Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Florida: Robbery Suspect Dies After Being Shot By Property Owner

Polk County, Florida

From the Central Florida News of April 28, 2009
Robbery Suspect Dies After Being Shot By Property Owner

A Polk County man shot at two robbery suspects Tuesday morning when he thought they were going to run him down.

One of the suspects was hit in the head and died, and the other is still at large.

The incident happened near a citrus grove on Rifle Range Road in the Wahneta area of Winter Haven.

Property owner Jamie Jones heard a commotion outside while working inside his shed just before dawn.

Jones told detectives a man and woman were driving away in his Land Rover. He said after they saw him, they tried to run him over.

Fearing for his life, Jones pulled the trigger.

One of the bullets hit 21-year-old Nikki McCormick in the head. While she lay bleeding in the passenger seat, the male suspect fled on foot.

McCormick was rushed to the hospital where she later died.

Detectives aren't sure if the male suspect was hit. The property owner last saw him limping down a nearby street.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office searched for him by air and ground for hours but did not locate him. The sheriff's office hasn't been able to identify him.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says Jones likely won't face charges, and he offers a warning to other would-be robbers.

"The word to the criminal is first -- quit being a criminal, quit stealing," Judd said. "But if you're breaking into someone's house, the homeowner is very likely to shoot you."

Texas: Midlothian man's fatally shot at Arlington house, police say

Midlothian, Texas

From the Star-Telegram of April 27, 2009
Midlothian man's fatally shot at Arlington house, police say

A 42-year-old Midlothian man was fatally shot in Friday night by his former father-in-law, Arlington police said.

Police said the shooting appeared to be in self-defense, and that they would turn over evidence to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office for a determination. No one has been arrested.

Rodney Kennedy was at a home in the 1400 block of Pecan Street when he was shot by his former father-in-law, 67, police said. The shooting happened at 10 p.m. during an altercation, according to reports.

The house is near the University of Texas at Arlington.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Mississippi: Son’s 2nd shot kills intruder

Passcagoula, Mississippi

From the Sun Herald of April 24, 2009
Son’s 2nd shot kills intruder

A woman, awakened by the sound of someone removing the screen from her bedroom window, got out of her bed at 1 a.m. Friday, walked to her son’s room and quietly woke him.

“She said, ‘Snigg get up,’” the son said in an interview later Friday morning.

“I got up, grabbed my gun and went to the corner there by her room,” he said, standing at the door of the apartment, on the bottom floor of the last in a row of Spanish-style buildings in the Granada Apartments on Chicot Road.

It was dark in the apartment, but the window was backlit, Snigg said. He heard the window go up and saw a man coming in.

“He stuck his hand under and pulled the blinds back, the blinds and the curtain,” he said. “And he eased in like he was attempting to come in.

“I fired two shots, then he ran off,” Snigg said.

Police say they won’t identify the woman or her son, who offered the nickname Snigg, for fear of retribution.

Javorous Darnell Tims, 20, ran about 80 feet from the window, fell to the sidewalk and died of a single gunshot wound, police said Friday.

Pascagoula police said Snigg and his mother acted appropriately, “taking the actions they felt necessary to protect themselves.” However, because a man died, the case will be presented to a grand jury for review.

Tims, who had at one time lived in apartments not far away, was a familiar face in the parking lot of the Granada Apartments, according to Dustin Clarke, 22, who handles maintenance and courtesy security at the apartments.

Not many people in the complex heard the shots, said Clarke, who was at the scene when police investigated the shooting and talked with residents and investigators.

Clarke said Tims had gotten his head through the window when Snigg fired the first shot and missed. That shot hit the wall under the window, Clarke said. By the time Snigg fired the second shot, Tims had turned. The bullet went through Tims’ upper body, he said.

“The blinds were down. And the bullet hole in the blinds supported his (Snigg’s) story,” Clarke said.

(More)

Idaho: Kamiah man shot and killed during alleged break-in in Stites

Stites, Idaho

From KLEW of April 24, 2009
Kamiah man shot and killed during alleged break-in in Stites

The FBI and Nez Perce Tribal Police are investigating a fatal shooting at that took place at a grocery store in Stites early Thursday morning.

It happened during an apparent attempted break-in

The Idaho County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a 21-year-old Kamiah man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was being withheld until family was notified.

He was one of two men who were reportedly trying to break into the Stites Grocery Store. He was shot and killed during the alleged break-in. The Sheriff's Office says the other suspect ran from the scene. Witnesses say the pair came in through a fan vent in the back of the store.

The grocery store owner, who asked to not be identified, said a man was working on an upstairs computer at the store when he heard a noise. She said that's when one of the alleged would-be burglars "came at" the man who then shot the alleged burglar in the leg. She says when the alleged burglar didn't stop, the man fired a second shot into his chest.

The Idaho County Sheriff's Dispatch Center said the call came in at 3:24 a.m. from the man who had done the shooting, saying he had shot an intruder in the store.

It was unknown if either alleged intruder was armed.

Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene while the Clearwater Valley Ambulance stood by.

The FBI is leading the investigation because the man who was killed is believed to be a Nez Perce Tribal member and the shooting took place on reservation land.

California: Man wrestles gun from intruder in Pittsburg home invasion

Pittsburg, California

From the San Jose Mercury News of April 24, 2009
Man wrestles gun from intruder in Pittsburg home invasion

A Pittsburg man fought off two men who broke into his home early Friday morning, wrestled away a shotgun and shot one of the suspects with it as he fled, according to the victim and police.

The wounded suspect left the scene but was arrested after being treated at a hospital, said Sgt. Steve Albanese. Police also arrested a second suspect and are still searching for more people connected with the home invasion.

The incident happened just after midnight when two men with guns broke down the front door and entered the home on Calistoga Drive.

The male homeowner, who declined to be named, said he was awakened and came out of his bedroom to investigate the noise. He said he was confronted by one man with a sawed-off shotgun and a second man with a handgun. He wrestled the shotgun out of the suspect's hand, and the man fell on him, he said.

The second suspect then reportedly shot at the victim's wife but did not hit her. The victim, whose stepson was also in the home, said he got up, recovered the shotgun and began shooting in the direction of the suspects.

The suspects fled, and the victim fired one round as they ran across a neighbor's driveway, hitting one man in the upper torso, Albanese said.

The victim said there was nothing in his house worth stealing and guessed that the suspects may have targeted the wrong address.

"We don't have valuables or anything," he said.

Police could not release further details because they are still investigating the incident, Albanese said.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Female Carjacker Shot In Tucson

Tucson, Arizona

From the April 24, 2009 Arizona Daily Star:
A woman who tried to carjack a man at gunpoint outside a North Side Walgreens early Thursday was shot and wounded by the man, police said.

The man called police around 12:30 a.m. to report he had just shot one of two women who tried to take his car as he waited in the pharmacy drive-through near East Grant and North Swan roads, said Sgt. Fabian Pacheco, a Tucson Police Department spokesman.

Pacheco gave this account:

The 26-year-old man, whose name was not released, had just left Tucson Medical Center and went to fill a prescription.

When he drove back to the drugstore to check on his prescription, two women came up to his car. One was armed with a gun.

The woman tried to shoot the man, but he pulled his own gun while she was trying to pull the trigger. Her gun didn't fire for an unknown reason.

