Maryland: Police:Garage owner fatally shoots would-be robber

Baltimore, Maryland

From WJZ of August 30, 2008

Police:Garage owner fatally shoots would-be robber

Baltimore police say the owner of an auto repair shop fatally shot a man trying to rob his business.

It happened around 6:30 p.m. Friday at Joe's Garage in northwest Baltimore.

Police spokesman Sterling Clifford says this was the second time that owner Joseph Goldman has shot someone trying to rob his business, but he did not have further details about the first shooting.

In Friday's incident, police say two men entered the business and displayed a handgun, but Goldman grabbed his own gun and fired at the men, hitting one.

The injured man was taken to Sinai Hospital where police say he was pronounced dead. Police did not release that man's name.

The second man fled and police are still looking for him.

Florida: Police: Woman Shoots At Men Trying To Break Into Car

Miami Lakes, Florida

From NBC6 of August 25, 2008

Police: Woman Shoots At Men Trying To Break Into Car

Miami-Dade police said a woman opened fire on three men who were trying to break into a car in Miami Lakes early Thursday.

The three men were trying to break into a car outside a home near Northwest 57th Avenue north of the Palmetto Expressway at about 1:30 a.m., police said. Miami-Dade police said they think the men were trying to steal the car's stereo.

A man and a woman who were inside the home came outside. When the man got into a confrontation with the three men, the woman started firing a gun, police said. Neighbors said they heard between four and seven shots.

"These subjects came here to do a crime," said Bobby Williams of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "Once that crime was committed, the boyfriend came out to stop them or at least to talk to them. They attacked him, so she was in fear for her boyfriend's safety and herself."

Ilana Lopez was inside the home at the time of the shooting.

"If he was in my property, burglarizing one of our vehicles, she did what she had to do to protect it," Lopez said.

The three men took off in an SUV, which police said was stolen. Police stopped the suspects outside a nearby CVS store and arrested them.

One of the three men had been shot in the chest and was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was in critical condition, NBC 6's Steve Litz reported.

The investigation continues. The suspects were expected to face charges.

Lopez said the car stereo was stolen once before, about three weeks ago.

"What can I say? I'm just tired of this going on around here," she said.

Florida's "Castle Doctrine" allows a potential victim to respond with deadly force if an intruder or criminal has intentions of death or great bodily harm, Litz reported. If the shooting is justified, the person will not be prosecuted.

Police said the shooting appeared to be justified, so the woman who fired the shots might not face charges.

The woman had no comment for reporters Thursday morning.

The names of those involved have not been released.

Texas: Fort Worth Man Shoots, Kills Neighbor's Dogs

Fort Worth, Texas

From CBS 11 of August 25, 2008

Fort Worth Man Shoots, Kills Neighbor's Dogs

A North Texas family is mourning the loss of two of their pets. The nine-month-old pit bulls were shot and killed by a neighbor who says it was self defense.

The shooting happened in a neighborhood off Ten Mile Bridge Road in northwest Fort Worth.

The neighbors never had any problems before. But that all changed over the weekend.

The man who pulled the trigger says he didn't have any choice. But the dogs' owners disagree.

Kristopher Harrison has a six-year-old daughter. He says that's why he was upset when two pit bulls wandered into his backyard Saturday afternoon.

Harrison says he told his next door neighbors, if it happened again, he would shoot the dogs. And that's exactly what he did around 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

Harrison says he and a friend were taking a break from watching the Olympics when the nine-month-old dog named 'Scarface' crawled under the fence. Harrison had his shotgun with him, so he says he shot the dog and the dog's sister, 'Lady'.

"I wish he just would have went in the house and would have came and told me instead of retaliating that way," dog owner Shaylen Ross said.

One of the animals was found dead in Harrison's backyard. The other was found dead in its own backyard.

"He was showing his teeth, growling and he was coming at me," Harrison explained. "The second dog, I didn't know. I didn't think I was going to have to shoot him, because he seemed a little hesitant. But then he looked at the hole in the fence. I thought he was going to go back under, then he turned around and started coming at me and that's when I shot him."

Fort Worth Police are reviewing the case, but they say if the dogs were in the neighbor's yard when they were shot it's unlikely that any charges will be filed.

Indiana: 2 robbers flee, 1 finds a fight

Fort Wayne, Indiana

From the Journal Gazette of August 14, 2008

2 robbers flee, 1 finds a fight

A homeowner and his son fought off a robber Wednesday night during an attempted home invasion in southern Allen County.

Police from several local agencies flocked to the Pheasant Run housing addition south of Dunkelberg Road after an officer who responded to the robbery reported hearing shots fired and that an officer was in trouble. Police later learned that no one was shot and the officer was OK, police said.

Allen County police took a call at 9:47 p.m. reporting the home invasion. Officers arrived at 9218 Burr Oak Drive at 9:52 p.m. and heard one shot as a robbery suspect was running from the area, Sheriff Ken Fries said.

The officer didn’t know who was shooting or why and stopped chasing the suspect and focused on the shooter. The officer detained at least one person who turned out to be a neighbor. He fired one shot at the suspect – not the officer, Fries said.

Several people, including teenagers, were home when three men tried to enter the home. Two of the robbers fled, leaving one behind. The homeowner and his teenage son wrestled with the man and at some point the homeowner was hit in the head with an unknown object, police said.

The homeowner suffered a cut to his head and was treated and released. No one else was hurt, Fries said.

When police arrived, the remaining robber ran and the officer began to chase him. That’s when a neighbor thought he’d help and fired a shot toward the suspect, Fries said.

Police dogs were used to try and track the three robbers but none had been found by midnight. It was unclear whether they were armed, Fries said.

Fries said they should be considered dangerous and warned residents not to answer the door or let anyone into their home if they don’t know them or they look suspicious.

Investigators believe the home was not likely picked at random as the homeowner’s son knew one of the suspects, Fries said.

The attempted home invasion remains under investigation, he said.

New York: Man escapes flurry of bullets but accidentally shoots himself

Buffalo, New York

From the Buffalo News of August 14, 2008

Man escapes flurry of bullets but accidentally shoots himself

A man escaped a flurry of shots fired at him in a drive-by shooting, but when he tried to return fire, he accidentally shot himself, The Buffalo News learned today.

The man was in the 100 block of Hagen Street, in the Bailey-Delavan neighborhood, at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when a burgundy vehicle pulled up to him and a gunman inside fired shots at him, according to Northeast District Police.

The man, whose identity is being withheld by The News for his protection, told detectives that he attempted to return fire and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No charges have been filed against the man nor has the gunman who fired from the vehicle been located.

The man was treated in Erie County Medical Center and released.

Pennsylvania: Alleged teen robber shot by Wal-Mart shopper

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

From the Pocono Record of August 28, 2008

Alleged teen robber shot by Wal-Mart shopper

It's a night time shopper's nightmare. You buy groceries, go to your car, and someone tries to rob you at gunpoint.

Police say Joshua Eastman, 28, of East Stroudsburg was unloading groceries at his car shortly before 12:45 a.m. today when Reneau Jean Jacques, 17, of 77 Symphony Circle, East Stroudsburg, pointed a handgun at him and demanded that he hand over his money.

Eastman looked around for help or someone to yell to. The alleged robber continued to demand money. Eastman replied that he did not have any money - that he used a debit card to pay for his purchases.

Jacques became more threatening, pointing the gun and using a more menacing tone of voice.

Eastman then took out his wallet and pushed the door of his truck more open to put it between himself and the suspect. Jacques pointed his gun at Eastman's face.

Eastman dropped his wallet and started ducking down. Jacques fired a shot that went through the window of the door almost striking Eastman and causing flying glass from the car window to cut his face.

Eastman pulled out a handgun he was carrying and fell to the ground. He returned fire under the truck's door with his pistol while the teen continued to fire his weapon.

Eastman shot Jacques in the lower leg and foot. Then Eastman ran back toward the store as the teen fled towards Friendly's restaurant.

Jacques fled into a landscaped island of bushes and trees in the parking lot. Stroud Area Regional Police were on the scene almost immediately and found him hiding and trying to bury a handgun in the mulch. He originally claimed to be a victim before police determined he was likely the one who started the trouble.

"It appears to be an armed robbery that went badly for the suspect because he picked an armed customer," said Sgt. James Wielgus.

