Tennessee: Armed Homeowner Confronts Trailer Thieves

Shelby County, Tennessee

From Eyewitness News of September 30, 2008

Armed Homeowner Confronts Trailer Thieves

Sheriff’s detectives say a Rosemark man held two thieves at gunpoint who tried to steal a utility trailer from his front yard yesterday. Detectives believe the suspects may also be responsible for stealing other utility trailers.

About 11:30 yesterday morning, Steven Rutter, 57, who lives in the 8700 block of Rosemark Road in north Shelby County, heard a vehicle slow down in front of his house. Rutter saw a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck back into his front yard.

Two men then began hooking up Rutter’s utility trailer to the pickup truck. Detectives say Rutter got his pistol and confronted the two men. Initially, Jessie Brown, 51, of Munford and Kelvin Nathaniel, 45, of Drummonds, told Rutter a neighbor said they could use the trailer to move some hay.

Rutter didn’t believe their story and called for Deputies. Moments later, Brown and Nathaniel were taken into custody. Both were charged with Theft of Property.

Detectives say the investigation is continuing and the suspects may be responsible for other utility trailer thefts in Shelby and neighboring counties.

Tennessee: Homeowner Shoots And Kills 19-Year-Old In Self-Defense

Nashville, Tennessee

From News Channel 5 of September 30, 2008

Homeowner Shoots And Kills 19-Year-Old In Self-Defense

Police said a homeowner shot in self-defense when armed suspects tried to rob him overnight.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday, 67-year-old Douglas Dabbs pulled into his driveway on Tobylynn Drive and was getting out of his pickup truck when two armed men came up to him and tried to rob him. The two men were identified as Nibeyu Demissew Yosef and Jermichael Jerome Burgy.

Armed with BB guns the two men demanded money from Dabbs. Dabbs said he reached into the console of his truck, retrieved a handgun that fires .410 shotgun rounds and opened fire on the two robbers.

Yosef, 19, was wounded and transported by ambulance to Southern Hills Medical Center where he died shortly after arriving.

Burgy, 23, took off after the shooting, but police later tracked him down at Southern Hills where he was recovering from a non-critical gunshot wound to the head. Police said that Burgy admitted to being with Yosef during the robbery attempt, so police charged him with attempted aggravated robbery.

Police also said that Dabbs does not have a handgun carrying permit, but no charges against the homeowner were anticipated.

Burgy has been lodged in lieu of $80,000 bond. A convicted felon, Burgy had previously been found guilty of aggravated assault in 2006 and has been on probation for that offense. Burgy also has convictions for unlawful gun possession and driving without a license.

Yosef had been issued a total of four state misdemeanor citations in 2007 and 2008 for driving without a valid license.

Police said they were looking into whether this overnight robbery may have been linked to other robberies in the area, or whether this robbery was a random or targeted attack.s

Virginia: Mother fends off robbers with handgun

Woodbridge, Virginia

From the Manassas Journal Messenger of September 29, 2008

Mother fends off robbers with handgun

Three would-be robbers, one armed with a pair of scissors, walked into a Woodbridge store on Saturday morning with criminal intent.

They left empty-handed and apparently more than a little frightened.

About 11:30 a.m. the three walked into Tienda Hispana Esperanza. One rushed to the counter and pointed the scissors at the owner's neck and another grabbed her son’s arm, the family that owns the store said Monday.

But the owner, Esperanza Salazar, 36, reacted immediately.

She leaned back and reached for her handgun and pointed it at the three unknown males, the Salazar family said.

"It kind of looked like 'The Matrix,' " said 14-year-old Julio Salazar, who was

working at the store with his mother that day.

One of the would-be robbers immediately ran out of the store, located on PR Business Center Drive. A second robber, who wielded the scissors, tried to run out of the store but tripped on a clothes rack and fell. He finally crawled out the front door.

The third robber paused and sat down in a folding chair, putting his hands in the air. When Esperanza Salazar told her son to call 911, the third man ran for the door and momentarily got tangled in the clothes rack before running out of the store.

All three eventually ran toward the back of the business center off Smoketown Road, according to police.

Esperanza Salazar, with her son translating for her, said that while she was nervous, she wouldn't have let anything happen to her son.

The investigation revealed that the three had been loitering outside the store before the robbery attempt, but it was unknown for how long, said police spokeswoman Officer Erika Hernandez.

"Based on the witnesses statements, it appeared they were staking out the business," Hernandez said.

Officers, including a K-9 unit, searched the area and surrounding businesses for roughly 2 1/2 hours but found no one, Hernandez said.

Police said the first would-be robber was described as a Latino man, 30 to 35 years old, collar-length straight hair, with a medium build and a mustache. He was wearing a green sweater with a white T-shirt underneath, a black baseball cap, black sneakers and glasses.

The second robber, who was armed with the pair of scissors, was described as a Latino man, 20 to 21 years old, with a medium build and shoulder-length curly hair, police said. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and a black cap with letters on the back.

The third robber was described as a Latino male, between 17 and 18 years old, collar-length straight hair, with a medium build and unshaven chin. He was wearing a light brown shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Prince William County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Callers don't have to give their names, just the information, and could earn up to a $1,000 cash re-ward.

Arizona: Man killed after armed woman with restraining order opens fire

Phoenix, Arizona

From the AZFamily of September 8, 2008

Man killed after armed woman with restraining order opens fire

A man is dead after trying to break into a woman's home and she opened fire on him.

According to police the woman had a restraining order against the man although their exact relationship is unclear.

Investigators say around 2:30 Sunday morning that man forced his way into the woman's house near 40th Avenue and Thunderbird and she was prepared

A police spokesperson tells 3TV, “The victim basically armed herself and when the suspect broke into the house the victim fired several rounds.”

Police said the woman will most likely not face any charges. The suspect's identity has not been released.

Home Invader Killed In Houston

Houston, Texas

From September 27, 2008 KHOU channel 11:

HOUSTON -- One suspect is dead and two others are on the run after a deadly home invasion on Friday night.