The man fired his gun twice. One shot grazed her head, and the other struck her in the shoulder.
The woman fell to the ground, and the man took her gun away.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Florida: Homeowner Cleared in Shooting

Lakeland, Florida

From The Ledger of April 23, 2009
Homeowner Cleared in Shooting

Prosecutors have concluded a Lake Wales security guard who shot a man who was breaking into his home was justified in using deadly force.

Assistant State Attorney Robert Antonello wrote a letter with his findings about the March 18, nonfatal shooting to the Lake Wales Police Department.

In the letter released Thursday, Antonello said William Cornwell, a hospital security guard, was protecting himself and his young children.

Cornwell arrived at his Grove Avenue home just before 7 a.m. His wife left for work, and he was alone with his 3 1/2-month-old son and 3 1/2-year-old daughter.

A noise awoke him from his sleep and, armed with a semi-automatic pistol, he went to find out what was happening, Antonello wrote.

Cornwell came "face-to-face" in the hallway of his home with Michael Collins who swung a crowbar at Cornwell's head. Cornwell chased Collins out the back door and fired two shots, Antonello wrote.

Collins ran to his vehicle parked in the house's driveway, Antonello wrote. Cornwell ran back through his house, out the front door, and "instinctively opened fire on the vehicle (at the tires and body) in an attempt to disable it and prevent the intruder from leaving."

Collins drove about 200 feet up the road to an orange grove where his vehicle overturned, and he was captured.

Lake Wales police say Collins, 45, was struck in the head and left arm by the gunfire, but survived.

Collins was flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for treatment.

He is charged with armed burglary and possession of burglary tools. He remains in the Polk County Jail and is being held without bail on the burglary charge.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tennessee: Brainerd Man Shoots 2 Dogs Attacking Neighbor's Dogs

Brainerd, Tennessee

From the Chattanoogan of April 21, 2009
Brainerd Man Shoots 2 Dogs Attacking Neighbor's Dogs

A Brainerd man shot and killed two pit bull dogs attacking a neighbor's pit bull in an incident on Sunday.

The case was turned over by Chattanooga Police to the McKamey Animal Trust.

McKamey officials have charged the owner of the two dogs, Walter Pitmon, for letting his dogs run at large.

Police Officer Brian Blumenberg said he responded to 108 S. Howell Ave. and spoke with Stephen Hooper, who said two pit bulls attacked his pit bull who was chained in the back yard.

He said while the attack was going on, his neighbor, James Klassen, came out of his house at 106 S. Howell Ave. with his pistol and shot the attacking dogs an unknown amount of times.

Mr. Hooper said after the dogs were shot, they ran off. The dogs were later taken by McKamey officers to an animal clinic on Amnicola Highway. They were later put down.

Officer Blumenberg said Mr. Pitmon arrived at the scene and identified himself as the owner of the two dogs. He said he was trying to feed the dogs at his residence at 113 Spring Creek Road when they got out. He said that was about an hour before the attack.

He said he went looking for them, then saw a number of officers at the house on South Howell and suspected that it involved the two dogs.

A neighbor, Matthew Overby, said he was playing with his four-year-old cousin less than 100 feet from where he heard six or seven shots.

He said he put the cousin inside and went looking in his truck to find who was firing shots in the neighborhood.

He said he found a pit bull with a bullet wound that severed its spine. He said he then saw the second dog that had also been shot.

Mr. Overby said he waited on Conner Street "with several more Good Samaritans who had stopped to help these two dying, bleeding dogs."

He said the owner eventually showed up "and was initially upset with them for getting out in the first place. His anger quickly turned to tears as he just held his dogs."

South Carolina: Shootings found to be self-defense

Spartanburg, South Carolina

From the Spartanburg Herald-Journal of April 22, 2009
Shootings found to be self-defense

Spartanburg County deputies determined that a man who shot two people Monday night outside his residence was acting in self-defense and charged the two men on Tuesday.

Daniel Scott Byrd, 22, of 115 Keith Street, Greer and Josh Duncan, 24, of 207 Church St., Wellford were each charged with one count of assault and battery.

Byrd's stomach was grazed by a bullet and Duncan was struck in the buttocks during a fight Monday night outside a Keith Street residence.

Larry James Pruitt Jr., 41, told deputies that a group of people were causing "a bad ruckus" outside his home and he asked them to keep it down. Pruitt said Byrd and Duncan then came into his yard and began choking and assaulting him.

Pruitt said he pulled a revolver from his pocket and fired several times, then ran into his home, reloaded his gun and waited for deputies.

Multiple people who said they witnessed the incident told deputies Pruitt was truthful about what happened.

When the deputy arrived, Duncan and Byrd were still on the ground outside of Pruitt's home.
**Note**
Potential criminals beware, this is the third incident of self-defense in Spartanburg, SC in the past month alone.

Montana: Man shoots wolf for threatening cattle

Missoula, Montana

From KPAX of April 21, 2009
Man shoots wolf for threatening cattle

A landowner shot and killed a wolf on private property near Hamilton over the weekend after he said he saw the animal chasing his cattle.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks investigated Saturday's incident and said the man's actions were warranted. Federal rules say wolves in the experimental wolf population area of Montana - which includes much of the southern half of the state - can legally be killed if they are seen killing or threatening to kill dogs or livestock. All incidents must be reported to FWP within 24 hours.

Wolves are expected to be removed from the federal Endangered Species List on May 4, after which they will become reclassified under state law as a species in need of management. The flexibility to protect livestock and domestic dogs will be provided in Montana law and will apply to the entire state.

Oregon: Springfield police say fatal shooting was self-defense

Springfield, Oregon

From KTMR of April 22, 2009
Springfield police say fatal shooting was self-defense

Police say a fatal shooting in Springfield was an act of self-defense.

The shooting happened Monday night at a home on the 2300 block of E Street. Investigators say Rodolfo Baldenegro, 47, went to the home looking for his estranged girlfriend. Investigators say the woman had filed a restraining order against him.

Police say Baldenegro forced his way into the residence and got into a fight with the woman and another man. Police say the other man shot Baldenegro in self-defense. Baldenegro died at the hospital.

Ohio: Clerk Opens Fire On Would-Be Robber

Columbus, Ohio

From 10TV.com of April XX, 2009
Clerk Opens Fire On Would-Be Robber

Two men were hospitalized on Wednesday after they were shot during a hold up at a drive-thru on the city's northeast side, 10TV News reported.

The shooting occurred at about 3:30 p.m. at Dani's Drive-Thru, located near the corner of Westerville and Agler roads.

Investigators said a man walked inside and tried to rob the clerk, but the clerk produced a gun and opened fire, wounding the man in the legs, 10TV News reported.

The man was apprehended about a block away near a home on Cleveland Avenue.

The other person wounded in the shooting may have been an innocent bystander, police said.

The injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.

No other injuries were reported.

North Carolina: Home invasion ... kids, adults not hurt

Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Charlotte Observer of April 22, 2009
Home invasion ... kids, adults not hurt

Police are looking for three suspects wanted in connection with a home invasion overnight in northwest Charlotte.

The incident ended with the homeowner firing shots at the fleeing attackers.

It started about 11 p.m. at a residence in the 2700 block of Kendrick Drive, in the Coulwood area.

Police say three men kicked in the front door of the home, where three adults and two children were living. The attackers took money and fled.

While they were fleeing, police say, one of the adult residents fired shots at them. It is not known if the suspects were hit by the gunfire.

The getaway vehicle was described as a white Ford Contour or a Ford Taurus.

