Orlando, Florida: Parking Lot Attendant Shoots At Robbers

Orlando, Florida

From December 27, 2007 WKMG channel 6:

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Central Florida man who collects cash for parking at a church fought off five armed men who had ambushed him and demanded cash.

The 65-year-old victim, who did not want to be identified, said he was collecting cash in the Parramore area before an Orlando Magic basketball game when someone put a gun to his head.

He noticed that that he was surrounded by four other men as well.

The man said he pretended to reach into his jacket for cash but instead pulled out his hidden gun and opened fire.

The men fled during the shooting and it was not known if any of them were hit by bullets.

The victim said he had a permit for the concealed weapon.

He said he has been a victim of crime before.

"A couple of years ago, eight teens attacked me with a pipe trying to rob me," the man said.

Florida: Panther kills farm animal, threatens ten year old boy

Golden Gate, Florida

From NBC-2 of December 30, 2007

Panther kills farm animal, threatens ten year old boy

A Florida Panther is causing trouble for one Golden Gate neighborhood. A Collier County man claims that a panther jumped over his fence, killed a farm animal, and almost attacked a ten year old boy.

Homeowner and Golden Gate resident John Edgar is no stranger to wild animals.

Edgar raises goats, peacocks, and roosters, but Sunday night, he captured pictures of a new, unwelcome gust - a Florida Panther.

Edgar said that he had taken a few kids out for target shooting practice Saturday afternoon and was unaware that a wild animal was following closely behind.

When all of a sudden, Edgar said that a panther jumped over a fence and stood just 50 yards away while crouching down as if it were ready to attack one of the boys that was with the group.

"What I would like to put forth is the fact that it stalked a kid, " Edgar said.

"I thought he was ready to jump so we both shoot, 'pow-pow,' not at the panther, just in the air."

After firing several rounds, the panther then ran away, and so did the little boy and his family.

(More)

Texas: Man in critical condition after bar security guard shoots him

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of December 29, 2007

Man in critical condition after bar security guard shoots him

A 28-year-old man was shot multiple times by a bar security guard early Saturday morning in the 100 block of West Rosedale Street, police said.

A security guard at the Cowboy Palace bar told police he was acting in self-defense when he fired multiple shots a man in a red car who allegedly tried to run over the security guard.

Jesus Torres was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. No arrests were made. Police seized the security guard's weapon.

Fort Worth police spokesman Lt. Dean Sullivan said detectives are investigating.

Missouri: Suspect in intrusion dies of wound

Columbia, Missouri

From the Columbia Missourian of December 28, 2007

Suspect in intrusion dies of wound

One of the intruders in an apparent home invasion in Columbia died Friday afternoon after he was shot by one of the occupants of the home.

Henry Lee Brown, 23, was shot as he and another intruder kicked open the front door of an apartment on Old 63 early Thursday morning, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department. He was pronounced dead at 1:43 p.m.

Columbia police Sgt. Ken Hammond said Brown suffered a gunshot wound to the chin, which exited, then came back through his throat and became lodged in his chest. Hammond did not explain whether the bullet had ricocheted.

At just past midnight Thursday, police responded to a call of shots fired at the apartment. Two people inside told police that two men had tried to kick open the door. One of the occupants retrieved a gun from another room, shot at the intruders as they came through the door and wounded Brown.

Brown and the other unidentified man then ran from the apartment. As police talked with the two people at the scene, they were notified that Brown had been dropped off at Boone Hospital Center’s emergency room. He was later transferred to University Hospital because his injuries were so severe.

Hammond said he doubts that charges will be filed against the person who shot Brown. He said the shooting would seem to fall under the Castle Doctrine, a legal statute that says Missouri property owners are allowed to use deadly force to defend themselves against unlawful intruders.

Brown did have a criminal history that included convictions for drug crimes and for misdemeanor assault and trespassing.

Hammond confirmed that police have been in contact with the two people from the apartment but said he could not comment on their reaction to the news of Brown’s death because the investigation is ongoing.

Further Links:

Suspect shot in apartment break-in dies

Domino's Delivers! (Lead To Robber)

St. Louis, Missouri

From the December 28, 2007 St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

A Domino’s pizza deliveryman who shot and killed a would-be robber in Pagedale has a valid permit to carry a weapon and appears to have acted in self-defense, according to St. Louis County police.

The driver, who works for the Domino’s franchise nearby in University City, delivered an order at 7 p.m. Thursday to a phony address in the 6500 block of Julian Avenue, where two armed men announced a robbery. The driver pulled his own pistol and fired shots, striking one of the robbers.

Brian Smith, 19, of the 600 block of Ferguson Avenue in Ferguson, was pronounced dead at the scene, said officer Tracy Panus, the department spokeswoman. The other gunman fled. Police arrested a suspect this afternoon and booked him pending application of warrants, she said.

Panus said the driver may have been fired upon, but was not wounded. She said officers found a pistol at the scene that hadn’t been fired.

The driver surrendered his own weapon and showed officers a concealed-carry permit from Florida. Panus said officers verified the permit this afternoon.

Panus said Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch’s office will review the police reports but added, "It doesn’t appear to us that (the driver) did anything wrong."

UPDATE: The January 3, 2008 St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the driver quit rather than be fired by Domino's for carrying a gun.

Antioch, Tennessee: Burglars Scared Off By Armed Resident

Antioch, Tennessee

From December 27, 2007 WKRN channel 2:

Police are looking for two men and a woman they believe are responsible for 5 burglaries in Antioch. Police were close to capturing the three after they burglarized a house, and the burglars were scared off from another house after the homeowner shot at them.

"I heard a big bam, a big pow, and I opened the blinds and saw the van plow through the fence," said Kris Kopp.

Tennessee: Man Shoots And Kills Burglary Suspect

Memphis, Tennessee

From WREG of December 28, 2007

Man Shoots And Kills Burglary Suspect

"It's so bad around here and i'm just afraid for my safety," says one woman we spoke to as she stepped outside of her apartment and saw crime scene investigators. Police were combing her neighbor's apartment following an alleged burglary attempt that ended in gunfire. Rhonda, who didn't want to give us her last name or show her face on camera, says crime at the Camelot Apartments has driven her to leave.

"I was already in the process of making preparations to move, but this has done it. This has given me the right to make the decision to just leave here," Rhonda says. A little before 5:00 this morning, a woman returned home and caught who she thought to be a burglar in the act.

Lt. Tony Armstrong, a homicide detective with the Memphis Police Department, says, "The victim called her boyfriend. Her boyfriend came over and investigated, found him inside the house and shot him multiple times."

Medics took the suspect to the hospital where he later died. Police spent several hours later combing the apartment for more evidence. We're told the man who shot the suspect did have a state gun carry permit. It's likely the man who shot the intruder will not face any charges. Neighbors like Rhonda agree with that decision.

"People work too hard to make a living for someone to just come in and take things, your personal items or to invade your apartment like that. I think it was justifiable," she adds

From MyEyewitnessNews of December 30, 2007

Southeast Memphis Shooting: Woman Charged

On Sunday, December 30, 2007, we have new information on a deadly shooting at the Camelot Manor apartments in Southeast Memphis.

Memphis police have charged a woman who lived at the apartment in connection with the shooting.

22 year-old Asa Marmon was shot and killed in Antionita Clay's apartment by her boyfriend after she told her boyfriend Marmon was a burglar.

Memphis police say Antionita Clay knew it was Marmon inside her apartment before she called her boyfriend and police about a burglar.

Police say that Clay and Marmon had a prior relationship and she wanted to end it.

Clay is charged with false reporting and reckless homicide.

Texas: Robber, Clerk Killed In Separate Store Shootings

Dallas, Texas

From Click2Houston of December 28, 2007

Robber, Clerk Killed In Separate Store Shootings

A robber and a clerk died in shootings at two separate convenience stores in the Houston area, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The latest shooting happened at the Tony's Express Store in the 4000 block of Synott in southwest Houston.

Investigators said just before 3 a.m., a store clerk shot two robbers who were stealing money from the register.

The robbers ran out of the store, drove around the corner in a pickup truck, and then crashed into the cab of a parked 18-wheeler, police said. The driver of the pickup died behind the wheel.

"At that point, the passenger jumped from the truck and fled the scene, ran down the street to another apartment. He was later apprehended and he is currently at Ben Taub Hospital with unknown injuries," Houston police Detective Roger Chappell told KPRC Local 2.

Further links:
Two killed in separate convenience store robberies

Store clerk fatally shoots robbery suspect

Alabama: Tallassee home invasion turns deadly

Tallassee, Alabama

From Al.com of December 27, 2007

Tallassee home invasion turns deadly

A man apparently was fatally wounded by shots from his own firearm when it was taken away from him during a Christmas morning home invasion in Tallassee, authorities said.

Investigators said two men had forced their way into the residence shortly after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday while the occupants were asleep. Once inside, one of the intruders held an occupant at gunpoint, but at some point had the handgun wrestled away and several rounds were fired at him.

