Tuesday, June 30, 2009

South Carolina: Homeowner shot intruder, police say

Holly Hill, South Carolina

From the Times and Democrat of June 30, 2009
Homeowner shot intruder, police say

A security alarm went off at a Holly Hill accountant’s residence in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, rousing the sleeping homeowner who grabbed his gunshot, confronted an intruder standing in his doorway and shot the burglar in the shoulder.

L. Glenn Littlejohn, 71, of 1244 Peake St. interrupted the suspect, Roosevelt Elmore Jr., at around 4:55 a.m. as Elmore stood in the doorway of Littlejohn’s home, according to police.

Holly Hill Police Chief Robert Wunderlich said an unarmed Elmore allegedly forced his way though a doorway into the kitchen of the victim’s home.

Littlejohn, after being awakened by the alarm, “grabbed his shotgun, went out the back door and went around to the side of the house where the suspect made entrance and confronted the suspect in the doorway,” Wunderlich said.

He said Littlejohn shot Elmore in his right shoulder with a 12-gauge shotgun. The wounded Elmore fled the scene, and Littlejohn called 911, the chief said.

Moments later, Wunderlich said, a 30-year-old male resident of Gilmore Avenue called law enforcement after observing a man with a gunshot wound standing on his front porch.

Wunderlich said the suspect ran nearly 300 yards from Littlejohn’s house before arriving at the Gilmore Avenue residence. Holly Hill officers were able to follow a trail of blood in tracing Elmore’s escape route from Peake Street to Gilmore Avenue, he said.

“He (Elmore) had several pellet punctures in the upper shoulder area,” Wunderlich said.

Officers recovered one spent three-inch shotgun cartridge from the scene. Sgt. Andy Myers said an unspent cartridge could contain 15 pellets. Wunderlich said Elmore had 14 puncture wounds. However, he said some of the wounds may be the result of shotgun pellets exiting the suspect’s body.

Emergency crews responded and transported Elmore by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he underwent surgery on his shoulder, Wunderlich said. He said Elmore’s injuries didn’t appear to be life-threatening.

Elmore was charged with felony first degree burglary, Wunderlich said. If convicted, he could face from 15 years to life in prison, the police chief said.

Wunderlich said Elmore is also a “person of interest” in three previous reported burglaries at Littlejohn’s home in recent months – on Dec. 24, 2008, March 5 and April 10.

Wunderlich said Elmore’s criminal rap sheet is lengthy, including convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, burglary and forgery.

The Times and Democrat attempted to contact Littlejohn; however, he was meeting with a client in Charleston at press time.

Mississippi: Clarksdale Store Owner Kills Robber

Clarksdale, Mississippi

From My Fox Memphis of June 18, 2009
Clarksdale Store Owner Kills Robber

A Clarksdale, Miss. convenience store owner shot and killed an armed robber Wednesday evening.

According to Captain Robbie Linley with Clarksdale Police, 31-year old Joey Barron held up a store with a handgun on the 1600-block of N. State Street. Barron took cash and some prescription drugs, and was then shot once by the store's owner.

Barron was transported to the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center where he later died.

The store owner will not face any charges.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Maryland: Guard shoots man during attempted grocery store robbery

Arbitus, Maryland

From the Cantonsville Times of June 23, 2009
Guard shoots man during attempted grocery store robbery

An exchange of gunfire between a security guard and an alleged robber at the Mars Super Market on Maiden Choice Lane and Westland Boulevard, in Arbutus, Sunday evening left the alleged robber with several gunshot wounds, according to Baltimore County police.

It also left the store, at the Maiden Choice Shopping Center in the 1000 block of Maiden Choice Lane, without some of its front windows — which were boarded up Monday morning.

Neither the guard nor any customers in the store were injured, police said.

At 6:52 p.m. June 21, Jamison Harvey Johnson, 40, entered the store and “announced the robbery,” said Bill Toohey, a police spokesman.

Johnson then walked to the store’s customer service office, where he demanded and was given an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

An armed security guard employed by Mars who was inside the store followed Johnson to the store’s entrance and confronted him, police said.

Johnson, whose address is listed as “unknown” in court records, then shot at the guard, Toohey said.

The guard returned fire and Johnson then ran into the parking lot and got into a green Honda Accord, Toohey said.

As the gunman drove away, he again fired on the security guard, who again shot back, Toohey said.

The car was found a short time later at the end of Wilton Farm Drive, in Catonsville.

Police began searching the area, using a helicopter and a K-9 unit.

A man fitting Johnson’s description was spotted walking along Kenwood Avenue, in Catonsville, with several gunshot wounds by an officer involved in the search at about midnight, almost five hours after the gunfire occurred, Toohey said.

The man was caught after a brief foot chase, police said, and taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he received treatment for gunshot wounds.

Johnson was later charged with armed robbery, attempted murder and two handgun violations — one for the possession of a firearm with a felony conviction.

In 1996, Johnson, then living in the 1800 block of West Pratt Street, in Baltimore, was found guilty of robbery with a deadly weapon, according to court records.

Bail has been denied, and Johnson is being held in the Baltimore County Detention Center, in Towson.

Toohey said another man ran from the store during the incident, which “drew the interest of authorities.”

Police are “checking to see if there is any evidence that can link him to what happened,” Toohey said.

North Carolina: Business owner shoots intruder

Lumberton, North Carolina

From the Fayetteville Observer of June 29, 2009
Business owner shoots intruder

A store owner shot and wounded a man who broke into his business on West Fifth Street Monday morning, police said.

The names of the men involved were not available.

The shooting was reported between 3 and 4 a.m. at The Auction House, said Lt. Johnny Barnes of the Lumberton Police Department.

The man who broke in threatened the store owner with a tire iron, Barnes said. The owner then shot the man in the leg, Barnes said.

The wounded man was taken to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Barnes said.

The wounded man will be charged with breaking and entering, Barnes said.

The district attorney will decide if any charges should be filed against the business owner, Barnes said.

North Carolina: Homeowner wounds would-be burgler

Burlington, North Carolina

From the Burlington Times News of June 29, 2009
Homeowner wounds would-be burgler

A homeowner fired a shotgun after two people broke into his home on N.C. 54 early Monday and hit one of the suspects in the arm.

The gun scared the two men away, and one of them, 36-year-old Randy Stewart, of Morningside Drive, Burlington, showed up at Alamance Regional Medical later, according to an Alamance County Sheriff's Department news release.

He was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for further treatment. His medical condition wasn't immediately known.

The sheriff's department obtained a warrant charging Stewart with first-degree burglary, but it still hasn't been served. The second suspect remains at large and deputies continue to search for him.

The incident happened at about 12:30 a.m. Monday at a home on N.C. 54. The home owner, John Davis, told authorities that sometime after midnight he and his girlfriend were awakened by the dog barking. They heard noises outside the door of the home.

When Davis got out of bed to investigate, the two suspects allegedly shattered the door and entered the house.

"The victim was then confronted by the suspects as they proceeded through the kitchen of the residence," the release states. "At that point, Mr. Davis had armed himself with a shotgun. As the suspects advanced toward him, he fired the weapon."

Both suspects left the home. The investigation is ongoing. The sheriff's department plans to confer with the District Attorney's office, but it is unlikely that Davis will be charged.

South Carolina: Armed robbery at Twisters Ice Cream Shop, suspect arrested

Bath, South Carolina

From WRDW of June 27, 2009
Armed robbery at Twisters Ice Cream Shop, suspect arrested

A man from Bath was arrested for robbing Twisters Ice Cream Shop on 421 in Bath just after 6:45 Saturday night.

Witnesses said the suspect walked into the store armed with a gun and demanded money from the employee. He was given an undisclosed amount before being confronted by the owner's son Shannon Labord.

The suspect shot at Labord hitting the counter. Labord fired back and chased the suspect while firing several more shots to a near by trailer.

23 year old Joey Taylor was arrested.

He is charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with intent to kill and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.

No one was injured during the incident.

California: Mira Loma man kills home-invasion suspect

Mira Loma, California

From the Inland Empire News of June 29, 2009
Mira Loma man kills home-invasion suspect

On Sunday at 8:11 a.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Station responded to a report of shots fired in the 31000 Block of Chardonnay Way in the community of Mira Loma. Deputies found a deceased male adult in the street.

Investigators from the Jurupa Valley Station and the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the location and assumed the investigation.

Investigators learned the victim of the homicide and a female companion had participated in a home invasion robbery. During the robbery, a struggle ensued between the suspects and the homeowners. The male suspect dropped his firearm during the struggle with the homeowner. The homeowner retrieved the firearm and fatally shot the suspect during the struggle for the weapon. The suspect attempted to flee the residence after he was shot, but collapsed in front of the residence.

The identity of the deceased male is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Update: The female suspect in the home invasion robbery was located by the Ontario Police Department in the area of Walnut and Cucamonga on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. The suspect was identified as Amy Schinzel (pictured), 30 years of age, from Ontario. She was arrested and booked for murder.

