn, but Lavvorn shot through the windshield, hitting Pike in the chest, Ward said.

Pike then fled the scene in the car, which was driven by Jeffrey Weyhrauch, 30, of the 200 block of Aquamarine Avenue, and headed to home of Stan Donoway in the 100 block of Topaz Avenue about a mile away, Ward said.

Rodger D. Gastone, who resides next door to Donoway, said the man is Pike's stepfather.

"The car pulled up, and a kid jumped out," he said. "When he got out, he was kind of stumbling -- like he had been drinking."

Gastone said Pike was wearing a white shirt, but it looked red.

"He said, 'I've been shot. I've been shot,' " Gastone said. "Then he went down in the driveway. You could see that he was in bad shape."

Gastone said the Sheriff's Office was on the scene within seconds.

Connie Donoway, Pike's mother, said her son was in intensive care.

"The bullet hit a bone and shattered," she said. "Fragments of it are in his heart."

Pike is scheduled for surgery today, she said.

From the Pensacola News Journal of April 23, 2007

Burglary suspect on lam

Man slips out of hospital after being shot during alleged break-in attempt

A man who was shot Thursday after he allegedly broke into a residence left a local hospital Sunday before doctors released him, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said.

It is believed Kenneth Russell Pike, 19, slipped out of Baptist Hospital with the help of family members, investigator James O'Hara said.

"The family members were able to form a tight circle around him to get him past the nurses' station without them knowing it," O'Hara said.

Pike remained at large Sunday night.

"He is still injured," O'Hara said.

Pike is wanted on multiple charges, including principle to aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, burglary with battery, petty theft and criminal mischief, O'Hara said.

(More)

Madisonville, Ohio

From the Cincinnati Enquirer of April 20, 2007

Man thwarts home invasion

A home invasion abruptly ended early today when a man brandished a rifle at two suspects, a Cincinnati dispatcher said.

Police were called to a home in the 4300 block of Plainville Road about 2:16 a.m. for a report of a home invasion.

When they arrived, a man told them two men broke into the home and forced two women there onto the ground.

He said he pointed a rifle at the suspects, and they ran off.

They are described as two black men in their 20s who wore blue and white handkerchiefs, the dispatcher said.

Oakland, California

From Oakland’s KTVU.com of April 20, 2007

One Dead, One Wounded In Oakland Pizzeria Shootout

An attempted robbery at Coliseum Pizza turned ugly Thursday night, leaving one dead and one wounded, accoridng to Oakland police.

Sgt. Jim Rullamas said a 22-year-old male was killed after he and two other suspects attempted to rob the pizzeria at 8999 International Blvd., according to Rullamas. Police received report of the shooting at 9:37 p.m. and arrived on the scene to find one suspect dead and another victim suffering a gunshot wound.

Police determined that three suspects entered the pizzeria with an assault weapon. The owners of Coliseum Pizza had a weapon as well and shot at the suspects, according to Rullamas. Police do not yet know who fired their gun first.

The second victim of the shooting was the son of the pizzeria owners, Rullamas reported. He was in stable condition at a local hospital.

The two remaining suspects fled the scene on foot and have not been apprehended, according to Rullamas.

From SFGate.com of April 20, 2007

Pizza parlor owner shoots, kills suspect

The owner of an East Oakland pizza parlor shot and killed a robbery suspect during a chaotic confrontation during which the owner's son was accidentally shot, police said today.

Three men entered Coliseum Pizza at 8999 International Blvd. shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday and demanded money, police said. The owner of the restaurant pulled out a weapon and opened fire, hitting one of the assailants, a 22-year-old man, police said.

The suspect died at Highland Hospital in Oakland. His name was not released today pending an autopsy by the Alameda County coroner.

During the shooting, the owner's son was apparently struck by bullets fired by his father, police said. The son was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.

The other two robbery suspects escaped.

In a separate shooting, three suspected gang members or gang associates were shot and wounded when gunfire broke out near 86th Avenue and G Street in East Oakland, 10 minutes after the pizzeria shooting, police said.

Two victims were shot in the leg and the third was hit in the stomach, police said. All three were expected to survive, authorities said.

Hollywood, Florida

From the Pensacola News Journal of April 19, 2007

Man shot in possible home invasion

An unidentified man was shot once in the chest Thursday evening after he allegedly burglarized a home in the 2700 block of Hollywood Avenue, Escambia County deputies said.