On Thursday afternoon, Jacques, using crutches and wearing a long hospital gown over hospital pants, sat with a numb look on his face during his preliminary arraignment in East Stroudsburg Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth’s courtroom. Jacques, a Shawnee Academy student with a prior juvenile record, spoke in a subdued tone when addressed by the judge.

Jacques is charged as an adult with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, crimes committed with guns and illegal possession of a gun, all felonies, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. He hung his head and sighed after the judge told him he could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, attempted murder.

Jacques was taken to Pocono Medical Center for treatment. Police detained two other youths for questioning. They were in a car, trying to flee the scene, according to witnesses and police.

Home Intruder Shot in Bastrop County, Texas

Bastrop County, Texas

From the August 27, 2008 Austin American-Statesman:

Sheriff’s deputies in Bastrop are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Tuesday when a man fatally shot another man he says was trying to break into his residence on John Croft Road near the city of Bastrop.

A dispatcher said that Dillian Wilhelm shot James Nauer, of Bastrop, around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when Nauer reportedly entered his house with a club. Nauer was critically injured and taken to the University Medical Center at Brackenridge where he was pronounced dead, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Bastrop County sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office are investigating the case to determine if charges will be filed, investigators said.

Robbers Driven Off In West Hempstead, NY

West Hempstead, NY

From the August 26, 2008 Newsday:

Two assailants picked on the wrong guy when they confronted a man exiting his car in his driveway in West Hempstead on Monday night, police said.

The 35-year-old homeowner, who owns a check-cashing business in the city, was armed -- carrying his licensed Glock 9-mm pistol.

When one of the assailants fired at the man, he fired back. No one was hit by the gunfire on Oakford Street before the pair fled.

Burglars Take Into Custody in Fawn Lake Township

Fawn Lake Township, Minnesota

From the August 12, 2008 Long Prairie [Minnesota] Leader:

Texas: Tattoo Parlor Owner Shoots, Kills Intruder

San Antonio, Texas

From KSAT of August 25, 2008

Tattoo Parlor Owner Shoots, Kills Intruder

The owner of a tattoo parlor shot and killed an intruder at the business on near north side early Tuesday.

Police said the incident began as a disturbance at Perfection Tattoo in the 3500 block of Blanco Road at 2:30 a.m.

The business owner told police the man drove up to the building and broke a window and then threw a Molotov cocktail through the window, police said.

The owner then opened fire on the man outside the business, killing him, police said.

Police don't plan on filing charges against the owner, police said.

The intruder has not been identified.

Idaho: Boise man arrested after handgun standoff on Table Rock

Boise, Idaho

From the Idaho Statesman of August 21, 2008

Boise man arrested after handgun standoff on Table Rock

A 37-year-old Boise man is being held in the Ada County Jail on a felony aggravated assault charge after a handgun standoff late Wednesday night on Table Rock.

Damon Glenn Smith was also charged with felony DUI and misdemeanor resisting arrest after the incident, which occurred at 11:48 p.m. Wednesday on top of the Table Rock mesa, a popular sightseeing spot overlooking Boise.

Witnesses told police the trouble started when a car passed Smith’s truck as both vehicles were on the way up to the top of Table Rock.

Witnesses said when Smith got to the top of the mesa, by the giant fluorescent cross which overlooks the city, he got out of his truck and pulled out a handgun, first threatening the driver of the other car, and then pointing it at other people on top of the mesa and threatening them.

At that point, witnesses said the driver of the car Smith first threatened pulled out a 9 mm handgun, pointed it at Smith, and told him he was going to disarm him. That man then took the handgun from Smith and determined it was fake.

Witnesses told police Smith got into his truck and tried to drive away but was stopped by police, who were responding to a 911 call about the fight.

Smith, who appeared visibly intoxicated had a hard time standing and failed field sobriety tests, according to police reports.

When officers went to take him into custody, Smith resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained, Boise Police spokesman Charles McClure said.

The other man involved in the confrontation displayed his handgun legally and police determined he was fully within his rights to defend himself at the time, McClure said.

Mississippi: Suspected Car Burglar Shot by Owner

Jackson, Mississippi

From WLBT of August 16, 2008

Suspected Car Burglar Shot by Owner

A burglary victim opens fire on a man who he allegedly caught breaking into his vehicle Saturday morning.

JPD Lt. Jeffery Scott said 22-year old Mario Lampkin was shot once in the leg by the owner of the vehicle. Investigators say it happened just before 6 a.m. at 1315 North Jefferson Street.

Officers also believe Lampkin is responsible for breaking into two other vehicles before he was shot. Police say Lampkin managed to walk to nearby Baptist Hospital for treatment. He will be charged with auto burglary when released.

From the Clarion Ledger of August 16, 2008

Wounded man may face charges in car break-ins

A 22-year-old man will face burglary charges once he is released from a Jackson hospital.

Police say Mario Lampkin was shot in the leg by the owner of a car who claimed Lampkin was breaking into the vehicle. After he was shot, Lampkin walked to the Baptist Medical Center.

The shooting happened just before 6 a.m. today at an apartment complex in the 1300 block of N. Jefferson St.

The car owner was questioned and released. That person has not been charged.

Two other cars at the apartment complex also had been burglarized. Police say they suspect Lampkin may be responsible for those, too.

Road Rage Leads to Shooting Death in Hanover, Penn.

Hanover, Pennsylvania

From the August 20, 2008 York [Penn.] Daily Record:

On June 28, only two days after the Supreme Court announced its 5-4 ruling that Washington, D.C., citizens have the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the Constitution, I found myself standing in a pool of blood in York, from a man I had just shot. It was not my intent that evening to test the Second Amendment or kill somebody, but events unfolded to make it necessary for me to draw my weapon to defend myself and others.

My fiancée Maria and I had spent the day showing real estate investors our investment properties in York. We were driving to nearby Hanover to visit my mother when we came across what looked like a rear-end traffic accident.

Instead, a man, Douglas Need, had been driving recklessly when he swerved in front of a car and was hit in the rear. In a fit of road rage, he stormed out of his car, went back to two young women and a baby in the car that hit his, reached through the driver's window and started beating the driver very violently. She was able to break free and drive her car to the only place she could go -- the parking lot next to the street. Need ran back to his car, squealed his tires into the parking lot and looked as though he was going to broadside the women's car with them still inside.

At the last moment, he swerved his car around and blocked hers from going anywhere. I pulled into the parking lot, got out of the car and yelled at Need to leave the women alone while Need's passenger was in the parking lot. My gun was still holstered by my side. The woman got out of her car and escaped into the store. He followed but only moments later exited the store back into the parking lot. Both Need and the man with him were uncontrollably enraged and seemed deranged past the point of caring who they hurt.

As they continued to threaten that they had guns and were going to kill people, for some unknown reason Need ran to the driver's side door of my car and started pounding on the window, shouting at my fiancée who was inside the car with the engine running. Fearing that Maria's life was in danger because of his previous death threats, that's when I drew my weapon. I ordered Need to step away from my car, which he did. He then returned to the center of the parking lot, according to witnesses, and continued with threats and deranged behavior.

I went to my car and stood at the driver's side door. Need turned back to me and started coming at me with his arms waving and shouting "just shoot me." I ordered him to stay back, but he kept coming. Then, when he was about four or five feet from me, he put his hand into his pants pocket, and that is when I fired my first shot into his left thigh. It didn't stop him from coming at me. He grabbed my shirt, ripped off the top button and grabbed my right arm. That's when I shot him the second time point-blank into his thigh. I was told later that the bullets had severed his femoral artery and he had bled to death at York Hospital. I was truly sorry he died, but knew I had made the right decisions.

Texas: NW Harris County store owner fatally shoots robber

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of August 21, 2008

NW Harris County store owner fatally shoots robber

Confronted with a pistol and bound with duct tape, the owner of a northwest Harris County store decided not to quietly submit and hope his attacker would show mercy.

The businessman worked himself free, got his own gun and killed the robber in a shootout, sheriff's deputies said.

The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday when a man walked into the cellular phone store in the 12000 block of Veterans Memorial Drive near Antoine, pulled out a gun and tied up the owner, sheriff's detectives said.

"He (the robber) was in the process of trying to disable the surveillance equipment when the owner was able to free himself,'' said Sgt. Ben Beall.

The owner grabbed his own pistol and opened fire. The robber did the same, but was fatally wounded.

"The owner is fine. He was not injured,'' Beall said.