The suspects were described as short and thin black males, who covered their faces with shirts.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, 704-334-1600.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Augusta Pizza Delivery Driver Shoots Robber

Augusta, Georgia

From April 20, 2009 WRDW channel 12:

AUGUSTA, Ga.---An 18-year-old was shot after investigators say he tried to rob a pizza deliveryman at an empty house.

A delivery in Augusta turned into a crime scene Sunday for Papa Johns Driver Tavarius Lewis. When he tried to deliver a pizza to this house on Dent Street Sunday night, investigators say Kevin Martin pulled a BB gun and tried to rob Lewis.

"[Lewis] started backing up, reached in his pocket and pulled out a .40 caliber handgun and shot the suspect," said Sgt. Blaise Dresser, of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Dresser says Lewis shot in self-defense, not realizing Martin's weapon was only a BB gun.

It's a scary situation for neighbor Oscar Lacey, who lives just across the street and heard the shots.

"With things like this happening it means I have to lock up my house. You don't have the freedom on your own property anymore. You could get hit by a stray bullet," says Lacey.

Investigators believe this was not Martin's first robbery. Less than 24 hours before the shooting on Dent street a similar robbery happened just a few streets over, on Truxton Road. Martin lives just a few houses down from there.

Monday, April 20, 2009

*4000th Story*: Road Rage Incident Resolved With Handgun

**Note from the Owners**
Ladies and gentlemen, Clayton Cramer and David Burnett are proud to present the 4,000th documented story of self-defense with a firearm. On a simple average, that is a little more than two defensive gun uses per day in the United States, but research tells us this number is far higher. We want to thank all of our loyal readers, and especially our advertisers and donors. There are greater goals with this website than money, but we are greatly encouraged whenever a reader sees fit to reward us for our work to promote education on gun rights, and it provides an extra incentive to continue providing the best, most updated, most comprehensive armed citizen archive on the internet. Please take a second to share these 4000 stories with your friends, both pro-gun and anti-gun, and keep coming back for more!

Sincerely,
Clayton Cramer and David Burnett
Civilian Gun Defense

Kingsport, Tennessee

From the April 13, 2009 Kingsport (Tenn.) Times-News:

A Kingsport man used his concealed handgun to protect himself during an alleged road rage incident on Sunday.

According to Kingsport Police, the incident occurred about 1:58 a.m. on Harris Avenue.

Michael Salyer told police he was headed home when a yellow Ford Probe in front of him started weaving from left to right.

The driver, later identified as Jonathan Lee Adams, 28, 1630 Spruce St., stopped in the middle of the road, jumped out and started screaming at him, Salyer said.

When Adams tried to get in his car, Salyer said, that's when he pulled out his handgun and ordered him to stop.

Adams' passenger, later identified by police as his girlfriend Laura Kathleen Cain, 42, same address, then yelled at Adams, and he ran back toward the Probe and the pair drove off, Salyer said.

Police later found the Probe at the couple's home.

The pair initially denied having the car out, saying they'd been home since 7 p.m.

Adams eventually admitted being involved in an argument with Salyer on Harris Avenue.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Louisiana: Authorities say fatal shooting was self defense

Denham Springs, Louisiana

From WXVT of April 19, 2009
Authorities say fatal shooting was self defense

Authorities say they believe a 49-year-old woman shot and killed her 26-year-old boyfriend in self defense Sunday morning in Denham Springs.

Mark Lockwood was dead at his girlfriend's home when deputies arrived and a spokesman for the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office says Suzanne White told them Lockwood had put a knife to her throat and demanded that she tell him the location of the gun used in the shooting.

She told authorities she convinced him to remove the knife from her throat, but he was still holding it when she reached the gun and shot him.

Investigators believe White shot Lockwood in self defense and Jason Ard, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said no charges have been filed.

Georgia: Restaurant Manager Shoots at Would-Be Robber

Atlanta, Georgia

From WSB Radio of April 19, 2009
Restaurant Manager Shoots at Would-Be Robber

The manager of a popular restaurant exchanged gun fire with a man trying to rob his store, Atlanta police said.

Authorities said a masked gunman grabbed an employee taking out the trash at the Taco Mac at 1006 North Highland Ave. around 3 a.m Sunday. The gunman was planning on robbing the place when the store's manager grabbed a gun and starting shooting at the robber. He fired back and managed to escape.

Police don't know if the suspect was shot. They are looking at surveillance tape to determine his identity.

No injuries were reported inside the restaurant.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Colorado: Homeowner Fends off Alleged Armed Burglar With Gun Shot

Colorado Springs, Colorado

From KKTV of April 18, 2009
Homeowner Fends off Alleged Armed Burglar With Gun Shot

A suspected burglar is under arrest Saturday morning after police say the homeowner took security into their own hands.

Colorado Springs police say they were called to 3295 West Woodmen Road on a report that a person armed with a knife had just broken into the caller's home. The caller told police they had used their gun to fire a shot at the armed suspect and the suspect had run away.

Police and K-9 units found the suspect in the woods with non-life threatening wound to his lower leg. He was transported to Memorial Hospital and arrested after he was released.

The suspect, Ricky Hatcher, was booked into the Criminal Justice Center for Felony Menacing.

Police say the homeowner and Hatcher may have known each other. Police say the homeowner is not facing charges pending further review by the District Attorneys office.

Georgia: Robber gets surprise when pharmacist opens fire

Augusta, Georgia

From WRDW of April 14, 2009
Robber gets surprise when pharmacist opens fire

It was a robbery with a big surprise for the robber. A gunman walked into a CVS drugstore expecting to hold up the place. What he didn't expect was to find a pharmacist who had a gun and was not afraid to use it.

The shooting happened just after midnight at the CVS on Walton Way and 15th Street.

Investigators say this isn't the first time CVS has been robbed, but this time was different. A pharmacist fired at the suspect, protecting himself and the store.

The surveillance pictures tell the story. In a matter of seconds a masked robber wearing black enters this CVS Pharmacy and starts demanding money. Clenching a pistol, the robber gives the cashier a bag to fill and then heads towards the back.

"The suspect then asked about the register in the pharmacy and began heading back to the pharmacy," says Richmond County Sheriff's Sergeant Ken Rogers.

But Investigators say the overnight pharmacist, Michael Swindle, heard the commotion, grabbed his gun and made his way out into the store.

"The pharmacist overheard the conversation and realized the store was being robbed and he then grabbed his own 9mm weapon from his bag as he stated and confronted the suspect in one of the aisles," says Sgt. Rogers.

You can see Swindle holding a gun, going from aisle to aisle. The actual confrontation hidden from cameras. But Investigators say it sounds like the suspect was caught off guard.

"When he confronted the suspect the suspect raised his weapon at the pharmacist at which time the pharmacist fired at least three shots at the suspect which caused him to then flee the scene," says Sgt. Rogers.

The robber runs out of the store and Swindle follows after him, still carrying his gun. No one was hit or injured but Investigators say the gunfire was perfectly legal.

"With the suspect raising his arm, pointing the weapon at him -- he was within his legal right to protect himself," adds Sgt. Rogers.

CVS's corporate offices tells News 12 they are working with law enforcement and the case is under active investigation -- both by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and by CVS.

CVS would not comment on their security policies, including if weapons are allowed by employees.