Houston police report that the armed group pushed their way through the front door of the home on Wycliffe.

According to witnessed, the group got into a scuffle with the homeowner's boyfriend, who had a gun. The boyfriend fired shots, killing one of the suspects.

Police said robbery was the motive.

The authorities do not plan to charge the boyfriend.

Missouri: Security Guard Shoots Man At Liquor Store

Kansas City, Missouri

From KCTV of September 24, 2008

Security Guard Shoots Man At Liquor Store

A man was shot by a liquor store security guard on Tuesday night, police said.

Officers said the guard told them a man, who he thought had a gun, was causing problems at the Royal Liquor Store on Southwest Boulevard about 9 p.m.

After telling the man to leave, the guard said the man became violent and during a struggle, the security guard shot him.

The man ran off, and police later found him in an alley about a block away. They did not find a gun.

The man's injuries are considered life-threatening, police said.

Arizona: Sheriff's deputies say shooting death the result of self-defense

Tuscan, Arizona

From KMSB of September 24, 2008

Sheriff's deputies say shooting death the result of self-defense

A 49-year old man was shot to death outside of a residence in the 4100 block of North Soldier Trail in what apparently was a case of self-defense.

According to witnesses, the shooting victim entered the home of another man at about 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, and made threats against the man. The victim was shot when he grabbed the other man and began to drag him out of the residence, according to Pima County Sheriff’s investigators.

The name of the shooting victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Missouri: Police: Would-Be Robber Shot

Kansas City, Missouri

From KCTV of September 24, 2008

Police: Would-Be Robber Shot

A clerk at a 7-Eleven stood up to a robber, police said, and shot him dead.

An 18-year-old man was attempting to rob the convenience store near East 27th Street and Van Brunt Boulevard at gunpoint when one of the two clerks in the store pulled out his own gun and shot the man, police said.

When officers arrived at the store, which is across the street from a police station, they found the teen dead behind the counter, shot once in the neck.

"It is fairly unusual for us to have problems here, but convenience stores are one of those targets of opportunity, especially late at night. There were two clerks working at the time. One had on a uniform, one did not. The one that actually ended up doing the shooting was the one who was not in a uniform, but it is rather ironic to have something like this happen in such proximity to a police station," said Capt. Rich Lockhart of the Kansas City Police Department.

The man who was shot was carrying a gun, police said. And they said the clerk who had a gun had a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Ohio: East Side homeowner kills break-in suspect

Cleveland, Ohio

From the Plain Dealer of September 23, 2008

East Side homeowner kills break-in suspect

A man was shot in the chest and killed about 2:45 this morning by a homeowner who said the man had broken into his house.

Police said it happened in the 13400 block of St. Clair Avenue.

Lawrence Hanson, 65, said he was awakened by the sound of someone breaking into the house. When the Hanson went downstairs to investigate, he saw signs that his house was being burglarized. He went back upstairs, got dressed and grabbed his gun.

Hanson said he had no intention to shoot and kill a burglar morning. Hanson confronted the man, whose name has not been released, and ordered the intruder to stop.

The man approached Hanson. The gun went off, and the man fell to the ground, Hanson said. "I can't believe I shot somebody," he said, standing next to his garage.

Hanson was not arrested, but police seized the gun. The case is under investigation.

Nebraska: Omaha man who shot another man to death won't be charged

Omaha, Nebraska

From the Omaha World Herald of September 10, 2008

Omaha man who shot another man to death won't be charged

TeThe Omaha man who shot another man to death on Saturday will not be charged in the shooting, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said today, because the man's account of what happened aligns with the evidence at the scene.

Robert J. Muckey, 41, shot Domingo Gutierrez Jr., 25, of Bellevue, about 5:45 p.m. Saturday at Muckey's house, 5629 N. 29th St.

Muckey told police that Gutierrez had broken into the house through a window and threatened him.

Kleine said Muckey gave this account:

Muckey grabbed a rifle when he heard Gutierrez trying to break in. Muckey said he told him, "Don't come in, I've got a gun," and Gutierrez replied, "I've got something for you, too." Gutierrez came in, lunged at Muckey and Muckey fired.

Muckey was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Center on suspicion of criminal homicide and use of a weapon to commit a felony. After reviewing the evidence, Kleine said, he decided not to charge Muckey.

"We can't show that it wasn't justified," Kleine said. "That's part of our responsibility here."

Muckey was to be released today, Kleine said.

Kleine said Muckey told investigators, "'I was fearing for my life. He was threatening me. I warned him. He said he had something for me, and I felt I had to shoot him.' It matches up with the forensic evidence from the scene."

Muckey also told police that Gutierrez had something in his hand as he lunged at him. Investigators, Kleine said, think Gutierrez was carrying a pair of sunglasses.

Muckey's girlfriend is the mother of Gutierrez's girlfriend, and Gutierrez and the daughter have a child. Kleine said that at one point several months ago, the couples lived together in the house. Gutierrez is listed as the owner, according to Douglas County property records.xt

Georiga: One dead in Big Canoe domestic dispute

Dawsonville, Georgia

From the Dawson News and Advertiser of September 17, 2008

One dead in Big Canoe domestic dispute

A 44-year-old man died Tuesday morning from gunshot wounds related to a domestic dispute inside the gated Big Canoe community, Dawson County sheriff's spokesman Lt. Tony Wooten said.

The shooting on Columbine Road apparently involved a domestic dispute between business partners, Wooten said.-Mail N

The dead man, Howard Lynn Moreland, and his female business partner allegedly became embroiled in a heated discussion inside the female business partner's home after 9 a.m., Wooten said.

"The husband of the female business partner observed the male victim and his wife in a physical altercation," Wooten said. "At this time we're being told that (Moreland) pulled a knife and the husband of the female business partner had a firearm (rifle) and he shot and killed (Moreland)."

No charges have been filed at this time, Wooten said.

"We're still early in this investigation," he said.

Investigators have been told that Moreland, who has a Canton address listed on his driver's license, was living with a Big Canoe resident at the time of the shooting, Wooten said.