A woman at the store today said the owner did not want to comment on the incident.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the dead man is the same person who held up a number of other cell phone stores in the area recently, Beall said.

Tennessee: 87 Year-Old Shoots Man Climbing Through His Window

Memphis, Tennnessee

From EyewitnessNews of August 19, 2008

87 Year-Old Shoots Man Climbing Through His Window

Police say an 87 year-old man shot another man who he claims was climbing through a window in the back of his North Memphis house.

The shooting happened around 5:45 a.m., Tuesday August 19, 2008, in the 3400 block of Warford.

Police say the man was shot in the upper torso and was rushed to the Med in extremely critical condition.

Two other people that live in the house with the 87 year-old, say they woke up to the sound of two gunshots.

The 87 year-old man and two eyewitnesses are being questioned by police.

Felony Response is taking over the investigation.

Louisiana: Neighbors caught in the crossfire of shootout

New Orleans, Louisiana

From WWLTV of August 19, 2008

Neighbors caught in the crossfire of shootout

Was it self defense, or a danger to the community? It's a question many residents in the Faubourg St. John area are now asking after a recent shooting left bullet casings up and down their neighborhood block.

On Sunday, around 10:30 p.m., New Orleans Police Department officers say two hooded men robbed an employee of the Soprano's Meat Market at gun point at 2703 Ursulines Avenue. Store owner and brother of the employee, Rick Abraham, says surveillance video captured the entire incident.

"They robbed him, beat him with the gun, threw him on the floor, and demanded the money," he said.

But Abraham says his brother was only carrying $50, and so when the robbers demanded more, his brother pulled out his own gun to defend himself. "What happened wasn't just some gunfight; it was a matter of life and death situation."

But on Tuesday night, a handful residents showed up to the First District police station, arguing otherwise. During the New Orleans Neighborhood and Police Anti-Crime Council Meeting (NONPAC), residents argued that the store employee should not have continued to shoot at the robbers, especially if the two men were fleeing the scene.

"What we don't understand is how it's possible that a business owner feels it's the safe and right thing to do to chase a robber down a full city block shooting in a residential neighborhood,” said Kate Parker, President of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association.

While surveillance video does not show the store employee running after the robbers, neighbors say the gunfire did result in at least one bullet entering a home down the block. NOPD officers also found several other bullet casings in nearby vehicles.

Mike Adams lives across the street from Sopranos and is now stuck fixing the gaping hole in his truck's windshield. "It sounded like fireworks," he said. One of the bullets grazed his vehicle's hood and flew right through the windshield.

Adams says the convenience store should bear some responsibility for the surge in crime in the area. "It’s not all their fault, but at the same time, I think they play a bigger role in the safety of this neighborhood than they think," said Adams.

During the NONPAC meeting, officers told residents the store employee, legally, did nothing wrong. New Orleans police Sgt. Cyril Davillier said the man did not have a concealed weapons permit, but said so long as a person is carrying a gun from their work to their vehicle, or from their home to their vehicle, they do not need one.

"It's dangerous to shoot guns like that," said Davillier. "But if you're a victim of crime getting shot at, what are you going to do?"

Abraham says his brother's decision to carry a gun that evening, proved to be the right one. "If he didn't have nothing to defend himself, they would have killed him."

Many of the residents at Tuesday’s anti-crime meeting say they blame the store's owner for much of the area's illegal activity. They say the meat market stays open later than it should, and accuse the store's owner of attracting customers who contribute to crime.

The NOPD is still conducting an investigation into Sunday's shooting, but say so far they have found no wrong doing on the part of the store employee. Officers are still searching for the two robbers. If you have any information on the shooting you’re asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

If you "attract" robbers, they complain. If you use force to repel them, they also complain. There are some people you just can't please.

Texas: Apparent intruder fatally shot in southwest Harris County

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of August 19, 2008

Apparent intruder fatally shot in southwest Harris County

Harris County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a shooting in southwest Harris County that left one man dead Tuesday evening.

Residents at the Sierra Pines Apartments reported hearing gunshots about 5:50 p.m. near building No. 16.

Deputies arrived at 6403 Sierra Blanca and found a man who had been fatally shot by a resident.

It appears he was attempting to force entry into an apartment, Homicide Sgt. Wayne Kuhlman said.

Virginia: Two shot in argument in Suffolk

Suffolk, Virginia

From the Daily Press of August 14, 2008

Two shot in argument in Suffolk

They used to live together as boyfriend and girlfriend.

But early Wednesday morning, it appears a Suffolk man tried to force his way into his ex-girlfriend's apartment. Both ended up shot. They remain hospitalized in serious condition, city spokeswoman Debbie George said.

Police responded at 4:28 a.m. when a young girl called to say a man broke into her home and her mother had been shot.

When they arrived at the Hardy Court apartment, they found Juanita Everett, 33, lying in the roadway and suffering from two gunshot wounds. Aubrey L. McQueen, the man police say forced into the residence, was found inside with one gunshot wound.

Four children, who range in age from 10 to 15, were found unharmed inside the residence.

McQueen, 30, was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with injuries that were initially described as life-threatening. Everett was taken by ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Police believe McQueen is Everett's former boyfriend. He has not lived there since last month, when police took out warrants for him in connection with a staged 7-Eleven robbery. He's wanted for two counts of embezzlement and one count of forgery and uttering. Last month, police say a 7-Eleven employee staged her own robbery with the help of McQueen.

From the Daily Press of August 18, 2008

Intruder wounded in Suffolk shooting has died

A man who was shot during a Suffolk home invasion last week has died of his injuries.

Debbie George, spokeswoman for the city of Suffolk, said Aubrey L. McQueen, 30, died Saturday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

McQueen was wounded early Wednesday morning after police say he broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend, Juanita Everett. Both adults were shot, but four children in the residence were unharmed

McQeen was also wanted for his suspected role in the robbery of a 7-Eleven, in which he and a store employee allegedly staged a robbery to embezzle the cash.

California: Would-be robber flees store after employee shoots him

Coachella, California

From the Desert Sun of August 20, 2008

Would-be robber flees store after employee shoots him

A man was shot Tuesday morning as he tried to rob a Coachella convenience store, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The man entered the Y and M Market in the 1500 block of Second Street about 10:40 a.m. and brandished a handgun.

Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and a store employee and the suspect was shot, according to the sheriff's department.

The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle with a woman. They did not get away with any money.

No one in the store was injured.

The man is described as a Hispanic male in his 20s with a thin build. He wore dark clothing and a fedora-type hat.

The woman is described as a heavyset Hispanic adult with dark hair.

Pennsylvania: Elderly Woman Grabs Gun, Holds Would-Be Burglar At Bay

Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania

From WPXI of August 18, 2008

Elderly Woman Grabs Gun, Holds Would-Be Burglar At Bay

An 85-year-old great-grandmother from Lake Lynn, Fayette County kept an alleged burglar at bay using a .22-caliber pistol.

According to police, a 17-year-old suspect was attempting to burglarize Leda Smith overnight.

That's when Smith grabbed her gun and told the teen that she would shoot him if he moved, police said.

"I had the gun on him before he turned around and said, 'you've had it,' " Smith told Channel 11-News.

According to police, Smith ordered the boy to dial 911 and then gave him some advice.

"Dial 911 and don't attempt to throw the phone at me, or do anything bad or i'll just shoot you," Smith said.

When police arrived, they took the teen into custody.

Charges have been filed against the boy and an alleged accomplice.

Indiana: 2 Shot In Apparent Apartment Break-In

Indianapolis, Indiana

From the Indy Channel of August 18, 2008

2 Shot In Apparent Apartment Break-In

Two people were shot in a home break-in early Monday morning at an apartment complex on Indianapolis' east side.

Indianapolis Metro police were called to 42nd Street and Post Road just after 1 a.m.

Police said they found two men had been shot. One was believed to be a resident of the apartment complex and the other was possibly an intruder, officers said.

The resident was struck in the head and the other man was hit in the chest. Their injuries were believed to be serious but not life-threatening.

"There was possibly a break-in through the rear of the house," said IMPD Detective Kevin Duley. "Two occupants were in the apartment at the time of the break-in."

Police said they think the two men traded shots. The other resident who was not hurt was questioned as police hoped to determine if any other people were involved.