Sgt. Ray Robinson said the homeowners returned to their house on Hollywood and found the suspect inside.

One of the residents retrieved a shotgun, while the other called 911, Robinson said.

The suspect attempted to leave the home and pushed one of the residents, knocking her to the ground.

At that time, the other resident fired one shot that hit the suspect in the chest, Robinson said.

The man who was shot was transported to Baptist Hospital. His condition was not known.

Cookeville, Tennessee

From the Cookeville Herald Citizen of April 19, 2007

Police say man shot in apparent home invasion

A man was shot and injured Tuesday night in what law officers say appears to be another "home invasion" case, the second such case reported here in a week's time.

In the Tuesday night case, which occurred on Peppermint Drive, a man named Brian Woods (age and address not available) was shot in the leg, allegedly by a homeowner after two men broke into a home and tried to rob the residents.

Woods was found on the porch of a nearby house, wounded and screaming for help following the alleged break-in, law officers said. He was treated at the scene by Putnam Ambulance medics and then airlifted to a hospital in another city.

According to a report by Putnam Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. David Gibbons, the residents of one house reported that around 9 p.m. Tuesday two men entered the basement of their home and tried to rob them.

"One subject was armed with a shotgun and the other with a SKS rifle," the report says. "The homeowner took the rifle away from one of the subjects and fired, and both subjects fled the scene."

Just moments after that, a neighbor of the victims called 911 and reported that "a male subject was on their porch needing help advising he had been shot."

The injured man allegedly told the deputies he had been driven to the area by a man named Jason and that he did not know where Jason was.

A rifle was found in the area, and Woods allegedly told the deputies that Jason's vehicle was a brown Oldsmobile, but searches of the area that night were unsuccessful, deputies said.

As the case unfolded, many officers and detectives were called in to interview the three residents of the home where the invasion occurred and other witnesses.

Another apparent home-invasion occurred on Joe Martin Road late Saturday night, and it is still under investigation. Carlton Warren, 27, of Nashville, was shot and injured in that incident, and a second man who was later brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound, though investigators are uncertain whether those two shootings were related.

Shreveport, Louisiana

From Shreveport’s KTBS.com of April 19, 2007

Men shoot each other during robbery attempt

Two men shot each other outside a Shreveport gas station early today after one got in the car with the other and tried to rob him, police said. The intended robbery victim was critically wounded.

The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. today on the parking lot of the Raceway station at 70th Street and Southern Avenue.

Shreveport police identified the wounded men as Garland Jones, 26, and Jarrett Robinson, 19, both of Shreveport. Both were shot several times, police said.

Detectives said Jones got into the car with Robinson and demanded money. Both started shooting each other as they sat in the car.

Jones faces attempted first-degree murder charges when he is released.

The men who were in a car with Jones were also arrested, police said. Donald Benard, 26, and Alfred Taylor Jr., 31, of Shreveport were booked on attempted murder charges.

Reno, Ohio

From the Marietta Times of April 19, 2007

Local jury acquits Reno man of assault

A Washington County jury decided Wednesday a Reno man was justified in clubbing his nephew and firing a gun at a vehicle outside his residence last August.

Mark W. Dunn, 54, of 65 Shady Hill Road, Reno, had faced up to 32 years in prison and $60,000 in fines after he was charged with assaulting his nephew, Jason Dunn, 20, of Marietta, and firing a gun at the man’s vehicle as it pulled from his residence.

Mark Dunn said his nephew arrived at his home drunk and with two friends around 2 a.m. Aug. 28 looking to settle a dispute. He claimed self-defense for clubbing the man and for later firing a gun.

Assistant Washington County Prosecutor Susan Vessels argued Dunn had a responsibility to walk away from the fight. She accused Mark Dunn of not fighting fair by bringing weapons to the fight.

“We can’t live in a society where we let people take the law into their own hands,” Vessels said. “We can’t live in a county where we let people take clubs and guns to a fist fight.”

Mark Dunn testified he tried to convince his belligerent nephew to peacefully leave his residence. When that failed, he said he tried to back the man away from his home with a club. He said that’s when Jason Dunn knocked him to the ground. While still on the ground, Mark Dunn said he began swinging a club at the man’s legs.