Both suspects fled the scene, and Tallapoosa County sheriff's officers said Lee Antion Donaldson, 29, of Montgomery was admitted to Baptist South in Montgomery at 5 a.m. Wednesday with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett told The Alexander City Outlook his department is working with the Montgomery Police Department to determine if Donaldson was at the scene of the Tallassee home invasion.

The sheriff said Thursday that Donaldson's possible connection to the home invasion was still under investigation.

West Virginia: Woman shoots her husband during fight

Clendenin, West Virginia

From the Charleston Daily Mail of December 27, 2007

Woman shoots her husband during fight

Police say a Clendenin woman shot her husband after an argument turned physical.

The man is in the hospital after being shot in the abdomen.

Darrell and Leisa Welch, both 31, who are a legally-separated couple, got into a verbal argument at their residence on Thorofare Road on Wednesday night, said Kanawha County Sheriff's Lt. Sean Crosier.

After the argument, Darrell left the home, but returned just before 9 p.m., Crosier said.

Leisa locked the front door when he arrived, but Darrell kicked it in, Crosier said.

The two then got into a physical fight, the deputy said.

Leisa was able to get away from Darrell and got a small, .22-caliber pistol and shot him once in the abdomen, Crosier said.

He was taken to Charleston Area Medical's Center General Hospital where he is under evaluation.

Police did not arrest or charge either person in the case, but are requesting advice from prosecuting attorneys in the ongoing case, Crosier said.

The investigation is continuing, he said.

Connecticut: EW man fires shot to scare off burglar, both arrested

East Windsor, Connecticut

From the Journal Inquirer of December 24, 2007

EW man fires shot to scare off burglar, both arrested

Two men were arrested on numerous charges Saturday, police said, after a homeowner fired his shotgun out his window to drive away a would-be burglar.

Alan Pelletier, 45, of 95A Main St. in the Broad Brook section was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of firearms, and second-degree breach of peace by threat, police said.

Delroy A. Martin, 24, of 794 South St. Suffield, was charged with second-degree assault, criminal mischief, breach of peace, and criminal attempt to commit burglary, police said.

Officers responded to a call about 8:15 p.m. Saturday, police said.

"It appears Martin was attempting to break into 93 Main St. when shots were fired," Capt. Roger T. Hart said.

"It appears Pelletier shot a 12-gauge shotgun out the rear window of 95A Main St., presumably in an attempt to scare away the suspect," according to Hart.

No one was injured from the shooting, police said.

"When we arrived several people were holding a black male down," Hart said.

That man, Martin, was "attempting to break into a residence, using a garden tool to break down the door," according to Hart.

Martin appeared to have been intoxicated, and damaged multiple unit doors, Hart said.

Martin was held in lieu of $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear at Enfield Superior Court today.

Pelletier was released on $10,000 nonsurety bond and is to appear on Jan. 22 at Enfield Superior Court, Hart said.

The Civilian Gun Defense Blog does not usually accept stories where the citizen is charged with a crime in relation to the shooting. Nevertheless, we feel that, as reported, Mr. Pelletier's actions fall within the scope of this blog and should be included.

Texas: Guard fatally shoots intruder in Dallas business

Dallas, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram of December 27, 2007

Guard fatally shoots intruder in Dallas business

A man who reportedly sneaked into an east Dallas business late Wednesday was fatally shot by a man who was guarding the place, police said.

The shooting was a reported at 9:08 p.m. at the business in the 4300 block of Elm Street, which is east of the intersection of North Haskell Avenue. The neighborhood is a few blocks east of Baylor University Medical Center.

The man who was shot did not have an identification with him, but he appeared to be in his mid 40s, said Sgt. Bruce McDonald, a homicide detective.

A 24-year-old man who was hired to guard the business told police that he heard a garage door opening, but the remote-control opener had been stolen in an earlier burglary, McDonald said.

The guard then confronted the man, McDonald said. The guard said the man approached him in a threatening manner so he shot him with a handgun, McDonald said.

Investigators are trying to identify the dead man by means of his fingerprints, McDonald said.

The case, he added, will be turned over to a Dallas County grand jury which will determine whether or not the guard should face charges for shooting the man. Texas law states that a person can use deadly force to defend themselves or their property.

Further links:
Business Intruder Fatally Shot

Slain burglar had garage door opener from previous break-in at business

California: Man Shoots Another in Self Defense

Fresno, California

From KFSN of December 26, 2007

Man Shoots Another in Self Defense

No charges will be filed against a man who shot and killed another man in southeast Fresno on Christmas.

Police say it was self defense.

Investigators say a 26-year old man showed up at his ex-girlfriend's home on east Belgravia, around 4 a.m. to demand to see their baby.

Police say he hit the woman, pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot her.

The woman's cousin was in the home and shot the ex-boyfriend.

Police say he saved both mother and baby.

Police say the suspect had just been released from prison was deported to Mexico, but returned to the U.S.

Further links:
Man Kills In Self-Defense

Georgia: Mother Shot, Son Shoots Stepfather

Union County, Georgia

From WGCL of December 24, 2007

Mother Shot, Son Shoots Stepfather

A Fulton County woman was shot twice in the stomach early Monday morning by her estranged husband, police said.

Fulton County police said the woman was being escorted to her car in front of her home on Leisure Lane in south Fulton County by her son when her estranged husband shot her with a shotgun.

The woman's son returned fire, shooting his stepfather before calling police, investigators said.

"I had just come outside to walk my dog and I walked back in the house," said neighbor Mary Ann Washington. "As soon as I walked back in the house, I heard a girl scream and then I heard shots -- a lot of shots."

Police said the couple was involved in an on-going domestic dispute, with the woman obtaining a restraining order against her estranged husband before the shooting.

The woman's son had been walking her to her car in front of her home daily in order to provide protection for her, investigators said.

Both the woman and her estranged husband are in serious condition at a local hospital.

No information has been released on any charges that may be filed against the woman's son.

Further links:
Police: Husband Shot Wife, Son Shot Husband

Washington: Intruder Shot Dead By Kent Man

Kent, Washington

From KIRO of December 24, 2007

Intruder Shot Dead By Kent Man

Police said a Kent man interrupting a burglary in progress shot and killed an intruder when he came home to his East Hill apartment complex, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Police responding to reports of gunshots heard in the 26000 block of 106 Avenue Southeast in Kent spoke to the apartment residents who said that upon arriving home early Saturday night they found an apparent intruder inside their residence.

Authorities said there was a confrontation and multiple gunshots were fired.

The intruder died at the scene. No one else was injured.

No arrests have been made while police continue to investigate.

Further links:
Suspected intruder dies in Kent confrontation

Burglar shot dead by homeowner

Kent man who killed intruder had gun permit

Pennsylvania: Ingram convenience store clerk shoots would-be robber

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

From the Post-Gazette of December 25, 2007

Ingram convenience store clerk shoots would-be robber

A convenience store clerk in Ingram shot and seriously wounded a knife-carrying robber this morning.

Ingram police Chief John Doherty said the clerk may have fired at the would-be thief inside and then outside the 7-Eleven store at 10 W. Prospect Ave.

"He shot the robber several times. I'm not sure how many," Chief Doherty said this afternoon in a telephone interview.

But the gunfire began in the store about 4:30 a.m. and then apparently continued outside, Chief Doherty said.

He declined to identify either the clerk or the robber. Chief Doherty said the would-be thief is 20 years old and the clerk is in his mid-20s.

Emergency crews transported the robber to Allegheny General Hospital, where he underwent surgery, Chief Doherty said.

He said the clerk may have had a less serious injury.

"I believe the clerk was cut," Chief Doherty said.

Chief Doherty said the preliminary investigation showed that the clerk had a permit to carry a firearm. He said he knew this particular clerk because he had been robbed previously and Ingram police investigated the case.

Allegheny County police will be the lead agency in the case and file any charges, Chief Doherty said.

Further links:
Pittsburgh store clerk shoots, wounds knife-wielding robber

Ingram store clerk cleared in shooting

Ingram clerk points gun, will lose license: police (Same clerk, separate incident)

Georgia: Man Shot After Invading Home

Fort Mitchell, Georgia

From WRBL of December 24, 2007

Man Shot After Invading Home

A man ended up in the hospital on this Christmas Eve because of a shooting.

The shooting happened just after noon off of Bradley Road in Fort Mitchell in Russell County.

The Russell County Sheriff's Department tells News Three, two men entered the home with weapons drawn.

The men took off with some items, and then, the homeowner and the men had an altercation.

The homeowner shot one of the men.

Sheriff's Deputies say the two tried to get away in a stolen vehicle from Columbus but the vehicle was shot at as well.

The vehicle was found in a ditch on the homeowner’s property.

The men ran to the neighbor's yard, and the neighbor called 9-1-1.

“A man called saying there was a black male that had been shot, appeared to be by a shotgun, laying in his yard,” says Lt. Heath Taylor of the Russell County Sheriff’s Department.

One of the men is in critical condition at a local hospital.

Both men are in custody.