North Dakota: Minot Shooting Called Self-Defense

Minot, North Dakota

From KFYR of August 15, 2008

Minot Shooting Called Self-Defense

Who did it? That is cut and dry for Minot police, which is not typical in a shooting case.

Minot Police were called to this RV park just after 10:00 last night, August 14, for reports of gun shots fired. When they arrived they found 42-year old Jonnie Guerrero with three gunshots wounds to his leg. Shortly thereafter they also found a female and two males sitting outside a nearby trailer.

"The female had a gun in her possession and she admitted to using it on the victim who we had found," says Detective Jason Sundbakken, Minot Police Department.

Police say the group had been sitting outside when Guerrero approached them and started causing problems leading to a fight that eventually turned physical.

"The altercation blossomed into the gun shot victim brining a large metal pipe of some kind, allegedly, and swinging it at this lady`s husband. She was in fear of his life and therefore she took the gun she had in her pocket out and fired four rounds," says Det. Sundbakken.

The gun was a .22 caliber derringer pistol. It had been given to her by her husband for safety. It holds two shots. She fired four. She shot twice, reloaded and shot two more times.

"Due to the fact that she was acting in a way that was in self-defense of her husband and everybody else that was there, they are deciding not to pursue charges against her," says Det. Sundbakken.

Guerrero was transported to Trinity hospital where he is being treated for gunshot wounds to his leg. It’s not considered serious.

Kansas: Family Fights Back In Home Invasion

Kansas City, Missouri

From KCTV5 of August 15, 2008

Family Fights Back In Home Invasion

A family fought back against a group of armed intruders that broke into a Kansas City, Kan., home early Friday morning, police said.

Police received a 911 call from a house near North 74th Court and Oakland Avenue just after midnight.

A man who lives in the house said when the men burst into the house, his son was able to escape and get help while he and his brother were held at gunpoint.

"These guys had us in there for about 20 minutes. One of them came outside and tried to get in my Escalade. When that guy went outside, my brother, who was here with me, jumped up and grabbed the gun from him. I went downstairs and grabbed my gun, and the shootout was on after that," the man said.

Two of the alleged intruders were wounded in the shooting.

Police took three of the four suspected home invaders into custody.

The homeowner said he thinks these were the same men who broke into his home days earlier. Following that incident, the family decided to get an alarm installed. It was scheduled to be activated on Friday.

Virginia: Homeowner holds gun on man until police arrive

Courtland, Virginia

From the Tidewater News of August 12, 2008

Homeowner holds gun on man until police arrive

An Ivor resident who returned home early one day last week was able to help police apprehend a man who had broken into at least two homes along Holloman Drive.

When he got home last Tuesday and found a man ransacking his house, the burglary victim grabbed a shotgun, confronted the man and held him at bay until police could arrive on the scene.

When they got there, they found that the man, 35-year-old Christopher Michael Hosking, who is listed as “homeless” in court records, was in possession of a handgun that had been stolen from another house nearby, along with cash that had been taken from the second victim’s home, according to Detective Cpl. Richard Morris of the Southampton Sheriff’s Office.

Hosking was charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and first-offense possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Morris said the man also has criminal charges pending in South Carolina.

At least four members of the Sheriff’s Department responded to the early afternoon call. Deputies Doug Ottmers, Robert Busching and J.B. Stutts joined Sheriff Vernie W. Francis Jr. at the scene, Morris said Tuesday.

Florida: 2 Dead In Miami Gardens Game Store Shooting

Miami Gardens, Florida

From NBC6 of August 16, 2008

2 Dead In Miami Gardens Game Store Shooting

A gun battle erupted in a store at a shopping mall in Miami Gardens that left two people dead and shoppers running for cover.

The Miami-Dade Police Department said three men entered the MultiVest Xtreme Video Games store on 183rd Street and Northwest Seventh Ave. Shortly after, a gun battle erupted between the manager, Corey Robinson, and one of the men, police said. Police said both the manager and one of the men had a weapon. Both men died at the scene, police said.

“The manager managed to shoot one of the subjects, who is now deceased, inside, and the manager was also shot,” Bobby Williams of the Miami-Dade Police Department said.

Michael Robinson’s son was killed in the incident. He said he is in shock.

“I never thought I would live to see the day that I would be burying one of my own children,” Robinson said.

Witnesses, including shopper David Durham, said they heard gunshots coming from store.

“As soon as we got here we heard ‘Bam bam,’ and that was it. People running and going nuts,” he said.

Workers in a pawn shop nearby the strip all said they keep their store doors closed at all times because they fear something may happen to the people in their store.

“There’s always loud noises and stuff,” Matt Furry of AAA Pawnshop said. “We heard a gunshot go off. We went out there, and we just saw some people laying on the ground.”

Police said the other two men fled the scene. One left on foot; the other in a car.

“We just left the hospital,” Corey Robinson’s sister, Qualyn Gibbs, said. “We couldn’t see him or anything because it’s a crime scene going on.”

Police said they are investigating the scene and looking for the other men.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

California: Police: Hemet Woman, 93, Misfires At Burglar

Hemet, California

From KNBC of August 15, 2008

Police: Hemet Woman, 93, Misfires At Burglar

A 93-year-old Hemet woman shot at an intruder who entered her home, but she missed and the bullet went through a window and over a neighbor's home, Hemet police said Friday.

The woman shot at the intruder who entered her home in the 300 block of South Street shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, Lt. Duane Wisehart said.

She called police and they surrounded the home until she came out without the weapon, Wisehart said.

The woman told police she heard someone in her home and armed herself with a pistol, then shot at the intruder as the man walked down her hall toward her.

The bullet went through a kitchen window of the small, two-bedroom home, through a shade structure and over a house next door, Wisehart said.

The intruder took some pieces of jewelry and a watch, Wisehart said.

The woman told police that two men had come to her door earlier in the day and offered her an ADT alarm system. The woman said she had an alarm but it was broken and they offered to fix it for cash, Wisehart said.

The woman said she didn't have the cash to fix it and the men left, Wisehart said.

Police said they did not know if that contact was connected to the intruder. They found a bicycle nearby, Wisehart said, and a neighbor said he had seen two men, one on a bicycle and the other on foot, running east on Acacia from the home.

The home's garage door was pulled open from the outside, but the intruder or intruders entered through an open window.

"She's been given the security talk," Wisehart said.

The woman will not be facing charges, Wisehart said.

Police Friday cautioned residents to be careful of such contacts with strangers.

Kentucky: Girl, 15, hospitalized after pit bull attack

Louisville, Kentucky

From the Courier Journal of August 15, 2008

Girl, 15, hospitalized after pit bull attack

A 15-year-old girl was attacked by a friend's pit bull last weekend in Fairdale.

The girl, whose name was not released, was hospitalized with multiple bite wounds. Her current condition was not available, said Officer Phil Russell, a spokesman for Louisville Metro Police.

The incident happened Sunday as the girl visited a friend in the 10000 block of National Turnpike.

The dog began biting the girl inside the house then chased her outside.

A passer-by stopped to help the girl, Russell said. The man shot and killed the dog, he said.

Jackie Gulbe, a spokeswoman for Metro Animal Services, said the owner of the dog was cited for having a dangerous dog and not having the dog properly restrained.

Gulbe said she could not release the owner's name because Metro Animal Services continues to investigate.

Normally, someone cited for having a dangerous dog would be required to register the pet as such, which costs $500 each year in licensing fees.

Gulbe said that the city will pursue the owner in criminal court since the dog is dead.

Louisville's current dangerous-dog law was passed by the Metro Council in December. It defines a dangerous dog as any that severely attacks a person when unprovoked; maims or kills domestic pets or livestock; is used in the commission of a crime; owned or harbored for the primary purpose of fighting; or is declared dangerous by the director of animal services.

Pennsylvania: Store owner with shotgun thwarts would-be robber

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From the Philadelphia Inquirer of August 15, 2008

Store owner with shotgun thwarts would-be robber

A gunman did not get the cash he demanded when he walked into a South Philadelphia locksmith shop yesterday morning, police said. He got something unwanted.

Instead of complying, the owner of Todaro's Locksmith pulled out a shotgun and released a single blast, critically injuring the gunman, police said.

The drama began at 10:38 a.m., when the man entered the store in the 1500 block of Federal Street, said Lt. Frank Vanore of the Public Affairs Unit.

"He demanded money, and the store owner was able to get to the shotgun," Vanore said.