Florida: Jewelry store manager fires shot at fleeing thief

Summerfield, Florida

From the Ocala Star-Banner of June 26, 2009
Jewelry store manager fires shot at fleeing thief

Afer her father's store, Bob's Coins & Jewelry, was burglarized twice, and after hearing about jewelry stores being robbed recently in Ocala, Vickie Buxton decided to take precautions.

Buxton, general manager at the store, took concealed weapons classes and armed herself with guns she keeps at the business in case she encounters an intruder.

She did not have to wait long.

While working at the store, at 17860 S.E. 109th Ave., Suite 621, on Thursday, Buxton shot at a thief after the man entered the building with a hammer, broke a glass case and escaped with an official Vatican Treasury gold medallion worth $20,000.

"I hit the back of the truck," Buxton said, describing a bluish-purple sports utility vehicle she said the robber got into.

She said before the robber entered the store, "The vehicle sat in front for several minutes, and then it drove around the parking lot some more."

Then, she said, the suspect approached the business and pulled a bandana up to his face.

"I yell, 'Gun!,' meaning my employees know I'm going for the gun," she said.

As the robber entered the store, Buxton said she told him, "I'm going to shoot."

The man ignored her and smashed a display glass that contained coins.

Buxton tried to fire a .380-caliber handgun, but the weapon misfired.

The robber grabbed the medallion and as he was heading out the door, Buxton again tried to fire the gun, but it misfired a second time.

Buxton successfully fired a third shot, which struck the back of the SUV.

"He dropped the medallion on the ground. He then picked it up, and got in the truck," she said.

Capt. Tommy Bibb said detectives are looking for the suspect, described as a white male approximately 6-foot tall, of medium build, who was wearing a white jacket or long-sleeved shirt and camouflage short pants.

Bibb said he also wants jewelry store owners to be aware of their surroundings and be mindful of anyone who appears to be suspicious. He said the vehicle in Thursday's robbery did not have a tag.

Kansas: Clerk kills would-be robber and critically wounds another, police say

Kansas City, Kansas

From the Kansas City Star of June 26, 2009
Clerk kills would-be robber and critically wounds another, police say

A Kansas City, Kan., corner-store clerk fought back when two men tried to rob him tonight, shooting and killing one suspect and critically injuring the other, police said.

Officers were called to the 5th Avenue Convenience Mart at Fifth Street and Quindaro Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m., Officer Mike Golden said.

The clerk told them two men with long guns entered the store and demanded money, Golden said. When one of the suspects fired a shot, the clerk grabbed a handgun from behind the counter and shot both suspects.

One ran halfway up the block before collapsing, dropping a gun in the middle of Quindaro. An ambulance took him to a hospital, but he died before arriving, Golden said.

The second suspect made it slightly farther and went to the hospital in a private vehicle.

The clerk, mildly injured in the scuffle, was checked by paramedics at the scene.

Detectives and crime-scene technicians were on scene investigating the incident — the sixth homicide in five days for Kansas City, Kan.

“It’s been a very busy week,” Golden said. “We don’t have an answer for why.”

Oklahoma: Shop Owner Shoots Would-Be Robber

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From KOCO of June 25, 2009
Shop Owner Shoots Would-Be Robber

A jewelry store owner in Oklahoma City opened fire on a would-be robber on Thursday, sending him to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center.

Police said they were called to the scene of a shooting at Northwest 23rd Street and Villa Avenue.

“When officers arrived at this location, they did find evidence that there was some type of shooting inside this door,” said Oklahoma City police Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow. “Shots were fired.”

Police said they believe the clerk pulled out a gun from behind the counter just after the robbery began. They said the clerk told them they thought he hit the would-be robber at least once. No one else in the store was hurt.

Officers said the would-be robber ran out of the store and got into a vehicle that was waiting for him. The driver of that car took the man to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition late Thursday.

Police said they were looking for a maroon or dark red Chevrolet HHR with Oklahoma license plate number 762XNR. They said the driver was a black female wearing glasses and a pink shirt who had her hair pulled back. Police urged anyone who saw this woman not to approach her and to call police instead.

The shooting comes about six weeks after a similar robbery and shooting at Reliable Pharmacy. Pharmacist Jerome Ersland is charged with murder in the shooting because prosecutors said he continued to fire shots after victim Antwun Parker no longer posed a threat to him.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

North Carolina: One dead after botched home invasion

Wagram, North Carolina

From the Laurinburg Exchange of June 20, 2009
One dead after botched home invasion

Deputies say at least one gunman was killed in an early-morning home invasion near Wagram.

Anthony Martin, of Kale Street in Wagram, was shot to death in the failed robbery attempt while two others masked men fled, according to Shep Jones. The sheriff's department did not have Martin's age.

Investigators say one of the robbers was 40-year old William Anthony Strickland, according to Jones. The last-known address for Strickland is 9539 Springview Road in Charlotte. Jones would not say how Strickland was identified as a suspect.

Warrants were obtained for Stricklands arrest on charges of robbery, burglary and felony assault.

Investigators have not released information on the third suspect.

Jones said the trio entered the home of 62-year Edmond Cooper at 23296 Wagram Street at about 12:30 a.m. through the back door, which had been left unlocked.

Debbie Cooper, Edmond's wife, was still up and a suspect knocked her out by striking her over the head. The men then entered the room of the Coopers' 15-year old son. The suspects used ziploc ties to restrain the juvenile. The three men then entered the hallway of the residence, according to Jones.

"Edmond Cooper came out of the bedroom with a gun," Jones said. "He fired several shots, hitting one of the suspects."

He said the two suspects left standing returned fire, while fleeing from the residence.

"Mr. Cooper was shot in the hand," Jones said.

Martin was dead when emergency personnel arrived on the scene, according to Jones. Edmond Cooper was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Jones said the two suspects may have fled with $1,000 from the residence.

"It shows the times we're living in when families are at home, where they are supposed to be safe, and they are violated," Jones said.

Wagram police have assisted the sheriff's department in this case.

If you know the whereabouts of William Anthony Strickland or have information on the third suspect, contact the Scotland County Sheriff's Department at 276-3385 or anonymously report your tip to Scotland Crime Stoppers at 291-3333.

Tennessee: Gunman Shot to Death During Home Invasion

Antioch, Tennessee

From WZTV of June 24, 2009
Gunman Shot to Death During Home Invasion

A home invasion turns deadly after one of the robbers is shot by the homeowner.

It happened on Moss Landing Drive in Antioch around 1:00 a.m.

Dennis Nicholson told detectives that he was confronted by 22 year old Elijah Minnard (pictured left) at the home.

Nicholson says Minnard had a shotgun, and 17 year old Jeremie Thomas (pictured right), had a pistol.

Police say the men forced Nicholson inside, and Minnard held Nicholson and 25 year old Lincoya Stephens at gunpoint upstairs while Thomas searched the downstairs area of the home.

Police say Stephens grabbed the shotgun to try and disarm Minnard, but Stephens was hit in the leg by a shotgun blast.

Police say Stephens and Nicholson still managed to get the gun away from Minnard.

Officers say Stephens then pulled a pistol that was concealed in his waistband and shot and killed Minnard.

Thomas, hearing the gunfire, went to check on Minnard.

Stephens opened fire on Thomas, and he fled the house.

At 2:15 a.m., police say Thomas, with gun in hand, jumped in front of a driver on Hamilton Church Road and yelled for her to stop.

The driver accelerated as she and her four passengers ducked.

Thomas was caught by officers a short time later.

Detectives say Thomas told them he and Minnard went to the home to commit a drug-related robbery.

No drugs were found in the residence.

Stephens is hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his leg and has not yet been interviewed by detectives.

The investigation is continuing.

Thomas is charged at Juvenile Court with two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of unlawful weapon possession, attempted criminal homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, and attempted aggravated robbery.

Thomas is being held in juvenile detention pending a hearing.

Maryland: Woman Kills Husband in Apparent Self-Defense

Prince George's County, Maryland

From the Washington Post of June 25, 2009
Woman Kills Husband in Apparent Self-Defense

A Prince George's County woman fatally shot her husband in an apparent act of self-defense Saturday after he attacked her at the Capitol Heights duplex where the pair lived in separate units, according to police and neighbors.

Just after 8 a.m., authorities said, police were called to the home in the 700 block of Capitol Heights Boulevard on a report of a domestic dispute. In front of the house, they found Richard Marcellous Wilson, 30, with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Police said Wilson's wife fired the fatal shot.

The circumstances of the incident are unclear, but police think that the shooting "appears to have been in self-defense," said Cpl. Mike Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Prince George's police department. Wilson, police said, had violated an active protective order when he attacked his wife.

Rodriguez declined to name the shooter because she is a victim in the case and has not been charged.