Alabama: Resident shoots, kills home intruder

Madison, Alabama

From the Huntsville Times of December 24, 2007

Resident shoots, kills home intruder

A Madison man shot and killed a man who was apparently trying to rob him in his apartment Sunday afternoon. Police are also looking for a woman who was the dead man's accomplice.

According to police reports, Paul Crabtree and Mary Elizabeth Holt were apparently armed with knives when they barged into a home at Charleston Oaks Apartments, 222 Kyser Boulevard around 4:10 p.m.

The resident shot Crabtree in the upper left chest. HEMSI paramedics took him to Huntsville Hospital where he later died.

The woman is 5-foot-8 with blonde hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a pink hoody with a Confederate flag on it.

Texas: Police: Bar Owner Kills Man In Self-Defense

Houston, Texas

From Click2Houston of December 24, 2007

Police: Bar Owner Kills Man In Self-Defense

A southeast Houston bar owner shot and killed a man, police said, in self-defense, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Officials said the shooting happened at Henry's Bar on North 80th at Avenue B at about 11 p.m. Sunday.

Police said a man walked into a bar and flashed a gun. When the owner asked him to leave, the man went outside.

"Outside the bar, there was another confrontation. He pointed the gun and the bar owner shot him and it appears to be self-defense at this time," said Sgt. E. Lorenzana with the Houston Police Department.

The man was shot in the head and died in the parking lot. His name was not released.

No charges have been filed against the owner.

Texas: Confrontation ends in fatal shooting

Conroe, Texas

From the Conroe Courier of December 22, 2007

Confrontation ends in fatal shooting

Police said a disagreement between two men in a local bar transitioned to angry text messages after the bar closed, then escalated to a physical confrontation that resulted in gunfire at an apartment.

Conroe police said 25-year-old Austin Revel Cargill allegedly shot and killed Jordan Robert Eakins, 26, around 2:45 a.m. at Cargill's residence in the Forest Creek Apartments off of North Loop 336.

Conroe Police Sgt. Bob Berry said Cargill was answering questions, but no charges have been filed.

"Once we received his statement, compared it with the evidence at the scene and presented the case to the District Attorney's intake division, it was concluded that there would be no arrest at this time," Berry said. "So far, the information we have is consistent and reasonable to believe in this case the complainant (Cargill) acted within the scope of the law."

A grand jury will hear the case and determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

...

Berry said it has not been determined what caused Friday's fatal confrontation. While the Police Department would not release the text messages exchanged, Berry said Eakins threatened to harm Cargill in the messages.

Eakins allegedly went to Cargill's residence and "began causing a disturbance at the front door of his apartment," which Berry said was confirmed by witnesses as well as the first 9-1-1 call made by Cargill.

"Cargill advised Eakins to leave and to stop beating on his door, then Cargill observed Eakins walk down the stairs in front of the apartment," Berry said. "Cargill unlocked the door and opened the door to see if Eakins was gone, which is when Eakins allegedly charged up the stairs and confronted Cargill in the doorway."

Berry said Cargill went back inside and warned Eakins not to come inside, saying he had a gun.

"Eakins allegedly lunged at Cargill through the open door and began to assault Cargill, causing both subjects to land on the floor," Berry said. "Cargill was still holding the weapon and was able to shoot the victim in the torso."

Cargill fired seven shots into Eakins with his Smith and Wesson .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol, Berry said.

He then called 9-1-1 a second time at 2:45 a.m. and said he shot the intruder, Berry said.

Medics transported Eakins to Conroe Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Lanny Moriarty ordered an autopsy.

Cargill had superficial injuries supporting his claim he was attacked, Berry said.

Investigators interviewed witnesses at Molly's Pub, located on North Loop 336, where the conflict allegedly started. Manager Daniel Hallock said he was shocked about the shooting. He said Eakins was a regular customer and liked by everyone.

"I've known Jordan for years," Hallock said. "He was a very laid-back, nice guy."
Hallock could not remember Cargill but said he and other employees agreed the name was familiar.

What surprised Hallock most, he said, was hearing police say the problem started at Molly's.

"Nothing happened here. There was no fight, no brawl, no altercation," he said. "As far as I know, he left here just fine and didn't seem intoxicated."

Hallock was so troubled by the news, he questioned his staff, including the bartender.

"I looked at (Eakins') tab, and he didn't drink very much," he said.

Berry said officers did not detect the odor of alcohol on Cargill or believe he was intoxicated.

California: Clerk shoots robber dead, chase closes I-10

Coachella, California

From the Desert Sun of December 21, 2007

Clerk shoots robber dead, chase closes I-10

A convenience store robbery-gone-wrong ended with one suspect dead and westbound Interstate 10 traffic backed up for nearly two hours Friday.

Three armed suspects entered the Y and M Market in the 1500 block of Second Street in Coachella about 11:30 a.m., according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

That's when they encountered something they may not have expected.

"The store clerk armed himself and shot one of the suspects," Sheriff’s Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela said.

It wasn't immediately clear what type of weapons the suspects had or how many times the man was shot.

Neighbors, though, said they heard three gunshots at the time of the robbery.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and took the unidentified man to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he died.

The sheriff's department is investigating the incident as a homicide, but the employee has not been charged.

The other two suspects fled the scene in a small sport utility vehicle, which may have been a green GMC Jimmy, Valenzuela said.

"They left the injured man behind," she said.

The suspect vehicle collided with another one near Tyler Street and Avenue 50. The second vehicle followed the suspects onto I-10 and confronted them in an area between Cook and Washington streets.

Authorities arrived at the scene and shut down all westbound lanes until about 1:45 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The two men were arrested on unspecified charges and their names, ages and residences have not been released.

Neighbors think the suspects were not from the area because all the nearby residents know the family that owns the market.

"The owner’s good — he’s a nice guy," said Jerry Larios, who lives down the street from the market.

The owner declined to comment on the incident, but neighbors said the market has been around for at least 15 years and had been robbed several times.

The Desert Sun reported in January 2002 that a robbery there left a suspect injured from two gunshot wounds.

The owner said in 2002 it was the third time he was robbed at gunpoint in four years.

Further links:
1 Dead, 2 Would-Be Robbers Nabbed In Coachella

Tulsa, Oklahoma: Robbers Chased With Gunfire

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From the December 21, 2007 Tulsa World:

A man was shot in the leg Thursday after exchanging gunfire with someone who apparently was trying to rob his brother.

The man who was shot went to a hospital, but his injury was not life-threatening, Officer Leland Ashley said.

The shots were fired just before 11 a.m. after a man who was fixing a flat tire outside his home in the area of 5900 E. 30th St. was approached by two men, one of whom pointed a gun at his back, Ashley said. He started yelling at the men, and his cousin and his brother -- who was armed with a gun -- came outside the house to help him.

Shots were exchanged, and the man's brother was shot in the leg, Ashley said. The assailants then ran away.

Police are searching for the two men, whose descriptions were not available. They also are continuing to investigate who fired the first shots and how many shots were fired.

North Carolina: Armed clerk turns tables on would-be robber

Greensboro, North Carolina

From the Greensboro News Record of December 20, 2007

Armed clerk turns tables on would-be robber

A Reidsville area store clerk turned the tables on a would-be robber by pointing a gun at him, the sheriff's office said.

Saveng Kaaosanga, 46, who works at the Cornerstone Market outside Reidsville, told the Rockingham County Sheriff's office a man entered the store with his right hand inside his coat as if he had a gun.

He was also keeping his face partially covered by pulling his shirt up and holding it with his left hand.

He demanded the money, but Kaaosanga refused. Instead, Kaaosanga defended himself by pointing a pistol at the suspect, the sheriff's office said.

The pistol misfired as he proceeded to flee the store.

He was last seeing climbing into a black, older model Ford truck.

The sheriff's office asks people with information to call 634-3238 to speak with a detective or Crimestoppers for a reward up to $1,000 349-9683.

Florida: Black driver shot 2 whites in self-defense

Miami, Florida

From the Miami Herald of December 19, 2007

Black driver shot 2 whites in self-defense

With one wielding a knife, two men pounded on Hygens Labidou's roofing truck and shouted racial epithets, authorities said.

''N-----, get out of the truck!'' they allegedly snarled, according to a copy of a 911 tape released Tuesday. One of the men, six feet tall and 350 pounds, tried to pull Labidou from the truck.

Moments later, Labidou, fearing for his life, pulled out his 9mm semiautomatic gun and fired, wounding the two Cooper City men -- one fatally -- in the middle of a busy Deerfield Beach intersection.

Labidou, 49, of Wellington, will not be charged because he acted in self-defense, the Broward Sheriff's Office said.

''These two men approached him with a deadly weapon in an aggressive manner,'' BSO spokesman Mike Jachles said. ``Clearly, he was inside his vehicle, and he was clearly within his right to defend himself.''

Edward Borowsky, 28, died Monday, four days after the shooting. The other man, Steven V. Lonzisero, 43, is under arrest, charged with murder during the commission of a crime. Even though he didn't pull the trigger, under Florida law, a person can be charged with murder if someone dies while the accused is committing a felony.

Lonzisero also will be charged with a hate crime, the BSO said.