The names of the female business partner, and the name of her husband, who admittedly shot Moreland, have not been cleared for release as of yet, Wooten said.

"If there are no charges, there's no reason to release their names," Wooten said.

Dawson County originally received a 911 call just after 9:30 a.m. that someone had broken into the home in Big Canoe. While deputies were en route, they were notified that the intruder had been shot to death.

Wooten said authorities have been told that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between Moreland and his female business partner. Apparently Moreland went to the home to confront his female business partner. Investigators have been told that the verbal exchange led to an alleged physical altercation with the woman's husband admittedly shooting Moreland and fatally wounding him after Moreland allegedly threatened physical violence his wife with a knife.

The couple has told investigators that the fatal shooting was in self-defense.

Mississippi: Clerk shoots robbery suspect to death

Jackson, Mississippi

From the Desoto Times of August 26, 2008

Clerk shoots robbery suspect to death

Jackson police say they won't charge a gas station clerk in the shooting death of a robbery suspect.

Police spokesman Lt. Jeffery Scott says a man wearing a clown mask and carrying a gun entered the gas station just after 9 p.m. Sunday.

The man took money from the register and ran from the store.

Scott says the clerk followed the man outside and shot several times, hitting the suspect as he ran behind a storage shed.

The suspect was brought a hospital, where Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart says he died shortly after 10 p.m.

Scott says the clerk, whose name wasn't released, was defending himself.

Georgia: Robber Disarmed by Employees

Forrest Park, Georgia

From the First Coast News of September 20, 2008

Robber Disarmed by Employees

Police are praising four employees of a Forest Park, Georgia furniture store for a bold stroke of self-defense, for turning the tables on an armed robber, for risking their lives to disarm and capture the masked man, who had invaded their store Tuesday morning.

"I was basically praying," during the robbery, said the general manager of the business, Carlus Burndette. "And I guess God gave us the power to get an opportunity to get the weapon."

On Thursday, Burndette and the other employees were able to watch the surveillance video of the entire confrontation, and they were thanking God they're alive.

"I was pretty much scared, we didn't know what to do," said Carlus Burndette. "The only thing I was feeling was a bullet, a bullet to hit me" or the others, which. he says, thankfully never happened.

Tuesday morning a man wearing a green mask stuck a handgun in the back of one of Burndette's employees as the employee was entering the front door.

The surveillance video shows the gunman marching the employee inside the store, across the furniture showroom, straight into the office, and then forcing all four employees onto the floor, face down.

Burndette said the gunman threatened to kill everyone.

"At the time he pointed a gun to my face, the only thing I could think of is, you know, just life or death."

The surveillance video shows the man forcing one of the employees to scoop out all of the money from the cash drawer and hand it to him.

"It seemed like he wanted to harm somebody," Burndette said, so they all cooperated at first.

"At the time he got the cash, he did not leave, he just stayed in there. He wanted to shoot someone at that time."

Burndette said the gunman demanded that one of the employees disable the surveillance cameras and give him the video tapes to take with him. And, for a split second, the gunman turned away.

"That's when we had the opportunity to grab the suspect," Burndette said. "The opportunity was that when he actually turned his back, when he asked for the camera, when he approached the guy, when the associate approached and said the tape was not in the camera, in the VCR, that's when he turned his back and was getting ready to, I guess, fire."

Darren Marshall, the store's accounts manager, was the first to grab for the robber's gun.

"Yeah, that's the hero," Burndette said as he watched the video. "This dude here had the heart and the guts to grab that wrist with that weapon inside of it. He was brave enough to approach the guy with the gun still in his hand. Anything could have went off with him trying to reach at that gun."

The video shows the employees finally getting control of the gun and falling in a heap on the gunman, keeping him on the floor until police arrived a few minutes later.

"What the [police] officers said was, 'Oh, Man, job well done,'"

Burndette said with a smile. "I'm glad all my associates are still here, I'm glad we're doing well."

Marshall ended up with a gash and 16 staples in his head from the struggle, but Burndette said Marshall will soon recover and return to work.

Forest Park Police said the gunman is 21-year-old Shawn Henderson of Jonesboro, GA. Henderson had to receive treatment in a hospital for injuries he received in the struggle. He's now in jail, charged initially with: · Armed Robbery · False Imprisonment · Kidnapping · Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony · Aggravated Assault · Carrying a Pistol Without a License · Battery · Unlawfully Wearing a Mask or Hood in Public

Indiana: Clerk’s shots miss robber

Muncie, Indiana

From the Star Press of September 17, 2008

Clerk’s shots miss robber

Indiana law allows Hoosiers to defend themselves, even with deadly force, and Tuesday morning a woman working behind the counter of Zipp's Deli did just that.

Police said she fired shots at a teen who jumped the counter and tried to take money from her cash register. Even though the black male suspect never showed a weapon, he and the clerk struggled before he eventually got away, said Muncie Police Department Lt. Al Williams.

Police are continuing their search for him, as well as for another young black man who was waiting across Madison Street. Witnesses said the two fled on foot to 613 E. Fifth St., an apparently abandoned home just a block away from the store.

By the time Williams and other officers arrived there, all they found was a disheveled home. The front and back doors both were knocked off their hinges and standing open, and the house was full of junk and trash. The attempted robbery suspect is described as a young black man, likely in his teens, between 5', 6" and 5', 8. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.

The clerk was not injured.

Williams declined to say how many bullets were fired. And though there's a bullet hole in the front door of the convenience store, it's unknown whether the suspect was hit.

Zipp's is a frequent stop for local police. Since Oct. 10, 2000, police have been called to the store at 425 E. Willard St. 360 times. Many of those calls are for traffic problems or minor infractions, but records indicate Tuesday's attempted robbery was the third of 2008, and the eighth of the past eight years.

This isn't the first time a Zipp's clerk has fired a gun at a robber. A convicted bandit was shot by a clerk in March 2002 after he robbed the store. He was later found, injured, in a home, along with cash that had been taken from the store.