The suspect was able to get away with some money. He never let go of that purple bag he gave the front cashier and now it's a piece of evidence.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Florida: Palm City Woman Shot In Home Shoots Suspect

Palm City, Florida

From WPBF of April 16, 2009
Palm City Woman Shot In Home Shoots Suspect

A Palm City woman was shot Thursday morning during a home invasion, but she was also able to shoot the suspect, who fled and was apprehended a short time later, neighbors and authorities said.

The incident occurred at a home in the 1500 block of Southwest Crossings Circle shortly before 9 a.m.

Neighbors said they heard a loud noise and came outside to find Linda Schultz, who turned 47 earlier this month, bleeding from a gunshot wound. She was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Center, but her condition was not immediately available.

According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Christopher Reber was arrested in connection with the crime. Deputies located him in a room at the Suburban Lodge in Stuart after one of his family members told them where he was shortly after 10 a.m.

Reber, 23, suffered a gunshot wound and was also airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Center.

Neighbors said Schultz came running out of her home carrying the suspect's gun.

"She was trying to describe to the police what had happened and what the gentleman looked like, what he was driving and that she had shot him," neighbor Linda Smyth told WPBF News 25. "She knew she shot him."

Thursday, April 16, 2009

California: San Pedro man shoots pit bull that attacked cat

San Pedro, California

From the Daily Breeze of April 16, 2009
San Pedro man shoots pit bull that attacked cat

A San Pedro man shot and killed a pit bull that turned on him after attacking his neighbor's cat Wednesday, police said.

Hearing the cat's owner screaming for help, the man came out of his home around in the 400 block of Hanford Avenue around 2 p.m., said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Jeff Hamilton.

After hearing his neighbor screaming for help, the man retrieved a .44-caliber handgun from his home, he said.

As the man walked down his driveway toward the neighbor's house, the dog advanced and the man shot it, Hamilton said.

The pit bull, estimated to weigh at least 60 pounds, had apparently escaped from a neighboring yard, and then attacked the woman's cat, he said.

The woman tried to rescue the cat, first with a broom and then with a brick, Hamilton said.

"The dog is not releasing the cat, and was just tearing it up," Hamilton said. "She takes a brick, and hits it over the head. Eventually, she was able to retrieve the cat."

Badly injured, the cat was euthanized at a Rancho Palos Verdes veterinary hospital, Hamilton said.

The owner of the dog won't be cited because animal control officers didn't see the pit bull out of the yard or unleashed, Hamilton said.

Florida: Wife shoots husband in self-defense, Winter Haven police say

Winter Haven, Florida

From the News Chief of April 14, 2009
Wife shoots husband in self-defense, Winter Haven police say

A local woman's act of self-defense might have saved her life and the lives of four family members, the Winter Haven Police Department reported.

According to police, a Winter Haven man who threatened early Tuesday to shoot and kill members of his family instead was shot by his wife.

The man, 34-year-old Troy A. Christoff, was treated for multiple gunshot wounds at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, according to a police report. He was charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and, after being released from the hospital under police custody, was booked without bond into the Polk County Jail in Bartow.

According to the report, Winter Haven police responded around 4 a.m. Tuesday to a reported shooting at 1121 Seventh St., S.W., the home of Troy and Dawn Christoff. When they arrived, police discovered that Troy Christoff had been shot multiple times with a 9mm handgun. The shooter was identified as his wife, 35-year-old Dawn Christoff.

Witness statements and an examination of physical evidence indicate that Troy Christoff intended to shoot several members of his family who lived with him, according to the police report. Prior to the shooting, he had armed himself with a handgun and begun to load the weapon, stating which member of his family each bullet was intended for.

When the handgun was loaded, Troy Christoff raised the weapon and pointed it at his wife, according to the report. The wife, who had armed herself with another handgun to protect herself and other family members, fired multiple shots at her husband, striking him several times.

Troy Christoff was airlifted to the Lakeland hospital to be treated for his gunshot wounds.

According to Polk County Jail records, Troy Christoff has been arrested on four previous occasions going back to July 2004. Past charges included battery, disorderly intoxication, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, driving under the influence and violation of parole.

Police considered the shooting to be an act of self-defense, but detectives are still investigating, according to the report. Anyone with information to add is asked to call Detective Steve Rusich at 863-291-5304.

California: Homeowner Opens Fire On Thieves

Sacramento, California

From KCRA of April 14, 2009
Homeowner Opens Fire On Thieves

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies said they responded to the scene of a home invasion where the home owner opened fire on the thieves.

Deputies said a man reported four men kicked in the door at an apartment on Ethan Way near Arden Fair Mall.

The homeowner grabbed a shotgun and fired at them.

All four men fled the scene.

Deputies said they blocked off one section of that neighborhood while they searched for the burglars.

Oklahoma: Tulsa Homeowner Shoots At Burglary Suspect

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From Newson6 of April 15, 2009
Tulsa Homeowner Shoots At Burglary Suspect

A brazen burglary attempt ended in gunfire Wednesday.

A 20-year-old Tulsa man is accused of kicking down a door, and the homeowner stared him down with a loaded gun.

The incident occurred near 58th Street and South Memorial Road about 11:30 a.m.

In broad daylight, two men parked their car and knocked on the door to make sure no one was home.

They peered around into the backyard and watched for neighbors.

But the homeowner was home, watching through the windows. And when his door was kicked in, he did what he is trained to do as a reserve officer.

"I believe if I didn't have a gun, I would have been in trouble," said the burglary victim, who asked to be identified only as John. "If he was armed, then he would have shot me."

He was inside his house when two men he didn't know began walking around his property.

The suspect was not armed, but he got into this house using his feet. He literally began kicking down the door, and he busted through a panel and began crawling inside.

"I've gotta protect my house," John said. "I'm just thankful my wife and my daughter wasn't home."

As an experienced gun owner, he says he knew what to do.

"He was about halfway through the part he had kicked in, crawling," John said. "And I was on the phone with dispatch. I was talking to 911 until he began crawling into my home. Then I just dropped the phone, and that's when I started shooting."

John fired six shots. His bullets made contact with the getaway car, smashing the window.

Police later found and arrested 20-year-old Justin Boyd on complaints of first-degree burglary, false impersonation and hit and run, all after a previous felony conviction, in addition to two previous charges.

John says his neighborhood is full of young families and young kids.

"I think people need to arm themselves," he said.

That's what neighbor Bridgette Glasby is doing. She has a 4-year-old daughter and says the getaway car drove right her front yard.

"Terrifying, you just don't know how to stay safe anymore," Glasby said.

She said she was on her way to buy a gun.

After police arrived on scene, they used a search dog and a helicopter to try to find the second suspect, but he got away.

They're asking anyone who has any information to call Crime Stoppers at 596-COPS.

Nebraska: 80 Year Old Store Owner Takes Gun From Would Be Robber

Omaha, Nebraska

From Action3 News of April 16, 2009
80 Year Old Store Owner Takes Gun From Would Be Robber

Talk about turning the tables. A robber walked into Sugar Hill Package Liquor near 56th and Ames Wednesday morning, probably thinking Floyd Westbrook was an easy target.

He's an elderly man working in the store by himself at one in the morning. But the robber was wrong. He's the one who ran away... afraid.

Store owner Floyd Westbrook runs his own cash register from 10:00 am until close...
That's one in the morning. and a long shift for anyone.

Floyd is 80 years old.

At closing time Wednesday, Floyd wasn't tired for his one last customer. He recalls, "The guy comes in and says 'this is stick up, gimme your money'."