Labidou has a concealed weapons permit, officials said.

The 911 tape reveals a hysterical Labidou, screaming to the dispatcher that he had been attacked.

''I shot them! I shot them!'' he yelled during the call, made just after 1 p.m. Thursday.

Labidou apologized to the dispatcher for shouting and then answered her questions.

``Both of them down, both of them are down . . . I knocked 'em both. I'm sorry, ma'am. I was trying to defend myself.''

''They said, n-----, get out of the truck. Both of them,'' Labidou said.

Asked by the dispatcher what he did, he replied: ``I shot 'em! I wanted to defend myself.''

The BSO is considering the case a hate crime because the attackers, who were white, shouted racial epithets at Labidou, who is black.

The BSO originally charged Lonzisero with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony. But just as Lonzisero was set to be released on bond, Borowsky died, escalating the charge to murder.

The incident happened in the middle of the afternoon as the vehicles were driving north on Powerline Road in Deerfield Beach. Lonzisero and Borowsky were in a white Ford pickup truck, along with Lonzisero's 15-year-old daughter. Labidou, who runs a family-owned roofing company, was driving a flatbed truck.

The BSO said Lonzisero and Borowsky were upset with Labidou's driving and began arguing with him. It's not clear where the vehicles were as the drivers were arguing.

But the BSO said the verbal sparring turned violent when Lonzisero stopped his truck at the intersection of Green Road and Powerline in front of Labidou's flatbed truck.

Lonzisero and Borowsky, who was armed with a knife, got out of the pickup, the BSO said.

Borowsky and Lonzisero pounded on Labidou's truck, yelling racial epithets at Labidou and trying to open his door, the BSO said. It's not clear whether Labidou fired from inside his vehicle, but the BSO said he fired several shots, striking both men twice.

The men fell to the pavement, and Labidou and several witnesses called 911.

One caller describes the scene to the 911 dispatcher: ``Two guys on the ground. One guy with the gun. He's on the phone. I don't know what happened. I didn't see what happened, but the guy is very calm.''

The caller pauses to yell, ``Put the gun down.''

''Stay away from him,'' the operator advises.

To which the caller replies: ``I am.''

Tuesday night, the upstairs lights were on in Lonzisero's home in Flamingo Townhomes Phase V. No one answered the door outside the townhome, which had Christmas bells on the door. Neighbors, who asked that their names not be used, said Lonzisero rented the unit and lived there with his three children and their mother, while Borowsky lived downstairs.

Lonzisero was in and out of the family's lives, they said. The few that knew the two men said they were confrontational.

Another said Lonzisero screamed obscenities at her one day when they were both trying to move their cars.

Labidou runs Impact Roofing in Riviera Beach, according to the company's website. It's been around since March 1999.

Further links:
Broward man charged with murder after road rage shooting

Georgia: Charges dropped in shooting death DA says wife acted in self-defense when she killed her husband

Summergrove, Georgia

From the The Times-Herald of December 20, 2007

Charges dropped in shooting death DA says wife acted in self-defense when she killed her husband

All charges against 61-year-old Bobbi J. Dailey, the woman accused in the shooting death of her husband, Michael, at their home in SummerGrove on Feb. 6, have been dropped by the Coweta County District Attorney's office.

Dailey had been charged with two counts of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. In light of new evidence recently uncovered, the District Attorney's office has concluded that Dailey was acting in self-defense on the evening of Feb. 6 and have therefore dismissed the case against her, according to Assistant District Attorney Pat Dutcher.

Dailey, who was represented by Criminal Law Attorney Lawrence Delan, has been out of the Coweta County Jail since posting the $25,000 bond set by Coweta Superior Court Judge A. Quillian Baldwin on March 9.

According to Dutcher, the original evidence presented by the Newnan Police Department detectives indicated that Dailey may have maliciously shot and killed her husband. The investigator for the District Attorney's office recently discovered new evidence that indicated that Dailey reasonably believed she had to use deadly force to defend herself against her husband the evening of Feb. 6.

On the night of the shooting, Coweta 911 received a call at 10:10 p.m. from 507 Hunterian Place in SummerGrove from Bobbi Dailey. Police arrived on the scene to find Michael lying dead on the floor in a bedroom with a single gunshot wound to the heart.

Investigators determined that the Daileys had gotten into an argument while both were under the influence of alcohol in which one of them had retrieved a .40 caliber Sig Sauer gun. Bobbi got that gun and fired one shot, striking her husband in the chest, according to police.

"While we don't condone the act, this is no doubt a tragic situation," said Dutcher. "We believe now that we have the complete picture in the best interest of justice — that is our ethical responsibility."

Psychological testing conducted on Dailey indicated that she suffered from Battered Person Syndrome, a sub-category of post-traumatic stress disorder. The investigator with the District Attorney's office had interviewed two of Michael's former spouses and concluded that there was a history of abusive behavior, according to Dutcher.

Furthermore, Dutcher stated that evidence suggests that Michael had struck his wife the evening of the deadly altercation. Michael's right hand was swollen with abrasions, and Dailey's left eye was reportedly swollen and bruised. There was also a hole in the wall of the kitchen with traces of blood indicating that Michael may have punched his fist through it. Finally, there was a scratch mark on his neck suggesting to investigators that Dailey had tried to fight back.

"All the evidence was consistent with a domestic altercation," said Dutcher. "This was a difficult case, and the Daileys are good people. My heart goes out to the them in this tragedy. The possibility that we could reopen this case exists if any new evidence presents itself."

(More)

Niceville, Florida: Burglars Shot At

Niceville, Florida

From the December 19, 2007 Northwest Florida Daily News:

Not long after Niceville resident Harold Crown fired a handgun at three would-be burglars, a teenager turned up at Twin Cities Hospital with a bullet wound to his torso.

Coincidence?

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office thinks not.

Crown, 64, told authorities someone knocked on his door at about 10 p.m., Tuesday and when he opened it two men wearing hooded sweatshirts and ski masks “rushed in and knocked him down,” a Sheriff’s Office news release said.

The 23rd Street resident said a third man followed the first two into the house and began beating and kicking him.

“Crown grabbed a .45 caliber handgun from a shelf of a bookcase and a struggle ensued over the gun,” the news release said.

The homeowner told deputies he fired once and didn’t hit anything. He fired a second time, the release said, “but wasn’t sure if anyone was struck.”

Crown’s assailants fled the scene after the second shot was fired. He went to a neighbor’s house and called 911, the release said.

“A short time” after the incident a 19-year-old arrived at Niceville’s Twin Cities Hospital wounded from a gunshot to the torso, the release said. He was treated and transferred to West Florida Hospital.

Baldwin County, Georgia: Home Invader Killed

Baldwin County, Georgia

From December 19, 2007 WMGT:

Authorities in Baldwin County are investigating an attempted home invasion and robbery today, after a man was shot and killed while trying to rob a family.

It happened at a home on Lakemere Lane in the Oaks at Willow Lake subdivision.

According to Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee, a homeowner went outside last night around 8:30pm and was attacked by two men. The homeowner was shot in the hand and pushed inside his home; he was held at gunpoint, and his wife was held at knife point.

Another relative was able to get out of the home and alerted the homeonwner's son, his parents were being attacked and robbed. The son arrived at the home with a gun, and shot and killed 27-year old Alonzo Mosley of Milledgeville. Mosley was pronounced dead at the scene.

This remains an ongoing investigation. Sheriff Massee says he does not believe this was a random robbery.

No charges will be brought against the victim's son for shooting Mosley. The sheriff says he feels like his actions were justified and necessary, adding "he did exactly what he should have done to protect his family".

Florida: Police: Armed intruder killed by armed resident

Palm Coast, Florida

From the Daytona Beach News-Journal of December 18, 2007

Police: Armed intruder killed by armed resident

A man was shot to death Tuesday night outside a home on Pheasant Drive after a gun battle with a resident of the home, authorities said.

Flagler County sheriff's officials are withholding the name of the slain man, who appears to be in his 20s, until family members can be notified.

Deputies were called to the home at 43 Pheasant Drive shortly before 7 p.m., Chief Deputy Rick Look said.

They found what appeared to be a case of self-defense initiated after the man entered the home "uninvited," Look said.

The two residents, a man and woman whose names were not released, told investigators the man entered their home through the unlocked front door. The male resident "grabbed a gun and fired it at the intruder," Look said.

The intruder ran out the front door, turned around and fired a gun at the residents, Look said they told investigators.

The male resident returned fire, Look said.

Investigators aren't sure which shot was the one that killed the man, causing him to fall outside the home.

Look said they can't be certain until further investigation but investigators don't think the event was random.

"We're trying to determine if there's a relationship between the victims and the suspect," Look said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was called in to assist the Sheriff's Office and process the scene, Look said. And even though the shooting ended outside in plain view of neighboring homes, "neighbors didn't see anything," Look said.

"I heard something," a woman who lives across the street from the home said. "I just thought it was firecrackers, though."

The resident declined to give her name but said the experience was "pretty freaky" for her. She moved to Palm Coast from Miami, and although there's more crime in South Florida, "it was never this close to home," she said.