“It had no effect,” Mark Dunn said.

As he started to stand, Mark Dunn said his nephew drew his fist back to strike him. That’s when he struck him on top of the head with the club.

“He was towering over me,” Mark Dunn said. “I was going to get hurt. He’s no kid anymore. He’s a big guy.”

Dunn’s attorneys, Rolf Baumgartel and Bill Burton, said Jason Dunn was several inches taller and about 100 pounds heavier than their client at the time of the fight.

After striking Jason Dunn on the head, Mark Dunn said his nephew staggered back and fell against a car. As he went to check on him, he said two other men he hadn’t seen before came at him — one with a stick.

“I asked him what he thought he was going to do with that ... He said, ‘I’m going to defend myself.’ That’s when I said ‘to hell with this, I’m going to get my gun,” Dunn said. “It was three against one. There was two standing and one on the ground and I knew he was going to be getting up soon and that he was going to be double-mad.”

After grabbing a .22 rifle from inside his home, Mark Dunn said he came back out looking for the three men. He said he walked up behind their vehicle when he heard his nephew instruct the driver to run him down with the car.

“I thought they were going to squash me in my own driveway,” Mark Dunn said. “I tried to shoot the tires out. I wanted the car to stop. I was shooting at the tires, not the car.”

After two full days of testimony, the jury of 11 women and one man deliberated for about five hours before reaching the verdict.

Baumgartel said people have an absolute right to defend themselves.

“When you go to someone’s home at 2:15 in the morning and you get hurt — that’s just too bad,” Baumgartel said. “Jason Dunn didn’t just exercise bad judgment, he broke the law.”

Columbia, Missouri

From the Columbia Daily Tribune of April 18, 2007

Armed homeowner deters rural burglary

An apparent burglary attempt was thwarted early today when a homeowner armed with a gun confronted an intruder north of Columbia.

Boone County sheriff’s deputies responded at about 3:15 a.m. to the 4700 block of Flamingo Drive. The homeowner reported that an intruder had forced entry through the front door, according to a news release from the sheriff’s department.

After being confronted, the suspect ran from the residence to a car parked in the road near the home, the sheriff’s department said.

Deputies described the suspect as a black male wearing a black mask and black clothing. Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 875-8477.

Hollywood, Florida

From WFTV of April 18, 2007

Father Fatally Shoots Pit Bull After It Attacked Son

A Hollywood father said he fatally shot a pit bull that attacked his sons.

Police were investigating the alleged attacks and have not issued any citations.

But Greg Hernandez said the dog bit his 15-year-old son and cornered the teen and his younger brother in a bedroom of their home.

Hernandez told police he got a neighbor's gun and shot the dog four times. He said the dog came toward him while he was shooting.

There were no serious injuries. The 15-year-old was bitten in the leg.

The dog's owner, Candy Lee Salos, said her dog is usually chained while it's in the backyard and she doesn't know how it got loose.

In March, a pack of dogs, including two pit bulls, left a Deerfield Beach man in critical condition. Last year, a large breed dog (a Presa Canario) fatally mauled his owner in Coral Springs.

Ash Fork, Arizona

From Phoenix’ KPHO.com of April 17, 2007

Store Owner Holds Suspected Burglars At Gunpoint

Two Florida men were arrested in Ash Fork after Yavapai County sheriff's deputies found them being held at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Texaco gas station, a sheriff's office spokeswoman said.

Deputies were called to the Texaco around 12:30 a.m. Monday on reports of a burglary in progress.

When they arrived, they said they found the owner of the store holding 49-year-old Juan Luis Ruiz and 38-year-old Angel Borges Sanchez at gunpoint.

The owner told the deputies he'd found the men at the diesel pumps with the service panel off. The men had keys to the panel that no one but a technician should have had, deputies said.

According to deputies, the men said they'd had trouble getting their credit cards to work, but neither man was found in possession of credit cards or any other form of payment.

Ruiz and Sanchez were arrested on charges of felony trespass, possession of burglary tools and third-degree burglary. Bond for each was set at $25,000.

Noyo, California

From the Ukiah Daily Journal of April 17, 2007

Suspect shot by victim

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has arrested a San Francisco man for attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a man while trying to rob a boat in Noyo Harbor on Saturday.