A man wearing a ski mask and black gloves pulled out a gun. He wanted Floyd's hard earned cash. Floyd wanted the gun out of the robber's hands. "He had that gun sticking out right on me when I handed him the ones, I grabbed the gun. He got too close to me, " Floyd says.

You don't want to mess with Floyd. First of all, he doesn't look 80. This man stands 6'4" and weighs 230 and his own weapon.. large, strong hands. Floyd says, "When I was a young man, I could break any man's hands. I was strong in my hand."

The fast, handy move surprised and scared the robber. Floyd says, "He run yelling, 'don't shoot! Don't shoot!' and flew out that door".

As for Floyd, who looked down the barrel of the gun, he says, "I'm not scared of no man, that's the main thing. He's just a man." Floyd says, "Well, I wouldn't say he messed with the wrong man. I got lucky. Let's say it like that (laughs)."

The robber still ran off with $19. Floyd got the gun off the streets and wasn't hurt. He says when police arrived, they checked the chamber, the gun was loaded.

Home Invader Shot Dead In Dallas

Dallas, Texas

From April 15, 2009 WFAA channel 8:

DALLAS — A 26-year-old woman fatally shot a man who lived in her Red Bird apartment complex and broke into her unit Tuesday night, Dallas police said.

Two women were inside their apartment in the 8000 block of Leigh Ann Drive, which is just north of Danieldale Park and Interstate 20, when the 55-year-old man knocked on the door about 11 p.m, police said.

One of the women called police as the man tried to get inside, and the other woman shot him as he entered, causing him to stumble out the door and collapse in the grass, police said.

New Hampshire: Burglar Gets A Surprise

Seabrook, New Hampshire

From April 15, 2009 Seacoast Online:

PORTSMOUTH — When Christopher Duhan kicked open the back door of a Seabrook residence to commit a Monday afternoon burglary, he was met by the lady of the house who chased him off with her handgun, according to police.

Duhan, 28, of 147 Ashworth Ave., Hampton Beach, was arraigned Tuesday in Portsmouth District Court on a felony count of burglary. According to an affidavit by officer Scott Mendes, Seabrook patrol officers were dispatched to a B Street residence at 12:30 p.m. Monday, for an "active" daytime burglary. The homeowner told police she was about to take a shower when she heard "loud crashing," so she grabbed her pistol and came face-to-face with the intruder, who she recognized as Duhan, a drug-dependent friend of a family member, according to court documents.

Gun in hand, the homeowner told Duhan she was calling the police before he fled across Route 1, police allege. Based on a clothing and vehicle description, Seabrook police arrested Duhan at a Hampton hotel where he has been residing, according to the affidavit.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Louisiana: Man shoots Pit Bulls who were attacking his dog

Marrero, Louisiana

From WLTV of April XX, 2009
Man shoots Pit Bulls who were attacking his dog

A 26-year-old man shot three Pit Bulls who were allegedly attacking his dog, killing two, Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in the 5100 block of Pritchard Drive.

According to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman John Fortunato, the man said that his girlfriend alerted him to the fact that their dog was being attacked by other dogs and he went into his rear yard and found three Pit Bulls mauling his pet.

Fortunato said the suspect told officers that he tried to chase the dogs away, but when that didn’t work, he shot his gun at them, killing two of the dogs and causing the other one to flee.

The resident retrieved his injured Terrier and transported it to a local veterinarian for treatment.

No charges were filed against the resident involved.

Virginia: Police: Man Shoots Intruder

Botetourt County, Virginia

From WSET of April 11, 2009
Police: Man Shoots Intruder

Police say a Botetourt County man shot and killed another man who broke into his home Friday night. It happened on Houston Mines Road in the Nace area of the county. Police say the intruder was able to get into the home and that's when the resident shot him. But first police say he secured family members in a locked bedroom. The Sheriff's Department is not releasing the resident's identity. But deputies say someone showed up at the home at around 10:40 Friday night yelling and threatening to break in. The resident called 911 and loaded his 12-gauge shotgun. We're told he only fired after the intruder used a patio chair to break-in through a glass sliding door. Joel Branscomb, Commonwealth's Attorney - "Those are circumstances that would make it a justifiable homicide. Now, we will review it and make sure that's what happened." Carrie May, Neighbor - "If you are breaking into my house, you are breaking the law. And on top of that, I don't know if you are going to threaten my life or not. So I should be able to defend myself." We spoke with a woman at the home off-camera. She was visibly shaken and told us she could not talk about what happened. Officials have some ideas about who the intruder was but are not releasing any information until they know for sure. At this point, they don't believe the men had any connection.

South Carolina: Man shot, killed while trying to rob Five Pts. AA meeting

Columbia, South Carolina:

From WECT of April 11, 2009
Man shot, killed while trying to rob Five Pts. AA meeting

One man is dead after a shooting in Columbia's Five Points. Police say it happened when the man tried to rob people in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Blue lights and sirens are common in Columbia's Five Points on a Saturday night, but it's not usually because someone was killed.

"This is a very nice area, you know it's mostly college kids and all that, you never see that kind of trouble so yeah that was different," said a witness who does not want to be identified. "Yeah because I go there for meetings and from what I heard the guy went in there to rob somebody."

Police say just before 11pm Saturday 18-year-old Kayson Helms, of Edison, N.J., walked into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the ACOA Club, pulled out a handgun and demanded money.

That's when an AA member pulled out a gun of his own and shot first.

The witness we talked to was standing right outside, and saw Helms run out of the building.

"But he only made it like a hundred feet up and collapsed," the man said.

Helms died at the hospital. He had been shot in the neck, abdomen and chest. The whole incident is alarming to those that live nearby.

"There are times where I tell myself, no, I'm not going to walk down there with my child at this point in time," says resident Andrea Richardson.

The shooting happened right in the Richardsons' backyard.

"Listening to the TV and I heard three pops in rapid succession," says Christopher Richardson.

But some people in Five Points had no idea.

"A little nervous I guess that it happened right around the corner from where we were last night, and I had no idea about it, so I didn't know that kind of threat was around this area," says Aleksas Juskys.

It's a threat people that those that go to the ACOA Club never thought they would have to deal with.

"It's the most pleasant place you can go if you're in recovery," says the witness.

Police say the person who shot Kayson Helms is not facing any charges. They say he has a valid concealed weapons permit.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Maryland: Glen Burnie family thwarts armed robbery attempt, police say

Glen Burnie, Maryland

From the Baltimore Sun of April 9, 2009
Glen Burnie family thwarts armed robbery attempt, police say

A Glen Burnie family tackled an armed man who broke into their apartment, grabbed his handgun and held him down until officers arrived late Wednesday, Anne Arundel County police said.

Shortly before midnight, two men burst into an apartment in the first block of Normandy Drive, brandished a shotgun, fired a handgun and tried to take property from one of the residents of the apartment, police said.

The residents, described as a couple in their 40s and their 20-year-old son, fought one of the suspects to the ground and took his weapon away while the other man ran away, police said.

When police arrived, they arrested Joshua Edward Frazier, 26, of the 300 block of Melvin Ave. in Grasonville and charged him with first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, armed robbery and related offenses.

Police were unable to find the second assailant, who was described as a light-skinned black man between the ages of 20 and 27 with acne, wearing a faded red hoodie, black jeans, a red bandanna on his face and a black winter vest.

Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Aurora Home Invader Shot To Death

Aurora, Colorado

From the April 11, 2009 Denver Post:

A man armed with a box cutter pushed his way into an Aurora home early Friday morning and attacked a male guest who was sleeping on the couch before the intruder was shot to death by the man who lived there, police said.