Investigators are also looking into what a neighbor called a "suspicious silver Hyundai" that was parked across the street from the home for three days.

"It didn't move, and now suddenly it's gone," the woman said.

Further links:
Man Fatally Shoots Home Intruder

Arizona: Man turns tables on thief, wrestles gun away

Phoenix, Arizona

From AZCentral of December 17, 2007

Man turns tables on thief, wrestles gun away

A man turned the tables on a gunman Saturday by wrestling a rifle from him, turning it around and firing.

Police said the pistol-grip shotgun either misfired or was empty, and the robber and an accomplice ran off.

The incident began about 5 p.m. Saturday on the side of the Ross clothing store building near Power Road and Southern Avenue. The victim was seated in his car when two men in their late teens or early 20s pulled their car alongside and parked. They approached the victim on foot, showed the gun and demanded money. The victim struggled with the man and was able to get the gun from him and fire it. The second thief helped get the gun back and they took some items from the vehicle before fleeing.

The robbers' vehicle was described as a dirty white four-door sedan, possibly a Crown Victoria or a Mercury.

Michigan: Alleged carjacker in Burton shot by apartment security guard

Burton, Michigan

From the Flint Journal of December 18, 2007

Alleged carjacker in Burton shot by apartment security guard

An armed security guard on patrol at Kings Lane apartments shot and critically wounded a man who allegedly attempted to carjack the guard's personal car Monday night, Burton police reported.

In a media release, Detective Shawn Duncanson said a 21-year-old male threatened the guard with a handgun and attempted to take his vehicle at 4400 Kings Lane about 9:38 p.m. on Monday.

The security guard, of Michigan Security and Investigations, shot the suspect twice in the torso with a .357 Magnum, Duncanson said.

The suspect was reported in critical condition at an area hospital.

Duncanson said the incident will be forwarded to the Genesee County prosecutor's office for review.

He said he does not expect any charges to be filed against the guard.

New Hampshire: Police: Woman Killed When Couple Shoots At Each Other

Newbury, New Hampshire

From WMRU of December 17, 2007

Police: Woman Killed When Couple Shoots At Each Other

A Newbury man shot and killed his wife after she fired a shotgun blast at him during an argument, police said.

Karen Dion, 38, was killed Sunday in her driveway.

In a statement, authorities said Dion's husband, Gary Dion, 37, called police around 2:30 p.m. to report shots fired at their home. Arriving officers found Mrs. Dion's body in the driveway.

Police say the exchange of gunfire was prompted by a dispute between husband and wife.

"After that dispute, Mrs. Dion retrieved a shotgun and fired it at Mr. Dion, who was outside clearing the driveway," said a statement from the attorney general's office and police. "Mr. Dion then retrieved his own firearm and after being confronted by Mrs. Dion, who still had her shotgun, he shot and killed her in the driveway of their home."

Dion, who had been using a snowblower, was not injured, said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin.

Dion has not been charged as the investigation continues. He was not armed when police arrived, Strelzin said, and was released Sunday night after questioning.

Strelzin said many details had not been pinned down, or could not be released as police investigate.

Strelzin told WMUR-TV that Mrs. Dion fired at her husband from a balcony, and that Gary Dion then got a handgun from his vehicle and shot her near a garage.

He could not elaborate on Karen Dion's wound, the number of shots fired or the nature of the dispute.

"Generally, we are looking into their relationship, their history, which will include talking to neighbors, family and friends," Strelzin said.

Strelzin said as far as they know, no one else saw the incident, and police were canvassing the neighborhood to see if anyone heard anything.

He said the home is on Mountain Road, off Route 103, and can be seen by at least one other home.

Minnesota: Minn. man shoots cops after SWAT team kicks down wrong door

Minneapolis, Minnesota

From USA Today of December 17, 2007

Minn. man shoots cops after SWAT team kicks down wrong door

A Minneapolis police SWAT team kicked in the wrong door yesterday during an early morning raid, prompting the man of the house to grab his gun and open fire on the officers who entered the house.

"He took out his shotgun and he said if they are bad guys I'll shoot, I'll scare them away," Dao Khang, the brother of the homeowner, Vang Khang, tells the Star Tribune. "He fired first, he told me it was two shots."

Dao Khang says his brother was trying to protect his wife and six children. No one from the family was hit during the exchange of gunfire. Vang hit two officers, but the Pioneer Press says they were protected by ballistic vests and helmets.

"I must've heard over 20 or 30 shots, I swear, it was scary," Ruth Hayes, the family's next-door neighbor, tells WCCO-TV. "It was like 30 SWAT guys out here ... it was crazy it was just like havoc."

KARE-TV reports that Vang was detained at the scene and released a few hours later. Police say there may have been a "language barrier" between the residents and the officers.

"It was some bad information that was received on the front end that kind-of trickled all the way through," police Sgt. Jesse Garcia tells the station. "It's unfortunate because we have officers that were hit by gunfire and this truly, truly could have been a much worse situation."

Police haven't decided whether they'll try to charge Khang with a crime. KMSP-TV says the Khang family is consulting with a civil attorney.

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune of December 18, 2007

Police chief apologizes to family

The family involved in a botched high-risk police search of their north Minneapolis home early Sunday said today that Police Chief Tim Dolan has personally apologized to them.

Dolan met with members of the Khang family earlier today, said Sia Lo, the family's attorney during a news conference held in the upstairs master bedroom that was riddled by at least two-dozen bullet holes. Family members said the shots came from police.

Lo said that Dolan told the family the wrong house was raided and that there was "a breakdown in communication," that led a SWAT team to descend on the home in the 1300 block of Logan Avenue N.

On Monday, Dolan met with members of the Hmong community and family elders. His meeting today with homeowner Vang Khang, his wife, Vee Moua, and extended family was considered a positive step in the healing process, Lo said.

Police apologized, admitting that they had erred based on bad information from an informant, the alleged victim of a violent crime at the house, believed to be one of the last pieces in a long-term investigation focused on violent gang members.

Police said they had no reason to believe the information was inaccurate. They had the right address on the warrant, but the house wasn't occupied by anybody they wanted.

Moua said while watching television she heard noises that ended up being a SWAT team entering the rear of the house about 12:30 a.m. Sunday. She raced upstairs to wake up her husband.

Khang, thinking the intruders were burglars, fired at police through a bedroom wall he said in fear that they would harm his sons in another bedroom. The shots hit two officers, one in the back and one in the head, but both were uninjured because they were wearing protective armor. Police shot back, but did not hit him.

Khang said he realized the intruders were the police only after his 12-year-old son told him so in Hmong.

"Things could've been very tragic," Khang said Tuesday. "Maybe there were spirits watching over us."

Lo said the family will be staying with relatives indefinitely. "I think it will be very difficult for the children right now to come back at this time," Lo said.

Further links:
SWAT Team Barges Into Wrong Home; Scared Home Owner Shoots Cops

Florida: Nursing Home Security Guard Shoots Armed Man

St. Petersburg, Florida

From the Tampa Tribune of December 16, 2007

Nursing Home Security Guard Shoots Armed Man

A security guard shot a man in the parking lot of a St. Petersburg nursing home after the man retrieved a gun from his vehicle.

Jacob Michaels, 33, drove his girlfriend and friend to their workplace, Bons Secours Maria Manor Nursing Home, 10300 4th St. N., around 11:30 p.m. Saturday so the friend could retrieve her car. Michaels waited in the car, according to a St. Petersburg Police press release.

While he waited, he was approached by Richard Dunn, 41, the nursing home security guard. Michaels, who isn't an employee of the home, became angry and the pair argued. That's when Michaels retrieved a gun from his car and Dunn shot him, twice.

The wounds are not life threatening, according to police.

Charges haven't been filed since the shooting appears justified, the press release stated. The case is being reviewed by homicide detectives.

North Carolina: Store worker returns fire during attempted robbery

Greensboro, North Carolina

From the Greensboro News Record of December 16, 2007

Store worker returns fire during attempted robbery

A store worker returned fire after someone fired shots during an attempted robbery Saturday night, police said.

The employee, who was not identified, was closing Andy's Pantry at 1301 Grove St. and was walking to his car when someone approached him from the south side of the business, according to Greensboro police.

The employee told police the man opened fire at him with a handgun.

The worker returned fire with his own handgun. The man then ran away.

Police described him as black, 20 to 25 years old, medium to dark skin, and 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 inches tall. He had a slender build and was wearing a black bomber jacket with orange lining and a fur collar, black jeans and a black T-shirt. He had white Nike Air Force One tennis shoes.

The employee was not injured. It's unknown whether the would-be robber was injured, police said.

California: Fresno business owner shoots at men after they robbed him

Fresno, California

From the Fresno Bee of December 15, 2007

Fresno business owner shoots at men after they robbed him

The owner of Jazzy Jeans at Fresno Street and Fagan Alley in downtown Fresno reported that he shot at three men after they held him up and took money and clothing, Fresno police said.