The owner, whom police did not identify, had moved behind a partition where the shotgun was stored, Vanore said.

Authorities were still trying to confirm the identity of the gunman late yesterday afternoon and did not immediately release his name. Police recovered a handgun at the scene.

The gunman was sprayed with pellets in the hands, neck and face, Vanore said.

He was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he remained in critical condition yesterday.

The gunman faces charges of robbery and related offenses, Vanore said. The store owner immediately called police and cooperated with detectives and does not face charges, Vanore said.

Kentucky: No Charges in Deadly Shooting

Pulaski County, Kentucky

From WTVQ of August 13, 2008

No Charges in Deadly Shooting

No charges have been filed against a Pulaski County woman who police say shot and killed her husband after the two got in a domestic confrontation.

The shooting happened early Wednesday morning on Highway 196 in the Nancy community.

Investigators with the Sheriff's Department say 48-year-old Tamara Wilson got a gun and shot her husband, 49-year-old William, after an argument escalated.

Mr. Wilson was taken to the hospital where he later died.

During its investigation, the Sheriff's Department found a history of domestic violence in this family - including a prior charge of domestic assault in 2006 and at least two prior domestic violence orders that had been issued against Mr. Wilson.

Investigators also say Mr. Wilson had made threats against his wife leading up to the shooting.

Because of this information, not charges have been filed, but the results of this investigation will be presented to the Pulaski County Grand Jury for their consideration.

Alaska: Girl remains in critical condition after pit bull attack

Anchorage, Alaska

From KTUU of August 12, 2008

Girl remains in critical condition after pit bull attack

A 6-year-old girl remains in critical condition Tuesday after a pit bull attacked her and a baby sitter.

Two neighbors came to the rescue and one of them shot the dog to save the victims.

The attack happened a little before 3 p.m. at an East Anchorage trailer park, the Riviera Terrace, near 32nd Avenue and Lee Street.

"The report was a pit bull had attacked a 6-year-old girl and she was severely injured. In fact the original report thought the girl was dead," said APD Lt. Paul Honeman.

John Kersbergen and Shawnee Hart witnessed some of the attack.

"I heard the screams get worse. I looked out the window and I see the dog has the baby sitter by the arm out here and the neighbor has his pistol. He shoots away, then, and the dog lets go. But then the dog turned on him, so he had to shoot again and after, like, three shots he finally hit the dog in the leg," Hart said.

Police say Kyle Mayeaux rushed into the house to try and revive the little girl. Troy Danforth shot the dog in the leg, possibly saving the child's life.

No one knows for certain why the dog attacked the child but neighbors said the dog was known to be aggressive.

The child, however, lived with the dog so it seems it have been familiar with the residents.

"When their dog was attacking at us we had to swing at it with a metal leash and the owner is hollering at us, 'Don't hit our dog, it's friendly, it's a security dog,'" Hart said. "The dog is snarling, trying to pick my dog's head off."

Police say the baby sitter had injuries on her arm and leg.

There was a third, younger child in the house that was not attacked by the dog.

Illinois: Four Shot in Jewelry Store Shootout

Chicago, Illinois

From the WBBM of August 14, 2008

Four Shot in Jewelry Store Shootout

Robbers invaded a Southwest Side jewelry store on Wednesday, triggering a gun fight. Four people, including the alleged robbers, were injured in the shootout.

It was a wild scene near the corner of 63rd Street and Kedzie Avenue Wednesday evening when a pair of robbers pretending to be customers walked into Sergio V. Jewelry. But the robbers picked on the wrong guy.

The store owner, Sergio Vasquez, is known around the neighborhood to be a man who doesn't put up with any nonsense at his shop. He was behind the counter when the robbers walked in.

Chicago Police Sgt. Lawrence Gade said "Two suspects entered the store, possibly for a robbery. It went bad. Victims and/or suspects were shot in the process."

Investigators said the robbers walked in with a briefcase and when they pulled their guns, Vasquez grabbed his and all three opened fire. Both robbers were hit and so was a jeweler in the back of the store. At least one shot also struck a motorist who was passing by outside.

That driver was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the face.

Police from the Chicago Lawn District arrived within minutes. Vasquez's son was at the scene too.

Manuel Vasquez said, "You get buzzed in, you get attended, you know, unfortunately I guess these guys were on a mission to do one thing only and do what they got to do and take what they got to take and run out, but I'm glad the cops got them."

Police found one robber lying on the street around the corner, bleeding from a gunshot wound, the other was arrested at the store.

None of the people shot appeared to have life-threatening injuries. All are hospitalized.

A suspect in his 40s is in John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in "critical" condition, police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor said. The other suspect was shot in the leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in “stable” condition.

One of the victims, in his 30s, was shot in the leg as well, Taylor said. He also is in John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in “stable” condition. The second victim, in his 40s, was shot in the face and at Mount Sinai Hospital in “stable” condition.

Whether the pther two victims were customers or employees in the store has not yet been revealed.

Connecticut: State says killing of bear was justified

New Milford, Connecticut

From the Waterbury Republican American of August 14, 2008

State says killing of bear was justified

An Indian Trail Road homeowner was justified in killing a black bear Wednesday after it chased his dog and then acted threateningly toward him, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

James Galvin killed the female bear with three blasts from a 12-gauge shotgun while standing outside his front door about 7 a.m. Galvin said he fired after the bear stood on its hind legs, lowered itself and started toward him.

"I thought it was going to attack," Galvin said. "It was about 15 feet away from me."

The bear had been chasing Galvin's sheepdog, Geno, through the yard, but stopped when Galvin emerged from the front door. Galvin said he was awakened by Geno's barking and looked out the window to see the bear, which had two cubs nearby, pursuing the dog.

The shotgun was already loaded when he walked out the front door. Numerous bears have been spotted on his 51 acres of wooded property at the northern end of town, he said, and keeping the gun loaded was a way of being prepared in case a bear became aggressive.

"I had the gun by the door because I knew sooner or later something like this could happen," Galvin said. "If necessary, I wanted to have the ability to protect myself, my dog and my property."

DEP conservation officers who responded to Galvin's home declared the shooting justified after interviewing him, according to DEP wildlife biologist Paul Rego. Black bears, which are rarely aggressive, are a protected species under DEP regulations and shooting them is illegal, although they can be shot in circumstances like Galvin's, Rego said.

The bear weighed about 200 pounds and stood about five feet tall when it reared up, Galvin said. Its cubs had climbed up a tree before the shooting, Galvin said, probably as a result of Geno's barking.

(More)

Texas: Houstonian shoots accused intruder

Houston, Texas

From KHOU of August 8, 2008

Houstonian shoots accused intruder

Houston police say they are investigating a shooting where a homeowner fought back and shot a suspected burglar.

Investigators say that the ordeal began after two men broke into a home on Pecan Villas in southeast Houston.

The homeowner heard the suspects and then grabbed his gun and shot at the reported intruders, police say.

One of the men was hit. He was taken to the hospital and is in serious condition.

The second suspect was arrested at the scene.

Ohio: Man Fights Would-Be Robbers In Ambush

Galion, Ohio

From NBC4 of August 13, 2008

Man Fights Would-Be Robbers In Ambush

A Galion man agreed to meet someone in Lancaster to buy some construction equipment, but it was all a set-up to a robbery.

The prospective customer was told to meet the seller on an area of desolate land in Lancaster to buy a Bobcat -- a type of construction equipment, NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported.

Shortly after arriving, the man was walking across the field when someone approached him from the left, cursed at him and pointed a gun at him.

"There was a verbal agreement of $7,000 cash for the Bobcat and the (customer) showed up with the cash and found out it was actually a robbery -- ambush," said Sgt. Mike Peters, of Lancaster police.

But, the customer was prepared -- and had a concealed carry permit and two guns.

He unloaded one gun on the robbers and then started with the second gun.

The robbers returned fire, and it is believed that one of them was shot.

"He was in fear for his life. He felt that he was going to be shot and killed and he actually did pull his gun and shot several times at the robber," Peters said.

No arrests have been made, but a man with a gunshot wound at The Ohio State University Medical Center is a suspect.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers told NBC 4 that taking large amounts of cash to someone unknown is never a good idea -- and customers should never go alone.

From the Lancaster Eagle Gazette of August 13, 2008

Shots fired at Lancaster quarry

Lancaster police are looking for a man who allegedly tried to rob another man during a business transaction in a quarry Tuesday.

