Pennsylvania: Armed homeowner foils invasion

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

From the Patriot News of May 31, 2008

Armed homeowner foils invasion

Eugene Johnson reacted in a flash when his wife heard someone kick in the back door of their Carlisle home at 2:30 a.m. Friday.

Johnson, 75, a retired Army sergeant first class who fought in the Korean War, grabbed his pistol. He was ready when a silhouette of a man appeared in the darkened doorway of his bedroom.

"He said, 'Don't move, I have a gun,'" Johnson recalled. "I said, 'Buddy, I've got a gun, too, and it's [aimed] right on you.

"Things got quiet then," he said.

They got quiet because the would-be home invader had high-tailed it out of there, police said.

Johnson would have been legally justified in pulling the trigger, Cumberland County District Attorney David Freed said.

"The homeowner acted appropriately," Freed said. "Criminals who break into occupied homes assume the risk of being shot by the homeowners."

Johnson, a 20-year Army veteran who spent nearly three years as a prisoner of war in North Korea, said Friday's incident occurred two weeks after another burglary at his home in the 1200 block of North West Street.

He and his wife, Bernadine, 71, were away during the May 16 break-in. "They trashed the place and stole money," Johnson said.

The back door that was damaged in the earlier burglary had not yet been repaired when the invader or invaders kicked it in Friday. Once inside, the culprit or culprits turned off the home's electricity, he said.

"My wife heard the back door being smashed. All at once the lights went out, and she told me, 'Get your gun,'" Johnson said.

He said he isn't sure how many people were involved in the break-in, but he saw only one man and heard one male voice.

Lt. Michael Dzezinski said police don't know if the May 16 burglary and Friday's home invasion are connected.

The man who threatened the Johnsons might have been trying to detain them while accomplices rifled through the house, he said.

Police don't have a description of the burglar who confronted the couple, and no suspects were found during a search of the area immediately after the invasion, Dzezinski said.

North Carolina: Man shoots bear in backyard

Henderson County, North Carolina

From the Times News of May 16, 2008

Man shoots bear in backyard

David Jenkins woke Wednesday morning to the barking of his dog, Sammy. He soon discovered the cause of the commotion — a black bear in the backyard of his Henderson County home.

Jenkins said he grabbed his shotgun for protection. He told his wife to stay in the house as he went to try to scare the bear and rescue his dog.

“The bear was standing up on his hind legs and I knew it was going to kill my dog. ... I had to do something,” Jenkins said.

After an attempt to scare off the bear failed, Jenkins said he knew he had to protect his dog and himself.

So Jenkins fired his shotgun in the direction of the bear. The shot hit the bear.

“The bear started to wander off and I didn’t want to leave a wounded bear wandering around the neighborhood,” he said. “So I followed the bear and shot him again.”

Jenkins said he immediately alerted the local game warden about what happened. He said a biologist came to his house first and extracted a tooth from the bear to determine its age.

Jenkins said the black bear was about 2 years old. It weighed about 250 pounds, he said.

“When the game warden arrived he said that I was fully justified in the shooting because I had attempted to scare the bear away before firing my first shot,” he said. “It was a very unfortunate situation.”

Times-News efforts to contact Henderson County authorities with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission were unsuccessful Thursday.

Jenkins said he has never seen a bear in his neighborhood off Howard Gap Road, though he has seen deer, coyote and wild turkeys.

“I was scared to death of the thing,” he said.

Idaho: Man shoots, kills agressive pit bull

Boise, Idaho

From KTVB of May 30, 2008

Man shoots, kills agressive pit bull

Police say a Boise man shot a pit bull with a shotgun after the man says the animal was being threatening towards him.

It happened on the 2700 block of Westland Place in Boise near Ustick and Cole.

Officers say Dave Davies called police just before 8:00 p.m., saying his neighbor’s pit bull was being aggressive toward him. Two minutes later – Davies called back and said he shot the dog.

Davies said he was outside working on his motorcycle when the dog jumped a fence and came toward him in an “aggressive” manner. When Davies was inside calling police, he grabbed his shotgun.

Police say he went back outside and shot the animal. Boise Police Lt. Ron Winegar said the man may have a warranted defense.

"We would never advocate it happening within the city limits in this kind of a neighborhood can be very dangerous,” Winegar said. “At the same time, depending on the circumstances, we always have the right to defend ourselves."

Davies says he has reported the pit bull in the past – and said he was told he has the right to defend himself on his property if an animal is being aggressive.

Other neighbors said they have not had problems with the animal.

The dog’s owner was not at home at the time of the incident.

Texas: Guard shoots man at FW grocery store

Fort Worth, Texas

From WFAA of May 23, 2008

Guard shoots man at FW grocery store

A man suspected of stealing may have been fatally shot outside a Fort Worth grocery store after he was followed to his car.

The incident began after a Sack 'n Save manager became suspicious of a man exiting the store who he believed was carrying stolen merchandise at around 8:25 p.m., authorities said.

The manager followed the man into the store's parking lot in the 3400 block of Altamesa Boulevard and confronted him as he got into a white truck.

As the manager attempted to detain the man, the suspect began to drive off. A security guard, who had walked outside to check on the manager, said the truck drove straight towards him, which was when he fired a shot at the vehicle. The truck fled the scene.

Authorities later discovered a man was admitted with a gunshot wound to the Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth. The man, who police believe may have been the driver of the white truck, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

South Carolina: Store Owner Shoots Robbery Suspects

Sumpter County, South Carolina

From WLTX of May 25, 2008

Store Owner Shoots Robbery Suspects

After a weekend full of robberies in Sumter County, deputies are investigating another incident that they don't believe are related to the other four.

Deputies say that early Saturday morning, two teenagers broke in to Dixon's Grocery on Highway 261 in Rembert.

Authorities say that the owner of the store arrived and was able to shoot two of the suspects with bird shots, who were attempting to steal alcohol. When Sumter County deputies arrived at Dixon's, the suspects had taken off.

An incident report says that Sumter dispatch received a call from 17-year-old Philip Steinle, who said he was on his way to the hospital with two people who had been shot in a neighborhood behind Wal-Mart on Broad Street.

Steinle was pulled over by a city police officer, who discovered that the two passengers had apparently been shot by a shotgun with a bird shot. The city officer was then notified by a Sumter County deputy of the incident at Dixon's Grocery.

One of the teens, a 16-year-old from Hopkins, is at Sumter's Tuomey Hospital in fair condition, while the other, 17-year-old Dontrell Jenkins, was airlifted to Palmetto Richland.

Steinle admitted to authorities that he waited in a car while Jenkins and the 16-year-old attempted to break in to Dixon's. Steinle said that both teens ran back to the car, injured.

Steinle was taken to the Sumter County jail, where he is being charged with burglary and larceny.

Texas: Store clerk fatally shoots robbery suspect in N. Houston

Houston, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of May 23, 2008

Store clerk fatally shoots robbery suspect in N. Houston

As a gas station attendant, "Ash" Hussain had heard the horror stories about convenience store robberies and deadly shootings. On Friday afternoon, he would find himself in just that situation.

Loaded with cash taken from the Texaco gas station in the 9400 block of North Freeway, the robbers left the store headed for their getaway car. The 22-year-old clerk had followed with his own pistol, hoping to get the vehicle's license plate number. Then one gunman turned and pointed his pistol at Hussain.

The clerk fatally shot him — something he thought he'd never have to do.

"This is a day I'll never forget," said Hussain, who has worked at the store for about a year and a half. "I wish it hadn't happened, but it did."

Authorities have not identified the dead man, who was found in a field about a quarter-mile from the store. Police dogs found his alleged accomplice hiding in a nearby abandoned trailer, said Houston Police Department Homicide Division investigator Dan Arnold.

...

No charges have been filed against Hussain.

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Montana: Montana hunter shoots wolf in self defense

Kalispell, Montana

From ABC Montana of May 29, 2008

Montana hunter shoots wolf in self defense

A man hunting black bear shot and killed a wolf near Olney, northwest of Whitefish.

Zachary Harms of Kalispell was driving his truck up a forest road Tuesday when he saw movement. He walked along the road with his rifle, thinking he may have seen a black bear. Two wolves then ran out from the side of the road. One ran across the road and up the hillside. The other ran down the road towards Harms. The wolf closed to approximately 10 feet and Harms fired, hitting the female wolf in the front of the head.

The hunter contacted the sheriff's office later that day and reported he had killed a wolf. Two state game wardens investigated, and determined the shooting was in self-defense and was allowed under state law.