The owner said the robbers were fleeing in two cars south on Fagan Alley when he fired three shots at them.

Two of the robbers were armed with handguns, the owner told police.

Police said it was not known whether anyone was hit by the gunfire.

The robbery was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m Saturday.

The owner's name was not made public.

The investigation is continuing.

Texas: Shootout at grocery leaves customer dead

Houston, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of December 15, 2007

Shootout at grocery leaves customer dead

A botched robbery of a Fiesta grocery store in north Houston is believed to have left two people dead — a 68-year-old woman buying cold medicine and one of the men who tried to hold up the store.

Janette Dominguez, who was caught in the crossfire Friday night between the would-be robbers and the store's security guard, died at Ben Taub General Hospital.

The body of a 27-year-old man, thought to be one of the gunmen, was found later that night at 1208 Northville with a gunshot wound to the torso.

The store's security guard, who was shot in the abdomen, is reportedly in stable condition at Ben Taub.

On the same night, the owner of a small Texas City mom-and-pop grocery store shot and killed an armed robber, authorities said. No charges have been filed against the store owner.

At the Fiesta at Fulton and Patton, two men — one armed with a shotgun and the other with a handgun — entered the store about 9 p.m. Friday, said Sgt. Robert Odom with the Houston Police Department's homicide unit.

Wearing hoods and ski masks, the gunmen threatened a male employee to try to gain access to the store's courtesy area.

"They apparently walked in and grabbed the nearest employee and demanded to be let into the courtesy booth," Odom said.

The armed security guard was taking a break in the coffee shop near the back of the store when he heard the disturbance and went to investigate, Odom said.

When one of the suspects saw the security guard come around the corner, he opened fire, said Odom, noting that the guard's uniform closely resembles an HPD uniform.

The gunmen and security guard exchanged gunfire. Dominguez, who was waiting to check out in the first express lane near the entrance, got caught in the crossfire, authorities said.

"There was a bottle of cold medicine still sitting there," Odom said.

The gunmen fled in a stolen minivan that crashed several blocks away, in a ditch behind the Irvington Pentecostal Church. Police found blood inside the vehicle, thought to be from the man later found dead, Odom said.

(More)

Tennessee: Man shoots and kills fleeing burglar

Knoxville, Tennessee

From the Knoxville News Sentinel of December 16, 2007

Man shoots and kills fleeing burglar

A Powell man coming to his grandson's rescue shot and killed a fleeing burglar Saturday, authorities said.

Tilvis Coffey, 42, of Knoxville died at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knox County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Martha Dooley said. His record shows an "extensive" criminal history, including arrests for theft, aggravated burglary and probation violation, she said.

Officers haven't filed any charges against Harry Smith, 58. Smith, who has a gun permit, shot Coffey once in the head with a revolver as Coffey ran from the house at 103 Copeland Road, Dooley said.

Coffey didn't have a weapon at the time, she said.

Coffey showed up at the house just after noon while Smith's 14-year-old grandson was there alone, Dooley said.

"A man came to the door he didn't know," she said. "He called his mother, who told him to hide in the closet."

Coffey kicked in two doors and made his way inside, Dooley said. The boy called 911 from the closet. Meanwhile, his mother called Smith, her father. Smith, who lives nearby, headed to the house and confronted Coffey inside, Dooley said.

Coffey ran out just as the boy's grandmother stepped out of her car, Dooley said.

"Smith told the man to stop or he'd shoot," Dooley said.

She said she didn't know how far away Coffey was when Smith fired.

The boy and his grandmother weren't hurt, Dooley said. Their names weren't available Saturday night, and Smith couldn't be reached.

Further links:
Knox Co. man kills intruder at daughter’s home

Ohio: Campbell cops call homicide justified

Campbell, Ohio

From the Youngstown Vindicator of December 15, 2007

Campbell cops call homicide justified

Police do not plan to charge Nicholas Galanses in the Wednesday night shooting death of Ronald G. Harrison II.

"I discussed it with Law Director Mark Kolmacic, and unless something new comes up, we're looking at it as a justifiable homicide," Detective Sgt. Gus Nicolaou said Friday.

Kolmacic said a person may defend himself if he believes he is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. The duty to retreat does not apply if a person is in his home, he said.

"We're taking a close look" at the results of a breath test that showed Galanses had a blood alcohol level of .156. That is above the legal limit of .08 to drive a vehicle, but there is no law against drinking in one's own home, Kolmacic said.

Further, the law director said, there is nothing in the police reports to indicate his alcohol level caused any reckless behavior.

Galanses, 40, shot Harrison three times shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday in his (Galanses') garage, which is attached to his home in the 300 Block of Porter Ave.

Harrison, 19, of Bright Avenue, was hit in the stomach, the right arm between his wrist and elbow, and in the back just below his left shoulder blade, but at an angle indicating he was turning when the bullet struck, Nicolaou said.

Nicolaou said Harrison, whom Galanses said was raising a pistol at him, was shot at a distance of 5 to 10 feet, judging from where Harrison's weapon, which turned out to be a Daisy air pellet gun, was found.

Harrison, who was found lying in the street in front of 332 Porter, was wearing a nylon stocking cap over his head and face, according to the police report.

"It's definite he went to rob. He had stolen the pellet gun from a friend's house about an hour earlier," Nicolaou said of Harrison.

The Mahoning County Coroner's report on the shooting contained no new details, and said the circumstances surrounding the homicide are pending investigation. Harrison's body was sent to Cleveland to be autopsied.

The night of the shooting, Galanses told police he went to the garage door after the front door bell rang and asked, "Who's out there?"

On his way to the garage door, Galanses, who said he never answers his front door, picked up his .357 magnum revolver from his dining room hutch.

When he opened the door to the attached garage, he saw a man run into the garage from the front porch side of the driveway, raise a black handgun toward him and yell, "Give me the money ...!"

Galanses, standing halfway inside the dining room and halfway in the garage, said he feared he was going to be shot. He raised the .357 magnum and fired several shots at the intruder.

If the shooting is ruled a justifiable homicide, it will be the first in the area since October 2005, when Walter Swita used a German Luger 9 mm pistol to shoot an intruder in the head and chest in the living room of Swita's home on South Avenue.

Texas: Man killed during grocery store robbery

Texas City, Texas

From the Galveston Daily News of December 15, 2007

Man killed during grocery store robbery

A would-be robber met the same fate at a Texas City convenience store Friday night as another robber did years ago.

The man, armed with what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun, reportedly went into Jones Grocery, 616 Ninth St. N., about 8:40 p.m. Friday. He demanded cash, and the owner complied.

However, when the robber grabbed the money and ran, he only made it as far as the door, police said. The store owner had reached under the counter and grabbed his own gun, a clear description of which was not available Friday night.

The owner fired three shots, one of which hit the fleeing robber in the head. The man fell, dead.

The robber had not been identified Friday night, but police described him as an African-American man in his late 20s or early 30s.

Police cars and fire trucks blocked off Ninth Street around the store, while investigators talked to witnesses, including the store owner.

The store owner was the same man who shot and killed another robber at Jones Grocery about eight years ago. In that case, an armed man became distracted while robbing the store, and the owner shot him.

Police Capt. Brian Goetchius said detectives would have to conclude interviews with witnesses and collecting evidence at the store.

Texas law does contain a provision allowing a person to shoot someone who is committing a crime on the person’s property.

Wichita, Kansas: Home Invader Shot

Wichita, Kansas

From the December 14, 2007 Wichita Eagle:

Wichita police are investigating a break-in at an apartment that led to one of the suspects being shot.

Two men forced their way into an apartment in the 2700 block of East Ninth Street at about 6 p.m. Thursday, police reported, and began beating up a 26-year-old man who lived there. The victim broke away at some point and fired a shot at the two suspects.

One of them, a 24-year-old man, was hit by the bullet and later went to Wesley Medical Center, police said. He was admitted and remains hospitalized today. Police are still looking for the second intruder, a 31-year-old man known by the apartment resident.

The incident remains under investigation, police spokesman Gordon Bassham said, but the shooting "may have been self-defense."

California: Armed store owner foils robbery

San Diego, California

From the San Diego Union Tribune of December 13, 2007

Armed store owner foils robbery

Two masked gunmen held a North Park liquor store owner's daughter at gunpoint Thursday night but ran off when the owner pointed a gun at them.

The robbery try occurred at United Market and Liquor on University Avenue near Hamilton Street shortly before 10 p.m.

San Diego police said one of the men walked from the front door to the counter, while the other came in the back door and stepped behind the counter. He raised a handgun to the woman's head and demanded cash.

The store owner, sitting by the front door, pulled out his own pistol and aimed it at the robbers, police Sgt. Rich Nemetz said. The masked men ran away without getting any money.

Police did not release a detailed description of the robbers.

Texas: Suspected Burglar Shot, Killed by Homeowner

Houston, Texas

From MyFoxHouston of December 14, 2007

Suspected Burglar Shot, Killed by Homeowner

A suspected burglar is dead after being shot and killed by a homeowner in southwest Harris County.

Deputies say when they arrived at the home early Friday morning, a man's body was found hanging out part of a window.