Nathan R. Zeger, 27, of Galion, was meeting an individual to purchase a Bobcat around 3:50 p.m. Tuesday in the quarry in the 800 block of South Ewing Street, according to a Lancaster Police report.

There are no houses or businesses next to or across from the site.

As Zeger approached a white male dressed in black, another male wearing a black ski mask approached from Zeger's left and told Zeger to get down while pointing a black handgun at him.

Zeger dropped to the ground and pulled his .38 caliber handgun and shot six times at the male in the ski mask. The man in the ski mask fired three shots at Zeger in the exchange, according to the report.

Zeger has an Ohio Concealed Carry Weapon license. Zeger was not injured in the incident. The police report did not specify whether the man in the ski mask was injured in the exchange.

Zeger fled the quarry to South Ewing Street, where he was when Lancaster Police Detective E.L. Eggleston arrived at the scene. The detective's bureau did respond and the area was canvassed, according to the report.

Zeger said he saw the suspect leave the scene in a black Nissan type vehicle with an Ohio temporary tag on the rear "at a high rate of speed" heading southbound on South Ewing, according to the report. It did not detail what became of the man Zeger was meeting to purchase the Bobcat.

The Lancaster Police Detectives are working with the Hocking County Sheriff's Office, the Logan Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation to locate the suspect, the vehicle and the firearm.

If anyone has information about the incident, they are asked to call the Lancaster Police Department at 740-687-6680.

Ohio: Deli Owner Opens Fire On Would-Be Robbers

East Price Hill, Ohio

From WLWT of August 13, 2008

Deli Owner Opens Fire On Would-Be Robbers

An East Price Hill delicatessen owner took matters into his own hands during an attempted robbery on Tuesday, police said.

Officers said two men walked into Don's Deli on Beech Street just before 8 p.m. and pointed a gun at the owner, demanding money.

Instead, police said, the owner pulled out his own gun and fired at least once at the men, who fled from the deli.

The men were last seen leaving the area in a tan sedan. No arrests have been made so far.

No injuries were reported.

Florida: Home Invader Dead: Two On The Run

Pensacola, Florida

From NBC15 of August 11, 2008

Home Invader Dead: Two On The Run

Two suspects are on the run as deputies in Escambia County, Fla., continue their investigation into a weekend home invasion.

A man who was sleeping inside the home shot and killed one intruder and at first deputies said they were looking for only one other suspect. Now that investigators have had a chance to interview neighbors in the area, one eye-witness tells deputies she saw a man exit and run from the home and she says she saw a woman driving a car, presumably a get away car.

Investigators say when Rodney Allen Williams burst into the home, of former Navy sailor who was in the home with his girlfriend fired four times. William's died and deputies say he had two accomplices, a man and a woman, who are on the run. Lee Tyree says the two suspects will be charged with felony murder.

"You're participating in a crime," Tyree said. "The result of this crime was the death of another and they will be charged with causing the death because they committed the crime."

From the Pensacola News-Journal of August 10, 2008

Resident kills intruder

The resident living on Srant Drive who shot and killed an intruder Saturday afternoon will not be charged, said Glenn Austin, spokesman with the Escambia County Sheriffs Office.

At about 4:30 p.m., two men broke in through the side door of the West Pensacola home. At least one of the men was armed, Austin said.

The man living in the residence heard the disturbance and shot one of the suspects while the other one ran away.

The suspect who was shot, Rodney Allen Williams, 27, staggered out of the house and died, Austin said.

“He was an armed intruder who came in with a weapon. The homeowner saw the threat and defended himself,” Austin said. “When you’re threatened you have the right to defend yourself.”

According to Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law,” homeowners are entitled to shoot a person who unlawfully and forcibly enters their home.

Officials are looking for another man connected to the break-in, Austin said, but could not provide a description of the man.

Kim Bragg lives five houses away from where the break-in occurred. She hopes this incident makes law enforcement pay attention to the crime in the area.

“Some of these homes have been broken into so many times it’s not even funny,” Bragg said.

The two men who broke into the home were dropped off by a woman driving a car, she said.

Bragg said she’s concerned about the safety of her neighborhood, made up of many children and seniors.

She doesn’t keep a gun at home because she has children but says that doesn’t stop her from encouraging neighbors to keep them.

“We’re going to have to start carrying baseball bats,” Bragg said. “If the police don’t help us, we’re going to be swinging first and asking questions later.”

Arizona: Homeowner, burglary suspects in shootout; 1 dead

Phoenix, Arizona

From the Arizona Republic of August 11, 2008

Homeowner, burglary suspects in shootout; 1 dead

Phoenix police found one man dead and another shot after responding to a residence near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.

At about 9 p.m. on Sunday, police received a call to a shooting at the residence, where they discovered a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound and a 20-year-old man in another room dead from gunshot wounds, police said.

The 25-year-old homeowner told police he was home alone when he saw three men in his backyard, armed and looking to break into the residence. The resident traded gunfire with the suspected intruders, resulting in the gunshot wounds.

Two of the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, police said.

Police did not release information about the suspects or their vehicle as the investigation is ongoing.

Florida: Would-be pizza parlor robber flees in face of .357 magnum

Ormand Beach, Florida

From the News-Journal of August 10, 2008

Would-be pizza parlor robber flees in face of .357 magnum

The owner of a pizza parlor here shot at a would-be robber who came out of the bushes as the proprietor and an older relative were leaving the business, police said this morning.

Manny Manolas, 41, told police that he and Clary Manolas, 63, were closing up Manny's Pizza at 487 S. Nova Road at about 11:40 p.m. Sunday when a man wearing a towel or a T-shirt over his head emerged from the bushes near Manolas' car, according to a report. The stranger brandished a gun and said, "Give me the bag and your money," according to the report.

But Manolas wasn't about to surrender his cash and his receipts.

He pulled out his own weapon, a .357 magnum revolver, and shot at the man, who ran toward a furniture store nearby, the report shows.

Investigators are still looking for the suspect, described as a white male, between 18 and 25 years of age and about 170 pounds with a large circular tattoo -- possibly a sun -- on his right calf, police said.

Anyone with information, should call Ormond Beach police, 386-677-0731, or CrimeStoppers,1-888-277-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and may be eligible for an award.

Florida: Man shoots pit bull attacking his dog

Oakland Park, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of August 2, 2008

Man shoots pit bull attacking his dog

A man shot a pit bull Friday. He says it got loose and attacked his dog.

The man, Anthony Dippolito, 49, will not be cited. The pit bull was euthanized at the owner's request, the Broward Sheriff's Office said.

The pit bull trotted into Dippolito's yard on Northeast 39th Street just before 8:15 a.m., Dippolito said.

He said he saw the pit bull's owner beating on the dog that had latched onto Crystal, Dippolito's 5-year-old mixed-breed boxer.

Dippolito said he picked up a 10-pound satellite dish and bashed the pit bull several times, but the dog shrugged it off.

He rushed into his bedroom and grabbed his .45-caliber handgun, then came back out and shot the pit bull in the rib cage.

Dippolito said he was relieved that his dog suffered only some gashes and a quarter-sized hole in her neck, but he's sorry that he had to resort to shooting its attacker.

It wasn't Dippolito's first pet attacked by a pit bull, he said. In 2007, his cat was torn apart by a pack of pit bulls.

Georgia: Teen shot breaking into Union City home, cops say

Union City, Georgia

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of August 8, 2008

Teen shot breaking into Union City home, cops say

A would-be burglar got a painful surprise Friday when he tried to break into a Union City man's home, police said.

Around 4:30 p.m., the 75-year-old homeowner on Ravenwood Loop heard some noise coming from the rear of his house, Union City police spokesman George Louthe said.

"He saw his window getting wedged open," Louthe said. "He challenged the intruder, but (the intruder) kept coming through the window."

The man went for his 9 mm Glock handgun and returned to see a 17-year-old's leg straddling the window.

"He shot three times," Louthe said. "But the suspect ran."

The homeowner called 911 to report the home invasion, police said. Police did not release the name of the homeowner or the teen who was shot.

Just moments after his call, a neighbor on Ravenwood Circle — just behind the crime scene — called police to report a man shot in their back yard.

"He apparently climbed over the back fence," Louthe said of the wounded suspect.

The teen had been hit at least once, with an injury that seemed to reflect a bullet entering his leg and traveling to his groin, police said.