South Carolina: Homeowner Wounds Burglary Suspect

Spartanburg County, South Carolina

From WYFF4 of May 28, 2008

Homeowner Wounds Burglary Suspect

A homeowner told deputies that when he saw a burglar breaking into his outbuilding Tuesday morning, he grabbed his shotgun and fired a couple rounds. Deputies said the wounded suspect was found a couple miles away.

Spartanburg sheriff’s Maj. Dan Johnson said the man lives on Bellew Carver Road off Blackstock Road. He said he saw the burglar trying to break into the building at about 6:30 a.m.

Johnson said the wounded suspect ran about two miles to a Chevron Gas Station on New Cut Road off Interstate 26, where deputies found him about 40 minutes later.

The man was transported to a hospital for treatment of superficial wounds.

Spartanburg School District 6 officials said that Arcadia and Fairforest Elementary schools and Fairforest Middle, were put on lockdown as a precaution as a precaution as deputies searched for the would-be robber, but officials stressed that students were never in danger.

Johnson said that there are charges pending in connection with the incident.

From GoUpstate.com of May 29, 2008

Go Upstate Police Blotter

On Wednesday at about 6:30 a.m. a 54-year-old Spartanburg man told officers he shot at a man attempting to steal from a building outside his home.

Andre Maurice Curenton, 17, of 425 King Court, Inman, was later charged with third- degree burglary.

The homeowner said a motion alarm from the building woke him up, and he saw a man inside the shop. He said he shot into the shop toward the ground, and Curenton came out with his hands up. The homeowner then shot at the man's legs.

Maj. Dan Johnson of the sheriff's office said Curenton was treated for minor injuries resulting from shotgun pellets.

South Carolina: No charges expected in fatal Spartanburg County shooting

Spartanburg, South Carolina

From The State of May 24, 2008

No charges expected in fatal Spartanburg County shooting

Authorities say they don't plan to charge a man who shot another man who tried to hit his estranged wife with his truck.

The coroner's office told WSPA-TV that 36-year-old Kenneth Ross Jr. of Greer was shot several times early Saturday morning and died at the hospital.

Deputies say Ross confronted his estranged wife and a male friend at her Spartanburg home and tried to hit the woman with his truck, but struck her car instead.

Authorities say Ross then started coming toward his estranged wife. The man got his gun and ordered Ross to stop.

Deputies say Ross kept getting closer, so the man fired.

Investigators say they consulted with prosecutors and decided not to charge the shooter because he was acting in self defense.

Pennsylvania: Suspect Shot During Burglary Attempt Faces Charges

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

From KDKA of May 29, 2008

Suspect Shot During Burglary Attempt Faces Charges

A man is in the hospital and facing multiple charges today after police say he and another man broke into a South Side home in a burglary attempt.

Police say Dale Boehm, 19, is facing charges of burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal conspiracy.

According to police, the owner of the Josephine Street home was watching television when he heard breaking glass and his back door being kicked in around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Authorities say that's when the homeowner retrieved his weapon and then found two men in his kitchen. Officials report that the men fired at one another.

Authorities say one of the suspects fled the scene after the gunfire. He has not been found, but police say they recovered a baseball bat and firearm while searching in the woods.

Police report that Boehm suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

He is listed in critical condition, officials say.

Police say they have questioned the resident. Meanwhile, Boehm will be taken to the Allegheny County Jail when he is released from the hospital.

Ohio: Akron robbery suspect shot in chest

Akron, Ohio

From the Beacon Journal of May 27, 2008

Akron robbery suspect shot in chest

Akron police are investigating a home invasion in which one of two suspects was shot in the chest.

The 20-year-old resident told police he shot one of two men with a rifle Monday night as they were entering his home in the 700 block of Fultz Street in West Akron after kicking in the front door.

Police responded to a call about the incident about 10:15 p.m.

Police said the suspect who was shot is Tyler McCraney, 19, of Akron. He remains at an area hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound.

The other suspect, Aharon Pittman, 18, is in the Summit County Jail.

Police charged both suspects with aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

Wisconsin: Chased by armed homeowner, would-be thief drops plasma TV

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

From the Greenbay Press Gazette of May 28, 2008

Chased by armed homeowner, would-be thief drops plasma TV

A burglar stole a big-screen TV from a town of Sheboygan home this morning but abandoned the item while fleeing an armed homeowner, according to the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident occurred about 3:30 a.m. at a home on Hunter’s Glen Drive, Capt. Dave Adams said.

According to Adams:

The homeowner's wife woke up when she heard the burglary and roused her husband, who armed himself with a handgun and went to investigate. The burglar or burglars were gone by the time the man reached the living room and discovered his 42-inch plasma TV was missing.

Deputies used a police dog to track the suspect south from the home. The TV was found nearby in a line of trees, but the dog lost the scent soon after.

Texas: 14-Year-Old Shoots, Kills Teenage Neighbor

Fort Worth, Texas

From NBC5i of May 28, 2008

14-Year-Old Shoots, Kills Teenage Neighbor

Police said a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed by a visiting teen in his south Fort Worth home shot and killed the boy on Wednesday.

Investigators said the 14-year-old told police Danny Allen, 13, was visiting his house on Buffalo Springs Drive near Interstate 35 when he began stabbing him at about 5:30 p.m.

According to police, the two teenagers struggled before the 14-year-old grabbed his father's gun and shot Allen.

Neighbor Charles McDonald found the 14-year-old outside his house covered in blood.

"Blake come running out the door and run across the street, and I got him stopped," McDonald said. "He was bleeding all over; (his) head and shoulders were completely saturated in blood."

McDonald said he tried to keep the teenager calm.

The 14-year-old was taken to the hospital. His family told NBC 5 the boy was out of surgery and in stable condition on Wednesday night.

When asked if he thought his 14-year-old neighbor did the right thing, McDonald said the boy "probably" did.

"I don't know the circumstances. Probably. I would say so. He's not the kind to go around beating people up," McDonald said.

Police said they do not expect to file charges in the case.

Texas: Duncanville woman shoots would-be burglar

Dallas, Texas

From WFAA of May 21, 2008

Duncanville woman shoots would-be burglar

Officers covered the lawn of a Duncanville home Tuesday afternoon as they investigated the shooting of a suspected burglar.

Authorities said a woman called 911 after she heard a man breaking into her home in the 300 block of Partridge Run.

When officers arrived on the scene, they said they found the suspect shot in the abdomen on the lawn of a nearby driveway and a gun in the yard of the woman's home. Authorities said the woman shot the would-be burglar.

"I looked out the window and there were people yelling and screaming," said Wallis Young, a witness. "Then, the lady in green ran back inside, got a gun and started running down the street."

The shooting victim was taken to a nearby hospital. Neither his condition nor his identity have been released.

Ohio: Second Akron store worker fires on robbers

Akron, Ohio

From the Beacon Journal of May 15, 2008

Second Akron store worker fires on robbers

For the second straight night, an Akron convenience store clerk opened fire on would-be robbers.

The latest shooting occured Wednesday night at the Delia Market where police say a clerk wounded one of the three armed robbers.

Gerald Arnold, 17, of Akron was arrested by police at Akron General Medical Center where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to the leg about 10 minutes after the robbery.

Arnold was charged as a juvenile with robbery.

Also arrested in connection with the Delia robbery is 18-year-old William Oldham of Alkron. A third suspect is being sought by Akron police detectives.

Police Lt. Rick Edwards said three men entered the Delia Market at about 8 p.m. All were armed with handguns. One robber put his weapon to the head of a clerk and demaded money.

Another clerk appeared and fired several shots. The clerk told police he believed he shot one of the suspects before the trio fled without any money.

Police received a call from hospital workers a short time later.

Edwards said police do not believe the robber was connected to Tuesday's attempted heist at a West Market Street store where a clerk fired a pistol at two would-be robbers.

Ohio: Second Akron store worker fires on robbers

Akron, Ohio

From the Beacon Journal of May 15, 2008

Second Akron store worker fires on robbers

Employees at the Dairy Mart store, 587 W. Market St., said the masked gunmen entered the store around midnight and demanded money.

One was armed with a pistol, the other a shotgun.

One worker fled outside to call police and another hid under a counter to activate an alarm. The employee then came out from behind the counter and fired a single shot at the suspects, who then fled.

Edwards said police do not encourage clerks to draw their weapons during robberies. He said the potential exists for innocent bystanders to be killed or injured.

