Monday, March 30, 2009

Texas: Robbery suspect dies after getting shot, run over

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of March 29, 2009
Robbery suspect dies after getting shot, run over

A man allegedly attempting to rob a northwest Harris County cell phone store died after he was shot by the business owner and then hit by a car as he attempted to flee, authorities said.

Deputies answered a call around 6:15 p.m. Saturday at a cell phone store in the 5200 block of Barker Cypress, where they learned that two armed men dressed in black allegedly attempted to rob it, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. John Legg.

The store owner produced his own handgun and the alleged robbers fled the business, Legg said.

As the men ran into the parking lot, the store owner chased them. One of the men fled the scene in a 90s model red Ford Taurus, while the other man stopped and turned toward the store owner, Legg said. “At that time, the owner of the store fired several shots towards the suspect, hitting him once,” Legg said.

However, the alleged robber continued to run through the parking lot and attempted to run across Barker Cypress, where he was hit by a car. The man, whose identity has not been released, collapsed and died, Legg said.

No charges have been filed against the store owner and Legg said the case will likely be referred to a grand jury.

Deputies are searching for the second suspect who fled. Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Spokane Home Invader Shot

Spokane, Washington

From the March 30, 2009 Spokesman-Review:

A resident trying to protect himself during a home invasion shot and seriously wounded one of two invaders early Monday.

Spokane police said the man underwent surgery at a Spokane hospital for two handgun wounds to his abdomen, and the other suspect ran and remained at large Monday afternoon.

A woman living at the home in the 4100 block of East 16th Avenue called 911 about 2 a.m., reporting that two men had entered the house and that her male roommate was confronting them in another room. The call came in about the same time the roommate fired shots in the other room, said Officer Tim Moses, police spokesman.

Both of the suspects were armed, police said.

Police have been unable to provide a full description of the two suspects, both in their 20s.

Moses said police detectives plan to interview the injured man to learn more about the other suspect and the reason for the confrontation. The home where the shooting occurred was built about 2002 and, according to county records, is owned by a Chattaroy couple.

College students are renting the house, and they had not had any previous problems, the owner said.

UPDATE: A bit more detail about the suspects from the April 1, 2009 Spokane Spokesman-Review:
In 2002, Butler was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for a bank robbery that resulted in federal charges against a California gang member who worked with Butler and another man, according to previously public reports.

It’s unclear how long Butler was in prison in connection with the bank robbery. But records show he was sentenced in Kootenai County in early March to 10 days in jail or 32 hours in a county work program on one count of frequenting a home where a controlled substance is used.

Taylor, the other suspect, has criminal convictions dating back to 1996 in Pierce County, including charges of second-degree theft, third-degree assault, attempting to elude, and several drug charges. He served 10 days in jail in December after pleading guilty to escape from community custody, records show.

Illinois: Cal City pizza delivery man scares off would-be robbers

Calimut City, Illinois

From The Times of March 30, 2009
Cal City pizza delivery man scares off would-be robbers

Calumet City Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery in the 100 block of Webb Street at 11:24 p.m. on Sunday.

Three men attempted to rob a pizza delivery man at gunpoint, Calumet City Police Commander Dan Zorzi said.

"(The victim) saw these guys approaching and got nervous," he said. "When they came up and pulled a gun, he pretended he had a gun, and they took off."

The suspects fled on foot and the victim drove off in his truck and flagged down Hammond Police at 157th Street and State Line Road, Zorzi said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Calumet City Police Department at (708) 868-2500.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Oklahoma: Man fends off knife-wielding intruder during home invasion

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From KFOR of March 27, 2009
Man fends off knife-wielding intruder during home invasion

A Metro man takes on a man with a knife and wins. Maurice Johnson was catching up on some sleep Thursday afternoon when his burglar alarm sounds. He awakes to a man in his house in the 4300 block of North Blackwelder.

"I see a guy in a big black jacket holding a knife about that size and he tells me basically turn the alarm off and give me money."

Johnson, keeping his wits about him, tells the man to follow him to the back bedroom where there may be some cash.

The suspect keeps the knife held tightly against Johnson as they walk through the house.

Johnson says he pretends to rifle through his drawer to get money but got his gun instead and fires a shot at the suspect.

The suspect takes off immediately. No word on if the suspect was hit.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

South Carolina: Couple Shoots, Stabs Intruder

Spartanburg, South Carolina

From WYFF of March 26, 2009
Couple Shoots, Stabs Intruder

Deputies said a man who attempted to rob a Spartanburg couple ended up shot, stabbed and arrested.

Spartanburg County deputies responded to a call of an attempted robbery at a home on West Croft Circle.

Travis Morrow, who lives in the house, and his girlfriend, Aiyetoro Ross, told deputies two men tried to rob them.

Morrow said as he struggled to disarm one of the men, the gun discharged, and hit the suspect. Ross grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the suspect. Both of the robbery suspects then ran from the house.

Deputies were later called to Mary Black Hospital where man had come into the Emergency Room suffering from a gunshot injury and a stab wound.

The injured man was identified as 20-year-old Ronald Deshawn Rice, of Spartanburg. Rice is charged with one count of attempted armed robbery and two counts of assault with intent to kill.