The suspect was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital, and was listed in serious but stable condition.

Charges against the teen are pending.

The Fulton County District Attorney's office will decide whether to charge the homeowner, Louthe said.

Man With Baseball Complains About Driving; Leaves When Pistol Appears

Hilton Head, South Carolina

From the August 9, 2008 Island Packet:

Slow driving led to a confrontation between a 22-year-old Citadel student and an unidentified man involving a baseball bat and a pistol on Hilton Head Island on Thursday afternoon, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office incident report.

The student, who was lost, had been driving slowly on Beach City Road looking for a doctor's office when he pulled into a parking lot to look at a map, according to the report.

A man driving a Porsche pulled in behind him and approached him carrying a baseball bat. The man was yelling about the student's driving.

The student pulled a Glock 23 pistol from his glove box and got out of his car, the report stated.

The man with the bat put his hands up, returned to the Porsche and drove away.

The student called the sheriff's office from his parents' Hilton Head home. He was not charged in the incident.

Michigan: Detroit man shoots pit bull attacking grandson; bullet passes through dog, wounding boy, 9

Detroit, Michigan

From the Star Tribune of August 6, 2008

Detroit man shoots pit bull attacking grandson; bullet passes through dog, wounding boy, 9

A grandfather has shot and wounded his 9-year-old grandson in Detroit after firing at a pit bull that was attacking the boy.

Police say the bullet passed through the dog's body, ricocheted off the sidewalk and hit the boy in the thigh Wednesday. The boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of what authorities called non-life-threatening injuries.

Animal control officers seized the dog. It survived.

California: Guard wounds teen after 3 shot at Hayward bar

Hayward, California

From the San Francisco Chronicle of August 5, 2008

Guard wounds teen after 3 shot at Hayward bar

An armed security guard at a Hayward restaurant and karaoke bar shot a teenager early Sunday after the teen shot three people in the parking lot outside the bar, police said.

Oakland resident Adrian Dantoc, 18, and two other teenage suspects - John Catolos, 19, and Julian Logan, 19, both of Oakland - fled the scene but were caught by police and arrested on four counts of attempted murder, Hayward police said. All three are in custody at the Santa Rita Jail.

The incident happened at about 1:29 a.m. Sunday, when Dantoc and the two other teenagers allegedly confronted the three shooting victims, who were riding bikes through the parking lot of Manila Garden Restaurant on Hesperian Boulevard, police said.

When a fight started, Dantoc allegedly grabbed a gun from a nearby car and shot the three victims multiple times, police said. A security guard who works in the restaurant on weekends went outside when he heard gunshots and allegedly saw Dantoc firing the gun, police said. The guard told Dantoc to drop the gun and Dantoc allegedly fired at him; the guard then shot him in the leg, police said.

Dantoc and the two other suspects then drove to a home on Lester Avenue in Oakland, allegedly throwing away the gun along the way, police said. Residents at the home called 911 to get medical help for Dantoc's injury, and the three suspects were arrested when police arrived. Dantoc was treated at a local hospital.

The victims - ages 41, 23 and 17 - are all expected to survive. The eldest victim was shot in the torso and was admitted to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, where he is in stable condition, police said. The 17-year-old was shot three times - in the face, hip and hand - but none of the wounds were life-threatening, and he was treated and released from a local hospital.

The 23-year-old victim, who was shot in the arm, was also treated and released.

An investigation found that the security guard, a 45-year-old Hayward man who police did not identify, was justified in shooting Dantoc to protect his own life, police said.

"The round that was fired at the security officer went into the building just 2 feet above his head," said Hayward police Lt. Christine Orrey. "He was certainly justified shooting back."

Mississippi: Clerk Shoots Man Trying To Steal Beer

Jackson, Mississippi

From WAPT of August 2, 2008

Clerk Shoots Man Trying To Steal Beer

Police said a Jackson store employee shot a man trying to steal beer Saturday afternoon.

According to witnesses, the man was inside S and R Food Mart on Terry Road attempting to steal.

Police identified the man shot as Kenneth Riddle.

The store employee reportedly approached him and the two men began to fight. That's when the clerk shot Riddle, witnesses said.

Riddle was taken to University Medical Center and the store employee was detained for questioning.

Riddle was listed in serious condition Sunday afternoon.

California: First suspect, then victim: shooting said self-defense

Pomona, California

From the San Gabriel Valley Tribune of July 30, 2008

First suspect, then victim: shooting said self-defense

In a span of two days, Brett Nichols went from being accused of attempted murder to becoming the victim in the same incident.

The 48-year-old Phillips Ranch resident was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said he had shot a man and dumped the body in the hills near his home.

But Nichols was released from jail Wednesday afternoon after police determined he was acting in self-defense when he shot David Rotela, a 22-year-old Rosemead resident who survived the ordeal, authorities said.

"It was a dumb move for me to do that, to dump his body, but I didn't know what to do," said Nichols outside his Edgebrook Drive home.

Sgt. Robert Baker said "The (Los Angeles County district attorney) declined to prosecute for that incident."

"Nichols is no longer a suspect," Baker said.

According to Nichols, the shooting evolved from a home invasion robbery about 1:30 a.m. Monday.

Five people live in the house owned by Nichols, who said he was waiting for his girlfriend to come home when he heard a commotion in a bedroom.

He armed himself with a gun, "just in case something got out of hand," and went to find the source of the noise, Nichols said.

Nichols said he discovered a man holding a shotgun and wearing a ski mask who ordered him and three other residents to lie under a mattress.

Rotela and a second man took cell phones, cameras and car keys from the residents, authorities said.

As the men left the room, Nichols followed them. When Rotela got to the front door, he swung around and pointed his shotgun at Nichols.

Nichols fired at Rotela who then fell back onto the front walkway while the second man escaped with the stolen goods, authorities said.

Nichols, with a felony drug conviction from the 1990s and no license for the gun, said, "I thought, `A felon with a gun, this isn't good."'

He said he took Rotela and drove him to the hills adjacent to his home and left him there.

"He was paralyzed - he knew it. He said he didn't want to live like that, so I took him out and laid him under the stars like he wanted," Nichols said.

Afterward, Nichols said, he went to 7-Eleven to get a drink and cleaned his truck and the walkway of his house. He also cut out the blood stains from the carpet, leaving square holes, he said.

Police came to the house six hours later to talk to Nichols about a report of shots fired, and he led them to Rotela, who was still alive. Rotela was flown to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. He was listed in critical condition.

Baker said the the investigation is still ongoing, but Rotela could face charges.

Nichols said he had never had contact with Rotela before and did not intend to shoot him.

"I was protecting my home," he said. "If he hadn't turned on me, I probably wouldn't have shot him."

***Note***

No matter how unusual the circumstances may seem, the Civilian Gun Defense Blog operates based on police and government decisions. In this case, the police determined the actions to be in self-defense. This standard works both ways - a shooting may seem justified, but if a person is charged, the incident is disqualified from being used on the site.

California: Man shot with own gun while trying to rob Van Nuys bank, police say

Van Nuys, California

From the Los Angles Times of July 26, 2008

Man shot with own gun while trying to rob Van Nuys bank, police say

A would-be bank robber was shot with his own gun this afternoon during a botched heist attempt in Van Nuys, police said.

The gun-toting man walked into a branch of Wells Fargo bank in the 6800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard around 12:30 p.m. and tried to pull off a one-man caper, said Officer Kate Lopez, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

A security guard confronted the man and "a struggle ensued," Lopez said. The robber, whose identity has not been released, was shot as the two wrestled for control of the weapon.

No other details of the altercation were available and no bank patrons or employees were injured.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital and his condition is not known. The guard suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Virginia: Man is shot and killed in Goochland County

Goochland County, Virginia

From the Richmond Times Dispatch of July 26, 2008

Man is shot and killed in Goochland County

A man was shot and killed early yesterday morning in central Goochland County after he allegedly entered an unlocked mobile home and tussled with the owner, authorities said.

Adam Stone, the homeowner, called the Goochland Sheriff's Office just after 3 a.m. to report that he'd shot a man with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the 2300 block of Grape Ridge Court off Dogtown Road, where Stone told investigators the intruder had entered the bedroom where he and his girlfriend were sleeping before the struggle took place.