In most cases, he said, store clerks facing an armed robber have the legal right to defend themselves or others if they fear for their safety.

''You have a right to defend yourself, but we're not encouraging anyone to fire shots at people,'' [Police Lt. Rick Edwards] said.

North Carolina: Men Attempt Robbery, Woman Shoots One Dead, Deputies Say

Mount Gilead, North Carolina

From WXII of May 23, 2008

Men Attempt Robbery, Woman Shoots One Dead, Deputies Say

A woman who was awakened Friday morning to two men trying to ram a van through the front door of her business shot and killed one of the men, Montgomery County deputies said.

Deputies said the two men had robbed a motel in Troy earlier before driving to a Mount Gilead coffee shop and attempting to rob it.

That's when deputies said Bouaphan Chanthunom, 51, opened fire with an assault rifle, instantly killing Joseph Murphy McRae, 36, of Mount Gilead.

The other suspect, Jeffery Ray Liles, 36, fled from the scene but was later arrested at his residence. He was not injured and is being held in the Montgomery County Jail on charges of first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and injury to real property.

Deputies said Chanthunom and her family own the coffee shop and also use it as a residence.

Liles and McRae had been under investigation for other crimes in the area.

No charges will be filed against Chanthunom.

Texas: Burglary Suspect Shot By Homeowner

Witchita Falls, Texas

From KAUZ of May 23, 2008

Burglary Suspect Shot By Homeowner

Two Wichita Falls men are charged with burglary of building. One of those men was shot in the process of the alleged crime.

Police say 22-year-old Scott Alan Michael and 21-year-old Dustin Logan were caught trying to steal from a residence on Taft Boulevard about 2:30 yesterday morning. The homeowner fired at them and Michael was hit in the chest.

Michael made it to the Stripes Convenience Sstore at Kemp and Southwest Parkway, where the clerk called 911. He was taken to United Regional, treated, and released into police custody.

Officers say the men had stolen property in their vehicle from a garage on Devon Street. That's the crime they are charged with, but more charges are expected. No one is charged in the shooting as the case will be handed over to the Wichita County Grand Jury.

Tennessee: Burglary Suspect Shot by Memphis Homeowner Charged

Memphis, Tennessee

From MyEyewitnessNews of May 26, 2008

Burglary Suspect Shot by Memphis Homeowner Charged

Memphis Police say a man broke into another man's home and was shot. The accused burglar is charged with aggravated burglary.

Police say Nakia Bohannon broke into a home in the 2000 block of Rile on Thursday, May 22, 2008. Investigators say the homeowner confronted Bohannon and shot him; Bohannon ran from the home, but was quickly picked up by police nearby. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Police believe Bohannon is also responsible for a burglary at a home in the 200 block of First Avenue. Police say WIC voucher checks, shoes, food, and hygiene products were taken from the house.

Bohannon was also charged with possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.

Ohio: Intruder shot during robbery is a juvenile

Harrison Township, Ohio

From the Dayton Daily News of May 27, 2008

Intruder shot during robbery is a juvenile

Montgomery County — A 17-year-old boy shot during a failed robbery attempt is in stable condition and facing possible arrest by Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies.

The juvenile allegedly entered an apartment at 5121 Northcutt Place in Northland Village Apartment Complex at about 3:10 p.m. Monday, May 26, in an attempt to rob the place, according to sheriff's Capt. Jeff PaPanek.

The apartment is undergoing renovation, and a construction worker living in the building was asleep inside when the boy entered. When the man awoke, the juvenile brandished a gun and a struggle ensued.

The construction worker wrestled the gun away from the juvenile and then shot him in the upper chest, PaPanek said.

The juvenile fled the scene but was later picked up by Dayton police and transported to Miami Valley Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators are waiting until the boy recovers from his injuries enough to speak before pursuing any charges, sheriff's Chief Phil Plummer said.

The man in the apartment suffered a minor cut on his hand.

Florida: Pawn shop thief shot

Kenneth City, Florida

From MyFoxTampaBay of May 27, 2008

Pawn shop thief shot

Detectives say David Gardner did what he had to do. When a robber barged into his pawnshop with a baseball bat, smashing glass display cases and stealing whatever he could, Gardner grabbed a gun and opened fire.

The 51-year-old storeowner shot the suspect as he ran out the door. Investigators followed the suspect's blood trail through the parking lot, down the street and into the neighborhood nearby.

"It's definitely odd to see something like that around here," said neighbor Miguel Santiago. "When I woke up, I see helicopters everywhere, cops everywhere and they asked, did you see this guy running down?"

"This is very creepy," said neighbor Luz Feldman. "This is scary. Something has to be done."

Detectives scoured the scene and the neighborhood searching for the suspect, but they didn't have to go far. Within a few hours, detectives say the suspect, 20-year-old Willie Clarkson, turned up right across the street. They say he was bleeding from at least two gunshot wounds at the Briar Hill Apartments.

Clarkson's 16-year old girlfriend found him in her apartment, called his sisters, and then called 911.

"I'm glad they caught it before things got out of hand," said Briar Hill Apartments resident, Mary McGriff. "There are a lot of kids here. We have to keep them safe."

Paramedics rushed Clarkson to the hospital where deputies arrested him. He's charged with armed robbery. Detectives say he'll remain in the hospital until he's well enough to be transported to jail.

The owner of the pawnshop says nothing like this has happened before. He wasn't physically hurt but is still badly shaken. Neighbors are just glad he's okay.

"He's such a nice guy. He doesn't hurt nobody, so it's pretty much crazy for him," said neighbor Miguel Santiago.

"It's not fair. No. You should never go into a place and try to take something that doesn't belong to you in the first place," said neighbor Luz Feldman.

Nevada: Three Men Killed in Winnemucca Shooting on Sunday

Humboldt County, Nevada

From KTVN of May 25, 2008

Three Men Killed in Winnemucca Shooting on Sunday

Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting in Winnemucca early Sunday morning that left three people dead and others injured.

The shooting happened at the Player's Bar & Grill on South Grass Valley Road.

Investigators say a feud between two local families is behind the early-morning shooting inside the bar. Three men from Winnemucca died from gunshot wounds, and two others are in critical condition at the hospital.

Deputies say about 2:25 a.m., 30-year-old Ernesto Villa Gomez walked into the bar and starting shooting. 20-year-old Jose Torres and his 19-year-old brother Margarito Torres were killed. When Villa Gomez was reloading his semi-automatic gun, a man from Reno took out a gun and shot Villa Gomez. That man has a concealed weapons permit.

The unidentified man who shot Villa Gomez is not expected to be charged in this incident; law enforcement call it a justifiable homicide.

Local police, the Sheriff's Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol are preparing for retaliation from one or both of the families, and rumors are already circulating in the small town of Winnemucca. There is a sense of sadness for losing three local men in this violent incident.

The Player's Bar & Grill was full of about 300 people, because a local biker event "Runnemucca" is going on this holiday weekend.

Florida: Ft. Lauderdale Man Shoots Intruder

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

From CBS4 of May 27, 2008

Ft. Lauderdale Man Shoots Intruder

A Ft. Lauderdale man shot a man who he claimed was trying to break into his home.

The shooting occurred just after midnight in the 100 block of Southwest 31st Avenue.

The homeowner reportedly told police he charged the would be robber with gun his after noticing that a door to his home which had been broken into. One of the bullets grazed the suspected thief in the leg, he collapsed in a backyard area as he tried to make an escape. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for his wound. Late Monday morning he was transported to the main jail in Broward County.

No one inside the home at the time of the shooting was injured. Police have not said if the homeowner will face any charges.

Florida: Would-be robber shot, killed by Seffner clerk

Seffner, Florida

From ABC Action News of May 27, 2008

Would-be robber shot, killed by Seffner clerk

Investigators were called to a Hillsborough County beverage store where a man attempting to rob the store was shot and killed.

It happened shortly after 6:30 Monday evening at the CNK Beverage Pit at 12002 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Seffner.

According to witnesses an unknown suspect went into the store and tried to rob the clerk but was shot multiple times.

The suspect was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

From Tampa Bay Online of May 27, 2008

Family Back At Work After Owner Kills Apparent Robber

Just hours after a store owner shot and killed an apparent robber, the owner's wife and daughter were back at work.

Karla Vigil, 47, said her husband, Cres Vigil, 46, was at home this morning. "He's pretty shaken up," she said. "It's not something he wanted to do."