And while prosecutors are leery of making comments that could sound like an endorsement of violence, there are laws, here in Indiana and elsewhere, that allow victims of crimes to protect themselves.

When Gov. Mitch Daniels signed new legislation in 2006, it didn't bring a massive change. Instead, it clarified that a person can defend himself with a weapon and doesn't have to run away from the suspect first.

Utah: Intruder shot by homeowner in West Valley

West Valley, Utah

From the Desert News of September 18, 2008

Intruder shot by homeowner in West Valley

An estranged husband who was shot after breaking into the home of his wife's male friend remained at University Hospital Thursday.

Robert Hunter, 50, was shot in the chest and arms with a 12-gauge shotgun after police say he broke into the home of Joe McIntosh Wednesday night. West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said Hunter's injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

The incident began just before 9 p.m. near 3700 South and 6000 West. Hunter allegedly parked his truck a street away and walked to McIntosh's home. Hunter, who had been separated from his wife for several months, had been served divorce papers earlier that day, McLachlan said.

His estranged wife was in the house with McIntosh. Hunter went to the back sliding glass door and allegedly entered the house after shattering the glass, McLachlan said.

There had been previous incidents between Hunter and McIntosh, including some threats, McLachlan said.

"Those threats may have made (McIntosh) quite leery," he said.

McIntosh fired a shotgun at Hunter almost as soon as he entered. Hunter was hit and retreated. Investigators later learned that Hunter was carrying 9 mm and .22-caliber handguns with him that were loaded. Police said whether Hunter pointed his weapons at anyone, whether he fired a shot or whether McIntosh even knew he was armed, were all questions being addressed in the ongoing investigation.

Florida: Home invader fatally shot in Vero Beach

Vero Beach, Florida

From the Treasure Coast Palm of September 19, 2008

Home invader fatally shot in Vero Beach

Last week Thomas Thompson II, 24, was charged with taking copper from a Home Depot store.

Early Thursday, the Vero Beach resident was fatally shot breaking into the home of a woman his pregnant girlfriend knew, said Indian River County sheriff's Detective Chris Cassinari.

Around 5:20 a.m. Thompson, armed with two knives, crawled through a window in a small home south of Vero Beach at the intersection of 47th Avenue and First Street Southwest.

A family dog awakened occupant Francis Hornsby, who found an armed man at the foot of her bed when she turned on a light.

Her screams woke her two sons, 19-year-old Austin Hornsby and 20-year-old Robert Hornsby. From what Cassinari surmises, Thompson apparently didn't know the sons were inside the home.

One son scuffled with Thompson. Finally, the other son, "in defense, fired a shotgun, killing the subject," said sheriff's Lt. Leroy Smith. Investigators haven't yet identified which son fired the shotgun.

Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was at the doorway to a porch. He is survived by a 3-year-old child, officers said.

The investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed in what sheriff's investigators consider a burglary.

"We are not sure what he (Thompson) was after," Cassinari said. So far, investigators said nothing unusual or of great value has been found in the home.

"We do not believe it was a personal vendetta," Cassinari said. "He was after something in the home. He did come there armed."

Neighbor Brandon Hughes said Austin Hornsby talked of someone breaking into the home two days ago. No report was filed.

"There has always been problems at that end of the street," said retiree Don Dupuis, who has lived a block away for 23 years.

Thompson, of the 2400 block of First Place, apparently walked a mile to the home where he was shot, Cassinari said.

Thompson was released Sunday from the Indian River County Jail under a $5,000 bail following his arrest Sept. 12 on a charge of grand theft. Authorities say he took $2,200 in copper wire from a Roseland Home Depot store.

Arrested with Thompson was Anna Stasia Martin, 22, who also was charged with grand theft. She lived with him in the 2400 block of First Place, reports show.

Anyone with more information about the fatal break-in should call the Indian River County Sheriff's Office at (772) 978-6124 or the Crime Stoppers at (800) 273-TIPS (8477).

Tucson Man Holds Burglar At Gunpoint; Police Shoot Him

Tucson, Arizona

From the September 18, 2008 Tucson Citizen:

PHOENIX - Phoenix police say one of their officers shot and wounded a man who had been holding a burglar at gunpoint inside his home.

...

Arriving officers found a screaming woman who had fled the last home with two children while her mate confronted the intruder.

Thompson says officers went inside, ordered everyone out and saw the armed resident coming down a hallway. One officer shot the 35-year-old man several times, but he's expected to survive.

Officers then detained the intruder.

San Pablo Store Owner Shoots Armed Robbers

San Pablo, California

From the September 17, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle:

The owner of a San Pablo gift shop shot and killed one of two robbers during a holdup attempt Tuesday, the latest in a spate of heists at the business, police said.

The shooting happened shortly after 5 p.m. when two men stormed into A&L Posters at 14650 San Pablo Ave., said San Pablo police Lt. Mark Foisie.

One of the assailants jumped over the counter with a shotgun and was shot dead by the owner, Foisie said. The man's name was not immediately released.

The other would-be robber fled out the front door.

The owner of the business has been robbed at least twice before, police said. About two months ago, he was robbed at the business. Within the past year, he was robbed, beaten and had a weapon fired near his face, Foisie said.

Suspects have been arrested in at least one of the earlier cases, police said.

The shooting is the latest in the East Bay in which store employees have fought back against robbers.

In April, an Oakland liquor store owner shot and wounded a would-be robber who had shot him. That same month, an Oakland store clerk shot and wounded one of two suspected robbers.

In April 2007, the owner of an East Oakland pizzeria shot and killed a would-be robber armed with an assault rifle. A month later, a clerk at an Oakland liquor store shot and killed a 17-year-old who had fired first.

Cincinnati Store Owner Shoots At Robber

Cincinnati, Ohio

From the August 18, 2008 Cincinnati Enquirer:

On Wednesday, a West Price Hill store owner fired two shots at but did not hit an armed robber who ran off and remains at large.

Gas Station Clerk Fires At Robbers

Cincinnati, Ohio

From the August 18, 2008 Cincinnati Enquirer:

SAYLER PARK - A 22-year-old Sunoco gas station clerk fired at three men as they ran out of the store after one of them allegedly took a case of beer and pulled out a gun, police said.