The second suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Ryan Dwight Ross of Pacolet, SC. He is also charged with one count of attempted armed robbery and two counts of assault with intent to kill.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Ohio: Would-Be Robber Ends Up As Shooting Victim

Mt. Auburn, Ohio

From WCPO of March 24, 2009
Would-Be Robber Ends Up As Shooting Victim

A would-be thief ended up in the hospital with a gunshot wound after a failed robbery attempt in Mt. Auburn overnight.

Police say the would-be robber, 20-year-old Anthony Walker of Corryville, approached two men at a home in the 120 block of Malvern Place and threatened them with a gun.

One of the men, who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, reportedly shot Walker during the altercation.

Both of the intended victims then drove to the Cincinnati Police District One station and reported the incident.

Rescue crews transported Walker to University Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the chest. He is now facing charges of aggravated robbery.

Arkansas: LR Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber

Little Rock, Arkansas

From Today's THV of March 24, 2009
LR Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber

A trip to Wal-Mart on Cantrell Road ended in a violent struggle for a Little Rock couple.

It happened around 11:20 p.m. Monday night in a Wal-Mart parking lot off Cantrell Rd and Chenal Parkway.

Police say the couple tried to get away from the man, but when it didn't work, they took action.

Monday night, Jamie Bitely left the store and walked into what police say was a couple turning the tables on a would-be robber.

"The first thing I heard was the first gun shot and that's when I turned to see what was going on," says Bitely.

"That's when I saw the man who was apparently the victim and I seen him fire the his fire arm [SIC] a couple more times at that time that's when I laid down on the ground until the shots stop," says Bitely.

According to the police report, a husband and wife were unloading groceries into their Jeep when a man wearing a wig and cap allegedly confronted them, pointing a gun. At that point, the report says the suspect said "'This is a robbery'" and went after the woman's purse.

Police say the suspect allegedly hit the woman and ripped the bag from the woman's arm. Police say that's when her husband took action.

Sgt. Cassandra Davis says the husband fired at Jonathan Terry, hitting him in the rear end.

"The husband than retrieved his own personal weapon. He did ask the suspect to release his wife and the purse. The suspect refused," says Sgt. Davis.

Police say Terry jumped into a waiting car and his friends, Sherry Battle and Tequila Rice drove him to UAMS. "They were at the hospital and our officers took those individuals into custody also," explains Sgt. Davis.

All three are facing Aggravated Robbery Charges. This news put some witnesses like David Rollins only slightly at ease. "I'm a little bit more scared going to Wal-Mart late at night," says Rollins.

Police say Battles and Rice fought with officers and are also facing battery charges.

Today's THV has the couple's names, but since they haven't been charged with a crime, we've decided not to mention them to protect their privacy.

Florida: 1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting

Miami, Florida

From the Miami Herald of March 24, 2009
1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting

One man was killed and another seriously wounded in a shootout inside a Miami Burger King on Tuesday, officials said.

Police said a man wearing a ski mask walked into the store at Biscayne Boulevard and 54th Street and demanded money from a clerk.

A customer, who has a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun, said Officer Jeff Giordano, a Miami police spokesman.

The customer and robber exchanged fire.

The robber was shot dead at the scene.

The customer, who had several gunshot wounds, was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in serious but stable condition, said Lt. Ignatius Carroll, a Miami Fire Rescue spokesman.

At about 4 p.m., officials got several 911 calls reporting people shot inside the Burger King.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Oklahoma: BA Shooting Likely Self-Defense

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

From Fox23 of March 17, 2009
BA Shooting Likely Self-Defense

a double shooting in Broken Arrow. One man, just identified by police as 40-year-old Rodger Dale McKnight, Jr. is dead. Broken Arrow Police say the other man, Randy Bryant, is considered the victim in this case. This all happened this morning around 7:30 in Broken Arrow at the Johanna Woods mobile home community. That’s where we find FOX 23’s Kaci Christian with the very latest.

“Broken Arrow Police tell me no charges are expected to be filed against Randy Bryant, the owner of this home behind me,” reports FOX 23’s Kaci Christian. “In critical condition at St. Francis, Bryant was shot in the chest with the same .32 handgun that killed McKnight. Police say, at this point, it’s being considered a case of self-defense.”

“We’re brand new to the neighborhood,” explains John McCuistian. “We’re just moving in, and we’re from Claremore, and just recently bought the house—yesterday.”

McCuistian was at the title company today, handling last-minute paperwork on his purchase of a mobile home on Kansas Street in Johanna Woods in Broken Arrow. He, his wife, Kandice and their son, Zane, impulsively decided to drive by their new place. That’s where they learned that the homeowner just three doors down had been shot after a struggle with a man believed to have been trespassing and trying to break into a vehicle on the property.

“It’s kind of scary,” McCuistian shares, “pulling up and realizing what happened today.”

Residents tell me Johanna Woods mobile home community is a quiet property with 235 homes. Only five lots are vacant, the property manager says. According to several people living in the neighborhood, management does background checks and keeps a close eye on residents, yet this morning, the unthinkable happened: a neighbor struggles with a possible intruder. A call comes in to 9-1-1, alerting law enforcement that a fight was happening in front of one of the mobile homes.