Vigil said her husband had been working alone about 6:45 p.m. Monday when he was attacked at the CNK Beverage Pit, 12002 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. She said her husband was waiting for a customer's truck to pull farther into the drive-through bay when a masked man ran in through the exit of the drive-through beverage business. The driver took off, she said.

Vigil said the would-be robber swung at her husband, striking him in the head. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the assailant was unarmed, but Vigil disagreed.

"They found two cans of green beans in a sock. They were dented. That's how hard he hit my husband," she said. Her husband has a knot on his temple and on the back of his head, Vigil said.

Vigil said her husband shot the attacker and didn't know the man had died until this morning. The sheriff's office has not released the man's name.

"My husband is a very good man," she said. "He has a heart of gold."

She said the couple have kept the gun at the business because she was held up at gunpoint a year ago. In that incident, the robber obtained no money because Vigil screamed and homeless people hanging around the retention pond behind the business chased him away.

Despite the two robbery attempts, Vigil says they don't plan to sell the business they've owned for two years. "There are a lot of good people here. We've made a lot of friends. This could happen anywhere," she said.

Kentucky: Lexington Man Shoots at Burglar

Lexington, Kentucky

From WTVQ Channel 36 of May 27, 2008

Lexington Man Shoots at Burglar

A Lexington man woke up in his home overnight, to find a burglar sneaking through his home.

It happened around 1:30am this morning on Laredo Drive off Tates Creek Road. Lexington police say a man and his wife were at home in bed, when their dog started barking. The man got up to see what was going on and he found a burglar, standing in their kitchen.

Police say the man ran back into the bedroom and grabbed a gun. The man then began to chase the suspect out of his home. Police say as the burglar was running, he was dropping CD’s and other stolen items.

Investigators day the homeowner fired one shot, but did not it anyone.

K-9 units were brought in to search the area, but police say no arrests were made.

Police say it appears the man got into the home through an open window.

Tennessee: Mount Vernon man shoots and kills would-be burglar

Mount Vernon, Tennessee

From Knox News of May 23, 2008

Mount Vernon man shoots and kills would-be burglar

A Mount Vernon man shot and killed a would-be burglar when two men allegedly broke into his 517 Old State Road home about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Madisonville Detective Jennifer Bledsoe said.

Mark Fryer called 911 to say he had shot a burglar. When Monroe County sheriff's deputies arrived, they found 19-year-old Bristin Self dead from a 9 mm gunshot wound, according to Detective Travis Jones, who investigated the shooting.

Jones said Self was unarmed.

Bledsoe said Self and another man apparently borrowed a van from a friend and loaded a washer into the van before going back into the Fryer home.

Fryer gave authorities a description of a second alleged burglar, and officers began canvassing the area with a police dog.

They captured James Cheek, 31, who was charged with aggravated burglary. Bledsoe said Cheek admitted being involved in the burglary.

Fryer has been interviewed by Monroe County detectives and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent David Guy, and interviews of others connected with the case were ongoing Thursday night.

Bledsoe said any evidence and information gathered will be turned over to the district attorney's office.

Records indicate that, in 2005, Fryer held at bay with a pistol two men who were burglarizing his home.

Bledsoe said Fryer also filed a burglary report May 21 concerning items taken from the residence.

Texas: Dallas Homeowner Shoots Teenage Burglar

Dallas, Texas

From CBS11 of May 20, 2008

Dallas Homeowner Shoots Teenage Burglar

Police say a homeowner took the law into his own hands Tuesday and defended his property from a burglar. Police believe the burglar is responsible for other crimes in the area.

Investigators say 17-year-old Alexander Aguilar broke into a home on the 2300 block of Larry Drive in Dallas Tuesday afternoon.

The 64-year-old homeowner said he was awakened by a noise. Police say the suspected burglar had broken a window and was able to enter into the back door.

The homeowner confronted Aguilar, who then allegedly charged at him and threw a backpack at him. The homeowner shot him in the arm and held him until police arrived.

"The homeowner won't face any charges. You have a right to defend yourself and your home," said Dallas Police Sgt. Steven Shaw. "This burglar is actually someone who has active warrants out. We've been trying to catch him for the last two weeks."

Police say the suspect was skipping school at the time of the crime.

Florida: Widow of shooting victim shot intruder

Miami, Florida

From the Miami Herald of May 20, 2008

Widow of shooting victim shot intruder

The widow of a man fatally shot while playing with his baby son shot and killed an intruder Tuesday afternoon, North Miami police said.

Janepsy Cindy Mesa was moving furniture in and out of her Spanish-tiled home, 13365 NW 12th Ave., at about 3:30 pm when a man appeared in her bedroom.

She fatally shot him, then called 911. She was being interviewed by detectives. Details were sketchy surrounding Tuesday's shooting. Police said Noah, the 1-year-old, was not in the house at the time.

Janepsy Mesa's husband, Orlando Mesa, was shot and killed last month as he played with his 1-year-old son, Noah, outside the house. Noah was shot in the arm and leg but survived.

Mesa died on the sidewalk. His murder is unsolved.

More

From United Press of May 21, 2008

Murder widow shoots intruder in bedroom

North Miami police declined to press charges against a woman who shot an intruder in her home a month after her husband was gunned down in the front yard.

Janepsy Cindy Mesa was in the process of moving out of the ill-fated house when she walked into a bedroom and was confronted by a man.

The man, who turned out to have been an acquaintance of her late husband, was shot several times by Mesa, who then ran screaming outside and called 911. North Miami police deemed the incident a case of self-defense.

"She was not expecting him to be there," said Police Lt. Neal Cuevas.

Mesa's husband had been shot to death outside the home on April 23 by two gunmen who were still at large. The couple's young son was wounded in the arm.

The Miami Herald said police suspected the killing was drug related.

Mrs. Mesa appeared on television three days later to appeal for the public's help in finding the suspects, the newspaper said.

Robbert Shot To Death in Houston

Houston, Texas

From the May 25, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

A roofer fatally shot a suspected robber Sunday, only minutes after the man shoved a pistol in his back in the parking lot of a southeast Houston town house complex.

Identified by his employer as Juan Ibarra, the roofer was hitching a trailer to his pickup about 9 a.m. when the suspected robber moved up behind him, police said.

Ibarra "was ordered to go around to the cab of the truck and give him his money," said Ramon Cervantes, a Houston police homicide detective.

The man grabbed Ibarra's wallet and cell phone, then began walking away. Police said he stopped after noticing that some cash had fallen to the pavement.

That's when Ibarra pulled out his revolver and fired at least three times, police said.

The man was struck in the left chest area and fell to the ground, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Residents watched Sunday as police placed several evidence markers around the white Ford pickup.

"If it's a robber who got popped, that's his problem," said John Andre, who lives a couple of houses away.

Police said Ibarra has a license to carry a concealed handgun.

The suspected robber, 21, lived in the area, police said.

Missouri City, Texas Homeowner Shoots Invader

Missouri City, Texas

From the May 21, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

A man who invaded a Missouri City residence ended up bleeding in the street after being shot by a man who lives there with his mother, police said.

The 27-year-old resident grabbed a pistol and fired after two intruders forced their way through a door at the house in the 1600 block of Grand Park about 11:40 p.m., Missouri City police said this morning.

The wounded man, who fired at least one shot before the resident returned fire, ran out of the house and collapsed at the intersection of Grand Park and Quail Feather Court with a chest wound, officers said.

He threw a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol into a storm sewer, police said, but it was recovered. Investigators found that it had been stolen in a burglary in Houston.

The wounded man, 41, was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. His condition was not disclosed, but police said he had been stabilized and apparently will survive. No charges have yet been filed.

Police are searching for the second intruder, who fled after the shooting. Police did not say whether he was in a car or on foot.

The resident, whose mother owns the house, was not wounded, officers said.

Tennessee: Homeowner Shoots and Kills Intruder

Hampton Crossroads, Tennessee

From News Channel 5 of May 19, 2008

Homeowner Shoots and Kills Intruder

A weekend home invasion has the TBI investigating the dramatic chain of events that led to the shooting of a would-be burglar.

The incident happened in the Hamptons Crossroads area in White County.

Police said would-be burglar, 32-year-old Brian Cook from Crossville, was interrupted by the homeowner.

The homeowner said he received a phone call from his daughter about a strange man in the neighborhood banging on windows.

The homeowner returned to find Cook coming out of his house. When the homeowner confronted Cook, the intruder reached for his gun, but the homeowner shot first - killing Cook.

The White County Sheriff said the homeowner did have a permit to carry a gun and was within his right to protect himself.

No word yet on whether charges will be filed.