According to sheriff's reports, deputies responded to Noyo Harbor at 8:24 p.m. Saturday and found the victim, a 69-year-old Willows man, suffering from multiple stab-wounds to the chest.

The victim was transported to the Mendocino Coast District Hospital for treatment. He told deputies that he had discovered the suspect, Jessie Hawley, 19, of San Francisco, allegedly trying to burglarize his boat.

Hawley allegedly stabbed the victim several times, after which the victim retrieved a gun and shot Hawley three times in the legs, according to the victim's statement.

The victim was flown to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Hawley was arrested later in the evening when he arrived at MDCH seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the legs. He told sheriff's detectives he had been shot in a different part of town.

Hawley was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and, after being cleared for his injuries, was transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held on $500,000 bond.

From the April 19, 2007 Fort Bragg Advocate-News:

A 19-year-old San Francisco man and a 69-year old Willows man were hospitalized with gunshot and knife wounds, respectively, following what Sheriff's investigators believe was a burglary gone wrong. According to Sheriff's Office reports, Jessie Hawley, of San Francisco, was arrested at Mendocino Coast District Hospital for attempted murder and taken to county jail after being cleared from the hospital with gunshot wounds to his legs.

At around 9 p.m., Saturday, April 14, a caller to 911 reported that he had been stabbed at a boat, temporarily moored in the harbor near the Wharf Restaurant. Deputies arrived to find that a 69-year-old male subject had been stabbed in the chest.

The victim, whose name was withheld by authorities, told deputies that he returned to his boat and found someone burglarizing it. Sheriff's Office reports said the victim was then stabbed by the burglar. The victim told investigators that he was able to get his gun and shoot the suspect three times in the legs while both were still on the boat.

Sheriff's Captain Kevin Broin said while the victim fled the boat, Hawley found another gun on board and shot at the victim out one of the boat's window as he ran away.

"It wasn't a safe place to be right about that time," said Broin, adding that the victim turned his gun over to authorities upon their arrival. Broin said the knife used to stab the victim was believed to be a weapon which Hawley regularly carried with him.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From Philadelphia’s KYW1060.com of April 17, 2007

Phila. Man Acquitted After Pulling Gun at Peewee Football Game

A Philadelphia judge has found a pistol-packing parent of a "peewee" football player was justified in pulling his gun on a substitute coach who was beating him during a sidelines altercation during a game in the Burholme section of Northeast Philadelphia last October ... .

The defense conceded that defendant Wayne Durkotch pulled out a gun, but said it was in self-defense after he was beaten to the ground by the coach.

Defense attorney Brian Quinn:

"He is someone who has a permit to carry, he's licensed to carry. He only pulled the gun when he was in fear of dying. He was getting beat. He acted responsibly. Once he pulled the weapon, he put it away right away after the situation cleared. He waited for the police as he should have done."

But coach Jermaine Wilson, who was filling in as coach that day, testified that parents including Durkotch were hollering and cursing him and that Durkotch had pushed him, and that's when he started hitting Durkotch.

The judge has found Durkotch not guilty of all charges, but the judge said he was extremely disappointed to see all of this happen around children, who are five, six, and seven years old.

Raleigh, Tennessee

From Memphis’ WREG.com of April 17, 2007

Suspect shot during home invasion

A robbery suspect is recovering at The Med after a would-be victim shot him.

The home invasion happened in Raleigh on the 4800 block of Northfield Circle around 9:30 Monday night. Memphis police say a relative of the renter opened fire after several men burst through the apartment door demanding cash.

Police say the apartment renter was pistol whipped by one of these men and that's when his brother pulled a gun and shot his assailant. Police say the other would-be robbers ran from the apartment and jumped into a car and sped off.

The robbery suspect is in The Med in critical condition with two gunshot wounds.

Long Beach, California

From the Long Beach Press-Telegram of April 17, 2007

L.B. man, 52, cleared of murder charges

Police and prosecutors say Breul acted in self defense during argument.

A 52-year-old Long Beach man accused of murder was cleared of the charge last week after police and prosecutors found the case was one of self-defense, authorities said Monday.

Gregg Breul was arrested at the scene of the crime shortly after he allegedly shot 32-year-old Ian Birkett on April 6, said Officer Juan Gomez, a Long Beach Police Department spokesman.