The alleged attacker, who has not been identified, knocked on the back door of a single-family house at 1672 Jamaica St. around 3 a.m. The man who lived in the house went to the door but was pushed aside by the intruder, police said.

After a brief scuffle, the intruder went into the living room where Frank J. Sanchez, 18, was sleeping. The intruder began attacking Sanchez, who woke up and started fighting back, Detective Shannon Lucy said.

Meanwhile, the resident went into his bedroom, pulled out a pistol and shot the intruder dead, according to police.

"We don't consider this a random burglary or robbery," Lucy said Friday afternoon. She didn't identify the resident of the house, who is not considered a suspect in a crime and was not taken into custody, she said.

Sanchez, wanted on an outstanding burglary warrant in Kansas City, Kan., was arrested.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Police Impersonator Does Home Invasion, Shot Dead

Wenatchee, Washington

From the April 10, 2009 Wenatchee World:

WENATCHEE — Josh Ray always sleeps with a gun next to him.

"I just feel safer," he says.

Early Monday morning, he felt he had to use it to defend himself.

The 25-year-old Wenatchee man says he was just falling asleep on his living room couch when "my door flew open and there was a man standing there in the doorway and he said, 'Freeze, police.' "

Ray, who says he is an avid viewer of the television reality show "Cops," was not buying it.

"I kind of got real scared and I jumped in the air and put my hands up but it took me only a couple of seconds to know that this guy's not a cop," Ray said. "I know from watching that show that if police are coming to someone's house, they announce themselves before they boot the door open, not afterwards."

The next few seconds would culminate in the wounding of Ray, the death of the man at the door, Scott D. Bates, and possibly the solving of three armed robberies at Wenatchee area pharmacies. Wenatchee police say they suspect that Bates was involved with those robberies, one of which was committed with an accomplice. Wenatchee police cannot confirm what happened inside the residence before they were called.

Ray called The Wenatchee World to say that he was never convicted of three misdemeanors, a statement that was published in stories earlier this week. The only charges listed for Ray in the The Washington State Patrol's criminal data base are the new charges pending against him. After the shooting he was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on suspicion of possession of less than 40 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a legend drug, Ambien, a sleep aid. No other charges are pending against him in the WSP database.

Ray said he had a pistol on the coffee table next to the couch, but when he jumped up, the movement put him closer to a semi-automatic rifle, which he grabbed. At that point, he said, Bates shouted, " 'Freeze' at least two more times and I pretty much said BS. Those were the only words I ever said to that man."

Ray said Bates then shot him in the thigh and "it hurt really bad and I immediately returned fire. I shot him eight to 10 times. I wanted to make sure I didn't get shot again because he still had the gun in his hand when he was on the ground."

Police have said Bates was shot four to five times. They note that someone involved in a shooting may think they've fired more shots than they really have.

Ray said he thinks he dialed 911 to report the incident, then he took the gun out of Bates' hand and threw it a couple of feet away. He realized Bates, who did not move after the shooting, was dead within a few minutes of the shooting.

He said the gunshots, fired about 1:30 a.m., scared off his 100-pound pit bull named Kane, so he ran outside looking for the dog. A neighbor rounded up the dog later.

Police have said they think Bates came to the Ray home at 616 Fourth St. to steal drugs, but Ray said he did not have any drugs inside his home that would be worth stealing. He admitted to having a small amount of marijuana and a bong on his coffee table.

Police, however, have said a search of the Ray residence turned up prescription narcotics in unmarked containers.

When asked why Bates came to his house, Ray said, "I have no idea."

Ray said he never met Bates but was a friend of William B. "Brett" Cooper, the East Wenatchee man suspected of supplying guns to Bates and of being outside the Ray residence during the shooting. Police have not said why they think Cooper was at the scene. Cooper was charged Thursday with supplying weapons to Bates, who could not legally own them.

Police say Bates used a sledgehammer, about three feet long, to break down Ray's door. It left a big impression on Ray.

"It was the biggest sledgehammer I'd ever seen," he said. "My door was pretty much open with one hit from this huge guy."

Thursday, April 9, 2009

South Carolina: Intruder killed during shootout in North Charleston home

Charleston, South Carolina

From the WCDB of April 9, 2009
Intruder killed during shootout in North Charleston home

North Charleston police said that an armed man who tried to rob a home on Ranger Drive on Thursday was killed during a shootout with the tenant. The coroner says the suspect was 25-year-old Demario Brown from Johns Island.

Police said officers responded to the scene after a call about shots being fired.

Police say Brown, who was armed, forced two women into the home to rob them. Police say a tenant who was already inside the house, had a gun and shot Brown. Brown also fired back hitting Timothy King. King was transported to MUSC. Police say he had non-life threatening injuries. Brown died at the scene.

Florida: Gunfight breaks out during attempted robbery

Palm Coast, Florida

From the News-Journal Online of April 9, 2009
Gunfight breaks out during attempted robbery

A gunfight broke out in a Palm Coast neighborhood early today during an attempted robbery.

Gunfire erupted when a man armed with a silver handgun attempted to rob a man who had just returned home on Folcroft Lane after purchasing a prescription at a local pharmacy, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office investigators said. They are still looking for the gunman.

The resident had just returned from a Walgreens store on Palm Coast Parkway at 1:11 a.m. with his medications. As he was getting out of his car, deputies said the gunman rushed into the garage and demanded the drugs.

In an attempt to scare off the intruder, the man said he yelled as loud as he could. Instead of fleeing, the intruder took a shot at him., deputies said.

The resident wasn’t hit but quickly retrieved his own handgun and began shooting back at his assailant.

Nobody was hurt, although a car parked in the neighbor’s driveway was hit with one of the rounds, according to a news release.

"We need to identify this individual and get him off the streets," said Sheriff Donald Fleming.

The intruder is described as a black male, 5-foot-7, wearing a white shirt and dark pants. He fled the area in a green Dodge Caravan, deputies said.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).

South Dakota Forced Entry Leads To Shooting

Brookings, South Dakota

From April 9, 2009 KELO-TV:
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that happened shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday in Brookings.

According to officials, Brookings Police responded to a report that a resident had shot someone breaking into his house early Thursday morning.

Twenty-three-year-old Bradley Joe Odens was found fatally wounded inside the house. Odens was later pronounced dead at the Brookings Hospital.

Police say initial reports indicate Odens may have been confused about where he was, but was warned by the 28-year-old resident that he was at the wrong address. Odens then continued to make forcible entry and was shot by the resident.

Odens lived two houses away from the incident, but police say the two did not know each other.

Texas Boat Thief On Highway Shot To Death

Houston, Texas

From April 8, 2009 channel 2 in Houston:
One person was killed when a group of men tried to steal a boat while driving down a freeway, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston police said three men in a car tried to steal a boat that a man was hauling with his pickup truck on Interstate 45 at about 1 a.m.

Investigators said the men in the car opened fire on the man in the pickup truck. The man in the pickup truck returned fire, officials said.One of the men inside the car was killed. The driver of the car stopped at a gas station on North Shepherd Drive for help.

The driver of the pickup truck lost control and ended up a field. There were fish in the boat because the man was returning from a fishing trip at Lake Conroe.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Texas: Pawn shop manager shoots would-be robber

Houston, Texas

From KTRK of April 5, 2009
Pawn shop manager shoots would-be robber

A robbery attempt in southwest Houston ended with gunshots and a suspect being taken to the hospital.