From the Crossville Chronicle of May 21, 2008

Crossville man killed during burglary

A Crossville man was shot and killed by a homeowner last Thursday morning during an apparent burglary, The Expositor newspaper reported.

According to White County Sheriff Oddie Shoupe, Bryan Keith Cook, 32, of Crossville, was leaving from a home he had reportedly broken into when he came into contact with the homeowner, Keith Girdley, on the front porch.

The shooting occurred around 9:59 a.m. May 15.

"The guy was on the front porch coming out of the house with some stolen stuff, and Mr. Girdley was on the bottom step," said Shoupe.

The sheriff said Cook asked Girdley, “Can I help you?” and Girdley told him, "this is my house."

When confronted about what he was doing, Cook allegedly pulled a weapon from the back waistband of his pants. Girdley, who was legally armed with a Beretta 9mm handgun, reportedly told Cook several times, "Don’t do it."

According to Shoupe, when the homeowner saw the gun he fired, striking Cook multiple times.

The weapon Cook reportedly had possession of was a 38-caliber pistol, which had allegedly been stolen from the residence. Shoupe said Cook did not fire the stolen weapon, but it was loaded. Reportedly, Girdley fired approximately seven rounds toward the victim.

The TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) was called in to assist in the investigation.

Chief White County Deputy Tommy Simmons, detectives Chris Isom, John Ford and Ruben Hormilla, as well as Sgt. David Ward and Blaylock, gathered evidence and processed the scene. TBI agents on the scene were identified as Billy Miller and Dan Friel.

Shoupe said Cook had already piled several items on a chair near the front door when he was confronted by Girdley. Reportedly, Cook had also attempted to break into a neighbor’s house a short time before the shooting.

"There were actually two crime scenes we investigated," said Shoupe. "One was the attempted burglary, and the other was the burglary and shooting location."

Evidence gathered from Cook’s vehicle included a loaded pistol, an unloaded shotgun and several additional items that were reportedly stolen.

Shoupe said officers also found drugs, including marijuana and two spoons with drug residue, possibly meth or coke, and a sleeping bag in the truck.

Cook reportedly had several prior convictions of burglary and aggravated burglary in Cumberland County and he was under investigation in several other counties for burglary, said Shoupe.

Shoupe said at this time, no charges are pending against Girdley.

"He had a permit and was on his own property," said Shoupe. "He is an upstanding citizen of White County, and this has been very hard on him."

Des Moines Homeowner Confronts Burglar

Des Moines, Iowa

From the May 14, 2008 Des Moines Register:

This was Randy Owens' situation Tuesday: He had a gun in his hand and a cane-wielding burglar cornered in his garage.

Now what?

He decided to do whatever he could to stall the man until Des Moines police arrived.

The burglar gambled that Owens, 42, wouldn't shoot him. And he was right. In the end, Owens watched the man walk into the early morning darkness and disappear.

"I didn't shoot him, because there was nothing in here that was worth a man's life," Owens said. "I really wasn't in fear for my life. I think he just wanted out, and I gave him a way out."

Last fall, burglars took Owens' boat out of his backyard in the 1500 block of East 21st Street. They picked it up and passed it over a fence. So when a motion alarm sounded about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Owens grabbed his handgun and went to the garage, where he discovered the door had been kicked in.

"I walked in real slow and easy," said Owens, a food service coordinator for the Iowa Department of Corrections in Newton. "I found him hiding in the corner under the workbench. He had my grinder all rolled up and my welder unplugged, and he was getting ready to go out the door with them."

The burglar said he had a wife and two kids. He said didn't want to go to jail. He walked toward Owens.

"Stop right there. I've got a gun," Owens told him. Owens told the man to get on the floor.

"He took his cane and tried to hit me with it," Owens said. "I blocked it with my arm. I cocked my weapon, and he lunged at me and tried to take it from me. I shot at the furnace to let him know it was a real weapon."

The burglar managed to squeeze out of the crowded garage and vanish.

"I do think that if I hadn't had the gun, he might have beaten the tar out of me with the cane," said Owens, who wore a brace on his injured arm later in the day.

Sgt. Vince Valdez of the Des Moines Police Department said Owens "exercised unusual restraint after he'd been attacked with the cane. ... At that point he's being assaulted by a burglar."

Florida: Business Owner Shoots At Suspects After Walking In On Robbery

Orange County, Florida

From WFTV of May 14, 2008

Business Owner Shoots At Suspects After Walking In On Robbery

Orange County deputies are searching for one of two armed suspects who got into a shootout with a man when he caught them burglarizing his business and it happened next to a daycare full of children.

The shootout happened at the All Family Chiropractic Center in Pine Hills (see map) and, with bullets flying into a busy street, investigators said it's amazing no one was hit. The suspects never got to fill their U-Haul with any loot. They ditched it a short distance from the office where witnesses heard the owner exchange gunfire with two men who broke into his business.

"I didn't know what was going on. I thought it was firecrackers early in the morning, but it was not," said witness Parker McPhee.

Orange markers in Pine Hills Road marked some of the bullets made it into the street Wednesday morning. Investigators said the owner was checking out a burglar alarm at his office when he caught two men in the act.

"When they see him, they are armed, and they open fire on him. He also was armed and he returns fire on them," said Jeff Williamson, Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies caught one of the men soon after they parked the U-Haul between two houses.

The shootout happened next to the Tiny Praying Hands daycare, where more than 20 kids were already inside. Still, the owner defended her neighbor's decision to shoot back at the burglars.

"I hope they catch the guys who did this. You have a right to protect your business. We get up every morning, work hard and it's not right that people come in and take what we have," Renee Harris said.

Deputies have not identified any of the suspects. Deputies caught one of them, but they're searching for a second man who ran off on foot.

Oregon: Brookings man draws gun in self-defense

Gold Beach, Oregon

From the Curry County Reporter of May 14, 2008

Brookings man draws gun in self-defense

The Brookings Police Department hasn't gotten much sleep in the past 24 hours, as a Brookings man drew a gun on multiple individuals on Monday. In a series of recent incidents, Brookings Police Officers have arrested twelve individuals in multiple cases.

On 05-12-08 at about 7:25 p.m., Officers were dispatched to McDonald's restaurant, 815 Chetco Avenue in Brookings, Oregon for a report of a fight between multiple subjects. While in-route to the call, officers were notified one of the individuals involved in the fight was waving a gun.

Police officers arrived on the scene less than one minute later and found Kerry Von Pohle (9/18/1948) pointing a revolver towards Kevin Eber (10/7/1989) and Jacob Shelton (9/5/1988). Officers drew their firearms and commanded Von Pohle to put his weapon down. Von Pohle complied with these commands. An investigation revealed Von Pohle had drawn his gun in self-defense.

Kevin Eber had thrown a partially full beer can, striking Von Pohle's car. Von Pohle asked Eber why and Eber became violent, telling Von Pohle he was going to kill him. During that exchange, Shelton attacked Von Pohle, striking him with closed fists and slamming his head into a parked car.

Von Pohle attempted to fend off the attack but realized Eber was closing in on him as well. Von Pohle drew his concealed 9mm revolver (for which he had a weapon permit) and pointed it at both subjects telling them if they came any closer he would shoot. The suspects stopped their advance. Von Pohle also had called 911 to notify police.

Eber was arrested within minutes and lodged; Shelton had left the scene and was later arrested. Eber was charged with Menacing, and Disorderly Conduct, and Shelton was charged with Assault and Menacing. Both were lodged in the Curry County Jail. Von Pohle was not charged with a crime.

Arizona: Store Owner Shoots Robber With Robber's Gun

Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of May 13, 2008

Store Owner Shoots Robber With Robber's Gun

A store owner wrestled a gun away from an armed robber and shot the man three times Monday, Phoenix police said.

The would-be robber entered Soccer City shortly before 6 p.m., pointed a gun at owner Lionel Sanchez and demanded money, according to police.

Sanchez told police the robber was talking to someone on the phone and indicated he planned to shoot.

When the robber momentarily let his guard down, police said, Sanchez lunged for the gun and wrestled it away, then shot the intruder.

The robber was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police did not release his identity, but said he would be jailed upon his release from the hospital.

Sanchez will not face charges.

"Right now, initially, it looks like it's a case of self-defense," said Sgt. Phil Roberts.

When asked why he was bold enough to go after the gun, Sanchez revealed he has studied karate for the past five years.