Officers responding to a 911 call found both men - whom police described as acquaintances - at Breul's home on West 47th Street near Rio Avenue. Paramedics rushed the victim to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where he died, Gomez said.

As homicide investigators delved into the case, however, the evidence and witness statements all pointed to self defense, according to a report filed by Deputy District Attorney Laurie Trammell.

Witnesses told police Birkett had gone to Breul's home to pick up his girlfriend and got into a fight with Breul as the couple began to leave.

At some point, Birkett - who was quite a bit larger than Breul - picked up a hammer. When Breul saw Birkett yelling at his girlfriend outside and told him to stop, the victim charged at Birkett, screaming that he was "going to kill him," according to Trammell's report.

Breul then opened fire, shooting multiple rounds until the gun's chamber was empty, the report states.

The murder charge was dropped on April 9 and Breul was released from the Men's Central Jail where he had been held on $1 million bail, according to court and jail records.

"It seemed to be a clear case of justifiable homicide," Homicide Lt. Rich Rocchi said Monday. "But if any new witnesses were to come forward or new evidence is found we would investigate (further)."

Birkett's cousin, Misty Martinez, said witnesses told his family that the men had been fighting over Birkett's girlfriend.

Kansas City, Missouri

From the Wichita Eagle of April 16, 2007

3 men charged in botched kidnapping in Kansas City

Three men face second-degree murder charges in an attempted kidnapping that left a fourth suspect dead.

According to police, the four men plotted to kidnap another member of their gang and demand a $50,000 ransom. Police said the suspects lured the man to a house Saturday claiming they wanted to buy drugs from him, then bound him with duct tape and called his brother, demanding the ransom be paid within 30 minutes.

The kidnap victim, a man in his 20s, managed to escape without injuries and call police after shooting one of his captors, police said. Police Sgt. Richard Sharp said the shooting was considered self-defense and the man has not been charged.

However, Marlyn L. Standifer, 18; Robertico Cooper, 19; and Antwan Wooden, 21, were charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping and armed criminal action. Standifer and Cooper were in custody, but police were still looking for Wooden, who also is wanted in an unrelated shooting death in January.

According to court records, the shooting happened when Antwan Wooden, Standifer and Cooper went to meet the victim's brother, who had gone to the police station.

Court records say the victim was left alone with Keith Wooden, 24, the older brother of Antwan. The hostage worked his hands free from the duct tape and took Keith Wooden's gun from him, court records say. When Wooden lunged at him, the victim fired, court records say. He then fled the house.

Wooden was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cooper also faces assault charges from a previous shooting. He is being held on a $250,000 cash bond, Sharp said. Standifer was being held on a $500,000 cash bond. Standifer had been sought on murder and assault charges involving shootings in December, January and March.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

From KATV of April 16, 2007

Store Clerk Shoots Suspect During Robbery

Pine Bluff - Quick thinking by a Pine Bluff convenience store clerk kept a would-be robber from getting away with cash and merchandise.

It happened just before 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the United filling station on Hutchinson and Dollarway road.

The suspect entered the business and demanded cash from the employee. That's when the clerk reportedly told the robber he would comply if the suspect shared a portion of the money and waited for a customer to leave the store.

(Lt. Bob Rawlinson, Pine Bluff Police Dept.) "The suspect went into the back room while a customer came in. When the customer left that's when the suspect came out and by then the employee armed himself and they exchange gunfire."

Officials say the suspect was apparently struck by gunfire and fled on foot.

Meanwhile, minutes after the incident, officials were called to a shooting victim in a residential area. There they found 20-year-old Norman Bullard with multiple gunshot wounds. Bullard alleged he was robbed by a man fitting the description of the suspect.

An investigation is ongoing.

Fort Myers, Florida

From the News-Press of April 16, 2007

Wounded suspect's condition improves

Fort Myers Police are investigating an attempted home invasion robbery this weekend in which the two suspects were shot, said spokeswoman Shelly Flynn this morning.

One suspected robber, Frederick Hunter, is listed in fair condition this morning, said hospital spokeswoman Pat Dolce after 10:30 a.m. today.

His condition was previously described by Fort Myers Police as critical.