Units arrive within minutes, but by then, there’s one gun, and two victims.

The homeowner has been shot in the chest, and is in critical condition at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, and the other man is dead.

(More)

Texas: Clerk trades gunfire with robbers in west Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of March 20, 2009
Clerk trades gunfire with robbers in west Fort Worth

Robbers used a shotgun Thursday evening to blast open the glass door of a west-side retail store in west Fort Worth, but a clerk shot back, police said.

The two robbers fled the CC 99 Cent Plus Store in the 5700 block of Lovell Avenue, and the clerk was not hurt, said Lt. Paul Henderson, police spokesman.

"It's unknown," he added, "if either suspect was hit."

The incident happened around 8:35 p.m. at the store, which is near Lovell Avenue's intersection with Camp Bowie Boulevard.

The two men wearing hooded sweatshirts breached to glass door and entered the store. They pointed the shotgun and a handgun at the clerk and demanded "all the money," Henderson said.

But the 38-year-old clerk, crouching behind a counter, grabbed his own gun and fired several shots at the robbers, Henderson said.

"The two would-be robbers fled the store as bullets flew past them," Henderson said.

A witness later told police that two men matching the descriptions of the robbers were spotted running in the 5800 block of Curzon Avenue, one block south of the store's location.

Anyone with information can call robbery detectives at 817-392-4370 or Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS, Henderson said. The information is considered confidential and callers may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Florida: Burglar shot and killed in North Naples, authorities say

Naples, Florida

From the Naples News of March 20, 2009
Burglar shot and killed in North Naples, authorities say

Collier County deputies are investigating an apparent burglary in progress that turned deadly this morning in North Naples.

Witnesses say a resident of 91 Willoughby Drive confronted a suspect who was on his property shortly after 4 a.m. and shot him. The suspect died, according to reports.

The burglar did not enter the home. The homeowner caught him exiting the family camper which was parked in the driveway, according to a Collier County Sheriff’s spokeswoman. The burglary suspect then lunged at the homeowner and that’s when the owner shot the suspect.

(More)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Florida: Armed Homeowner Drives Away Intruder, Police Say

Tampa, Florida

From the Tampa Bay Online of March 18, 2009
Armed Homeowner Drives Away Intruder, Police Say

A Tampa man faces felony armed burglary charges after a home invasion in Lake Wales this morning.

Police said two children, ages 3 and 3 months, were inside the home at 1261 Grove Ave. about 10:30 a.m. when a burglar pried open a rear sliding glass door with a crowbar. The startled homeowner fired off seven rounds from a .380 handgun.

"It's a disturbing scene especially with children inside. I know the homeowner is shaken up right now," said Lake Wales Assistant Police Chief Christopher Velasquez.

The bullets hit the suspect, 45-year-old Michael Collins, in the head and arm, police said. Collins had parked his van in the home's driveway and tried to drive away but crashed a couple hundred feet away in an orange grove, they added.

Officers apprehended Collins, who was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Hospital for treatment for his injuries. He is expected to recover.

Collins is charged with first-degree felony armed burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Detectives said the homeowner did not know Collins prior to the home invasion.

Neighbor Luis Hernandez praised the homeowner for taking swift action to protect his family.

"We're glad because he's not going to come back here," Hernandez said.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Missouri: Homeowner Shoots At Burglars, Hits Friend

Oklahoma City, Missouri

From KOcO of March 16, 2009
Homeowner Shoots At Burglars, Hits Friend

A man is in the hospital after he was accidentally shot when his friend tried to shoot two burglars, Oklahoma City police said.

It happened around 12:30 a.m. Monday morning when two men broke into the house near Northeast 42nd Street and Prospect Avenue, police said. The homeowner heard the burglars, grabbed a gun and allegedly began firing. Instead of hitting the burglars, a bullet hit the homeowner's friend. The burglars ran away from the house.

The homeowner and his friend got into a car and drove to the hospital. Their trip was delayed when they were pulled over by police for speeding a few blocks away, police said. The victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police do not have a description of the burglars. Charges are not expected to be filed, police said.

Pennsylvania: Clerk shoots robbery suspect

Bristol Township, Pennsylvania

From the Times of Trenton of March 13, 2009
Clerk shoots robbery suspect

A knife-wielding robber who entered the Windsor Pharmacy on Wednesday night was taken down by a store clerk using a handgun, police said.

Matthew Perry, a 21-year-old Middletown Township resident, allegedly went into the pharmacy just after 8:30 p.m., displayed a knife, and demanded the pill oxycontin. Police said he began to struggle with a store clerk who resisted him.

A second store clerk, who had a valid permit to carry a weapon, pulled out a handgun and fired one shot at Perry, hitting him in the arm and chest, according to police. Police said Perry fell to the floor, and was taken to a local hospital by the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad.

Perry is being guarded by Bristol Township Police, and will be charged pending a review by the Bucks County District Attorney's Office after his release.

**Account originally posted under "New Jersey" due to the source, but it has since been pointed out that Bristol Township is in Pennsylvania.**

Virginia: One burglar shot, another stabbed in Woodbridge

Woodbridge, Virginia

From Inside NoVA of March 16, 2009
One burglar shot, another stabbed in Woodbridge

Police say one burglar was shot and another stabbed breaking into a Woodbridge home Sunday night.