Nevada: New Details in Deadly Home Burglary

Las Vegas, Nevada

From Las Vegas Now of May 9, 2008

New Details in Deadly Home Burglary

Police are investigating a shooting at a Las Vegas home that left two people dead Thursday night. Police say a man told them that he and his wife came home and were met by a burglar in their house. According to officers, the burglar shot and killed the woman and the husband then shot and killed the burglar.

Some neighbors were crying as they learned of their neighbor's tragic death. As of Friday morning, the streets were still littered with bits of crime scene tape.

Neighbors were blocked out of their homes, and the neighborhood was on lock down for hours.

"We waited for about an hour before we could bring the car here," said Mort Arditti, a neighbor.

Police say the couple returned to their home on Friday night around 9 p.m. and surprised a burglar. Police say the burglar was someone the couple knew and had hired in the past to do work at the home.

The female victim, Sharon Randolph, had lived in the neighborhood for 12 years.

"I just saw her three days ago. Real nice lady. Said how nice the yard looked," said neighbor Robert Donat.

Donat says she asked why he does all his yard work himself. He said he didn't want strangers at his house, but he says Sharon was different.

"They bring a lot of strangers over there to do odd jobs for them. You are just asking for trouble. You don't know the people you are bringing into your house," he said.

According to police, a handyman the couple had hired broke into the house and was burglarizing it when they came home. Police say the suspect shot and killed the Randolph.

"Now she's gone overnight, just like that. And we were all home last night and we heard the helicopter and they were kicking people out of their houses around them. Just amazing," said Donat.

But neighbors say there might be more too it. Sharon's husband had died a few years back and she met a new man on the Internet who wasn't too popular with neighbors.

"A lot of fighting going on, her and her new husband. I guess she found him on the Internet and a lot of U-Haul trucks. She is always taking him back, so not a good thing," said Donat.

Police say that new husband struggled with the burglar and ended up shooting the man to death in the garage.

Tennessee: Memphis Car Burglar Shot by Vehicle’s Owner and Held at Gunpoint

Memphis, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of May 9, 2008

Memphis Car Burglar Shot by Vehicle’s Owner and Held at Gunpoint

Memphis Police say a man caught stealing from a car was shot by the owner of the vehicle and held at gunpoint until police arrived.

Police say the incident happened around 3:00 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2008, on Parakeet Drive in the Westwood area of Memphis.

The owner of the burglarized SUV says he and his wife woke up to the sound of a big crash and his dogs barking. The man went outside to find out what was going on, and discovered a crook dangling from his SUV trying to steal items from inside.

According to the vehicle’s owner, he repeatedly told the accused car burglar to get out of the SUV. He says he was not able to see the burglar’s hands and did not know if the suspect had a weapon, so he shot the crook in the buttocks.

Investigators say the man then walked the accused burglar to the front porch of the house and held him there at gunpoint until police and an ambulance arrived.

The accused burglar was taken to the Med in non-critical condition.

Police say the SUV owner will not be charged.

Georgia: Teen killed breaking into home

Atlanta, Georiga

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution of May 9, 2008

Teen killed breaking into home

A 24-year-old man shot and killed a teenage intruder Friday after the youth and some other juveniles tried to break into the his northwest Atlanta home, police said.

The shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m. at 1426 Hawkins St., off Chappell Road, police said.

The victim was 16 years old, said Lt. Keith Meadows, commander of the Atlanta Police Department homicide unit. His name was not made public Friday afternoon.

Meadows said several juveniles tried break in through a back door.

They had broken a glass window pane and were trying to kick in the door, said Sgt. Lisa Keyes, a police spokeswoman.

It was not clear if the suspects got the door open before the resident, who was home alone, grabbed a handgun from his back bedroom and shot fired at least eight shots, hitting the 16-year-old at least once in the face, Meadows said.

Several of the bullets struck the door, police said. The other suspects ran away.

Meadows said it appears that the man acted in self defense. His home had been burglarized two other times this week, and detectives were trying to determine if all the burglaries are linked.

Meadows also said the teenage boy who was shot might have been arrested recently by Atlanta police on an unrelated burglary charge.

The Police Department's helicopter crew and ground units were canvassing the neighborhood in search of the other youths, Keyes said.

New York: Suspect shot during home invasion in southeast Rochester

Rochester, New York

From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle of May 9, 2008

Suspect shot during home invasion in southeast Rochester

City Police officers early today were called to the scene of a home invasion in a southeast Rochester residence.

According to Monroe County emergency dispatchers, officers were called to 120 Laburnum Crescent, just before 1 a.m. Someone reportedly entered the residence and a confrontation ensued, dispatchers said.

Someone in the home allegedly shot the suspect in the back. That person ran from the scene and walked into Highland Hospital for assistance, dispatchers said. He was reportedly taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Further details of the incident were not immediately available.

Laburnum Crescent is located in Upper Monroe neighborhood, west of Monroe Avenue and south of Interstate 490.

Arizona: Man shoots, kills robbery suspect in truck

Phoenix, Arizona

From AZCentral of May 8, 2008

Man shoots, kills robbery suspect in truck

A Phoenix man shot and killed a suspected robber Thursday, claiming it was a case of self-defense, police said.

The man heard his truck start up in his driveway on the 3000 block of West Flynn Lane at around 12:45 a.m. When he went outside with a gun to investigate, he saw his truck had just been stolen and a man was driving away in it, police said.

The suspect then made a U-turn and drove toward the man who was standing on the sidewalk, police said. He fired several shots at the suspect in the truck, hitting him fatally, police said. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Phoenix police detectives are investigating the death and working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The man has not been arrested in the shooting, police said.

Texas: Neighbor Shoots, Kills Donut Shop Robber

Fort Worth, Texas

From CBS11 of May 9, 2008

Neighbor Shoots, Kills Donut Shop Robber

A Fort Worth homeowner shot and killed a man who broke into a donut shop next to his house.

According to reports, the man heard commotion coming from the parking lot of the neighboring store in the 100 Block of Roberts Cut Off Road and went to investigate.

Police said the would-be robber broke the glass and demanded money from the female donut shop owner, who was back in the store Friday morning after talking to police.

Chong Im Randle said her promises to customers prompted her return to the store despite a headache and possible bruise on the back of her head.

"We have orders that have to be delivered," she said.

Authorities are questioning the neighbor, but it's not expected he'll face any charges.

Just last week, this same Happy Donut location was robbed. Randle believes it was the same man who attacked her this morning.

When asked if she was scared at the early morning break-in, she shrugged her shoulders and said: "If he shoots me, I know I go to heaven."

Utah: Kearns Shooting Victim Bashes Gunman During TV Interview

Kearns, Utah

From KUTV of May 8, 2008

Kearns Shooting Victim Bashes Gunman During TV Interview

A man wounded by a burglar during a home invasion Thursday morning talked to 2News about the incident -- in which he was shot with his own gun.

Chad Morley said he found the burglar inside of his home at approximately 9:00 a.m. Thursday after noticing some of his property stacked up by a side door.

Morley decided to go inside the house, located near 6000 West Eaton Way, and retrieve his handgun to fend off the intruder. Moments later, the two men started wrestling for control and Morley was eventually shot in the arm.

"We both fought over the gun and he hit me in the head," Morley said. "My hands were just completely covered in blood." (Video)

"We both had a hold of the gun and (he) turned it toward me... and it was so slippery from blood, I couldn't hang on to it," he continued. "Then I saw his finger go to the trigger and... that's when it hit me and knocked me over a loveseat."

Morley said he was over at his father's house nearby when the burglar must have entered. Upon returning, and seeing the items stacked near the door, he said it was clear something was wrong.

"I knew something was going on. I catch shoplifters for a living, so there's a lot of people that would probably like to know a lot about me," Morley said. "So I always carry my gun with me... constantly, it's right by me."

"I didn't waste any time. I just grabbed my gun... I half-cocked it and made sure there was a bullet in the chamber. I was prepared to shoot him," he added.

After the struggle, the burglar managed to get away from the home and flee into the neighborhood. He has not yet been captured.

"In a situation like that, it's either you or them. And people like that don't have a care for anything and would rather steal people's merchandise that they worked their tail off for," Morley said. "They would rather be lazy... and sell it and make their living that way."

Morley received a gunshot wound to the arm and a laceration to his forehead. When asked if he would have handled the situation differently in a do-over, Morley said he probably would have shot first -- and asked questions later.

"Honestly... probably shoot him before he had a chance to take my weapon away and then putting me in 10-times more danger," he said.

"It's not something you want to get in front of a news camera and say, 'oh I should have shot him'... but it could've been a lot worse for me," Morley added.