Police received a call about a burglary in progress at 2:17 a.m. Saturday at the Westwood Apartments, 3709 Metro Parkway #2205.

Trevor Howard, 31, had just returned home and heard footsteps behind him as he was walking up the staircase to his second floor apartment.

Howard quickly entered his apartment locking the door behind him.

That’s when two masked men with firearms forced open Howard’s door and attempted a home invasion robbery Flynn said in her report.

There was an exchange of gunfire between Howard and the suspects. When police arrived they found Frederick Hunter, 31, of 6 Kingsman Circle in Fort Myers, lying on Howard’s floor with multiple gunshot wounds.

Hunter was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital .

Rishod Ferguson, 21, of 3189 Highland Ave. in Fort Myers, fled from the apartment and was found dead from a single gunshot wound in a car in the parking lot.

Both suspects were found wearing masks and gloves armed with semi-automatic handguns. Charges are pending against Hunter.

None of the three men have a criminal history with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Riviera Beach, Florida

From the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel of April 16, 2007

Robbery suspect healing after victim shot him, police say

Craig Adams picked the wrong man to rob, police said. The proof was a 9mm bullet lodged in his stomach from his own gun.

About 4:30 a.m. on April 8, a hooded Adams allegedly walked up to Lynn Brown, 28, who was pumping gas at the Chevron gas station at 1000 West Blue Heron Blvd. According to a police report, Brown said, "What's up," but became concerned when Adams didn't answer.

Police said Adams, who turned 24 in county jail Saturday, then pointed a stolen 9 mm at Brown and said, "You know what time it is."

Brown grabbed the slide portion of the semiautomatic gun and the two struggled. The gas station clerk called 911 to report the fight. Adams, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 175 pounds, fought with Brown, who is about the same size, and at one point slammed him against the car, police said.

But Brown didn't let go of the gun,and a round was fired into Adams' stomach, police said. Adams ran from the gas station with his hands up. Brown dropped the gun and ran to his car to get his .45 caliber, for which he has a valid license, police said. He called police, then waited to see whether Adams would return with friends, he told police.

"Even though I'm happy for the victim, he played a real dangerous role in this," Detective Sgt. Patrick Galligan said. "The best thing to do is give the money. But I've got to applaud the gentleman."

Galligan said people should get a good description of a suspect and the license tag number of the suspect's car and leave the rest up to police. Brown declined to be interviewed, saying through a friend that he feared retaliation. Both Brown and Adams are from Riviera Beach.

Police sent out an alert to other police departments to search local hospitals for someone matching the suspect's description. Just after 5 a.m., Atlantis police called Riviera Beach police to say they may have found the suspect at JFK Medical Center.

Adams was later taken by medical personnel to Delray Medical Center for surgery.

At JFK Medical Center, Riviera Beach detectives interviewed the three people who had brought Adams to the hospital: Tera Bradley, 21, Brittany Hightower, 20, and Jordan Lameille, 22. Their stories were inconsistent, police said, but they all said Adams had been shot in a gas station west of Lantana, not Riviera Beach.

Brown identified Adams -- who pleaded guilty to grand theft auto in 2005 -- through a photo lineup. The struggle was caught on surveillance camera at the gas station, police said.

Adams was charged with attempted robbery with a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, committing a felony with a firearm and grand theft of a firearm.

After undergoing surgery, Adams was booked into the hospital wing of the county jail Wednesday and held without bail. He was scheduled to have his first appearance before a judge today.

Pascagoula, Mississippi

From GulfLive.com of April 16, 2007

Pas man killed in shooting

A man found dead in a Pascagoula apartment early Saturday morning may have been killed in self defense.

Van "Buddy" Bardwell, 42, was found dead in the kitchen of Lowell Richard Semans' apartment at 4508 Lanier Avenue. Bardwell was clutching a hatchet, according to a press release from the Pascagoula Police Department.

According to the press release, Semans warned Bardwell not to enter his home, but Bardwell charged Semans, who shot him once with a .38 caliber handgun. No charges have been filed.

The press release also said Semans and Bardwell had a confrontation Friday evening, but Jonathan Randall and Danielle Roberts, who live in the apartment next to Semans, said they thought the two men were friends.