When deputies arrived, they found the body of Joseph Clifford Johnson, 36, of the 900 block of North 30th Street in Richmond, inside the bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound to the neck.

Johnson's body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing, Sheriff James L. Agnew said.

"The obvious thing that needs to be decided is if this is a justifiable homicide," Agnew said.

No arrests or charges have been made in connection with the shooting as of last night.

It was the second homicide in Goochland County so far this year and only the third since 2005.

Florida: Clearwater homeowner shoots intruder

Clearwater, Florida

From ABC Action News of August 5, 2008

Clearwater homeowner shoots intruder

A suspected home intruder was taken to the hospital early Tuesday morning, after police say he was shot by a homeowner.

Police say the homeowner awoke to noise coming from the garage of his home on Pennsylvania Avenue. The homeowner went to check it out, found the intruder and shot him.

That man was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment. Police have not said how badly he was injured.

California: Woodland Hills intruder shot, killed

Woodland Hills, California

From the Contra Costa Times of August 1, 2008

Woodland Hills intruder shot, killed

One of several men who stormed a suburban home Friday was shot dead by one of the residents, who blasted the intruders as they entered, in an incident police were calling a home-invasion robbery attempt.

Three or four men kicked in the door of the house in the 24300 block of Burbank Boulevard, setting off the gunfight, Los Angeles police said. Aside from the one intruder killed, no one was injured.

"Obviously, these residents here do have a right to protect themselves," said Los Angeles police Lt. Steven Sambar. "Those people are extremely lucky."

Police were searching for two or three other suspects, described as African-American men in their 20s.

Gunfire and screams pierced the neighborhood's usual quiet about 2:45 p.m., after the men first knocked on the home's front door - then kicked it in, Los Angeles police Sgt. Jeff Nuttall said.

Inside was a couple in their 60s and their two sons in their 20s. At least one of the sons was armed, and he opened fire, hitting one of the intruders.

The man died in the doorway, clutching a revolver, Nuttall said. His identity was not immediately available.

The intruders shot back, but didn't hit anyone, then fled. They may have escaped in a silver sedan, Sambar said.

Inside the home, shell casings from various firearms littered the floor and bullet holes peppered the walls, he said.

Police detained a man about a block away but said he was not considered suspect.

Investigators have no reason to believe the suspects knew the victims beforehand, Nuttall said.

Asked how often victims of home invasion are able to chase off their attackers, Nuttall said: "Unfortunately, it's very rare."

Violent crime is rare in this middle-class neighborhood of single-family homes, LAPD Lt. Steven Sambar said.

"We don't have that type a crime in this area, so it's very unusual," he said.

A police barricade stranded neighboring residents, who were unable to return home for several hours until authorities finished combing the scene.

Only a car crash a couple of years ago had caused so much commotion here, said Sharon Friedman, a resident of eight years. "That was the most exciting thing that ever happened here," she said.

"You don't ever see any policemen around here," said Carmen Kaplan, 68, who has lived in a nearby house for 37 years. "I tell everybody I live in the safest part of the Valley ever. My kids grew up here. I walk here every night.

"It's just a very sad thing."

Not too rare, Sgt. Nuttall.

Colorado: Man walking with wife shoots mountain lion near New Castle

New Castle, Colorado

From the Rocky Mountain News of August 7, 2008

Man walking with wife shoots mountain lion near New Castle

A man shot and killed a mountain lion north of New Castle Tuesday night after the animal came too close to him and his wife, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Randy Hampton, a spokesman for the DOW, said the agency received a call about the shooting a little after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The man and his wife were out for a walk in the area when the mountain lion came out of the brush and was in a "crouch position," Hampton said. The couple's names were not immediately available late Wednesday.

"(The mountain lion) began to approach them," he said. "The husband was carrying a firearm, and he shot and killed the lion as it got really close."

The animal was about 6 feet away from the couple when the man shot it, Hampton said. He added that the couple tried to scare the mountain lion away by screaming at it, but that the animal continued to approach.

The man said he had no other choice but to shoot the animal, Hampton said.

"He handled the interaction properly," he said. "They were certainly scared from the incident."

Neither the man nor his wife were injured, and no charges are expected to be filed, Hampton said.

Florida: Robber in critical condition after being shot by Jacksonville handyman

Jacksonville, Florida

From the Jacksonville Times-Union of August 4, 2008

Robber in critical condition after being shot by Jacksonville handyman

A man working on a home just north of Springfield this afternoon shot an armed man who tried to rob him, said Sgt. Derrick Lewis of the Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting occurred about 1:15 p.m. on West 24th Street near North Pearl Street. Police said a man armed with a gun approached the man working on a house and the worker, who was also armed, opened fire. The wounded man fled south on Pearl Street and collapsed outside a music store at West 23rd Street, a witness said.

The wounded man was taken to Shands Jacksonville hospital and listed in critical condition, Lewis said. The worker is being questioned by police, but has not been charged. Their identities have not been released. Police recovered both guns, Lewis said.

Lewis said the worker carried a gun because of his concerns about crime in the area, where shootings and drug deals are common.

A woman walking in the area said she heard about six shots and then saw a bloodied man run and collapse. She said she heard the worker say he shot the man after the man pulled a gun on him.

“He said, ‘He tried to rob me,’” the woman said.

The shooting occurred near the same intersection where a man was killed about two weeks ago after being struck by a police car that was on its way to a shots fired call.

Robber Shot To Death at Houston Business

Houston, Texas

From the August 4, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

Gunfire broke out during a holdup at a family-owned roofing company early Sunday, leaving one attempted robber dead and the business owner seriously wounded, Houston police said.

Detectives said Sergio Rodriguez, his brother and a co-worker were preparing to open about 6:50 a.m. when three or four armed men forced their way inside the building in the 10500 block of Foy.

"Somewhere in the middle of the (robbery), Mr. Rodriguez was shot," said Houston Police Department homicide investigator Fil Waters.

One of the roofers managed to grab a gun and began shooting, fatally striking one of the intruders and wounding another. Rodriguez also was struck during the gunfire exchange, police said.

"My understanding is that he's in surgery and will recover," Waters said.

Sergio Rodriguez Jr. stood outside the crime-scene tape later Sunday as police continued their investigation.

"To me, he's the man of steel," Rodriguez said of his wounded father. "He works every day, trying to take care of the family. Without him, I don't know what to do."

Kansas City Robber Shot By Victim

Kansas City, Missouri

From the August 2, 2008 Kansas City Star:

A bank customer shot another man who apparently was attempting to rob him about 9 a.m. today, police said.

The alleged robber, who was wounded in the head, this afternoon is in stable condition, police said.

A man and a woman, described as an older couple, were using the ATM at the Bank of America at North Oak Trafficway and Barry Road, police said, when a man approached with a gun and robbed them.

A couple was stopped at the ATM.

The robber was walking away when the male victim got out of the car with his gun and yelled for him to stop, said Sgt. Chris Lantz of the department’s robbery unit.

The robber turned around and pointed his gun at the man, Lantz said. The robbery victim fired his gun, hitting the robber in the head, he said.

At the scene investigators earlier today investigators were collecting evidence from a dark sedan parked next to the ATM machine. An object that looked like a hand gun was lying on the pavement. Nearby were apparent blood stains.

The couple and witnesses were interviewed by police.

The man had a permit to carry a concealed gun, Lantz said. Under the circumstances, Lantz said, that would not matter, because he could legally carry the weapon in his car.

It is unusual where a robbery victim defends themselves with a fire arm.

“You don’t see that very often,” Lantz said.

West Virginia: Apartment Resident, Would Be Robber Trade Gunfire on Huntington Avenue

Huntington, West Virginia

From the Huntington News of July 26, 2008

Apartment Resident, Would Be Robber Trade Gunfire on Huntington Avenue

Huntington needs a superhero. Following a shooting during the afternoon of Friday, June 25, in the 1100 block of Huntington Avenue, a frustrated citizen posted on a TV website that the city needs a real Batman to give the criminals an enema [sic??].

As details have been pieced together from dispatch, police and TV websites, apparently, one man attempted to rob another inside his apartment. The would be victim shot the intruder; the intruder shot back too.

Two men --- identified as Justin Stapleton and Wayne Cook Junior by WSAZ.com --- sustained serious wounds. A passing physician treated them in the yard outside the residence. A posting indicated that one of the men took three shots to the stomach. Law enforcement do not believe either man to have life threatening injuries.