The burglar is described as a Hispanic man, about 6'0" tall and weighing between 165-175 pounds. Morley said the suspect wore a baseball cap and a blue bandana around the lower part of his face.

**Note**
Anti-gun advocates are constantly claiming that a defensive weapon is far more likely to be taken away and used against you. However, this story (the 3,459^th story posted on the Civilian Gun Defense Blog to date) may possibly make the third or fourth such story, while we have documented 147 incidents of a criminal's gun being used against him (also to date). Since our news searching methods are unbiased (that is, they will turn up shootings both by citizens and by criminals), the real world stories are clearly in contrast to this claim.

Florida: Man Shot, Killed Would-Be Robber

Boca Raton, Florida

From Local10 of May 8, 2008

Man Shot, Killed Would-Be Robber

No charges have been filed against a Boca Raton jeweler who shot and killed a would-be robber Wednesday afternoon.

Boca Raton police said four men smashed the windows of H&L Wholesale Jewelry storeowner Leon Rozio's sport utility vehicle at the Town Square Plaza. The SUV had more than $100,000 worth of jewelry in it.

Witnesses said Rozio shot and killed one of the men. The other three got away in a silver van.

Police said Rozio had a concealed weapons permit.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

From the Miami Herald of May 8, 2008

Robber fatally shot in Boca Raton jewelry heist

After Leon Rozio got robbed, he vowed never to let it happen again.

Three or four years ago, the 64-year-old owner of Miami-based H&L Wholesale Jewelry Inc. lost some $300,000 in gold and jewelry in a holdup, said his half-brother, Fernando Mirabal.

Soon after, Rozio started bringing a gun on his sales runs, which took him and his priceless jewelry to shops across South Florida.

About 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, not long after Rozio parked his red Ford Explorer outside St. Moritz Jewelers on Boca Raton's west side, four men screamed up behind him in a silver car, boxing him in. They surrounded the Explorer, smashing out all four windows to get at the jewelry inside, witnesses said.

''He opened up like I have never seen,'' said Greg Sanderson, manager of a nearby Omaha Steaks shop, who watched the shooting through the store's plate-glass windows. ``I couldn't believe it. It sounded like the Wild West out there.''

One of the men staggered from the car and ran west through the parking lot toward St. Andrew's Boulevard, Winter said.

Paramedics found the wounded robber bleeding in the car, said Fire Rescue spokesman Frank Correggio. The man was taken to Delray Medical Center, where he died soon after, officials said.

The three other men escaped in a silver van, triggering a manhunt. It wasn't clear whether any of them were wounded, or whether they made off with any gold or jewels, police said.

Investigators still were quizzing Rozio at the police station until about 7 p.m. Rozio's attorney, Bill Mathewman, said his client will not face charges.

Indiana: Security guard shoots man at westside convenience store

South Bend, Indiana

From WNDU of May 1, 2008

Security guard shoots man at westside convenience store

Police are investigating an early morning shooting by a security guard at a South Bend convenience store.

It happened just after 2:00 Thursday morning at V&K convenience on Lincolnway West just west of downtown.

The security guard asked a man to leave and when he wouldn't—police say a fight broke out and the guard shot the man in the leg.

The injured man was taken to the hospital. His injuries are not life threatening.

Illinois: Armed resident foils burglary

Galesburg, Illinois

From the Galesburg Register-Mail of May 7, 2008

Armed resident foils burglary

Knox County Sheriff’s Department deputies are investigating a residential burglary in which the homeowner apprehended a suspect after chasing him with a gun.

Police were called to a burglary in progress at 7:43 p.m. Monday to 1350 Knox Road 600E. According to police, the resident was in his basement when he heard a knock at the door. When he got to the main floor, he saw two unidentified men on the rear deck. The resident returned to the basement and retrieved a handgun.

The resident went upstairs and found the two men standing inside his home. The suspects fled and the resident followed, eventually firing a warning shot into the ground.

One of the suspects stopped while the second suspect continued running.

Tyrone L. Thompson, 20, Peoria, was detained by the homeowner until police arrived. Thompson was charged with residential burglary. The second suspect is described as a male with a small build and was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Police found a kitchen window screen had been cut, allowing entry into the residence. The investigation is ongoing.

Colorado: Would-be robber shot in Aurora

Aurora, Colorado

From the Denver Post of May 6, 2008

Would-be robber shot in Aurora

A man shot by a security guard while allegedly attempting to rob a Check into Cash store in Aurora this morning was in grave condition, according to Aurora Detective Bob Friel.

As of 3 p.m., the suspect was still alive and being treated by doctors at a local hospital, the spokesman said.

Friel said Aurora police dispatchers received an alarm from the Check Into Cash shortly after 10 a.m., and officers — who were nearby — arrived at the store within a minute.

Friel said the security guard told officers he had spotted the man in the store holding a handgun and believed there was a robbery in progress.

Friel said the suspect was shot at least once in the body by the security guard.

"We are not sure if the security guard was employed by the business or the shopping center," said Friel. "The security guard has been cooperative" and is currently being interviewed by police at police headquarters.

At the time of the incident, there was a clerk in the store. She was not injured, said the police spokesman.

The store is at 15270 E. Sixth Ave., which is at the intersection of East Sixth Avenue and Chambers Road.

Detectives were at the scene investigating the shooting. Check Into Cash outlets offer "payday advance services."

Louisiana: Man remains in critical condition after weekend shooting

Shreveport, Louisiana

From the Shreveport Times of May 5, 2008

Man remains in critical condition after weekend shooting

A Shreveport man remains in critical condition at LSU Hospital in Shreveport this morning after being shot by his estrange wife over the weekend.

Gary Young, 34, was shot at least once in the chest on Saturday after he went to the residence in the 5900 block of Candlewood Circle and attempted to drag the woman out of the bed, according to police.

The couple began arguing and Frances Young, 33, pulled out a handgun and shot her husband.

The woman was questioned by police and released. Police say the couple was separated.

Georgia: Police Investigate Deadly Shooting

Lithonia, Georgia

From 11Alive of May 5, 2008

Police Investigate Deadly Shooting

DeKalb County Police are investigating a shooting in Lithonia that left one person dead Monday night.

According to police, the person who was shot and killed tried to break into an apartment at the Concept 21 Apartments on Hillandale Drive. Somebody inside the apartment pulled out a gun and shot the intruder.

DeKalb County Police investigators have not said if any charges will be filed.

Iowa: Des Moines bar owner shoots and kills robber

Des Moines, Iowa

From Radio Iowa of May 1, 2008

Des Moines bar owner shoots and kills robber

Des Moines police say a would-be robber was shot to death by the owner of a tavern early this morning, and a second robber was seriously injured. Police Sergeant Vince Valdez says officers were called to El Zacatecas Club before three A.M. where a brawl was underway outside a video store next door.

Valdez says: "When the officers arrived they found two men down on the ground struggling in the parking lot of the video store. Both were injured." He says officers had to determine who was who in the situation very quickly.

Valdez says the bar's owner, Martin Ramirez, was holding down the second man, claiming that man had tried to rob him along with another man who was still in the bar. Officers went inside and found a badly wounded man who had been shot. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. He's identified as 32-year-old Nicomedes Vazquez of Des Moines.

The man with whom Ramirez was fighting in the parking lot is identified as 24-year-old Angel Nungaray of Indianola. He was listed in serious condition. It's unclear if Nungaray had also been shot. Ramirez was treated for his injuries and released. As yet, no charges have been filed.

Ohio: Clerk shoots at robber on West Side

Cleveland, Ohio

From the Plain Dealer of May 5, 2008

Clerk shoots at robber on West Side

A gas station clerk shot at a man who robbed the Liberty station at 7 a.m. at Clark Avenue and West 52nd Street.

The suspect ran off and was last seen in the 3000 block of West 51st Street, where patrolmen found a dollar bill on the ground.

The black suspect had a brown scarf wrapped around his face. He was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans, witnesses told police.

A police dog is trying to pick up the man's trail.

Houston Pawnshop Owner Shoots Robber

Houston, Texas

From April 23, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

A robbery suspect is in critical condition at a hospital after he was shot by a pawn shop manager during an attempted hold-up, Houston police said.

The 17-year-old and two other masked men were holding pistols and rifles shortly before noon Wednesday when they forced their way into Mason's Pawn Shop on Cullen near Bellfort, police said.

"They immediately started yelling for everybody to get on the ground," said Houston Police Sgt. Brian Harris.