Investigators say the shooting happened around 2 a.m. when the homeowner heard a window break in his home. Police say the homeowner fired three shots at the suspect.

Area residents told FOX 26 News several shootings have happened in the area recently.

The case will be handed over to homicide detectives.

From the Houston Chronicle of December 14, 2007

Suspected burglar fatally shot at Harris County home

A southwest Harris County homeowner shot and killed a man he discovered climbing into a window of his house at about 2:15 a.m. today, investigators said.

Steven Dunbar, 44, died in the window of the home in the 3400 block of Cascadia, Harris County sheriff's homicide Det. Rolf Nelson said.

Nelson declined to name the homeowner but said the man, 32, was asleep in the house with his wife, a son, 6, and an infant daughter when he heard a loud noise.

"The homeowner says he heard a loud noise, possibly a gunshot, that startled him out of bed," Nelson said. "As he got up, he said he heard another loud noise and he said the house was shaking."

The man had retrieved a pistol he keeps and was on his way to investigate the noises when he heard glass breaking in a bedroom.

"When he entered that bedroom, he said he saw a burglar coming through a broken window," Nelson said. "He shot several times and struck the burglar several times, killing him at the scene."

Exactly what Dunbar was trying to do and why there was so much noise before the homeowner discovered Dunbar remains unclear, Nelson said.

Deputies found a back screen door on the back of the house torn from its hinges, which could account for the shaking feeling the homeowner said he noticed after he awoke, Nelson said.

"He's got a pretty extensive criminal record of felonies over the last 13 years," Nelson said of Dunbar. "He has at least 12 arrests for felonies and a half dozen convictions. We don't know if he was intent on some other crime or if it was a burglary for something he could turn into money."

The area around the shooting scene was taped off by deputies at about 3 a.m. today and the homeowner was not available for comment.

The home is in the Forest View subdivision near the intersection of FM 1093 and Addicks-Clodine.

While the investigation continued late this morning, Nelson declined to say exactly how many times Dunbar was shot and where the bullets hit him.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner and the case is expected to be referred to a Harris County grand jury for review, Nelson said.

(More)

**Updated August 14, 2008**

From KTRK of August 13, 2008

Man who killed intruder no billed

A homeowner who shot and killed a man breaking into his home was no billed by a Harris County grand jury Wednesday.

Last December, Damon Barone, his wife, six-year-old son and baby were at home when he heard the sounds of someone breaking in. He says he grabbed his gun.

"While it was happening, I felt like I needed to protect my family. I was more so worried about their safety over being scared or nervous," Barone told Eyewitness News last year.

When Barone saw a man who investigators later determined was Steven Dunbar, 44, coming through the window, the homeowner shot the intruder.

It turned out Dunbar had a lengthy criminal record.

Barone said at the time of the incident he'll never feel guilty for what he did, only sorry that there is now a family elsewhere that is grieving because their loved one tried to enter someone else's home.

Kentucky: Police Investigate Bizarre Shooting

Lexington, Kentucky

From WLEX of December 14, 2007

Police Investigate Bizarre Shooting

Lexington Police are investigating a bizarre shooting on the city's North side of town. It happened just after 10 p.m. Thursday on Maddie Lane in the Masterson Station neighborhood.

Police said two women were inside their home, when they heard a noise downstairs and realized a man was trying to break through their window.

The roommates called 911, keeping dispatchers on the phone while they warned the man to leave, but when he continued to try to pry the window open anyway, that's when police say one of the women shot him.

The intruder was taken to UK hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Police are questioning the man, but so far, no charges have been filed.

Investigators said the woman who shot him acted in self-defense and will not face any charges.

Utah: WVC man shoots and kills one of two home invaders

West Valley City, Utah

From the Salt Lake Tribune of December 14, 2007

WVC man shoots and kills one of two home invaders

Police say a West Valley City man put a deadly end to a home invasion robbery last night.

Police are now looking for the second invader, who fled the scene, and a woman who had knocked on the resident's door shortly before the men broke in about 10:21 p.m. Thursday.

KUTV reports today that the men forced the man's wife to sit in a chair while they searched for valuables. One gunman allegedly took the husband into another room, and that's when the resident wrestled the gun away from the invader and opened fire.

KUTV says that neither the resident, his wife nor their child were injured.

Kentucky: Man Charged After Being Shot

Stanford, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of December 13, 2007

Man Charged After Being Shot

A Lincoln County man was charged with wanton endangerment after being shot by a man he threatened, Kentucky State Police said yesterday. Jerry Cornett, 48, of Kings Mountain was taken to the Lincoln County Jail after being treated at Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford. He is accused of threatening to kill Randall Taylor and going to Taylor's house on Martins Trail in Stanford shortly before 10:50 p.m. Monday with a gun he fired at the man inside the house. Taylor reportedly fired a shotgun, hitting Cornett in the arm and face. Cornett was arrested at the hospital Tuesday.

Texas: Resident wrestles gun from suspect, shoots him

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Star-Telegram of December 13, 2007

Resident wrestles gun from suspect, shoots him

A southeast Fort Worth resident escaped severe injury or death early Thursday when a gun fired at his head did not discharge, police said. He then wrestled the gun away from the suspect and shot him in the back as he attempted to flee.

Lt. Dean Sullivan, police spokesman, said the resident -- who had noticed that the man's safety was still on -- was able to wrestle the gun away from him, take off the safety and then empty the firearm toward the fleeing suspect, striking him once in the back.

Sullivan said two friends of the suspect who had been waiting by the street then retrieved their own guns from a car and returned fire at the resident. He said the resident was able to retreat into his home and was not injured.

The three suspects fled before police could arrive. As officers were investigating, John Peter Smith Hospital alerted authorities that a man with a gunshot wound to the back had been dropped off at the hospital by occupants of a vehicle, who then left, Sullivan said.

The suspect, who has not been identified by police, remained under police guard at the hospital. He faces a charge of aggravated assault.

Washington: Dog pack attacks farm animals

Rose Valley, Washington

From the Longview Daily News of December 13, 2007

Dog pack attacks farm animals

A pack of dogs is terrorizing farms in the Rose Valley area, and neighbors have been trying to shoot the animals.

Since late last month, the dogs have killed two llamas and wounded three, according to residents of this rural area southeast of Kelso. Llama owners in the valley say they've heard reports of the dogs attacking a horse, but that could not be confirmed.

Neighbors suspect four dogs -- apparently a German Shepherd mix, pit bull and two golden retrievers -- have been prowling the neighborhood. The dogs appear to be well-cared-for. Yet, people in the valley are astounded by their aggressiveness and they're searching desperately to find the dogs' owners.

"If these dogs are attacking llamas and adult horses what's to say they wouldn't attack children who are waiting for the bus?" said Susan Calhoun, who keeps llamas and other animals on her property in the 900 block of Rose Valley Road. "They're not going to quit killing until somebody keeps them home or somebody shoots them."

Laura Maria, 44, said two of the dogs were on her property not far from Calhoun's Tuesday morning. She shot at them, she said, but they escaped.

"I like dogs," she said later that afternoon. "I shouldn't have to shoot them because their owners are stupid."

The trouble started Thursday, Nov. 29, when Calhoun's neighbors pulled into her driveway and said dogs were attacking Maria's llamas up the road.

Calhoun sprinted into her house, tried to call Maria, then grabbed a .38 pistol and set out to rescue the llamas. She found Maria's baby llama, Spice Girl, laying in Owl Creek. Four dogs stood on the bank.

A pit bull snarled. She fired three shots. All missed, and the dogs ran away.

...

Sheriff's Capt. Mark Nelson said the county's ordinances require people to keep their dogs home if someone complains. Owners can also be cited under a vicious dog law that can trigger fines of $500 for a first offense to $1,500 for a third offense within 12 months. Property owners, he said, can also start shooting if they think it's necessary.

"They have a right to protect their property," Nelson said. "That can include everything from throwing rocks to throwing lead."

Boise County Jury Rules Shooting Self-Defense

Boise County, Idaho

From the December 12, 2007 Idaho World:

BOISE COUNTY -- David Wallace, 44, of Horseshoe Bend was acquitted Dec. 6 of manslaughter charges stemming from the August 2006 shooting death of Wesley Bennett, who also lived in Horseshoe Bend....

In what was expected to be a two-week trial, the jury took a few hours on the fourth day to return its verdict, finding Wallace not guilty of either voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. Initially, he had been charged with second-degree murder by the county prosecutor's office.

Wallace's attorney argued that he acted in self-defense when he and Bennett got into an argument in a remote area between Gardena and Sweet....

Wallace said that he was sitting in the cabe of his truck with the window down when the two got into a verbal argument. He said that Bennett then climbed onto the running board of his (Wallace's) truck and punched him three times in the face. Wallace, who had a loaded Ruger .357 Magnum in the cab, said he feared for his life when he grabbed the gun and shot Bennett once in the chest.