James Baumann Jr., 28, and Jason Lewis Presley, 32, are accused in a burglary in the 15100 block of Georgia Road about 11:30 p.m. Police say one of them was armed with a knife.

The 41-year-old resident of the house heard the burglars and went to investigate, said Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.

When the victim saw the two men, a fight ensued. Police said the resident grabbed a knife from one of the burglars and stabbed him.

Baumann suffered stab wounds and the victim had cuts on various parts of his body, Hernandez said.

After fighting one burglar, the victim grabbed his shotgun and shot the second burglar as he attempted to run.

All three men were all taken to the hospital.

Presley and the resident were treated for their injuries. The resident was released.

Baumann remained hospitalized Monday suffering life-threatening injuries.

Presley, of 14205 Chesterfield Road in Woodbridge, was charged with burglary while armed with the intent to commit larceny.

He was held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April, 29.

Warrants were obtained for Baumann, of 1302 Oregon Avenue in Woodbridge, charging him with malicious wounding and burglary while armed with the intent to commit larceny.

Hernandez said an investigation is ongoing.

Texas: Fort Hood Soldier Arrested After Killeen Woman Shoots Would-Be Burglar

Killeen, Texas

From KWTX of March 16, 2009
Fort Hood Soldier Arrested After Killeen Woman Shoots Would-Be Burglar

Fort Hood soldier Jamar Mcnair Jones, 18, was in the Bell County Jail charged with burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit theft Monday after a Killeen woman shot a man who tried to force his way into her home.

The woman called 911 early Friday morning after the would-be burglar fled.

She told officers she was awakened by the doorbell around 4 a.m. Friday.

The front door of the woman’s home had a viewer, but she told officers she was unable to see who was ringing the bell so she opened the door slightly.

When she did, the man attempted to force his way in.

That’s when she fired.

While officers were interviewing the woman, other officers at Metroplex Hospital advised them that a man matching the description of the would-be burglar had just arrived at the emergency room for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The man was transferred to Scott & White Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet, police said.

Jones was arrested after he was released from Scott & White Monday evening, police said.

His bond was set at $500,000.

Kentucky: Scott County Homeowner Holds Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint

Georgetown, Kentucky

From WLEX of March 16, 2009
Scott County Homeowner Holds Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint

A burglary suspect doesn't get far after breaking into one Georgetown home.

Just before 2 a.m. Monday, Georgetown Police said Joshua Slone stood at the back door of a house on Citation Court knocking on it.

When he didn't get a response. police said Slone kicked in a window and made his way into the living room.

Around the same time, the homeowner met Slone with his shotgun and held him inside until police arrived.

No one was hurt.

Joshua Slone is being held in the Scott County Detention Center facing burglary charges.

Indiana: Man shot by homeowner after attempted break-in

Evansville, Indiana

From WFIE of March 15, 2009
Man shot by homeowner after attempted break-in

An Evansville man was shot after, police say, he tried to break into a home.

The home-owner said the man broke through the back door, and that's when he shot the intruder, but the story doesn't stop there.

The intruder was then run-down by his own get-away car.

Neighbors said police were on the scene for several hours processing evidence and looking for clues that would help them track down the accomplices.

Sunday mornings events aren't easily forgotten.

"I looked out my peephole and saw a man head to toe in blood," neighbor Katherine Vessels said.

Evansville police said it all started at 5:00 Sunday morning when 26-year-old Derek Shaun Clark kicked in the door of Derrick Murray's home on East Riverside Drive.

Police said the suspect entered the home and told the victim he was police.

Murray said he could tell from the tone of his voice something wasn't right.

"They were talking in street slang, so I ran to my bedroom to get my rifle and as he came in with his hand-gun drawn I, I just fired at him," Murray said.

Police said Clark stumbled out of the house leaving a trail of blood behind him.

He attempted to get in his get-away car, but neighbors said he never made it inside.

"The white car was parked in front of my house and they backed up and ran over him and then he backed up and then they backed up into the alley and into him again," Vessels said. "Then, they took off."

Vessels said she now fears for the safety of her children, and is considering moving out.

"It just blows my mind that that would happen right in front of my house like that," Vessels said. "I have three kids, I wouldn't want that around anybody's kids."

Still shaken up, Murray said he's here to stay, and also said if those crooks come back, they better beware.

"I think a family man is the most dangerous person because they've got more to lose like I do," Murray said.

Clark is in intensive care at St. Mary's.

In 2003 he was convicted of drunk driving and in 2007 he was convicted for possession of marijuana.

Detectives said they will release an official statement regarding Sunday's shooting on Monday.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Louisiana: Gunfire exchanged at car dealership in Sulphur

Lake Charles, Louisiana

From KPLC of March 13, 2009
Gunfire exchanged at car dealership in Sulphur

It's a miracle no one was killed or injured last night at Billy Navarre Chevrolet in Sulphur. That's where shots were exchanged between a police officer and an employee.. It was a miscommunication that could have been deadly.