Saturday evening, investigators say that two men walked into the Bayou pawn shop off Fondren near Clarewood with guns drawn. The manager reportedly grabbed a gun and fired at the men. One of the suspects was hit and the other surrendered.

The condition of the suspect, who was hit by a bullet, hasn't been released. Police took three people in for questioning.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Tennessee: Police Say Dad Shot Son in Fight

Nashville, Tennessee

From NewsChannel5 of April 4, 2009
Police Say Dad Shot Son in Fight

Metro Police believe a father shot his 32-year old son, but he may not face charges. Investigators think the gunshots were the result of a fight.

Investigators said, late Saturday afternoon in North Nashville, a father and son were fighting when the shooting happened.

Police do not anticipate charges against the father because they say he was acting in self defense. The son is in critical, but stable condition.

Texas: Suspect shot by security guard

Houston, Texas

From KTRK of April 3, 2009
Suspect shot by security guard

A suspected car burglar is recovering from a gunshot wound after being confronted by a security guard.

It happened in the parking lot of the Kings Best market on Martin Luther King near Old Spanish Trail. We're told the security guard spotted someone breaking into vehicles.

In the end, the suspect was shot in the leg. That man was taken to a hospital, and the security guard was questioned.

Texas: Shotgun-toting robbery suspect shot and killed by business owner

Atascosa County, Texas

From WOAI of April 2, 2009
Shotgun-toting robbery suspect shot and killed by business owner

A business owner shot and killed a suspected robber near Poteet according to deputies.

The Atascosa Co. Sheriff’s investigators say around midnight two robbers burst into Larry's Game Room on Hwy 16. That’s about seven miles north of Poteet.

The robbers, who had a shotgun and pistol, fired one shot in the ceiling and began demanding money. They forced a female worker to ground and pointed shotgun at her. The business owner came out of the backroom with a 40-caliber handgun and shot one of the robbers in the head.

Carlos Valero, 25, died at the scene. The other would-be robber ran off. Both are believed to be from the Atascosa area.

Right now, investigators are working on an arrest warrant for the other alleged hijacker. Both the Atascosa Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers are handling the investigation.

Deputies say the shooting happened at a place that had eight-liner machines. These machines can sometimes be used for gambling and investigators are looking to see if these were legit.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Ohio: Suspect Shot During Gas Station Robbery

Columbus, Ohio

From 10TV of April 2, 2009
Suspect Shot During Gas Station Robbery

Police said a man was shot during a robbery at a northeast side gas station early Thursday.

Two men went into Sam's Gas and Food, located at 1773 Fifth Ave., shortly after midnight as it was closing, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.

Police said the men had guns and attempted to rob the store. One of the clerks grabbed a gun and shots were exchanged between the worker and the robbers. One of the suspects was shot in the back.

The victim was dropped off at The Ohio State University Medical Center East. He was transported to OSU Medical Center where he was treated and arrested in connection with the robbery, Ramos reported.

Police continued to search for the second suspect.

The employees at the gas station were not injured.

Alaska: Todd Palin's half sister is arrested for burglary

Anchorage, Alaska

From the Anchorage Daily News of April 3, 2009
Todd Palin's half sister is arrested for burglary

Todd Palin's half-sister was arrested Thursday after police say she broke into a Wasilla home to steal money for the second time this week but ended up getting caught by the armed homeowner. The woman's 4-year-old daughter was nearby, police said.

Todd Palin is Gov. Sarah Palin's husband. He referred questions to a spokeswoman for the governor, who said the family would have no comment.

Police arrested 35-year-old Diana Palin at a house on West Mill Site Circle near Wasilla's Multi-Use Sports Complex.

Homeowner Theodore Turcott told police an unfamiliar gray 1993 Toyota Camry pulled into his driveway Thursday morning, according to a affidavit filed Friday at the Palmer courthouse. Turcott told police he'd been burglarized twice recently: Someone stole $2,200 on March 26, leaving $400 behind, and after another apparent break-in Tuesday, all but $9 was gone.

So, Turcott told police, when he didn't recognize the woman getting out of the Camry, he grabbed a gun and hid in the bathroom to see what would happen, said Wasilla police Deputy Chief Greg Wood.

Palin made straight for the bedroom cabinet where Turcott kept his cash, Wood said.

Turcott confronted her, detaining her until police arrived, he said.

(More)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

New York: Man jailed with a gunshot wound after harassing ex-wife

Catskill, New York

From WCAX of April 1, 2009
Man jailed with a gunshot wound after harassing ex-wife

A 47-year-old man is in the Greene County jail with a gunshot wound after State Police say he showed up drunk at his estranged wife's home and harassed her and her sister.

Troopers got a call around 5:30 Monday evening from a 49-year-old woman who said she had just shot her sister's ex-husband.

Police say Geraldine Finelli armed herself with a 20-gauge shotgun after Donald Case Jr. showed up making threats. When Case refused to leave, she fired one round toward the ground, striking Case in the lower leg.

He took off, but was stopped by Catskill village police and taken to the hospital for treatment of the wound. When he was released, State Police charged him with second-degree burglary.

He was arraigned and jailed on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Ohio: Pizza shop owner describes robbery, shooting

Akron, Ohio

From the Akron Beacon Journal of April 1, 2009
Pizza shop owner describes robbery, shooting

John Hayes wants only to sell pizzas, not shoot robbers.

But the day after his West Akron pizza parlor was held up and he shot and killed the shotgun-armed robber, Hayes remains concerned about his business, his life and the health of his six workers.

He wants the public to know why he opened fire: He didn't want to be killed, like other robbery victims around the city. He wants only to sell pizzas.

''I'm devastated,'' he said inside Your Pizza Shop, the West Exchange Street parlor he purchased two months ago. ''It's an unbelievable situation I've been put into because of some person's carelessness and thoughtlessness.

''I'm in fear of my life, my employees' lives and the lives of everybody I know.''

Hayes, 37, was behind the counter Tuesday night when 20-year-old Patrick Finney, wearing an orange ski mask, walked in and pointed a sawed-off shotgun at his head just before 8 p.m.

A customer, an older woman from the neighborhood, was seated at the counter watching the Cavaliers game while waiting for a stromboli.

''He said, 'Give me the [expletive] money. This is an [expletive] robbery,'' Hayes said.

Hayes cooperated, giving the robber a stack of $10 bills. The robber wanted more and pointed the shotgun within inches of Hayes' head, he said.

''As soon as I gave him the money, I pulled my gun out from my hip, pointed it and fired four shots,'' Hayes said.

Finney fell to the floor, then stood back up. Hayes fired three more shots from his Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol. Finney staggered outside and collapsed across the street. The cash he sought was dropped outside.

Hayes then called 911.

''I just got robbed at my pizza shop, 1077 West Exchange Street,'' Hayes says on the recording released by Akron police.

''OK, what kind. . . .does he have a weapon?'' a dispatcher asks.

''He had a weapon, a gun. I shot him. He's across the street laying down right now,'' Hayes says.

''You shot him?'' the dispatcher replies in a startled voice.

''I shot him right in front of me while he was holding a gun on me,'' Hayes replies.

Finney was taken to Akron General Medical Center. He died within the hour. An autopsy on Wednesday showed he was shot multiple times in the torso. The death has been ruled a homicide.

Akron police are investigating the shooting, but there is no indication that Hayes, who has been questioned by investigators, acted unlawfully. It was the fourth robbery at the shop since 2007.