The incident occurred about 10:30 p.m. Sunday at the Sunoco gas station, 6340 River Rd., Cincinnati police said.

Three men came into the store and one of them took a case of Budweiser without paying and pulled out a gun, police said.

The clerk, Hanny Ashishi, 22, fired a shot as they ran out, police said this morning.

One of the suspects, Larry Clay, 19, of Delhi Township, was grazed in the head with glass and suffered non-life threatening injuries, police said. An initial police report said the man was grazed by a bullet.

Clay was charged with one count of theft, a police report shows.

Two accomplices also were charged.

Joseph Phillips, 20, and Joshua Brauer, 19, also of Delhi Township, were booked into the Hamilton County jail charged of theft and receiving stolen property, jail officials said this morning.

Militant Atheist With Knife; Christians With Shotgun Win

Colorado Springs, Colorado

From the September 14, 2008 Denver Post:

A man who came to the home of two women whom he had threatened to decapitate with a knife received a blow to the head that could cost him an eye, according to Colorado Springs police.

Russell Bowman, who claims to be an atheist, threatened the women because they are Christian on Sept. 8. On Friday, he arrived at their apartment and stood in a hallway, according to a police report.

"Another resident of the apartment retrieved a shotgun and approached Bowman, who was by then walking away. The resident ordered Bowman to put the knife down," according to the report.

Bowman refused and approached the resident, who hit him with the butt of the shotgun, injuring his eye.

"Bowman was treated at Memorial Hospital where it was determined the injury to the eye was so severe, the eye would need to be surgically removed."

Police will likely pursue charges of felony menacing against Bowman. Police couldn't be reached for comment Sunday.

Florida: Man defends family, kills suspect during liquor store robbery attempt

Palm Beach, Florida

From the Palm Beach Post of September 14, 2008

Man defends family, kills suspect during liquor store robbery attempt

A man defended his family and father-in-law's liquor store Sunday night, shooting and killing a would-be armed robber, said sheriff's officials and family members.

Yamen Fattah stopped an armed man with a fatal shot shortly after 9 Sunday as he was confronted at the counter. He, his wife, Rema Fattah, and their 5-month-old child were behind the counter, brother-in-law Maher Masri said later Sunday night. He drove from Plantation after his brother-in-law's call saying, "I shot a guy."

The family was at A1A Discount Beverage just south of 10th Avenue North, on Military Trail in suburban Lake Worth, when a man with an semi-automatic pistol entered the store, said Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesmen.

"It appears to me the clerk was as much in fear not only for himself, but for his family and child," Lt. Nick Vassalotti said.

The robber was pointing the gun at his wife and baby and swinging it around at all of them, when Fattah fired, Masri said. He had asked the robber to please leave them alone, he said.

The man's body could be seen lying inside the doorway, glass from the door shattered around him, as detectives interviewed the witnesses. The open sign blinked in red and blue neon.

"He defended himself and he defended his family," Masri said.

Masri said the store had been robbed before.

"We believe the employees of the store got the upper hand on him," Sgt. Rick McAfee said.

Both men had semi-automatic pistols, McAfee said. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday, he said. Although the case will be turned over to the State Attorney's Office, no charges are expected, McAfee said.

Burglar Shot in Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia

From September 11, 2008 WRDW channel 12:

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- Investigators tell News 12 an 18-year-old with a butcher knife was trying to get into a house on the 14 hundred block of Wrightsboro Road.

Deputies say the homeowner shot the intruder in the left leg with a 12gauge shotgun.

The teen is recovering at MCG. At this time no charges have been filed.

Burglar Killed in Sacramento By Homeowner

Sacramento, California

From September 9, 2008 KCRA channel 3:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A homeowner who feared for the safety of himself and his family used a shotgun to kill an accused burglar early Tuesday in Del Paso Heights, Sacramento police said.

Police were called at 12:18 a.m. regarding a shooting in 800 block of Carmelita Avenue, Sgt. Matt Young said.

Officers arrived to find a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Young said an investigation found that the dead man and an unknown number of accomplices allegedly tried to break into the home. A man, his wife and two children were inside the house. One of the burglars appeared to be carrying a rifle, police said.Police said the husband grabbed his shotgun and fired one shot as one of the intruders tried to force his way into the home.Young said the accused burglar was fatally injured by the blast and the accomplice or accomplices fled.

Kentucky: Resident shoots and kills intruder; arrest made

Lexington, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of September 10, 2008

Resident shoots and kills intruder; arrest made

Lexington police have made an arrest in a burglary that turned fatal Wednesday morning at an apartment complex near Hamburg Pavilion.

Reginald Laron Jones, 24, of Lexington has been charged with first-degree burglary.

Police say he was one of three people, including a man who was killed by a male resident in the apartment and a female, who charged into the apartment Wednesday morning.

Officers are conferring with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as they explore whether the shooting was self-defense, said Officer Ann Gutierrez, a Lexington police spokeswoman. The shooting was being treated as a homicide Wednesday morning as police canvassed an area at Gleneagles Apartments at 2920 Polo Club Boulevard and interviewed witnesses.

The victim and the shooter have not been identified.

Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said the man appears to be in his late 20s or early 30s. He had not yet checked for an ID.

Ginn said he did not know where the man was shot or how many times he was shot.

Neighbors said they heard people yelling followed by at least three gunshots. The shooting was reported to police about 8:30 a.m.

A neighbor, who heard gunshots, flagged down officers and directed them to the apartment, Gutierrez said.

Investigators were told the couple who lives in the apartment answered knocks at the door and were “rushed by several people,” Gutierrez said.

The intruders had handguns, she said. One of the occupants in the apartment got a handgun and shot one of the men. He was found dead inside the apartment when police arrived.

There were a lot of people at the scene when police arrived, Gutierrez said. And officers were interviewing them Wednesday afternoon, trying to determine whether they were involved.