The teenager jumped over the counter and threatened to kill everyone inside the store, police said.

"The manager was able to pull a pistol and shoot the man," Harris said.

The teenager was struck in the neck. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and is now facing a charge of aggravated robbery, police said.

Pacoima, California Liquor Store Robbers Shot

Pacoima, California

From April 27, 2008 KABC channel 7:

PACOIMA (KABC) -- A gunman is dead and the search for another suspect is on after an attempted robbery in Pacoima.

It happened Saturday at a liquor store on the 10000 block of San Fernando Road.

Police say two men walked into the store demanding cash.

But when one of the suspects pulled a gun, the owner of the store shot and killed him.

Lawton, Oklahoma Home Intruder Shot

Lawton, Oklahoma

From April 29, 2008 KSWO channel 7:

Investigators say the man who started it all is one of the people who was shot. They say Michael Stevenson got into an argument with two men at an apartment before it turned physical.

Detectives say Stevenson left, but returned with a gun and shot one of the men in the back of the head and the arm. They say he then went after the other man. "The third party did have a weapon, saw him coming, and told him not to come in the house [since] there were children around," says Lawton Police Captain Will Hines. "He did fire at the attacker and was struck."

Police say the other man shot Stevenson in the arm and leg. The District Attorney has ruled that the shooting was in self-defense.

Arizona: Store clerk shoots would-be robber

Mesa, Arizona

From the East Valley Tribune of May 5, 2008

Store clerk shoots would-be robber

A man’s attempted armed robbery of a central Mesa store was foiled Sunday when the clerk fought back with a Taser, his fists and a handgun, police said.

The 30-year-old suspect, shot several times by a clerk at Mesa Mart, 1510 S. Country Club Drive, was listed in critical condition at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, police spokeswoman Detective Chris Arvayo said.

Although the 55-year-old clerk had been assaulted with a pipe, he did not require extensive medical attention.

The clerk most likely will not face any criminal charges.

“He’s got the right to defend himself,” Arvayo said.

However, the suspect probably will be charged “once he’s better,” Arvayo said.

The incident began about 8 a.m., when the suspect entered the store near U.S. 60. He then demanded money while striking the clerk with a pipe.

The clerk first used a Taser, but it did not stop the robber. Police said the clerk then shot the suspect.

The identities of the robber and clerk were not immediately released.

California: Man Shoots and Wounds Suspected Burglar

Oakland, California

From CBS5 of April 23, 2008

Man Shoots and Wounds Suspected Burglar

A 51-year-old Oakland man shot and wounded a suspected burglar who was trying to break into the house he was renting in the 600 block of 59th Street about 8:15 a.m. today, according to Oakland police spokesman Roland Holmgren.

Holmgren said the suspect, 31-year-old Nathan Cooper of Oakland, was on parole for previous narcotics convictions and has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and violating his parole.

He said Cooper, who lives around the corner from the house where the shooting occurred, suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and was "touch and go" at one point but now is in stable condition at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Holmgren said the man who was living at the house told police he heard noises from the rear of his house and when he went to investigate he saw the silhouette of a man who appeared to be holding a gun.

The resident told police that he feared for his life and fired two shots, according to Holmgren.

An initial investigation concluded that the 51-year-old man was justified in shooting Cooper and there are no plans to arrest him, Holmgren said.

Holmgren said the man, who lives along, was "a little bit shaken" up by the incident, which he described as "a traumatic experience."

The shooting today is the third time since last Thursday night that a resident or a merchant shot a suspect who was involved in criminal activity.

On Thursday night, a clerk at an Eighth Avenue market shot an 18-year-old Pittsburg man who was trying to rob the store with an accomplice.

On Saturday night, the owner of a 23rd Avenue liquor store shot a suspected robber after the man had shot him during a failed robbery.

Holmgren said it appears that Oakland residents and business owners "are tired of being infringed upon" by armed robbers and are taking matters into their own hands.

Holmgren said Oakland police "are always worried about the vigilante factor," but he said that in the three recent incidents the victims all appeared to be justified in shooting at the suspects.

"In these incidents, the criminals came to them and brought the crime to them," as opposed to cases in which people actively hunt down suspected criminals, Holmgren said.

Arizona: Another homeowner shoots would-be invader

Avondale, Arizona

From the Arizona Family of May 1, 2008

Another homeowner shoots would-be invader

Two people were rushed to the hospital after a home invasion turned violent in Avondale.

According to police, a homeowner thought he heard somebody breaking into his home at 110th Avenue and Washington Street.

The man went outside to check it out and reportedly saw at least one armed suspect. That suspect fired at the homeowner.

The homeowner returned fire, police said.

Both men were hit.

The suspect reportedly was critically wounded.

The homeowner suffered minor injuries.

Police are investigating the incident.

Ohio: Suspected Burglar Shot By Home Owner

Dayton, Ohio

From WHIO of April 30, 2008

Suspected Burglar Shot By Home Owner

Police Dayton said a suspected home burglar was shot overnight by the homeowner.

The burglary happened around 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 1900 block of Emerson Avenue.

Sgt. Scott Lawson said, “At this time, it looks like an aggravated burglary and that the homeowner defended his home. But it is still being investigated.”

Officers said the suspect was hit in the neck by a bullet. He was taken to a local hospital and rushed into surgery.

At this time, the name and condition of the suspected burglary has not been released.

California: Lake County dentist shot wife in self-defense, police say

Lake County, California

From the Santa Rosa Press Democrat of May 4, 2008

Lake County dentist shot wife in self-defense, police say

A Lake County dentist acted in self-defense this weekend when he shot and critically wounded his estranged wife, who was coming at him with a pickax, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

Chief Deputy Sheriff James Bauman said Dr. Don Johnson, who operates Willow Tree Dental in Lakeport, does not face charges following the shooting of his wife, Margaret Johnson, during an incident at his Kelseyville home late Friday. He said Margaret Johnson was wounded by a single gunshot to her neck and was in stable, but critical, condition at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Bauman said Margaret Johnson was served with a restraining order Friday afternoon, a court order he said Don Johnson had sought "as a result of ongoing troubles with their relationship." He said Johnson's wife had left their Kelseyville home as a result of that order.

However, about 9:40 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to the home, where they found Margaret Johnson lying wounded on the floor.

Don Johnson told investigators that after he had gone to bed, he heard a woman screaming outside the home. He said he reached for a handgun and was calling the Sheriff's Department when he heard the sound of glass breaking at the rear of the house. He said that when investigating the sounds, he saw his wife entering the house armed with a pickax.

He told investigators he fired one shot, she fell to the floor and he returned to the telephone to complete his call to deputies.

"Based on evidence that Dr. Johnson acted in defense of his own life, he was not taken into custody," Bauman said. "Criminal charges against Margaret Johnson are pending further investigation of this incident."

Minnesota: Suspect killed in Inver Grove Heights liquor store robbery

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

From the Star-Tribune of May 2, 2008

Suspect killed in Inver Grove Heights liquor store robbery

Fearing he would be shot if he let the liquor store robber tie him up, Matt Huerta made a grab for the gun.

As the two men struggled for control of the weapon at Trail Liquors in Inver Grove Heights Thursday morning, it fired several times. The suspect was hit in the chest and died several hours later. Huerta was able to call 911 for help and is recovering at a St. Paul hospital.

Minutes before the scuffle, the suspect had walked into the store and demanded money from the cash register.

The suspect then walked Huerta, the store manager, to a back room and demanded he open the safe.

Huerta, the only employee in the store at about 10:30 a.m., told the man he didn't know the combination.

"The robber wanted to tie Matt up, and Matt thought if he was tied up, he could be shot,'' said Kathleen Schneider, the store's co-owner. When the man put the gun in the top of his pants, Huerta went to grab it, she said. That's when the scuffle began. The gun apparently discharged several times, she said.

Shots hit the suspect in the chest and the manager in the leg, according to investigators.

The manager then called 911 to report an armed robbery, said Lt. Jerry Salmey, a spokesman for the Inver Grove Heights police.

Huerta, 57, of Rosemount, was listed in good condition at Regions Hospital in St. Paul on Thursday. He declined requests for interviews.

The suspect's name won't be released until family members are notified, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's office said Thursday night.

Huerta is in "disbelief" over what happened, Schneider said. "He said it probably all happened in 15 minutes, but it felt like 15 hours."

"You just never think something like this is going to happen,'' Schneider said. "It's so tragic to think that someone would try to do this for a couple hundred dollars."