It all started after a burglar alarm at the car dealership on East Napoleon. An employee arrived ahead of police and went inside to check the business. He had a flashlight and a gun. When police saw the employee inside they thought he was an armed burglar and fired shots, while the employee thought he was being fired at by a burglar. General Manager Ryan Navarre says the employee was crouched behind a desk. "I get the most horrific phone call I have ever gotten in my life. An employee is telling me that he's being shot at and he had already called 911 and he still was trying to get help. He was hunkered down in the service department telling me somebody was shooting at him and he returned fire. It was just a horrible situation.

Windows on the northeast corner of the building were shot out. And there are bullet holes on various objects inside and out. Navarre says they were trying to call off police when the shots were exchanged."Thank God that he didn't get killed or that they didn't get killed. And it looks like somewhere in the neighborhood of twenty rounds were shot outside and six from the inside. And it was just a failure of communication because I was on the phone with 911 telling them that my employee's in the building."

While a Sulphur police officer fired first Assistant Chief Glenn Berry says he had good reason to do what he did. "There's no doubt in my mind the officer was justified. He felt that this man was about to shoot his partner in the back. He felt that with every fiber of his being. And he fired in defense of his fellow officer."

Police say once officers have been summoned to a building an employee should never go inside-- but should always wait outside with a key. Berry emphasizes, "Do not go into the business. Do not arm yourself when you go there. Wait in your vehicle until police arrive. Then open the door for them. Speak with the police. Don't go into the business. In this case this could have been just a terrible tragedy."

The employee was arrested and booked for unlawful use of a weapon, but it's not certain whether formal charges will be pursued. An internal investigation is still underway by Sulphur police.

Friday, March 13, 2009

California: Suspected Drunk Driver Shot In The Arm By Home Owner

Los Osos, California

From KEYT of March 13, 2009
Suspected Drunk Driver Shot In The Arm By Home Owner

San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Deputies and officers with the California Highway Patrol are investigating a bizarre incident that left one homeowner cleaning up a mess and sent a 18-year-old driver to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Sheriff Investigators are trying to figure out why Los Osos' resident Chris Saletta shot 18-year-old Nicole Galvez in the arm.

According to Saletta, Galvez plowed her PT Cruiser through Saletta's fence and into the backyard of his home on the 2000 block of Sombrero Road. Saletta says, he awoke to find Galvez driving her car wildly through his back yard and he was forced to shoot her because he thought she would crash her car into his children's bedroom.

Saletta told investigators, the female driver of of the Cruiser collided with a water well pump, ran over his kids bikes and hit the rear porch support to his home. Saletta called 911 to report the rampage then armed himself and tried to approach Galvez.

According to Saletta, Galvez refused to get out of her car and continued to drive towards Saletta's home. Saletta said, fearing for his families safety, he then fired one round from a .22 caliber rifle through the passenger side of the car. He told investigators he fired the shot because Galvez was headed straight for his children's bedroom.

The Cruiser came to an abrupt stop after Saletta fired the shot. Saletta wounded Galvez with a single shot to her upper arm.

Galvez was taken to Sierra Vista Hospital, was treated then arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

A preliminary investigation by the Sheriff's Department reveals that Saletta lawfully fired his weapon in self-defense.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Georgia: Man Shoots Dog to Protect Daughter

Thomas County, Georgia

From WCTV of March 10, 2009
Man Shoots Dog to Protect Daughter

Kenneth Hale Jr. says his neighbor's Bull Mastiff ventured into his yard several times.

Last week, Hale's three year old daughter was playing in the yard and the dog charged toward her, so he got his gun and shot the dog.

Kenneth Hale says "I feel bad about it I didn't want to shoot the dog, I really didn't and I was hoping he would keep him over there, it was a beautiful dog, it's a bull Mastiff and that dog stands every bit of four feet tall on his back".

Thomas County investigators say Hale contacted them on more than one occasion about the dog.

The owner of the dog could not be reached for comment and authorities would not release his name.

Michigan: Oshtemo Township homeowner fires shots at burglars

Oshtemo Township, Michigan

From the Kalamazoo News of March 10, 2009
Oshtemo Township homeowner fires shots at burglars

An armed homeowner in Oshtemo Township scared off a pair of burglars earlier this week when he fired two shots from his gun, police said Tuesday.

No one was injured, according to a press release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

Police said two suspects broke into the house in the 7000 block of West H Avenue Monday afternoon. They were confronted by the armed homeowner, who fired two shots before the suspects fled in a small vehicle.

Deputies located the vehicle and arrested one of the suspects, an 18-year-old man, lodging him on home invasion charges at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Police continue to look for the second suspect, who was only described as a "small individual with longer hair," the press release said.

Tennessee: Trucker kills intruder in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

From the Knoxville News Sentinel of March 11, 2009
Trucker kills intruder in Knoxville, TN

Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a man who allegedly tried to enter a parked tractor-trailer rig in West Knox County.

Knox County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Martha Dooley said the incident occurred about 2:30 a.m. at a warehouse parking lot at 10720 Lexington Drive, which runs off of Lovell Road.

Killed was James Edward Hodges Jr., 34, of Loudon, according to Dooley.

He was trying to break into a tractor-trailer while the driver was asleep in the truck's sleeper cabin, Dooley said.