Investigators also have not figured out why the intruders were at the apartment and whether they knew the residents.

Gutierrez said police are looking at whether a 2006 law, commonly called the castle doctrine, applies to this case.

Under the law, Kentucky residents can shoot an intruder without fear of being arrested. The National Rifle Association has lobbied for such laws across the country.

Cell Phone Store Clerk Shoots Robber

Houston, Texas

From the September 9, 2008 Houston Chronicle:

A cleark at a southwest Houston cell-phone store fatally shot a man who tried to rob the store, Houston police said.

The robbery occurred about 7 p.m. Monday at a T-Mobile store in the 7500 block of the Southwest Freeway, police said. The location is near Fondren.

Kalamazoo Car Burglar Shot; Shooters Dies of Heart Attack

Kalamazoo, Michigan

From September 8, 2008 WOOD channel 8:

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) -- A Kalamazoo man died from a heart attack following a struggle with a thief at his residence.

It was around 4 a.m. Sunday when the incident occurred in the 1300 block of Homecrest Avenue.

Joe Rizzutto, 64, confronted the suspect who was trying to break into the Rizzutto's vehicle. The two men got into a scuffle in the driveway and Rizzutto shot the suspect in a leg.

Rizzutto then suffered a massive heart attack. Officers arrived and began CPR on Rizzutto who was taken to a hospital where he later died.

The suspect, a 38-year-old Kalamazoo resident, was taken to a hospital where he is in serious condition.

Friends believe the attempted break-in was random and that Rizzutto was protecting his family and property.

Gary, Indiana Burglar Shot

Gary, Indiana

From the September 8, 2008 Gary Post-Tribune:

GARY -- The shadowy figure in the kitchen window didn't answer Saturday night when confronted by the homeowner who shouted repeated warnings.

So it wasn't until after the burglar was shot trying to run out the back door that the homeowner discovered he'd wounded his second cousin.

"He told me he yelled, 'I'm armed, I called the police,' but the man inside never said anything," Detective Jeff Hornyak said Sunday.

Todd K. Godfrey, 46, was shot in the wrist about 10:20 p.m. by his relative, 51-year-old Tarold Blakey, as he tried to leave through a basement door.

Blakey said he and his fiance had returned to his home in the 2500 block of Tyler Street and saw a silhouette in the kitchen. He called police, then shouted to the intruder, police said.

When Blakey realized the man was trying to flee, he fired a single warning shot.

"That's when the guy finally says something," Hornyak said.

Police found the house had been ransacked, but nothing appeared to be missing.

Jackson, Mississippi Burglar Shot

Jackson, Mississippi

From September 9, 2008 WLBT channel 3:

A would be burglar gets more than he bargains for while breaking into a West Jackson home. The homeowner sent the burglar to the hospital. It happened in the 600 block of Hillsdale Drive off Clinton Boulevard.

A homeowner on Hillsdale Drive was still in bed around 9:00 a.m. when a burglar woke him from his sleep.

"Once he heard Mr. Moore attempt to break into the home he retrieved a weapon and fired a shot striking Mr. Moore," said Jackson Police Lt. Jeffery Scott.

Eighteen year old Lorenzo Moore was shot once in the arm. He fled the home and was taken by private vehicle to University Medical Center. One neighbor we spoke to believes the homeowner should have taken further action. "He shouldn't have just wounded him. He should have killed him dead," said Thelma Moore, no relation to the accused burglar. "If he got enough nerve to come in and shoot, he's going to kill you if you don't kill him. Take him out."

It's not clear if the burglar had a weapon on him at the time of the break in. Jackson Police say that is something Moore will be asked in questioning.

Protective Order Violator Shot When Attacking Ex-Wife

Lee County, Tennessee

From the September 8, 2008 Kingsport [Tennessee] Times-News:

JONESVILLE — A Lee County man who was found guilty Friday of violating a protective order for the third time and sentenced to a year in jail was indicted on his fourth alleged violation by a grand jury on Monday.

Donald Robert Tomlinson, 29, Route 1, Box 171-D, was charged in June with the most recent violation after he allegedly waited at his estranged wife’s residence for her to return from an outing with other members of her family. Authorities have said once she arrived Tomlinson confronted his wife, and after seeing Tomlinson attack the woman, knock her to the ground and begin choking her, her brother shot him in the leg.

The brother was not charged, but Tomlinson was charged with violating the protective order as well as assault and battery of a family member. The grand jury returned true bills on both charges Monday.

North Carolina: Fayetteville man shoots, kills, intruder

Fayetteville, North Carolina

From the Fayetteville, Observer of September 6, 2008

Fayetteville man shoots, kills, intruder

A gunman who broke into a Fayetteville home Friday night was shot and killed by another man who was inside the home at the time, police said.

The gunman and an accomplice forced their way into the house in the 6400 block of Winter Park Drive about 10:50 p.m., said police Sgt. Sam Oates.

An occupant of the home grabbed a small-caliber handgun he kept in the house and fired two shots at the pair as they hastily retreated.

Police found the dead assailant lying in the driveway of a nearby home. A gun was still in his hand, Oates said.

Police hadn’t identified the participants as of 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and no other details were available.

Florida Kidnap Victim Takes Gun Away From Kidnappers

Oldsmar, Florida

From the September 8, 2008 Suncoast News:

OLDSMAR - After he was forced into the back seat of a car at gunpoint, kidnapping victim Gregory Longley saw his opportunity.

When one of the kidnappers - sitting next to Longley - put his gun on his lap to text-message someone, Longley grabbed the gun and killed him, according to the Pinellas sheriff's office. Longley also shot and wounded another kidnapper sitting in the front passenger seat, the sheriff's office said, and told the driver to stop the car.

A clearer picture of the Sunday night kidnapping and shooting – along with the names of those involved – was released this morning by the sheriff's office.

Longley, 20, of 7823 Bay Drive, Tampa, was kidnapped at the Aday Motel, 501 Bayview Blvd., Oldsmar, at about 11 p.m., Sgt. Jim Bordner said. The three suspects were looking for a man with whom there had been a dispute over stolen coins, but they kidnapped Longley instead, believing he could lead them to the man they were seeking, Bordner said.