(More)

Michigan: Neighborhood watch president shoots, kills dog; its owner disputes the need

Saginaw, Michigan

From the Saginaw News of June 25, 2009
Neighborhood watch president shoots, kills dog; its owner disputes the need

Tensions are high on a Saginaw street where the neighborhood watch president shot and killed his neighbor's dog.

Jose Barajas, Southwest Saginaw Neighborhood Association president, told police he shot Onyx, a 50-plus-pound pit bull and shar-pei mix, with a 40-caliber Glock after the dog broke its chain and charged him at 1223 Maple on June 18.

Barajas said he was working outside the house next door when he heard a resident crying for help. Diana M. Fick, 52, said she was mowing her backyard about 7:30 p.m. when neighbor Samantha A. Griffus' dog lunged at her. Fick said Onyx perched atop the tailgate shell and jumped off toward her, breaking his chain. She said she screamed for the owner and used the lawnmower as a buffer to keep the dog at bay.

Griffus didn't hear her, but Barajas did. When the dog turned on him, he said he shot it two times.

Barajas "didn't have an option," Fick said "He popped him."

Griffus, 19, said the dog was on a 10-foot chain attached to a tailgate shell on the lawn. She said Barajas had no right to shoot her dog because it hadn't left her property.

Splatters of the dog's blood are still on the tailgate shell, Griffus said. She said she thinks Onyx was chained when Barajas shot him and broke the chain afterward. A few weeks ago, Barajas had threatened to "shoot the dog if it pooped in his yard again," Griffus said.

Barajas has a permit to carry a concealed weapon and often patrols his neighborhood as part of its watch group.

Saginaw police investigated and cleared Barajas.

"If I wouldn't have been there, that neighbor would have likely gone to the hospital," he said.

Griffus went onto her porch overlooking the area where Onyx was chained after hearing the gunshots and her dog "yarp." Onyx had run off; Barajas was standing in her yard, his cell phone to his ear, with his gun visible in its holster, she said.

Barajas is "the greatest guy you ever want to meet," Fick said. "It's not like he just goes around the neighborhood shooting dogs."

Wounded in the face and abdomen, Onyx ran toward the front of the home, approached the front door -- where blood stains remain on the concrete steps of the porch -- and ran across the street. Griffus found him in a neighbor's kennel with the chain still clipped to his collar, Griffus said.

She took it to Great Lakes Pet Emergencies in Carrollton Township but returned with the dog because she couldn't afford the $1,275 bill to treat it or $289 to euthanize it. Onyx died at 11:30 p.m.

California: Man shoots and kills large rabid possum

Eel River Valley, California

From the Humboldt Beacon of June 25, 2009
Man shoots and kills large rabid possum

A caller told police he had shot a large rabid possum in his front yard and was concerned that the possum might attack his dog. He was advised on discharging a firearm in city limits.

Iowa: Clerk's gun scares off would-be robber

Des Moines, Iowa

From the Des Moines Register of June 25, 2009
Clerk's gun scares off would-be robber

Dominic Mathew had always felt it was better to give an armed robber what they asked for.

His philosophy changed after his Food Pantry store on Lower Beaver Road was held up several times, one time with a thief behind the counter and holding a gun to his neck.

He got a handgun.

On Tuesday, the third time the store was held up, he and a robber were in a face-off with their weapons.

“The guy came in from the side (of the store)” and walked in the front door, Mathew said. “That’s where they usually come from. The guy came in with a hoodie on. It was awfully warm on Tuesday, too warm for a hoodie.”

Mathew, 30, already had his gun drawn when the robber walked in, he said. The suspect lowered his gun immediately upon seeing the handgun.

The would-be robber ran out the door.

“I didn’t want to get to this point,” said Mathew. “But there have been a lot of robberies. Times are tough. A lot of people are out of work.”

Police Chief Judy Bradshaw said detectives are still investigating. She said clerks can make a situation more dangerous by adding a second gun to the equation.

“Robbers don’t want to shoot,” Bradshaw said. “They want what they came for. From a public safety perspective there are so many more possible outcomes when clerks arm themselves.”

On Tuesday three other convenience stores in the city reported thefts from cash registers. None of them were armed robberies. One man has been arrested and charged with all three incidents.

The armed robber who tried to steal from Mathew has not been caught.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Ohio: Man Shoots Pit Bull Attacking Teen

Columbus, Ohio

From WBNS of June 19, 2009
Man Shoots Pit Bull Attacking Teen

A man shot a pit bull in the leg Thursday evening to stop the dog from attacking a teenager.

Police said the dog tore part of the 15-year-old boy's ear and bit his arm and leg, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported.

According to police, the attack was the culmination of an argument among neighbors on Diane Place on the south side. The argument escalated into a fight involving the boy and others on the street.

A witness told detectives they heard the owner of the dog say "sic 'em" before releasing the animal to attack the boy.

"During the fight, the male released the dog and it bit one of the people they were fighting," Sgt. Thomas Nance told 10TV News. "Another man approached and shot the dog as it was attacking the 15-year-old."

The boy was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital. His condition was not known Thursday night.

Police were still investigating the cause of the argument.

The dog was taken into custody by animal control officers.

Minnesota: Would-be Burglar Shot to Death

Moorhead, Minnesota

From KFYR of June 21, 2009
Would-be Burglar Shot to Death

An apartment break-in ended in a shooting, with the tenant killing the intruder. It happened to our east in Moorhead, Minnesota around midnight Saturday.

The burglar died after being shot in the chest at close range with a shotgun.

It`s been an emotional night for Sara Graham. "I thought he was drunk and trying to rob me; I did not know he was," says Graham. She begins to cry and can`t finish her sentence.

She was sleeping in her apartment when a man walked in in the middle of the night. She yelled at him to leave, and he did.

"No clue who he is," notes Graham.

But the intruder came back, this time entering another apartment. The tenant told police the man refused to leave and tried to pick a fight with him. The apartment owner grabbed his shotgun, and when the intruder attacked again, the tenant fired. It was a fatal shot.

Moorhead police Lt. Tory Jacobson says, "The entire circumstance has to be closely examined and specifically saying X and Y equal this result, you know, have to have variables that come into play, and no one would wish to be in that situation of having to choose between life or death."

Jacobson says everyone has a right to protect himself. That`s what David Allen says his brother, the apartment tenant, did.

"I know my brother isn`t that kind of person, he`d be the first to call the cops. I`m kind of confused by the situation," explains Allen.

The injured man fled back to Graham`s apartment, holing himself up in her daughter`s bedroom.

Neighbor Nelly Peralez says she hoped the deadly scene was only a nightmare. "It`s just shocking, I mean this morning when I woke up I just kept thinking saying please don`t let it be true because I live here," she says.

But as Sara Graham surveys her blood stained carpet, she says her nightmare is just beginning. "He was screaming. He was crying. I`ll never forget it. I`d rather see it again than hear it all over again," she says.

Moorhead police say they will not charge the shooter, apartment tenant Vernon Allen. Police say the dead burglar was a 17-year-old Moorhead boy.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Altamonte Springs, Florida Robbery Suspect Shot Dead

Altamonte Springs, Florida

From June 19, 2009 Central Florida channel 13:

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS -- A masked suspect was shot and killed outside an Altamonte Springs home.

Deputies arrived on the scene just before 4 a.m. Friday on the 300 block of Magnolia Street just off of Ronald Regan Boulevard.

A woman woke up when she heard someone trying to kick in the door of her home. Seminole County Sheriff's deputies say that's when her husband went to the door and shot twice at Donald Salaam. Salaam, 21, was hit once in the chest.

The wife was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher when the shots were fired.

Investigators say it appears the homeowner was justified.

“Our homeowner didn't have an obligation to retreat. He is able to protect his property," said Lt. James Clark, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. "The questions we’re trying to answer: If he was in fear for his life and the life of his wife. If he was, he would be justified in this shooting.”

Detectives are trying to determine if Salaam acted alone.

Seminole County deputies say Salaam has an extensive criminal history involving drugs, fleeing/eluding law enforcement. He was also investigated for a previous armed robbery.

Blountville homeowner holds burglary suspect at gunpoint

Blountville, Tennessee

From the June 17, 2009 Kingsport, Tenn. Times-News:

A Blountville homeowner held an intruder at gunpoint when he spotted him going into his travel camper Tuesday morning.

The Reedy Creek Lane resident told Sullivan County Sheriff's deputies he first thought a relative had entered his camper, which was parked in his driveway.

When he discovered the man was a stranger, he went to get his gun.

He returned with his pistol to find the man inside his car, which was parked next to the camper, according to a sheriff's office spokesman.

The homeowner held the man at gunpoint until deputies arrived to arrest him.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Nevada: Resident Opens Fire During Home Invasion

Las Vegas, Nevada

From KXNT of June 18, 2009
Resident Opens Fire During Home Invasion

An attempted home-invasion in the southwest valley today ended with shots fired. It happened around 10:30 a.m. at a house on Ocotillo Falls Avenue, near Grand Canyon and Patrick. Police say a homeowner fired five shots in self-defense after a man kicked in his door. No one was hit, but two suspects left the scene in a car. One was caught and arrested, the other fled on foot and is still being sought.