Hodges had approached the truck earlier and tried to open its door, Dooley said. He returned a short time later and broke out a window with a rock.

He left again after breaking out the window.

"The suspect returned and was attempting to climb into the truck when the truck driver shot him," Dooley said. Hodges was dead at the scene.

The truck driver, 68, was taken to Baptist Hospital West with chest pains and is expected to be admitted, Dooley said.

He lives out of state and his name is being withheld until his family can be reached.

Detectives will be meeting with the Knox County District Attorney General's Office later today to discuss if there will be any charges. A female family member was riding with Hodges during the incident.

Hodges has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1992 for burglary, numerous thefts, driving under the influence, drug charges, aggravated assault, numerous failures to appear, unlawful possession of a weapon, driving while privilege revoked, criminal trespassing, violation of probation, possession of burglary tools.

He also is wanted in other counties for theft and other charges.

Armed Robber Shot With Own Gun

Centerfield, Utah

From March 9, 2009 KSL channel 5:

Centerfield resident Antonio Ramos, 42, was killed when one of the women he was robbing grabbed his gun and shot him in the head. Surveillance video from the store captured the robbery and Ramos' final moments on tape.

"[There's] a lot of talk about, wondering what went wrong and what happened for sure. Until we are done, fully, with our investigation, there will those questions like there would be in any small town," said Centerfield Police Chief Stewart Jensen.

This is the first robbery Jensen has ever dealt with in his 10 years on the force in Centerfield, which is located south of Gunnison.

Just after midnight, police say Ramos approached an employee as she was taking out the garbage, pointed a gun at her and forced her inside.

Ramos told one employee to tie up the other, and then tried to tie up the second worker himself. A few moments later, video shows the gunman put down his .22-caliber rifle and slip it onto the counter.

The clerk who was already tied up appears to remain calm and, in a brief moment, goes for the gun.

She grabbed the rifle and fired, striking the robber once in the head. When police arrived, Ramos was dead.

"They did a good job defending themselves, under the circumstances. They had no idea what was going to happen to them after they were tied up, so I think they did what they felt they needed to do," said Sanpete County sheriff's Sgt. Greg Peterson.

There's surveillance video of the event.

Pizza Delivery Driver Shoots Robbers

Irmo, South Carolina

From March 8, 2009 WSPA channel 7:

Irmo - A suspected robber is dead after officials say a pizza man shot him in during the robbery.

Lexington County Sheriff James Metts says Saturday night, four men ordered pizza to a house on Avery Place Lane with the intent of robbing whomever delivered it. None of the four lived there and officials say the homeowner did not realize his home was being used for a robbery.

Pizza Hut delivery man, 43-year-old Christopher Miller, says he showed up at the home at 10:30 p.m. and 17-year-old Paul Sturgill was standing on the sidewalk waiting for him. Officials say soon after Miller got out of the car, two other men ran at him from the woods.

When Miller started running away, that’s when authorities say Sturgill continually tried beating him in the face. Miller, who has a concealed weapons permit, says he pulled out .45 caliber handgun that he had in his fanny pack and shot Sturgill in his chest.

Sturgill was taken to the hospital where he later died.

The three other suspects ran and officials are still looking for one of the men.

He’s 18-year-old Justin Roundtree. Metts says he’s wanted for robbery and criminal conspiracy. Roundtree is a member of a criminal gang and is 5-foot-5 and weighs 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Also in the March 8, 2009 South Carolina State:
An Irmo pizza delivery man ambushed by a group of young men shot and killed one of his assailants, an Irmo High School senior, late Saturday, causing the others to flee, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said this afternoon.

Alleged robber Paul Andrew Sturgill Jr., 17, of Kenna Drive near Irmo, was pronounced dead of at least one gunshot wound later at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, Sheriff James Metts said. An autopsy will be performed Monday.

Relatives and neighbors expressed shock over the death of Sturgill, whom they said had been an honor student and musician. His family said he planned to join the Army, with a goal of becoming an airborne ranger, after graduating from Irmo High School this year.

The family showed photos of a tall, slender, clean-cut young man.

The pizza delivery man, Christopher Steven Miller, 43, had a concealed weapons permit and was trying to retreat from the suspects while being beaten by one attacker, Metts said.

At this point, Metts said, it appears that Miller acted within the law and will not face any charges. However, police have made no final decisions and will discuss the incident with prosecutors, he said.

One of the suspected robbers, Justin Towan Roundtree, 18, of Emery Lane near Irmo, left the scene but turned himself in around 9:15 p.m. tonight, the sheriff's department said. He is charged with robbery and criminal conspiracy. Roundtree is suspected of having a connection to a gang, Metts said. Metts did not have details.

The dead youth, Sturgill, supposedly had a good reputation and people whom detectives are interviewing are surprised that he might have been involved in a robbery, Metts said.

Metts said the incident happened about 10:30 p.m. on Avery Place Lane near Irmo, near Irmo High School off St. Andrews Road. An order had been called in to Pizza Hut on Irmo Drive for two large, thin-crust pizzas with extra cheese for delivery to a house on Avery Lane. However, when Miller showed up with the pizzas, he was met by a young man outside the house to whom he was delivering the pizza, Miller told detectives.