From the GulfLive.com of April 17, 2007

Man accused of retaliating after shooting

A $50,000 bond was set Monday for Benjamin Emmitt Tillman Sr., the 74-year-old Pascagoula man accused of retaliating against Lowell Richard Semans, who claimed self defense when he shot and killed Van Harold "Buddy" Bardwell Saturday night at the apartment complex Bardwell's mother owns at 4508 Lanier Ave.

Semans remained in critical condition Monday at Singing River Hospital from injuries he sustained when Tillman, father of Pascagoula police Capt. George Tillman, rammed his vehicle several times, ejecting Semans from his vehicle Sunday, the day after the shooting.

Semans, 61, told police that he shot Bardwell at about 11:50 p.m. Saturday after Bardwell abruptly entered Semans' apartment and charged him with a hatchet. Semans told police that he warned Bardwell to stop but he continued to come toward him. Semans then fired one shot from a .38-caliber handgun, fatally striking Bardwell.

Officers found Bardwell on the kitchen floor with a hatchet clutched in his right hand. Police said autopsy results and other evidence also supported Semans' statements and that Bardwell was in "very close proximity" to Semans when he fired the fatal shot to Bardwell's head.

Sgts. Ronnie Thomas and Joe Don Cunningham are continuing to research reports that the two men had some sort of confrontation before the shooting.

Semans has not been charged with any crime, and the case, because of the possible self-defense implications, will be presented to a Jackson County grand jury for final review, police said.

Meanwhile, Tillman is charged with aggravated assault, a charge that could be upgraded if Semans dies.

According to police, officer David Cole saw Tillman, driving a white Ford truck, begin ramming the rear of Semans' green Ford truck while both vehicles traveled north on Hospital Road on Sunday.

Cole reported that Tillman's actions caused Semans to lose control of his truck, cross the median at U.S. 90 and Hospital Road and enter oncoming traffic.

Tillman then crossed the median, chasing after Semans' truck, and began ramming it head-on, police said.

Semans was ejected from his truck on to the pavement. Acadian Ambulance took him to the hospital, where he was admitted into the intensive care unit for his undisclosed injuries.

Tillman and his two passengers, Donna Broadus and Benjamin Emmitt Tillman Jr., were all taken to the police department, where investigators learned the act was a retaliation for Bardwell's death.

No charges were filed against Benjamin Emmitt Tillman Jr. or Broadus.

Beaufort, South Carolina

From Savannah’s WTOC.com of April 15, 2007

Beaufort Woman Shoots and Kills Alleged Burglar

Beaufort Police are investigating a shooting that left a 17 year old Yemassee man dead. It happened around 11pm Saturday at the Wilderness Cove Apartments. Police said Alphonso Bright was shot and killed when he forced his way into the home of a 20 year old Beaufort woman. Officers said Bright asked Aileen Sugano if her boyfriend was home. When she told him no, he left, only to come back moments later and push his way inside. Police said he grabbed a bag of marijuana and some cash that was on the table. They said Sugano pulled a gun out from under the couch and fired a shot that hit Bright. Then she called 911.

Bright died later at the hospital. Sugano is charged with possession of marijuana. Beaufort Police are still investigating the shooting.

Cottondale, Florida

From Tallahassee.com of April 15, 2007

Shootout left one person critically injured

An argument between a Cottondale woman and her estranged husband resulted in a shootout Saturday night.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 11:40 p.m. from Paul Barber Jr., 52, stating that a man and a woman had been shot at his home, located in the 3400 block of Omaha Trail in Cottondale just west of Marianna. When deputies arrived, the front door had been kicked open and Julian Shiver, 44, and Felisia Shiver, 45, were lying on the floor.

According to reports, Felisia Shiver was visiting Barber when her estranged husband arrived. He wasn't let in so and (sic) he allegedly kicked the front door open. The confrontation grew into an argument where Julian Shiver pulled out a handgun and shot Felisia Shiver at least once in the head.

Maj. John Dennis said Barber pulled out a shotgun and the two men exchanged gunfire. Reports said Barber struck Julian Shiver twice in the torso.

Both Julian and Felisia Shiver were taken to Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Ala., and have undergone surgery. Dennis said Julian Shiver is in stable condition, and Felisia Shiver is in critical condition.

As of now, Julian Shiver could faces charges of attempted murder and armed burglary.

"He hasn't been arrested at this time. We're waiting to find out his condition,"