Longley was forced into the back seat of a white 2000 Chevrolet Malibu at gunpoint, Bordner said. Sitting next to him was Javon Strange, 18, of 4717 N. Habana Ave., Apt 711, Tampa; in the front passenger seat was Juan Carlos Morales, 17, of 12510 Memorial Highway, Tampa; and driving was Abdusbasiyr A. Blake, 18, also of 12510 Memorial Highway, Bordner said.

Near the motel after the kidnapping, Strange laid his handgun in his lap to text-message someone, and Longley grabbed the firearm and fatally shot Strange, Bordner said. Then Longley shot and wounded Morales, Bordner said.

Longley then ordered Blake to stop the car, Bordner said. Longley got out of the car and called 911 to report what happened, the spokesman said, and Blake drove to a nearby McDonald's restaurant at 4085 Tampa Road.

California: Vacaville man shoots alleged intruder

Vacaville, California

From the San Francisco Chronicle of September 7, 2008

Vacaville man shoots alleged intruder

A Vacaville resident shot and killed a man who the resident said was burglarizing his home.

The resident, who police did not identify and who lives alone on the 1200 block of Balsam Way, awoke to the sound of voices inside his home around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a press release from the Vacaville Police Department.

The resident armed himself with a handgun, confronted the alleged burglar and shot him "at least once" in the torso, according to police. The resident then called police. The Solano County Coroner has not yet released the name of the deceased and police described him only as an unidentified white male.

Police found physical evidence at the home that they believe shows a second person was in the home when the shooting occurred. Police believe that person left the home through a bedroom window.

Authorities conducted a search with to K-9 units and a CHP helicopter but were unable to locate the other alleged burglar. Authorities are asking that person or any one else with information on the shooting to call the Vacaville Police Department at (707) 549-5200.

California: Homeowner routs burglars as bullets fly

San Bernadino, California

From the San Bernadino Sun of September 5, 2008

Homeowner routs burglars as bullets fly

A homeowner who was awakened by burglars early Friday chased them away while firing his guns.

Police surrounded the neighborhood in the 12000 block of San Timoteo Canyon Road and caught one of the burglars, but the other escaped, police said.

About 1:30 a.m., the homeowner heard glass breaking in his home, the sound of voices and then saw a man looking through his property. He hid in the bathroom and called 9-1-1.

Redlands police heard a struggle while the man was on the phone. When officers arrived, they discovered the man chased the burglars and fired several rounds from a handgun and shotgun he kept in the residence.

Police said they arrested 42-year-old Timothy Hewitt of San Bernardino after finding him hiding in some nearby bushes. He had property in his possession that he had stolen from the home, police said.

Officers booked him into Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of burglary and violating parole.

Anyone with information may call Redlands police dispatch, (909) 798-7681.

Texas: Homeowner Fatally Shoots Intruder

San Antonio, Texas

From KSAT of September 6, 2008

Homeowner Fatally Shoots Intruder

A home invasion on the city's east side Saturday ended in gunfire as the homeowner fatally shot the intruder, police said.

According to police, the intruder broke in through a window, but he didn't make it far.

The invasion and shooting happened Saturday at about 10 a.m. in the 1400 block of South Palmetto.

Police said the intruder, a man in his early 30s, slipped in through the back window of the house.

They said the homeowner had been sleeping inside but must have heard the intruder breaking in.

"(The homeowner) woke up, grabbed a rifle, confronted the person (and) shot him inside the house," San Antonio Sgt. Steven Peterson said. "(It) looks like the person was able to get back out the window and collapsed in the back yard and died."

Police said the intruder died at the scene of an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso before paramedics could arrive.

Officers took the homeowner to the police station so he could give a detailed statement.

Peterson said the San Antonio Police Department's Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, police said, and officers at the home said based on the information they had, it looked like the homeowner acted in self-defense.

Bay County, Florida Man Shoots At Aggressor

Bay County, Florida

From September 3, 2008 WMBB channel 13:

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on counts of Burglary Monday night. The incident took place just down the street from the burglar’s own home.

Jimmy Miller was arrested at his residence on Blue Gill Drive, only a tenth of a mile away from the victim Bradley Hawthorne’s house, also on Blue Gill Drive.

Hawthorne told police he heard his wife’s car door slam while standing on his porch, and then saw someone running towards the back of his property. He says he went inside his residence to get a gun and says when he came back out the intruder was coming toward him making threats. Hawthorne then fired one shot in the direction of the subject. Police arrested Miller after he was identified as the intruder.

Bay County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jeremy Mathis says this was well within Hawthorne’s rights of protecting himself and his possessions, especially according to a relatively new law.

Armed Robbery Suspect Shot By Victim in Lufkin, Texas

Lufkin, Texas

From August 20, 2008 KTRE channel 9:

At 10:36 Sunday night, restaurant manager Katie Jeffreys left Catfish King with the night deposit after closing up.

Her boyfriend, Keith Labrozzi, had come to pick her up and their next stop was the bank. But they never made it. A robber surprised them with gunfire in the parking lot.

"Mr. Labrozzi had a concealed handgun permit and he was armed. He exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Mr. Labrozzi had several gunshot wounds and died a short time later at the hospital," says LT. David Young with the Lufkin Police.

Young says Labrozzi fired at the suspect, 19-year-old Brian Martin Womack of Hudson, hitting him in the stomach.

Katie Jeffreys was shot in the foot, but managed to crawl under her SUV and call 911 before trying to give her boyfriend CPR.

Nashville Home Intruder Shot To Death

Nashville, Tennessee

August 18, 2008 Nashville Police Department press release:

West Precinct detectives continue to investigating Sunday morning’s shooting death of Michael Antwan Wilson inside a home on Mercomatic Drive as a likely justifiable homicide.

The investigation to this point shows that Wilson, 24, who was armed with a pistol, kicked in the front door of the residence in what detectives believe was part of a robbery plan. Homeowner Jeffrey Ham, 42, retrieved a gun and exchanged shots with Wilson. Wilson was fatally wounded and died at the scene.