In fact, Metts said, the suspects had called the order in on a cell phone. The people who lived in the house had no knowledge of the pizza request, Metts said.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Ohio: Bond Hill Apartment Resident Shoots, Kills Robber

Bond Hill, Ohio

From Local 12 of March 4, 2009
Bond Hill Apartment Resident Shoots, Kills Robber

A Bond Hill man shot and killed a robber who tried to break into his home this morning.

Police were called to the 7600 block of Glenmeadow Lane around 9:45 a.m.

Two men reportedly broke into an apartment there. The apartment owner was shot in the leg. The victim then opened fire on the suspects. One robber, 19 year old Gerald Womble of Avondale was shot and killed in the hallway outside the hallway. The second robber escaped.

One man who was waiting in the parking lot for his granddaughter told Local 12 he heard four or five shots. It's not clear whether the apartment resident pursued the robbers out of the apartment.

The resident who was shot in the leg was taken to University Hospital and he is expected to be okay.

North Carolina: Hickory Shooting May Have Been Self-Defense

Hickory, North Carolina

From WSOC of March 6, 2009
Hickory Shooting May Have Been Self-Defense

Police in Hickory are trying to figure out if a shooting early Friday morning was a case of self-defense.

That shooting happened at a home on Fifth Avenue Southwest around 4:30 a.m.

Police said Terry Lee Atkins was shot in the chest and then went to two homes nearby looking for help. Investigators believe Atkins may have gone to a home with a .12-gauge shotgun to rob the people inside, but was instead met with gunfire. The homeowners said they had no choice.

Investigators recovered a shotgun dropped in a nearby yard.

Police said Atkins underwent surgery Friday afternoon.

Officers interviewed 12 people in the case. They plan on turning the evidence over to the district attorney's office to determine whether charges should be filed.

Robbery Victim Shoots Robber in Buttocks

Opelika, Alabama

From the March 6, 2009 Opelika-Auburn News:

An Opelika man approached by a gunman demanding money Thursday night took matters into his own hands by drawing his own weapon and shooting the robber, police said.

The report states the robbery took place at 11:46 p.m. in the 1000 block of York Avenue, Opelika police Capt. Allan Elkins said. The victim shot the robber in the buttocks, Elkins said.

The injured robber was transported to East Alabama Medical Center, where he is being treated and detained, Elkins said. As of Friday morning, no arrest had been made, Elkins said.

911 Didn't Answer; Parker County Woman Uses Gun

Parker County, Texas

From March 6, 2009 NBC affiliate in Dallas-Fort Worth:

A rural North Texas woman said she dialed 911 repeatedly but got no answer as an intruder roamed her home in the dark.

Laverne Hokett lives in Parker County, just west of Fort Worth.

She said she was awakened one night last month by someone breaking through her back door. She dialed 911 several times from her cell phone but got no answer. Then she called her daughter Deborah Turpin.

She and her husband arrived at her mother's home and held the intruder at gunpoint while dialing 911 over and over before getting an answer.

Florida: Shooting death ruled self-defense

Orlando, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of March 7, 2009
Shooting death ruled self-defense

A deadly shooting in an Orange County neighborhood was determined to be self-defense, records released Friday show. Investigators say the shooter, 35-year-old Willie Busby, was cooperative during the investigation and was acting in self-defense when he shot a man on his mother's property Thursday afternoon. After the shooting, Busby ran into a patch of woods near the home at 1372 Clarcona Road near Apopka. Deputies responded to the shooting before 3p.m. and found Robert Howard, 22, dead.
From the March 6, 2009 Orlando Sentinel:
A deadly shooting in an Orange County neighborhood was determined to be self-defense, according to information released this morning.

Investigators say the shooter, 35-year-old Willie Busby, was cooperative during the investigation and was acting in self-defense when he shot a man on his mother's property Thursday afternoon. After the shooting, Busby ran into a patch of woods near the home at 1372 Claracona Road near Apopka.

Deputies responded to the shooting around 2:57 p.m. and found 22-year-old Robert Howard dead. An arrest warrant had recently been issued for Howard's arrest in connection to an armed burglary case. Howard is alleged to have stolen an AK-47 assault rifle, an AR-15 assault rifle, a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and two shotguns. It's unclear where that burglary took place.

Howard has a long criminal history that includes arrests for trespassing, loitering and several separate arrests for drug possession and intent to distribute charges. His most recent arrest was in November for trespassing.

Louisiana: Woman kills home invader; 2 men booked

Ville Platte, Louisiana

From the Times-Picayune of March 6, 2009
Woman kills home invader; 2 men booked

Two men have been booked on charges stemming from a home invasion that ended when a Ville Platte homeowner shot and killed a 19-year-old man she said had pulled a gun on her boyfriend, police said Friday.

Gavin Herbert, 18, and Charles Grace, 34, both of Ville Platte, were held on $500,000 bond each in connection with the home invasion late Tuesday that left 19-year-old Antonio Thompson dead, said police Lt. Craig Nicholas.

Herbert is accused of participating in the holdup and home invasion while Grace was suspected of planning it, Nicholas added.