Arizona: Homeowner With Shotgun Kills Intruder

Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of June 18, 2009
Homeowner With Shotgun Kills Intruder

A Mesa homeowner used a shotgun to defend himself during a home invasion late Wednesday night, authorities said.

According to Mesa Police Department spokesman Sgt. Ed Wessing, two men armed with guns and demanding money forced their way into the home near Stapley Road and Southern Avenue.

The intruders rounded up the four men who live there and forced them into a room, Wessing said.

"At some point during this crime, one of the residents was able to grab a shotgun," Wessing said. "(He) shot and killed one of them, and then fired at the second suspect (who) was injured but then fled the area."

Police said the second intruder ended up at a nearby hospital, where he is expected to survive.

The four men were not injured.

Neighbor Ron Hahn has surveillance cameras set up around his home for security, and he shared copies of the video with police.

The video appeared to be too dark to determine what was going on inside the home; however, Hahn said his cameras did catch someone two months ago.

A person jumped the fence into his back yard and dismantled the security light.

"He sat in the corner of my yard for about, I would say, five minutes or so, watching the house behind me (where the homicide occurred) with a two-way radio," Hahn said.

Police also have the surveillance video from the second incident; however, they said it's too early to tell if it's related to the home invasion.

California: Armed robber shot by Barstow homeowner during break-in

Barstow, California

From the San Bernadino County Sun of June 15, 2009
Armed robber shot by Barstow homeowner during break-in

A Los Angeles man who was trying to rob a Barstow home Friday night with two others was shot and killed by the homeowner, police said.

A man who lives in the Teton Street house was attacked by three home invasion robbers about 10 p.m. as they attempted to break into his house, police said. The homeowner, who was armed, was able to shoot one of the robbers when they tried to escape.

Officers found Henry Jackson III, 57, lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound in his lower stomach.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barstow police Detective Keith Libby at (760) 255-5134 or Detective Ronan Colleco at (760) 255-5167.

Texas: Harris man fatally shoots teen at home

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of June 18, 2009
Harris man fatally shoots teen at home

A homeowner who had twice ordered a teenager to leave the property — once while holding a rifle — shot the teen dead after the boy refused to leave and walked toward him, authorities said.

“He feared for his life,” said Harris County sheriff’s Lt. Rolf Nelson.

Dwayne Austgen, 69, was inside his north Harris County home in the 5500 block of Susanna around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday when he noticed a teenager in his front yard, officials said. The man went outside, confronted 17-year-old Vidal Herrera, and told him to leave, authorities said.

After the teen left the property, Austgen noticed Herrera had left a crack cocaine pipe, officials said. Austgen then went back inside his home, taking the pipe with him, officials said.

A short while later, Herrera returned to the home, confronted Austgen about the pipe, and the pair argued, officials said. Austgen, this time holding a rifle, again ordered the teen to leave, officials said.

Herrera began to walk away but then approached the homeowner, who fired the .22-caliber rifle, striking the teen in the abdomen, officials said. Herrera was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he died.

The case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury without charges.

Austgen could not be reached for comment.

(More)

Texas: Police: Suspect treated for gunshot wound then jailed

Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Times Record News of June 10, 2009
Police: Suspect treated for gunshot wound then jailed

A man was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg then taken to the Wichita County Jail on assault charges in connection with an incident Monday, said Officer Harold McClure, public information officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department.

Perrion Lavell Warrior, 46, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault family violence in connection with the incident. His bond was set at $60,000 and he was being held Tuesday in the Wichita County Jail.

According to reports:

Police were called to the 500 block of Marconi to check on reports of shots fired about 10 p.m.

Officers talked to a 44-year-old woman who said she was threatened by her live-in boyfriend. She said he was intoxicated and they were arguing in the bedroom.

Her 24-year-old daughter lives next door and came over when she heard the commotion. At about the same time, the victim’s 22-year-old son showed up.

The woman’s children arrived and found the suspect holding a knife to the woman’s throat.

Both children asked the suspect to put the knife down and tried to get him to leave. He threatened them, and said they would all be dead before he left.

The son left the room, came back with a handgun, and shot Warrior once in the left leg.

The suspect was taken to the emergency room in a private vehicle, where police took him into custody and then to jail. His injury was not considered life threatening.

The assault victim’s son does not face any charges for the incident because the shooting was considered self-defense.

Colorado: Bear shot to death after breaking into home

Colorado Springs, Colorado

From KOAA of June 13, 2009
Bear shot to death after breaking into home

A man shot a bear to death after it broke into his home in Colorado Springs.

The bear broke in through the back door of a home on Columbia court around 8 p.m. Friday night.

Colorado Springs police say the homeowner loaded his gun, after a roommate yelled that the bear had broken in. The bear roared at the homeowner several times, and went to a part of the house where it couldn't get out.

The man shot the bear 4 times, and it died. Division of Wildlife investigated, and say the homeowner was justified in the shooting.

South Carolina: Man Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect

Richland County, South Carolina

From WLTX of June 12, 2009
Man Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect

Richland County deputies are investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex.

The incident took place at 12:01 a.m. Friday at the Colonial Villa Apartments on Garners Ferry Road.

According to deputies, a man was sitting in his car doing paperwork at the time of the confrontation. Deputies say he provides security detail for the apartments.

Deputies say a male suspect approached the car demanding the victim's handgun; however, deputies say the victim pulled out that weapon and shot the suspect.

The suspect was taken to the hospital where he later died.

WLTX.com will post further details as they become available.

Utah: Concealed weapons permit holder stops would-be robbers

Midvale, Utah

From KSL of June 17, 2009
Concealed weapons permit holder stops would-be robbers

A man with a concealed weapons permit stopped two would-be Midvale robbers from making off with his friend's stuff.

Police say the men were coming home from an errand around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning when they spotted the suspects with their things. The suspects took off on foot.

One of the men being robbed grabbed a gun from his truck and started running after them.

Midvale police Detective Sgt. John Salazar said, "Grabs a loaded .40-caliber handgun and chases with the gun, shooting rounds either into the air or into the ground as they were chasing."

The gunfire stopped the suspects dead in their tracks. The men held the robbers at gunpoint until police arrived and arrested them.

No one was hurt.

Georgia: Cell Phone Protects Clerk From Knife Attack in Robbery

Roswell, Georgia

From Fox News of June 17, 2009
Cell Phone Protects Clerk From Knife Attack in Robbery

A Georgia liquor store clerk credits his police officer son with giving him two life-saving gifts — a cell phone and a gun.

Joseph Wescott says the phone he slipped into his shirt pocket stopped a knife to his chest when a robbery suspect attacked him at the store in a northern Atlanta suburb. He then reached under the counter for the .40-caliber handgun and shot the man.

"The knife that he had looked like it was about 10-foot long," the 67-year-old Wescott exclaimed.

When the suspect lunged at Wescott, he fell back and the knife struck the battery area of the phone, the clerk said. He then fired one shot at the man Monday night.

"That was the first time I had ever fired that gun," he said.

Police said Carlos JeanPeirre, 34, is recovering from non-life threatening wounds and faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and attempted robbery.

Wescott's son, Jason, said he gave both gifts to his father to keep him safe.

"Something like that can happen in a split second and it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it," Jason Wescott said.

After the attack, Joseph Wescot said he used his cell phone to call 911.

Maine: Princeton woman, 77, escorts armed intruder from home at gunpoint

Machias, Maine

From the Bangor Daily News of June 16, 2009
Princeton woman, 77, escorts armed intruder from home at gunpoint

A 77-year-old Princeton woman faced down a man armed with a sawed-off shotgun and sent him running after she pointed her own gun at him, according to court documents.

Doris Gatchell’s daughter, Eileen Newman, said Monday that family members had since nicknamed their mother “Annie Oakley.”

Suspect Dean T. Moore, who was arrested shortly after the Friday, June 12, incident, made his first appearance Monday in Washington County Superior Court. He faces up to 30 years in jail and fines of up to $50,000 on each of the two most serious charges of burglary with a firearm and robbery. He also has been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, theft and criminal restraint. On Monday night, Moore remained in Washington County Jail unable to come up with the $15,000 bail set after his arrest.

Doris Gatchell’s daughter, Vanessa Gatchell, 50, was home watching television on South Princeton Road when she heard footsteps in the hallway at about 4:30 p.m., according to court documents made available Monday. Doris Gatchell had just left the house and Vanessa Gatchell thought her mother had returned because she had forgotten something. “She called out, but there was no answer,” according to the affidavit on file with the court.

Vanessa Gatchell went into the hallway and found Moore armed with a gun and a knife just standing there, the affidavit said.

The woman asked Moore not to hurt her and offered him money, according to the court documents. He refused to leave and demanded liquor, the affidavit said. “Ms. Gatchell opened two bottles of wine for [Moore], and he directed her to the front room where they both sat,” the affidavit said.