South Carolina: Home Invader Shot Twice, Deputies Say

Greenville, South Carolina

From WHNS of September 3, 2008

Home Invader Shot Twice, Deputies Say

Greenville County deputies said they are investigating a home invasion that ended with an exchange of gunfire between the resident of the home and the burglar.

The break-in happened at 669 Rutherford Road at the Magnolia Place Apartments just before 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Investigators said someone forced their way into one of the apartments. They said once the burglar was inside, the resident of the apartment opened fire, hitting the burglar twice. The burglar also opened fire, they said.

The intruder was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The resident was not injured.

Neither the name of the victim nor the injured person was released.

Texas: 2 intruders shot, 1 killed, at North Texas home

Blue Mound, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of September 3, 2008

2 intruders shot, 1 killed, at North Texas home

Police say a homeowner wrested a shotgun from an intruder and shot him and a fellow intruder in his suburban Fort Worth home.

One of the men died of his wound in the shooting early Wednesday in Blue Mound, while the other is hospitalized in Fort Worth.

Keith and Kellie Hoehn (HAYN) tell police the intruders kicked in their front door and pointed a shotgun at Mrs. Hoehn's head. She brushed the barrel aside, and a struggle ensued. The husband disarmed the armed intruder and shot both.

Investigators say the homeowner is unlikely be charged. They say he shot the men out of concern for his sleeping children.

Police say they believe the intruders had broken into the garage of another house nearby earlier in the night.

UPDATE: More coverage from September 5, 2008 FoxNews.com.

North Carolina: Would-be Burglar Killed, Police Say

Charlotte, North Carolina

From WBTV of September 2, 2008

Would-be Burglar Killed, Police Say

Police are investigating a shooting that happened Tuesday afternoon in northwest Charlotte.

Reports suggest a man came home to find Timothy Michael Quinn inside his house. Police say Quinn broke into the home through a side door.

The homeowner confronted Quinn, telling him to get on the floor. He told police Quinn came towards him instead. That's when the homeowner shot Quinn at least one time with a handgun.

Police say the homeowner called 911 and voluntarily accompanied CMPD officers to Police Headquarters for an interview. So far, no charges have been filed.

Anyone with information about this incident can now call 704-432-TIPS and you will be able to speak to a Homicide Unit detective directly. Detective Osorio is the lead detective working this case. In addition, the public can still call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 with any information.

Indiana: Man Holds Would-Be Robber At Gunpoint

Muncie, Indiana

From the Indy Channel of September 2, 2008

Man Holds Would-Be Robber At Gunpoint

A Muncie man whose home was burglarized Monday held a would-be robber at gunpoint after waiting in the dark for two hours to see if the burglars would return, police said.

Michael Angel returned home Monday evening to find his back door open and several items missing from his home, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

He said he called police to make a report and then talked to neighbors, who said they'd seen a few people and a black pickup truck near his home that day.

Angel said he wanted to see if the burglars would come back, so he sat in a back room in the dark with his gun. After two hours, Angel said he saw a pickup truck that matched his neighbors' pull up to the back of the house.

"I heard the guy enter the house and he was shuffling through stuff in my room," he said.

Angel said he walked down the hall with his rifle, cocked the gun and turned on the light.

"I started screaming at him and he dove onto the ground," he said. "I didn't want to shoot anybody, but I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if the guy had a gun or not."

Angel said he called 911 and held the man -- later identified as Michael Boykin, 50 -- at gunpoint until police arrived.

"I think people around here should take a lesson and be more vigilant of the neighborhood and not rely so much on the police, because they're busy enough, and rely more on themselves and their neighbors," Angel said.

Boykin was arrested and preliminarily charged with burglary. Police said he has a lengthy criminal history, including a previous burglary conviction and several other theft arrests. Police are investigating if he may be connected to several other break-ins in the area.

Virginia: Robbery thwarted by pharmacist with gun

Henry County, Virginia

From the Madison Messenger of September 2, 2008

Robbery thwarted by pharmacist with gun

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who attempted to rob Harder’s Pharmacy in Bassett on Saturday morning.

A white male, with his face partially covered, entered the store on Fairystone Park Highway at about 10 a.m. and demanded that the pharmacist give him all the OxyContin and pain pills in the store, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

The pharmacist pulled a handgun and the would-be robber ran out of the store and got into the passenger seat of a vehicle parked across the street, authorities said.

The driver then pulled out and backed up the street toward Riverside Drive, the release states.

The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information about the crime to call (276) 638-8751.

Oklahoma: Intruder shot in Muskogee home robbery

Muskogee, Oklahoma

From the Tulsa World of August 28, 2008

Intruder shot in Muskogee home robbery

A Muskogee man was being treated Wednesday night at Muskogee Regional Medical Center for gunshot wounds he sustained during what appears to be a home invasion, police said.

Police Lt. Bert Poole said the investigation so far shows that Bernard Harlin, 36, was in the house at 1420 Fremont St., when Anthony Irving, 36, entered the residence.

Officers said Harlin lives in the Muskogee residence during the week and in Wagoner on weekends.

Poole said Irving came into the residence carrying a gun, which discharged as he scuffled with Harlin. It went off again, striking Irving.

Harlin then ran outside, yelling for a neighbor to call 911.

That neighbor was Lillian Harlin, who said she was standing in her backyard at the time. She said she did not hear the gunshots because her air conditioner was running.

She ran into her home and called for help and later saw the victim being removed from the house on a stretcher. She said she did not hear or see anything else. She also said she did not know her neighbor.

District Attorney Larry Moore said the evidence so far in the case indicates the homeowner was defending himself against an intruder.

Moore said he doesn't expect to file charges against the homeowner but will consider charges against the intruder.

According to Oklahoma Department of Corrections records, Irving has prior convictions for drug possession and distribution of drugs. His last conviction in Muskogee County was in 2006, when he received a suspended sentence for possession of a controlled dangerous substance