He said Herbert was booked on seven counts of aggravated kidnapping, and one each of armed robbery and aggravated burglary, and Grace on 10 counts of conspiracy: seven of conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping, two to commit aggravated burglary and one to commit armed robbery.

According to police, Herbert and Thompson broke into one house Tuesday, waited for residents to return, robbed homeowner Kaninsky Larnette and then took him at gunpoint to the home of Nedra Gallow, his girlfriend.

Gallow, 24, said in a publish account that she answered a knock and found Thompson holding a gun to Larnette.

"He ordered us to get on the floor. He hit me with his gun," Gallow told The Advertiser. "My mama started screaming. He pushed her down, and I ran to get the gun to protect myself and my family."

She and Thompson pointed their guns at each other, she said, and she ordered him to leave.

She said Larnette then grabbed Thompson. While they wrestled on the floor, she shot Thompson once in the leg, according to the report. She also said Larnette grabbed the other man's gun, but she was afraid Thompson had another.

"He kept digging in his pocket like he was going for another gun, and I shot him again," Gallow told The Advertiser. "I was not trying to kill anyone. I hated to do it. But I had to."

Texas: Alleged intruder shot, killed in Rusk Street home

Weatherford, Texas

From the Weatherford Democrat of March 4, 2009
Alleged intruder shot, killed in Rusk Street home

The victim of an early morning shooting had reportedly broken into a house on South Rusk Street and was assaulting a 34-year-old male in the home, when a resident shot and killed the alleged assailant. Robert Earl Bardwell was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
Weatherford Police report officers were dispatched to the 500 block of South Rusk Street at approximately 1:13 a.m. in regards to the shooting. 
The initial investigation showed Bardwell went into the house without consent of the resident and assaulted his 34-year-old son. 
The resident, identified as a 66-year-old white male, attempted to warn the assailant by firing one shot from an automatic pistol into the ceiling. However, when Bardwell reportedly failed to heed the warning and continued to assault his son; the resident shot the intruder, fatally wounding him.
Police say the 66-year-old has not been arrested.
Whether the shooting was self-defense or a criminal offense will be determined by the Grand Jury.

California: Old Town Jewelry Store Owner Stops Robbery With Gun

San Diego, California

From Channel 10 of March 3, 2009
Old Town Jewelry Store Owner Stops Robbery With Gun

Two men broke into a jewelry store Tuesday morning in Old Town and were shot at by the shop's owner, police said.

The owner of Celebrity Gems and Jewelry at 2529 Congress St. was investigating a noise around 3:15 a.m. and discovered two men in dark clothing taking merchandise, San Diego police Sgt. Bob Dare said.

One of the men appeared to have a handgun and turned toward the shop owner, who then fired two shots toward the thieves, Dare said.

It was not immediately clear whether either of the thieves was wounded. They fled in a red sport utility vehicle, possibly a Ford Explorer, Dare said.

The jewelry shop owner was not hurt.

Police described the thieves as Hispanic males, around 20 to 25 years old. One was about 5 feet 6 and 145 pounds, while the second was 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 with a thin build, Dare said.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Illinois: Gun shop employee shoots robbery suspect

Waukegan, Illinois

From the Lake County News-Sun of March 5, 2009
Gun shop employee shoots robbery suspect

Five suspects were in custody after a shooting incident Wednesday afternoon at Schrank's Smoke 'N Gun where police said robbery was the apparent motive.

One male suspect was flown to a hospital after suffering three gunshot wounds. An employee of the gun shop was treated at an area hospital.

According to witness accounts, a subject went behind the counter at the store at 2010 Washington St., and was engaged with a store clerk in a verbal altercation that turned physical, Waukegan Police Cmdr. Wayne Walles said.

At one point, the store clerk produced a pistol and fired at the subject, striking him in the chest twice and once in the leg.

The injured male suspect was flown by Flight For Life to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where he was in surgery late Wednesday.

The store clerk inadvertently shot himself in the hand during the struggle, police said.

Two men outside the store were taken into custody immediately after the shooting. Police Chief William Biang said they were detained because they had been inside the store with the other suspect at some point.

Police later said a total of four people, besides the male who was shot, were taken into custody in connection with the incident.

"Four other subjects who were at the scene at the time of this incident have been located and are being interviewed by police," said Walles. No identities in the case were released.

Two men who didn't want to be identified at the scene at 1:45 p.m. said they had an appointment to sell or trade some guns, but couldn't because of the police and emergency vehicle at the store.

"If we had come 15 minutes earlier, we would have been in there," one said. They were both amazed anyone would try anything in the store because employees openly carry weapons, and the manager of the store is a marksman who teaches shooting classes.

Washington Street was shut down for about an hour and nearby Waukegan High School was put on lock down.

Police told the school to put "Code White" into effect, which means everyone must stay put, said Biang, but the school issued a "Code Red" instead, used when a gunman is inside the school.

The shooting is the second by a store employee in Waukegan in less than six months. A store clerk fatally shot a 20-year-old robber who tried to flee the scene of a grocery store on Lincoln Avenue in October after the North Chicago man entered the store carrying a gun and demanding money.

In January, the clerk was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Lake County grand jury which ruled the shooting was in self defense.