Police Lt. Rick Edwards said Finney had no felony convictions, but he had been arrested in 2008 and charged with marijuana drug abuse. Finney failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Finney's mother, Patricia, lives six blocks south of Buchtel High School on Winton Avenue, but a neighbor said that Patrick Finney had lived with his grandmother until she died a few years ago. Efforts to reach other family members for comment were unsuccessful.

An acquaintance of Finney, Kenneth Amos, 20, of Akron, was arrested after the shooting and charged with tampering with evidence. He had items that belonged to Finney, Edwards said. Police would not say whether the items were connected to the robbery.

Hayes said the neighborhood reaction to the shooting has been troubling. A woman stood outside his shop taking pictures, for no apparent reason. Others have called and hung up. Business was slow Wednesday afternoon.

His delivery drivers are concerned about retaliation. He said he carries a weapon, with a concealed carry permit and regular shooting practice, to avoid being a victim. He cited the recent case of the North Hill man shot in a carjacking as reason for his fear of being shot during a robbery.

(More)

Florida: Orange Blossom Trail pharmacist kills armed robber

Orlando, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of April 1, 2009
Orange Blossom Trail pharmacist kills armed robber

A pharmacist shot an armed robber dead Tuesday at a drugstore off South Orange Blossom Trail, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

It was at least the fourth time this year that a robber was killed at a Central Florida business and was the second drugstore holdup that ended in death.

The shooting happened about 5:15 p.m. at JR Pharmacy, 2160 Whispering Lakes Blvd.

The man came into the shop with a handgun and, after a brief confrontation, was shot to death, sheriff's spokesman Jim Solomons said. Investigators would not release names, where the body was found or what the man tried to steal.

The drugstore caters to the heavily Hispanic clientele in the neighborhood, customer Evette Luciano said.

"They're very honest people," she said of the owners.

"They go out of their way to help the customers," said her twin sister, Jeanette Luciano, who also lives nearby.

Evette Luciano said she spoke to one of the partner's wives and was told that the shooting happened in the front of the store while two owners were in the back. The worker who did the shooting formerly worked across the street at Walgreens, customers said.

Several customers said they thought three partners owned the store, including the man who shot the robber.

But corporate documents show only two names. Neither man was the shooter, Evette Luciano said. Reached at home, Joshua Adedoyin and Rojer Tewari would not comment. They are listed on documents as "managing members" of the business.

There was another armed robbery at JR Pharmacy in April 2007, Solomons said. There are no laws preventing people from defending themselves with guns at home or at work.

"The Legislature has empowered people to protect themselves," said sheriff's Cmdr. Paul "Spike" Hopkins. "People are tired of being victims."

There have been 25 calls to law enforcement from JR Pharmacy since 2003, but most were routine, Solomons said. Details were not immediately available, and it's not clear when the shop opened.

On Feb. 7, a security guard shot and killed an armed robber at The Medicine Shoppe in New Smyrna Beach. Investigators said the guard, a retired law-enforcement officer, was justified. The robber had pointed a gun at a pharmacist and demanded oxycodone pills.

In January, a customer at a carwash on South Orange Blossom Trail shot a suspected robber dead. The same week, a customer shot to death a man who police said was trying to rob a Kangaroo Express in Ocoee.

Michigan: Man who assisted wounded store owner says he knows the suspect in Leonard Short Stop robbery

Grand Rapids, Michigan

From Grand Rapids News of March 31, 2009
Man who assisted wounded store owner says he knows the suspect in Leonard Short Stop robbery

When Amos Bell spotted the owner of the Leonard Short Stop chasing a masked gunman Tuesday morning, he didn't hesitate to help.

He got out of the car he was riding in, and gave chase.

"(The owner) was running up the street with a gun," said Bell, 18. "I knew it wasn't going to be nothing good."

Bell and the owner, who had been shot in the leg in the 10:40 a.m. holdup, lost sight of the robber, but police caught the suspect a half-hour later hiding in some bushes. Police brought Bell and the hobbled owner, whose name wasn't released, to the scene of the capture to identify the robber.

Once there, it got a little more complicated for Bell: Not only was he a friend to the store owner, stopping to chat every day, but he knew the alleged robber, too.

"It was one of my buddies, that's the bad thing about it," Bell said. "A guy I'm cool with."

Still, he said, he could not defend the robbery, particularly hitting the store, at 1038 Leonard St. NW, that serves the neighborhood and seems to sell virtually everything.

"He's a nice guy," Bell said of the store's owner. "This is the corner store. He's just trying to help us out."

Police caught up to the suspect just after 11 a.m., and found a handgun, too. Officers were responding to a call that a store owner, armed with a long gun, was chasing a man who had just shot him.

The owner told Bell that he was shot in the leg when he refused the robber's demand for cash. Police recovered the $800 reported stolen.

The owner returned to his store after Tuesday's shooting, walking with a limp and the sides of his denims slit for examination by paramedics. Awaiting ambulances soon left after the man said he didn't need to go to the hospital, Bell said.

The store remained closed after Tuesday's shooting.

Texas: Shotgun blast deters robbers

Weatherford, Texas

From the Weatherford Democrat of March XX, 2009
Shotgun blast deters robbers

Authorities arrested Jose Manuel Salas, 33, and Javier Harvey Ortiz, 44, Saturday in connection with an early morning robbery along Azle Highway.

Reports indicate a homeowner operating a business from the same location called for help at approximately 1:30 a.m. after he found two men stealing cash and rolls of quarters from his business.

The homeowner told the men to stop before firing a shotgun once at one of the suspects who then fled with another man in a car, according to an affidavit detailing the incident.

A short time later, Parker County Sheriff’s deputies detained a vehicle matching the homeowner’s description. Salas was driving and Ortiz was a passenger, the Sheriff’s Office said.

A statement claims deputies found stolen property matching a description given by the homeowner inside the vehicle, and the homeowner arrived to identify the suspects and vehicle.

Salas was charged with burglary of a habitation, failure to maintain financial responsibility and for no driver’s license.

Ortiz was arrested in accordance with a Tarrant County warrant and was also charged with burglary of habitation.

Spartanburg, SC Home Invaders Chased Off

Spartanburg, South Carolina

From March 31, 2009 GoUpState.com:
Deon Shippy and his girlfriend, Casey McKinney, decided to take full advantage of their day off by catching a few extra winks Monday morning.

But their peaceful slumber was shattered shortly after 10 a.m. when an armed gunman forced his way into their duplex at 4 Twin Woods Drive near Converse and opened fire.

"We were still asleep and I heard a loud bang," Shippy said. "I thought my punching bag had fallen off the porch. Casey said someone was breaking through the door, and I got up and bullets started flying past my head. One hit her in the arm. I told her to hide under the bed and I grabbed my gun and started shooting back."

Police responded to the home invasion call at 10:15 a.m. They arrived on the scene and found McKinney bleeding from a bullet wound on her left forearm. She was taken to Spartanburg Regional Hospital for treatment and was later released.

Witnesses said the gunman and an accomplice fled the scene in a black 1980s Ford Crown Victoria with dual exhaust. They described the suspects as two black males.

Authorities said Shippy and the intruder exchanged more than a dozen shots through a bedroom door before the suspect retreated. Bullet holes were visible on the exterior of the home near Shippy's bedroom window.

Shippy said he might have wounded one of the suspects during the melee, but investigators were unable to confirm that Monday.