They talked about 30 minutes during which “he told her he was not afraid to hurt someone and he had used guns and knives before,” the court documents said. At some point during the conversation, Moore discarded the knife, but kept the shotgun, according to the documents.

The woman asked him to leave and said no one would have to know he had been there, but Moore declined to leave, the affidavit said.

Eventually Doris Gatchell returned home. Moore hid the firearm from view as Doris Gatchell entered the front room, the affidavit said. The two women then went into the kitchen, and Vanessa Gatchell told her mother that Moore had a gun and she “thought he was going to shoot them both,” the affidavit said.

Doris Gatchell retrieved her own gun and, according to the court documents, went into the front room and stood behind Moore’s chair.

Eileen Newman told the BDN on Monday that her mother, Doris, had a concealed weapons permit and had a gun “stashed” somewhere in the house. She said her parents at one time owned a sporting goods store that sold firearms. Her father, Ken, is deceased.

Doris Gatchell told Moore she had a gun and ordered him to leave, the affidavit said. “Mrs. Gatchell escorted the defendant out the door. Once on the porch [Moore] dropped his gun and then picked it up again. It was only at that point that Mrs. Gatchell saw the gun,” the court documents said.

The Gatchells then called the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Michael St. Louis said Monday that when police arrived they at first were not sure whether Moore had run into the woods near the house or had gone back to his home about a quarter of a mile from the Gatchell residence.

Police surrounded Moore’s house and tried to contact him, according to St. Louis, but there was no response. After about 90 minutes, however, Moore stepped out onto his front porch to smoke a cigarette and that was when police arrested him and took him to jail, St. Louis said. Officers found the firearm in Moore’s garage and later recovered the knife from the Gatchell residence, the chief deputy said.

The Maine State Police, the Baileyville and Calais police departments, the Maine Warden Service and the U.S. Border Patrol assisted on Friday night, he said. In court on Monday, Attorney Jeffrey Davidson of East Machias was appointed to represent Moore.

Deputy District Attorney Carletta Bassano said Monday that Moore is expected to appear for a hearing to reassess his bail on June 22 in Washington County Superior Court.

According to the affidavit, Moore has a long criminal history including a prior conviction for robbery and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. In 1998, Moore fled across the U.S.-Canadian border after he robbed a Calais convenience store clerk at knifepoint and stole more than $800. He quickly was apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, returned to the U.S. and later sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Spring, Texas Robbers Shot By Victim

Spring, Texas

From June 15, 2009 DPRC channel 2:
A woman opened fire when two robbery suspects broke into her Spring home on Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables said the 34-year-old was alone inside the home in the Timberlane subdivision on Briarcreek Boulevard near Cades Cove Drive at about 6 a.m.Investigators said the woman opened fire when the attackers burst through her bedroom door.

"She's in her bedroom, locked in her bedroom. And she could hear them rustling through the rooms about the house. She grabbed her weapon and you know, held up inside her bedroom. It wasn't until they forced their way into her bedroom, they kicked the bedroom door in. She fired several shots at the suspects," said Lt. Jeff Stauber with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators said Gerson Jonathon Linares and Shalom Mendoza, both 17, were wounded.

Detectives said the teenagers, who live in the neighborhood, ran out of the home and called for help, claiming to be the victims of a shooting.

"Through our investigation, we were able to tie them back to this incident on Briarcreek," Stauber said.

Investigators said the pair has admitted that they were involved in the crime.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Tennessee: Oakland Man Fatally Shoots Intruder

Oakland, Tennessee

From MyFoxMemphis of June 1, 2009
Oakland Man Fatally Shoots Intruder

An Oakland, Tennessee man fatally shot an intruder trying to climb in his window early Monday morning.

The incident occurred on the 400-block of Bell Grove Road. The homeowner heard what sounded like a knock on his window around 12:30am. When the noise grew, the homeowner found a neighbor, 32-year old Anthony Webb, breaking through his window with a rake.

The homeowner tells FOX13 that he told the man repeatedly to stop, but Webb's reply was "What are you going to do?"

The intruder was shot three times, and was declared dead upon arrival by local police.

The homeowner also tells FOX13 that the intruder's father was a high school classmate of his.

Norfolk, Virginia Motel Robbers Shot By Victim

Norfolk, Virginia

From June 12, 2009 WAVY channel 10:

NORFOLK, Va. - An attempted robbery led to a gunfight at a Norfolk motel Thursday. Three suspects, one armed with a handgun, stormed into a room at the Econo Lodge. Much to the surprise of the suspected criminals, one of the victims was also carrying a gun.

Police say two of the suspects were shot by the victim. One of the suspects died at the scene, the other was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The suspect who died has been identified as 22-year-old Dante Cooley of Virginia Beach. Police have not yet released the names of the other two suspects, one of which fled the scene and remains on the run.

The victim, who was also shot by one of the suspects and transported to the hospital is expected to recover.

UPDATE: From the June 13, 2009 Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot:
A second man has died as the result of a gunfight inside a motel room, and police said Friday that an attempted robbery appeared to be what set things off.

Trevor L. Pauley, 20, of Norfolk had been hospitalized in grave condition after the incident early Thursday at the Econo Lodge at 865 N. Military Hwy. A Sentara Norfolk General Hospital spokeswoman said Pauley died about 1:45 a.m. Friday.

Police said Pauley was one of three men, at least one of whom was armed, who forced their way shortly before 2:15 a.m. Thursday into a room occupied by two men, one of whom legally had a weapon.

Houston Carjacker Shot by Carry Permitholder

Houston, Texas

From the June 6, 2009 Houston Chronicle:

An alleged carjacker was shot and killed in north Houston Saturday morning, police said.

At about 6:15 a.m., witnesses pulled Darryl Milton Franklin Jr., 37, out of a car that he was reportedly breaking into in the 1100 block of Langwick Drive.

As they waited for police to arrive, witnesses saw him attempt to break into other vehicles and even try to commit a carjacking, authorities said.

Franklin attacked a man who approached him. The man, who was carrying a permitted concealed weapon, shot Franklin, said Houston Police spokesman Victor Senties.

The shooting is being investigated by the District Attorney’s Office and will likely be referred to a grand jury, Senties said.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Oklahoma: Intruder shot dead at southside Oklahoma City house

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From the The Oklahoman of May 27, 2009
Intruder shot dead at southside Oklahoma City house

An Oklahoma City homeowner on Tuesday shot and killed an intruder he found inside his house during his lunch break, police said.

Scott Henson saw a blue pickup in his driveway at 2200 SW 57 when he made his daily trip home for lunch, said his wife, Delores Henson.

"Apparently, there was someone inside the house,” Delores Henson said. "So he (Scott) shot and killed him. ... I don’t know if he had to defend himself or what.”

Scott Henson pulled out a handgun and shot the intruder about 11:30 a.m., police Master Sgt. Gary Knight said. Knight and Delores Henson said they didn’t know if the intruder, whose identity was not released, had a weapon.

Delores Henson said her husband has a license to carry a concealed weapon. She was at work when Scott Henson called.

"He just called and said he had shot somebody, that was it,” she said.

A neighbor, Daryl Kindrick, said he has lived in the neighborhood 20 years and there have been a number of home burglaries over the years.

"I’ve been robbed twice,” Kindrick said. "It doesn’t surprise me. It’s a shame someone got hurt.”

Indiana: Gunshot scares off intruder

Richmond, Indiana

From the Palladium Item of May 30, 2009
Gunshot scares off intruder

A Richmond woman thwarted a break-in early Friday by firing a warning shot from a gun.

"She confronted him at the door," Richmond Police Chief Kris Wolski said Friday. "She fired one shot to scare the person off."

Wolski doesn't think the incident is linked to a series of home invasions and sexual assaults of women that have plagued Richmond for about two years.

The 41-year-old female resident in the 200 block of North 21st Street heard a noise and rushed to get the semiautomatic gun, he said. Wolski said her possession and use of the gun was lawful.

Police were called to the scene at 1 a.m. The suspect was wearing a baseball cap under a hoodie, but that's about all the victim could see, Wolski said.

"Hopefully the neighbors saw something," he said. "We're doing more scene processing and getting statements."

At least eight attacks have been attributed to a man who stands about 5 feet 5 inches and strikes in the early morning hours while wearing a mask and dark hoodie.

Four more attacks are possibly linked. His female victims have ranged from a teen-ager to an 81-year-old woman.

Wolski acknowledged that the attacks are on the minds of residents, including Friday's victim.

"She was aware of the other incidents," he said. "Everyone is at a heightened level of awareness."

The police department is getting numerous calls each day with tips about potential suspects in the attacks.

"I think we are making headway," Wolski said.