Ohio: Burglar comes face-to-face with gun-toting homeowner

Canton, Ohio

From the Canton Repository of December 13, 2007

Burglar comes face-to-face with gun-toting homeowner

A Plain Township man, who broke into a Canton home, was cornered by an armed homeowner and then chased away, Stark County Jail records said.

Louis Perez, 50, of 4901 Middlebranch Ave. NE, was scheduled to appear in Canton Municipal Court this morning on a burglary charge, jail records said.

Canton Police said he forced open the rear door to a home in the 1300 block of 22nd Street NE early Wednesday morning and was cornered by the homeowner. The homeowner, who had a gun, chased him out of the house.

Police found him at 4:07 a.m. Wednesday in the 1600 block of 22nd Street NE, jail records said.

Stark County Court records said Perez was arrested and then released on his own recognizance later Wednesday.

Utah: Armed Layton homeowner captures home invader

Layton, Utah

From ABC4 of December 12, 2007

Armed Layton homeowner captures home invader

A man who broke into a Layton home early Wednesday morning got an unexpected surprise when he got inside.

The home intruder had the tables turned on him, but why he broke into the home is a mystery.

Police say around 4:30 Wednesday morning, 31-year-old Kurt Wrangler busted through the front door of a Layton home in the block of 1450 West 1150 North. He then tried kicking down the door of an eighteen-year-old girl who was sleeping in her room. With all the commotion, the girl's father woke up, grabbed his gun and confronted Wrangler, holding the man at gun point until police arrived.

“There is obviously always a danger if a gun is involved, regardless of who is yielding [it]. However, in your own home, it's perfectly legal to protect yourself,” says Sgt. Mark Chatlin of the Layton Police Department.

Wrangler was booked in Davis County Jail and is facing charges of criminal mischief, trespassing, and disorderly conduct.

Luckily no one was hurt, and police say Wrangler's intentions remain unclear. Nothing was taken from the home, and police say Wrangler seemed disoriented and may suffer from some type of mental illness.

Woman Who Shot Intruder 3 Times Talks To KNBC

Santa Clarita, California

Further to this incident

From KNBC of December 12, 2007

Woman Who Shot Intruder 3 Times Talks To KNBC

A female homeowner who shot a male intruder in her back yard in October 2006 spoke to KNBC's Laurel Erickson on Wednesday, one day after a jury found the man guilty of all charges.

Nadine Teter shot Michael Lugo twice in the stomach and once in the leg after he broke into her Canyon Country home.

Lugo broke the lock on Teter's door and barged in. She fled to the back yard with her gun, according to police.

"He was coming at me. He was yelling. I shot him to stop him," Teter said. "He went down. He got back up. Came back at me. I shot him again. I shot him again, and he turned around and jumped back over the fence. (He) disappeared."

Teter testified against Lugo and his mother, Cynthia Brandon, who drove the getaway car during the Oct. 18, 2006, attack. Both were convicted Tuesday.

While Teter talked to law enforcement that night, Brandon flagged down a deputy heading to Teter. She told him her son was bleeding to death.

"It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying," Teter said.

"Did you have any second thoughts about testifying against him out of fear for yourself?" Erickson asked.

"A little bit, but I knew I had to do it. We needed to get him locked up, put away," Teter said.

Teter said she thinks that every woman should carry a gun.

"Never in a million years, did I think I would use (the gun) -- never. And whatever higher power, whatever gave me the strength to pull that trigger ... You're looking at him or me. My life or his life. I was not going to get raped. I was not going to get murdered. There was no way -- and I didn't," Teter said.

Teter said she was grateful to all the people who helped convict Lugo.

"You know, for something as horrible as this to happen, it could not have ended up any better," Teter said.

Lugo and his mother face sentencing on Feb. 29.

Storm victim shoots suspected burglar

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From KJRH of December 11, 2007

Storm victim shoots suspected burglar

An ice storm victim shot a suspected burglar Tuesday night. It happened in east Tulsa, near 21st Street and 101st East Avenue.

Police say the victim was inside his apartment, which had no power, when he heard a window break. The man grabbed a shotgun, and confronted a suspected burglar. He told the suspect to freeze, but the suspect ran off, so the man shot him in the buttocks. The man then held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

The suspect was taken to the hospital. Police say it's unlikely that the shooter will be charged with a crime.

From NewsOK.com of December 11, 2007

Sleeping man awakens, shoots intruder

A man shot a teenage intruder tonight who he said broke into his Tulsa apartment, which has no power, police said.

The youth was identified only as a 16-year-old male.

The man, a 20-year-old who police also would not identify, said he had been sleeping in his apartment in the 2100 block of S 99 East Avenue about 7:30 p.m. when he was awakened by the sound of breaking glass in another bedroom, Officer Leland Ashley said.

Ashley said the man then retrieved a shotgun and went into the room and discovered a person holding what he believed was a gun, but later turned out to be a flashlight.

The man then shot the youth once in the hip with birdshot, Ashley said.

"The man stated that he was afraid for his life," Ashley said.

The youth was taken to St. John Medical Center. His injury is not life-threatening and he will later be taken into police custody on a complaint of first-degree burglary, Ashley said.

The man was not arrested.

Homeowner shoots at armed burglary suspect

Bakersfield, California

From Fox58 Eyewitness News of December 11, 2007

Homeowner shoots at armed burglary suspect

A Bakersfield home-owner shot at an armed burglary suspect, scaring off the would-be crook Monday night. Sheriff officials say the resident has the right to protect himself with deadly use of force.

The incident happened in the area of Gosford and Lindsey Roads south of Bakersfield. The home-owner told Eyewitness News his property had been the target of crime and attempted burglaries three times in the last 18 months -- that's why he was ready with a gun.

The resident says he spotted the suspect trying to break into a front window of the house he built on the property for his son. They were both at the father's house when they heard the dog bark, and went to investigate.

The home-owner then spotted an unfamiliar man in the yard. "As soon as the unfamiliar male saw the home-owner, he raised what appeared to be a handgun toward the home-owner," Sheriff's Sgt. Ed Komin told Eyewitness News. "The home-owner took one shot toward the suspect, and the suspect fled on foot."

Sgt. Komin says it appears that shot did not hit the suspect. Officers who immediately came to the scene found no blood or any other indicators where the suspect took off.

The resident told Eyewitness News he saw the would-be burglar raise a gun, and he didn't want to be shot -- so he fired at the suspect.
Sgt. Komin says a resident has the right to shoot an intruder to protect life.

"Certainly when the home-owner was threatened by what appeared to be a gun coming up toward him, it would be appropriate and prudent -- and that's the thing to do, is to use deadly force to protect yourself. That's the appropriate and legal thing to do."

Other neighbors say there have been several break-ins in the area. At one house, jewelry and computer equipment were stolen. Another neighbor came home to find suspects inside his house.

The suspect in the Monday night incident is described as a man of unknown race, about 5'9" and 170-pounds. Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Department at 861-3110.

Sheriff officials confirm that there have been a number of burglaries and thefts. They do not know if this is the work of the same suspect.

The resident who shot at the suspect Monday night thinks the area is the target of crime because it's fairly rural. Neighbors say they have now started up a citizen patrol.

What can home-owners do to protect themselves and their property?

"Dogs are great, alarms are great -- lighting goes a long way and that sort of thing to protect property," says Sgt. Komin. "Now, once it crosses the line where a person is threatened -- then higher levels of force, of course, are appropriate."

Kansas City, Missouri: Home Invaders Shot

Kansas City, Missouri

From the December 11, 2007 Kansas City Star:

A Kansas City resident shot at three men who kicked in his front door last night, apparently to commit a home-invasion robbery.

A few hours after the crime, a man showed up at a hospital with three gunshot wounds but denied being involved in the failed robbery.

The incident occurred about 10:30 p.m. in the 1800 block of Kansas Avenue. Witnesses told police the men broke in, pointed a gun at a woman and asked for the resident by name. The resident peeked out a bedroom door, shot at a suspect at the end of the hallway and chased the men out of the house while shooting. One suspect fired back.

Man arrested after home invasion

Newark, Ohio

From the Newark Advocate of December 11, 2007

Man arrested after home invasion

A Newark man was arrested in a home invasion shortly after midnight Saturday during which a gun was pulled on the intruder.

Josef L. Franklin, 25, last known address 551 Seneca Drive, was charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony.

A man stormed into a home on the 200 block of Day Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. and confronted a couple in their bedroom, according to a Newark police report.

While the intruder was throwing punches at her boyfriend, the 19-year-old female victim told police she pulled an unloaded handgun on the intruder.

The intruder then charged her and tried to wrestle the weapon away before the 23-year-old boyfriend pulled him off, the report said.

The intruder, who was joined by two women, then left, threatening to come back and harm both victims, witness statements claim.

He returned about five minutes later, trying to kick down the door, which was locked. He was unsuccessful.

The two victims and their infant child left their home. When they returned, the door was broken open and several electronic items and a safe were missing, the police report states.

Franklin was arrested on misdemeanor criminal damaging and felony burglary charges less than three hours after the report was filed.

He is incarcerated at the Licking County Justice Center, and Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool set his bond at $25,000 Monday.