Florida: Homeowner shoots would-be intruder

Bradenton, Florida

From the Tampa Bay Online of June 1, 2009
Homeowner shoots would-be intruder

A homeowner confronted a pistol-wielding, bandana-wearing man at his front door, wrestled the weapon away and shot the would-be intruder late Saturday, deputies said.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Christopher Mullins, 23, answered the door at his Bradenton home about 11 p.m. Saturday and found Tron Calloway, 26, on the doorstep.

The two struggled over Calloway's gun and Calloway fired several shots, wounding Mullins, the sheriff's office said. Mullins got control of the weapon and shot Calloway.

Mullins was treated and released from Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petesrburg, the sheriff's office said.

Calloway was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.

No charges have been filed and the investigation is continuing.

New York: Merciful storekeeper changes robber's mind, religion [At gunpoint]

Long Island, New York

From the CNN of June 2, 2009
Merciful storekeeper changes robber's mind, religion

A potential victim became a compassionate counselor during a recent robbery attempt, changing the would-be criminal's mind -- and apparently his religion.

Storekeeper Mohammad Sohail was closing up his Long Island convenience store just after midnight on May 21 when -- as shown on the store's surveillance video -- a man came in wielding a baseball bat and demanding money.

"He said, 'Hurry up and give me the money, give me the money!' and I said, 'Hold on'," Sohail recalled in a phone interview with CNN on Tuesday, after the store video and his story was carried on local TV.

Sohail said he reached under the counter, grabbed his gun and told the robber to drop the bat and get down on his knees.

"He's crying like a baby," Sohail said. "He says, 'Don't call police, don't shoot me, I have no money, I have no food in my house.' "

Amidst the man's apologies and pleas, Sohail said he felt a surge of compassion.

He made the man promise never to rob anyone again and when he agreed, Sohail gave him $40 and a loaf of bread.

"When he gets $40, he's very impressed, he says, 'I want to be a Muslim just like you,' " Sohail said, adding he had the would-be criminal recite an Islamic oath.

"I said 'Congratulations. You are now a Muslim and your name is Nawaz Sharif Zardari.'"

When asked why he chose the hybrid of two Pakistani presidents' names, the Pakistani immigrant laughed and said he had been watching a South Asian news channel moments before the confrontation.

Sohail said the man fled the store when he turned away to get the man some free milk.

He said police might still be looking for the suspect but he doesn't intend to press charges.

"The guy, you know, everybody has a hard time right now, it's too bad for everybody right now in this economy," said the storekeeper.

**Note**
Regardless of the other material in this story, it cannot be ignored that this "conversion" took place at gunpoint, and upon receiving money and some goods, the "convert" fled. No reasonable person would conclude that the would-be robber's actions would have been the same if the storekeeper had not threatened him with a shotgun.

North Carolina: Robbery attempts foiled: Victims break free, chase suspects in separate incidents

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

From the Rocky Mount Telegram of June 2, 2009
Robbery attempts foiled: Victims break free, chase suspects in separate incidents

Spencer Cockrell told authorities he cut himself loose and grabbed his gun late Monday night after he and his wife were tied down at their Nash County home and robbed at gunpoint by two Rocky Mount men, later identified as Jesus Pryor and Justin L. Shaw.

Deputies said Cockrell freed himself as Pryor, 27, and Shaw, 22, fled the scene. Cockrell chased after them with a gun, officials said. Cockrell told authorities he found Pryor outside the home, attempting to cut the phone line.

Pryor allegedly raised his gun, deputies said, and Cockrell fired shots at the suspect, striking him in the arm and buttocks.

Pryor ran and later was found bleeding in the back of a pickup truck on Old Carriage Road, near the alleged crime scene. He was taken to Nash General Hospital then airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital, where he remained in stable condition Tuesday.

Authorities were continuing to search for Shaw on Tuesday.

Arrion T. Dickens, a suspected getaway driver in the burglary, was found in Rocky Mount early Tuesday and arrested, authorities said. Dickens, 26, was charged with first-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree kidnapping. Similar charges will be filed against Pryor once he’s released from the hospital, deputies said.

No charges will be filed against Cockrell, deputies said.

South Carolina: Citizen holds suspected burglar at gunpoient, aids in arrest

Merriweather, South Carolina

From the Edgefield Daily of June 3, 2009
Citizen holds suspected burglar at gunpoient, aids in arrest

Citizens doing their part to stop the rash of burglaries paid off after a Richmond County man was taken into custody by an armed homeowner Wednesday afternoon. Jamie Tyler, of Garrett Road, (Left) said he saw the man the Sheriff’s Office was hunting run from behind a shed in his yard and pulled his Glock 9 mm pistol and ordered the man to the ground. “I had my gun on him and yelled at him to get down, get down, or I’ll put you down.” When the suspect turned around and saw the gun pointed at him he complied and deputies arrived moments later to take him into custody.

The manhunt began after another citizen heeded recent pleas from the Sheriff’s Office to call in suspicious vehicles and reported a red Mustang pulling in and out of driveways on Republican Road around 1:30 pm. A nearby deputy responded to the area and spotted a red Mustang parked at a home at 708 Republican Road. Deputy Jessie Robles exited his car to run the license plate and a man emerged from the back corner of the house holding a small fire safe and a jewelry box. When ordered to stop the man dropped the goods and fled into the woods.

Edgefield County Sheriff Adell Dobey and every available deputy converged on the area within minutes setting up a perimeter. “We knew he was still in the area,” Sheriff Dobey said. Edgefield and Aiken County Bloodhound Teams began tracking the suspect as a SLED helicopter circled above. “I called everybody I could for help,” Sheriff Dobey said, “We weren’t going to let him get away.”

A caller reported a man fitting the description running behind Buck Tyler’s Taxidermy on the corner of Garrett Road and Martintown Road which was just a few hundred yards away from the crime scene. Deputies in the area began checking homes and informing residents of the situation. That is when Mr. Tyler said he made sure his children were safe inside of his home and went outside to keep an eye out for the suspect. That is when the man emerged and Mr. Tyler held him at gunpoint until deputies could arrive and cuff him.

(More)

Michigan: Gun Turned On Would-Be Robber

Detroit, Michigan

From WDIV of June 11, 2009
Gun Turned On Would-Be Robber

A 16-year-old was shot and wounded with his own gun Thursday morning during an attempted robbery on Detroit's west side, police said.

Two teenagers, one carrying a rifle and the other a handgun, approached a man at the BPS Gas Station on Plymouth Road and the northbound Southfield Service Drive around 6:40 a.m.

The robbery victim grabbed a gun out of the teen's hand and shot him with it.

The wounded teen jumped into a vehicle and attempted to drive away, but crashed into several cars on Forrer Street.

He was transported to Sinai Grace Hospital and is in stable condition.

The other robber fled the area. There are unconfirmed police reports that the second robbery suspect was arrested in downtown Detroit.

Texas: Bakery worker shoots and kills would-be robber

San Antonio, Texas

From WOAI of June 11, 2009
Bakery worker shoots and kills would-be robber

A man was shot and killed when police say he tried to rob a bakery.

Investigators told News 4 WOAI Roberto Adame tried to rob the Cinderella Bakery in the 1200 block of Saltillo Street on the West Side Wednesday evening.

The bakery owner's son, who was working in the back, heard screams and came out with a gun. Police say he shot Adame at least two times.

Adame took off running. Police found him a few blocks away from the bakery and called for an ambulance. He was taken to Wilford Hall Medical Center, where he later died.

The bakery owner's son is not expected to face any charges.

Sarasota Robbery Victim Shoots Robber

Sarasota, Florida

From June 11, 2009 WWSB channel 7:

SARASOTA, FL. - A juvenile attempting to rob a Sarasota man by gunpoint ends up being shot by the victim.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers responded to the 3900 block of N. Rilma Avenue early Thursday in reference to an armed robbery.

Once on scene it was determined that the victim, 54-year-old Elliot Firby, had been followed home from the area of University and U.S. 301 by a black full-sized pickup truck.

While Firby was attempting to unlock the fence surrounding his residence the pickup truck pulled in front of his driveway. As the pickup truck came to a stop a single black male exited the vehicle's passenger door armed with a shotgun. The black male ordered the victim to the ground.

As Firby was kneeling down with his hands over his head the suspect began fumbling with the shotgun. At this point Firby reached into his pocket retrieved his personal firearm and shot at the suspect twice. Firby has a valid concealed weapons permit.

According to Firby, the suspect was struck once in the abdomen. The suspect dropped the shotgun and a t-shirt in the victim's yard, jumped into the passenger side of the pickup truck and fled the area.

A short time later a juvenile was dropped off by a black full sized pickup truck at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital with a single bullet wound to his abdomen. The pickup truck and it's driver did not remain at the hospital. The truck was later located at the suspect's residence, it was towed for processing to the Sarasota Police Department.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

California: Attempted robbery at North Long Beach pawn shop ends with robber, employee shot

Long Beach, California

From the Press Telegram of June 9, 2009
Attempted robbery at North Long Beach pawn shop ends with robber, employee shot

Three would-be robbers stormed a North Long Beach pawn shop Tuesday morning armed with one gun and a lot of bravado.

When the suspects fled Long Beach Pawn & Jewelry, however, all they had to show for their efforts was a bullet from the shop supervisor's gun lodged in one suspect's leg, witnesses said.

The 64-year-old supervisor from Long Beach was also shot, and hit in the face, but is expected to survive, authorities said.

Police at the scene said the suspects clearly picked the wrong target, which is at 5106 Long Beach Blvd.

"I mean, who's stupid enough to try and rob a pawn shop?," said one witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They have tons of security, it's covered in cameras, who doesn't know that?"

The witness told the Press-Telegram that he was walking into the pawn shop to pay his bill when the armed suspect walked in right before him. He recalled the gunman vividly due to his custom-looking, three-piece white suit, which looked like it belonged in church more than a pawn shop.

"(The shop's employees) even complimented him on his dress," the witness recalled, saying the suspect asked a female employee to show him some rings because he was shopping for his girlfriend.

After she took the armed man to the back of the shop, the other two suspects - dressed in casual clothes - rushed in, the witness said.

One man jumped the counter and the other stayed by the front door as the armed suspect ordered everyone on the floor. That prompted the shop's supervisor - who the witness knew only as Bob - to confront the trio, the witness said.

As the other employees ran to the back of the store and customers hit the ground, the shop's supervisor and the gunman faced off and both opened fire, the witness said.

The supervisor was shot in the cheek and fell back while one of the suspects was hit in the leg, the witness said.

"After the first shots I heard three more shots, and then (the suspects) crawled out of there," the witness said.

"They got nothing...but one of them left his gun behind," he added.

Long Beach police were called to the business at about 10:30 a.m. and confirmed an employee was shot but did not release any information about the shootout or the extent of the victim's injuries.

Long Beach Fire Department paramedics treated the victim at the scene and took him to a hospital. He was listed in mild distress and stable condition, said Capt. Jackawa Jackson.

The witness said that a river of blood gushed from the victim's cheek wound, prompting the witness to take off his shirt and use it to apply pressure to the wound while he talked to a 911 operator.

"He was saying 'I can't feel my arms, I can't feel my legs, I'm going to pass out, I'm going to die!" the witness recalled. "He was (going into shock) but we were able to keep him with us."

After the shooting, several people were seen inside the pawn shop talking with police. Shattered glass was scattered everywhere from the gunshots.

Detectives were checking security camera footage at the shop and other businesses in the area to help identify the suspects, said officers at the scene.

A search area was set up immediately after the botched robbery, but as of 5 p.m. the suspects were still at large, said Officer Jackie Bezart, an LBPD spokeswoman.

The three suspects were described as black males in their 20s, Bezart said.

Witnesses said the two suspects who were not armed were wearing sweat shirts with hoods and said the supervisor who was shot was an older man known to wear his gun in a holster while working in the shop.

They also said there were several more guns behind the counter, but that none of the other employees could get to the weapons because one suspect had jumped the counter and blocked their access.

"I hate to think what would have happened if Bob didn't have his gun," the witness said. "It probably would have turned into a take-over."

(More)

Indiana: Suspect in home invasion robbery shot during struggle

Evansville, Indiana

From the Courier Press of June 7, 2009
Suspect in home invasion robbery shot during struggle

A 21-year-old Evansville man was shot in the hand this afternoon as he wrestled with a man he was trying to rob, authorities said.

Bassil Mohammad Kamali was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail after being checked out at Deaconess Hospital for a minor wound.

He is being held without bond pending an initial court appearance Monday. Preliminary charges are listed as robbery with a firearm, armed burglary, intimidation with a weapon and criminal recklessness, all felonies.

Evansville Police Department Sgt. Greg Motz said Kamali was armed with a handgun when he knocked on the victim's door in the 900 block of Douglas Drive. It happened shortly before 2 p.m.

Motz said Kamali, who also lives in the area, heard that the victim had just sold a stereo and believed he had cash on him.

The victim was asleep and his two children - ages 6 and 8 - answered the door. The children started screaming when the armed suspect barged in, Motz said.

"(Then the victim) comes out and wrestles with the guy with the gun and pushes him out," Motz said. "At some point, the gun goes off and shoots the suspect in the hand."

A man nearby heard the children screaming for help during the struggle, Motz said. He then stopped Kamali from fleeing and physically held him on scene until authorities arrived.

"The guy jumped over the privacy fence when he heard the kids screaming," Motz said. "It was a heroic act."

Georiga: Kelltown convenience store robbed at gunpoint

Tift County, Georiga

From WALB of June 7, 2009
Kelltown convenience store robbed at gunpoint

The Tift County convenience store owner who stared down the barrel of a gun during an armed robbery tells us the thieves are now in custody.

An armed woman wearing a ski mask entered the Holiday Market of Highway 319 and demanded the clerk for money. That was when a customer already at the register pulled out his gun and shot the woman in the foot.

She dropped her gun in the store and dropped her drivers license in the parking lot as she tried to get away in a Ford F-150. A man was driving that getaway pick-up. The store owner tells us police caught up with that driver later that night.

The woman was later taken into custody after she tried to get treatment at Tift Regional hospital for her gunshot wound. The Tift County Sheriff's Office would not give us the suspects names.

California: No arrest expected in weekend shootout near Covelo

Covelo, California

From the Press-Democrat of June 8, 2009
No arrest expected in weekend shootout near Covelo

A man injured during a shootout near Covelo is not a homicide suspect as Mendocino sheriff’s detectives say he apparently was acting in self defense when he shot and killed another man.

“He didn’t draw first,” said Mendocino County sheriff’s Lt. Rusty Noe Monday.

Round Valley resident Jason McLean, 22, died in the gunfire exchange early Saturday during a party in the woods.

Andrew Card, 23, was shot once, according to sheriff’s officials.

The two apparently have a long-standing feud, involving Card stabbing McLean two years ago at a Labor Day rodeo. Card served time in county jail for the stabbing.

Early Saturday, as a party in the woods was winding down, McLean reportedly got a high-powered rifle from his car and fired at Card.

Card pulled out a handgun and began firing back. The two men, standing about five feet apart, fired several times at each other.

McLean was hit at least four times and died.

Card was flown to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for surgery. He was not at that hospital Sunday, said a hospital spokesman. Noe said he may have been transported closer to home.

Noe said Card’s status wasn’t known by detectives as the man wasn’t a suspect.

“It’s still under investigation but he was not arrested. We’re going to complete the investigation and submit if for the DA’s decision,” Noe said.

Tennessee: Man Fires In Self-Defense, Kills Attacker

Lookout Mountain, Georgia

From WTVC of June 9, 2009
Man Fires In Self-Defense, Kills Attacker

An act of self-defense leaves a Lookout Mountain, Georgia man dead and a family grieving.

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said his deputies tried to stop an on-going, heated family dispute but it was just too late.

"Unfortunate for the victim, the victim's family and the person that had to do the shooting," Sheriff Wilson said.

Harry Lee Derryberry, known as Chuck, was just 45-years-old when his life ended in a field on his family's property in Rising Fawn on Lookout Mountain. He had been shot in the groin with a 12-gauge shotgun. His family called 911 earlier saying they needed help quickly with a domestic dispute that turned violent.

"Upon speaking with the deputy arriving on the scene, he told me he actually heard the gunshot when the gun was fired," Sheriff Wilson explained.

Sheriff Wilson said Brian Lee Walden fired the gun, acting in self-defense and is not being charged. He and several family members were assaulted by Derryberry - the result of an argument over one of his sons.

"It appears that a 62-year-old female victim sustained injuries along with maybe one or two other people, along with the shooter," Sheriff Wilson said.

The family told a story of Derryberry that included a life of alcoholism and depression. The family said Derryberry had threatened his own life and others during a fit of rage Monday evening. They and the sheriff said after Walden was struck in the face Walden got his shotgun and told Derryberry to stay away.

"Pretty well warned the victim, said stay away but he came at him in an aggressive manner," Sheriff Wilson said.

District Attorney Buzz Franklin reviewed the circumstances and evidence, along with the Georgia law and found that Walden's actions were justified.

Derryberry was a father of three children.

Pennsylvania: Oakmont police nab shirtless, tipsy home intruder

Oakmont, Pennsylvania

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of May 27, 2009
Oakmont police nab shirtless, tipsy home intruder

Oakmont police said they arrested an intoxicated man early Sunday as he attempted to enter a house in which the owner had armed himself.

The man, Brian Adam Witkovitz of Elicker Road, Plum, gave no statements and indicated no motive as to why he tried to enter two houses in the 600 block of Ninth Street about 3 a.m., according to the police report.

Police said officers responded about 30 seconds after the owner of a house called the Allegheny County emergency dispatcher to report a burglary in progress. Officer Joseph Cattani observed Witkovitz, who was shirtless, open the storm door to the attached garage, according to police.

Despite instructions to the contrary from the dispatcher, the homeowner had armed himself in anticipation of meeting the intruder.

Cattani, backed up by another officer, entered the garage and subdued Witkovitz without incident before the suspect entered the house.

Witkovitz has been charged with burglary, criminal attempt, public drunkenness, loitering and prowling at night, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and simple trespass. He is free on a non-monetary bond.

Oakmont Police Chief Dave DiSanti praised his officers for their quick response.

"They managed to keep the burglar from bumping into the armed homeowner," he said. "You can see how bad it would have been, had there been a confrontation. It took a lot of fortitude for Cattani to enter the garage."

Florida: Burglar chased off by shotgun-wielding homeowner

Ocala, Florida

From the Ocala Star-Banner of June 4, 2009
Burglar chased off by shotgun-wielding homeowner

An unemployed man who reportedly sneaked into a home shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday was chased away by a shotgun-wielding homeowner.

According to officials, Stephen Cody Hand, 18, was later arrested and charged with occupied burglary.

The victim, Harold D. Chick, told officials that he and his wife and daughter were watching television in his bedroom when the women fell asleep. Chick said he had just closed his eyes when he heard the television shut off.

He said he opened his eyes and saw a white man, about 5-foot-7, with dark hair, wearing a white tank top and plaid shorts, standing in the room. Chick said he grabbed his shotgun, which was nearby, and the intruder slowly walked out of the home.

"He was standing there at the foot of the bed, and I was wondering who the hell is standing there," said Chick, 67, in an interview with the Star-Banner.

Chick told deputies the man may have silently entered the home through the unlocked front door. The door was left unsecured so his other daughter, who was visiting a friend, could come in. Chick told the Star-Banner the door is normally secured, but because his daughter did not want to disturb her mother, who is a nurse, he left the door unlocked.

Nothing was taken from the home, located in the 3400 block of Southwest 90th Street, officials said.

Deputies were called and a perimeter was set up. During their search, deputies spotted a man wearing plaid shorts, but no shirt, who fit the description of the man they were looking for.

Authorities brought Chick to the location, where he identified Hand as the man who was inside his home.

Asked by deputies where he was coming from, Hand told them he was sleeping and had been at home all night. Asked about fresh shoe prints in the dirt, he said he was walking down the road.

Officials then arrested him.

And though Hand is in the Marion County Jail, the incident has left Chick searching for answers.

"I would like to know what was he up to. What was he going to do? I don't know if he had a weapon," Chick said.

Hand declined an interview request.

Illinois: Burglar Shot During Home Invasion

Hardin County, Illinois

From WSIL of June 10, 2009
Burglar Shot During Home Invasion

A home invasion late Tuesday night ended with an alleged burglar in the hospital, according to Hardin County Sheriff Tom Seiner.

The sheriff reported in a press release that the woman in the home shot the intruder.

The home on Tower Rock Road outside Elizabethtown belongs to Marty Impastato and her husband Bruce, who was not home.

Impastato's daughter tells News Three that the man entered the home through an unlocked window. Shawna Stevens says the man is a friend of the family who visits the home regularly. She says she's not sure why he broke in.

According to Stevens, Impastato grabbed her gun when she heard the man make his way across the house. Stevens reports that when the man entered the bedroom and rustled through the safe where the family keeps jewelry and prescription drugs, Impastato shot him.

Illinois statute makes it legal for the victim of a home invasion to shoot someone in their home if they believe they can prevent violence to themselves or others in the dwelling or they reasonably believe that force is necessary to prevent a felony.

The sheriff's department is not releasing the name of the alleged burglar. He is described only as a white male in his twenties. Wednesday night he was in the intensive care unit at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He has not been charged.

North Carolina: Winston-Salem resident shoots intruder

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

From the News-Record of June 10, 2009
Winston-Salem resident shoots intruder

A resident shot and wounded one of four men who forced themselves into his apartment Tuesday night, police said.

About 10:18 p.m., Joseph Tyler Cox, of 5039 Winster Dr., Apt. 203, responded to a knock on the door, according to Winston-Salem police.

Four men dressed in dark clothes with their faces concealed forced themselves inside. One was armed with a knife.

Cox retrieved a handgun and began to fire at the suspects, police said.

Quenton Alphonzo Taylor, 18, of 5489 Country Side Drive, Apt. F, was struck by several rounds, according to police.

Cox also shot himself in the hand and was stabbed several times in the back.

The three other suspects fled on foot, leaving Taylor behind, police said.

Cox and Taylor were taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where they were treated for their injuries.

Charges are pending for Taylor, police said.

Wisconsin: Security guard kills would-be robber, police say

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Journal-Sentinel of June 3, 2009
Security guard kills would-be robber, police say

A security guard shot two men who were trying to rob a check cashing business on Milwaukee's northwest side Wednesday afternoon, killing one and injuring the other, police said.

Ronald Reed, 24, was shot in the back and collapsed in an alley behind the building at 3906 N. 76th St., where he was pronounced dead, police said.

His cousin, Vidal Mason, 22, turned up at a hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was in critical but stable condition late Wednesday.

The men were identified by family members at the scene.

Reed and Mason were arrested in 2005 for committing an armed robbery together, Assistant Police Chief James Harpole said. Both were convicted of two counts of armed robbery in 2006, according to online court records.

The men were armed with guns when they entered Check Into Cash about 3:40 p.m. and ordered everyone to the floor, including the security guard, according to Harpole and a statement from the Police Department.

One man told the other to shoot the guard, who got up and fired shots at both men, according to the statement.

"He felt that he was going to be shot or that someone else was going to be shot, so he took defensive action," Harpole said.

Reed ran from the store and collapsed in the alley, Harpole said.

Mason also ran from the store and wound up at a hospital.

No one else inside the store was injured, Harpole said. Money taken during the robbery was recovered, said the department's statement.

The security guard, who is in his 20s, was being interviewed by police, Harpole said. The preliminary investigation suggests the guard was properly licensed to carry a gun on the job, he said.

(More)

Arizona: Phoenix liquor store clerk shoots would-be robber

Phoenix, Arizona

From the Arizona Repulic of June 6, 2009
Phoenix liquor store clerk shoots would-be robber

A Phoenix liquor store clerk shot a would-be robber Saturday afternoon, after the robber pulled a knife on the clerk, police said.

Phoenix police gave this account:

About 12:30 p.m. two men went to a liquor store, near 23rd and Northern avenues after having been there two hours before.

During the second trip to the store, one of the men stayed outside. The other asked the clerk for a piece of paper.

As the clerk was waiting on other customers, the 29-year-old suspect wrote something on the paper. After the other customers left, the suspect handed a robbery note to the clerk. The clerk acted as though he couldn't read.

That's when the suspect came towards the clerk and opened a gate, which separates the clerk from the customers, and pulled out a knife. Seeing this, the clerk grabbed a gun and shot the suspect.

The suspect ran out of the store and across the street to a friend's apartment. He knocked on the door and collapsed. The friend called 911.

Police arrived and the suspect was taken to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Milwaukee Security Guard Shoots BB Gun Armed Robbers

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the June 7, 2009 Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

The two men who were shot by a security guard while trying to rob a Milwaukee check cashing business last week were armed with realistic-looking BB guns, according to a Police Department spokeswoman.

Ronald X. Reed Jr., 24, was shot in the back and died at the scene, police said. His cousin, 22-year-old Vidal D. Mason, was shot in the abdomen.

The BB guns "looked very much like authentic weapons," police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz wrote in an e-mail.

The men also used BB guns while committing a string of armed robberies in 2005, court records show.

Reed and Mason were wearing masks when they entered Check Into Cash, 3906 N. 76th St., on Wednesday afternoon and ordered everyone to the floor, including the armed guard, police said at the time.

One cousin told the other to shoot the guard, who got up and fired shots at both men, police said.

Reed ran from the store and collapsed in a nearby alley. Mason also ran and turned up at a hospital a short time later.

The preliminary investigation suggests the guard, who has not been identified, was properly licensed to carry a gun on the job, police said.

The guard is employed by Pratt Security and Investigations. The company's president, John Pratt, said the company and its employees have the proper licenses and permits. He declined to answer questions about the robbery and shooting.

The Milwaukee County district attorney's office will review the incident Monday, Schwartz said.

Reed and Mason also were armed with BB guns when they committed five armed robberies together over four days in 2005, targeting people returning home late at night on the city's west side, according to a criminal complaint filed against them.

Both were convicted in 2006 of two counts of armed robbery, according to online court records.

Reed was sentenced by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Elsa Lamelas to three years in state prison - with credit for 263 days for time served - and five years of extended supervision, the court records show.

He was released from prison Aug. 26, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Lamelas sentenced Mason to two years in state prison - with credit for 236 days for time served - and five years of extended supervision, according to court records.

Mason was released from prison Aug. 21, 2007, according to the Department of Corrections.