Texas: Intruder shot in San Marcos

San Marcos, Texas

From the Statesman of October 22, 2009

Intruder shot in San Marcos

A man San Marcos police said was shot after breaking into a home on Oscar Smith Drive armed with a BB gun, is in stable condition today at University Medical Center Brackenridge, police Commander Penny Dunn said.

Police released no names involved in the shooting as they continued their investigation, Dunn said. No charges have been filed in the case, she said.

Officers were first called at 9:50 p.m. Wednesday from someone reporting a break-in in progress at the back door of a home in the 700 block of Oscar Smith Drive, Dunn said.

One of three people in the home at the time fired several shots at a man Dunn said was armed with a BB handgun. The intruder then fled on foot wounded, she said.

Dunn said police were alerted that a man with several gunshot wounds came to Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos after 10 p.m. Doctors there gave him primary treatment and the suspect was transferred to Brackenridge, she said.

Ohio: Police: Victim Shoots Would-Be Robber

Grove City, Ohio

From 10TV of October 26, 2009

Police: Victim Shoots Would-Be Robber

Police said that a robbery victim acted in self-defense when he shot a man who was trying to rob him late Monday morning.

The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. behind a Wendy's restaurant, located on Broadway.

Investigators told 10TV's Glenn McEntyre that a man was walking his dog when another man approached him with a gun and demanded his wallet.

The victim complied and then pulled out his own gun, shooting the robber, police said.

The accused robber, Keith Walker Jr., ran to a nearby neighborhood where he collapsed. Walker underwent surgery at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, McEntyre reported.

Amir Ibrahim, 19, was charged with tampering with evidence in connection with the incident. According to police, Ibrahim lives at the home where Walker collapsed and hid his gun and the victim's wallet inside the home.

Ohio: Great-grandmother who shot robber says 'God was with me'

Columbus, Ohio

From the Columbus Dispatch of October 22, 2009

Great-grandmother who shot robber says 'God was with me'

When an armed robber barged into a North Side motel room Wednesday night and ordered the six people there to the floor, he put a 70-year-old woman closer to her handgun.

The great-grandmother knelt between the beds, reached into her purse on the floor and pulled out her .357 Magnum pistol.

She fired one shot at the robber, who staggered from the room, collapsed in the parking lot and died.

"It's a wonder she didn't shoot us all," said her 51-year-old son, who was preparing to hand over his cash when he heard the gunshot. "She's the worst shot in the world.

"She said to me, 'God was with me tonight. You know I couldn't have done that myself.'"

None of the family members, who live in Ironton, wanted to be identified, fearing retaliation; and the woman didn't want to be interviewed. They have moved to a different room in the motel.

"She's torn all to pieces," her son said. "Who would ever want to shoot someone?"

Wayne Winston, 25, died of a single gunshot wound in the chest, Franklin County Coroner Jan Gorniak said yesterday. Police listed his address as "streets of Columbus."

The woman has a permit to carry a concealed gun, her son said, and carries the gun she inherited from her late husband.

Asked to describe his mother, he said, "Religious. She's always been my hero."

The family was staying in a first-floor room at the Continent Inn, near I-71 and Rt. 161, while attending the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. The son said he was in the room with his mother, his wife, his daughter and son-in-law and a family friend.

The door was partially open so the adults could stay within earshot of two girls, ages 12 and 17, in the room next door.

The son said the door flew open shortly after 9 p.m. and they found themselves confronted by a man who pointed a black handgun at them and said, "Everybody here knows what the game is." He told them to get on the floor and began demanding money from the son and his son-in-law, who were closest to the door. The gunman seemed angry that the son-in-law had only $14.

"I was going into my pocket for money" when a shot rang out and the gunman ran from the room, the son said. "I thought I was shot. I didn't realize my mother had shot him. It was mass chaos."

He still wasn't sure what had happened when he went outside and saw the intruder's body in the parking lot. Then he heard a second shot. His mother, the gun at her side, had tensed up and "squeezed off another shot into the floor," he said.

Columbus police don't expect to file charges against the woman but said the case probably will be presented to a Franklin County grand jury as a routine procedure. The son said the officers who met with his family were "extremely supportive."

He has a horse farm and is attending the Quarter Horse Congress to watch his 21-year-old daughter compete and to support others who train at his farm.

Word of the shooting spread quickly yesterday among those attending the event, which is in its third and final week at the Ohio Expo Center.

"That's a hell of a woman," said George Wyeth, 63, of Claysville, Pa. "I don't blame her a bit. You pull a gun on someone, you ought to get shot."

"I give her a lot of credit," said Beverly Hicks, 77, of Perrysburg in northwestern Ohio, who doesn't know many people her age who carry guns. "I'd be afraid to carry a gun."

Police Sgt. Ken Tischler, a community liaison officer, said armed robberies of motel guests near the Continent are rare, but he had warned people attending the Congress about a rash of vehicle break-ins at motels in the I-71 and Rt. 161 area - 102 thefts from autos between mid-August and late September.

Texas: Homeowner's one shot lands would-be burglar in ER

Hawkins, Texas

From KLTV of October 19, 2009

Homeowner's one shot lands would-be burglar in ER

It took one shot for an East Texas senior to put an end to a would-be robber's crime spree. The story began around 2am Monday morning at Southside Bank in Hawkins. The branch is located inside Brookshire's, right off Highway 14. That is where police say 19-year-old David McWhorter was spotted, first. We spoke to the homeowner whose one shot landed the alleged burglar in the ER.

"Just...put the gun up to the window, and he was standing there and I pulled the trigger," said the 78-year-old homeowner.

One shot through the window was all it took. Our homeowner didn't mind an on camera interview, but asked his name not be released. He suffers from a hip injury and was sitting in his chair when the suspect broke into his screened porch. He says it is not the first time he has been broken into. Every window is now nailed shut and a baggie full of ammo for his 4-10 single-shot shotgun is always nearby.

"Everything I worked hard for all my life...no one's just going to come in here and take it if I can help it," said the homeowner.

"If you can't retreat, you have every right in the world to protect yourself," said Hawkins Police Lieutenant A.J. Randell.

Randell says while police worked the call at Brookshire's, another call came in about the break-in about a block away. Police say the suspect was found across the street, inside his brother's car with a gun shot wound to the left shoulder.

"He came in, woke him up and said, 'I'd been shot! Take me to the hospital,'" said Randell.

"I'm sorry that it happened, but he shouldn't be trying to break in and trying to steal other people's property," said the 78-year-old. "Protect what's mine, you know?"

And, after 23 years of retired life, our homeowner doesn't plan on moving anytime soon.

Attempted Rape Foiled by Armed Victim

Forest Grove, Oregon

From October 16, 2009 KATU channel 2:

FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Police have arrested a man after a woman was sexually assaulted in her own home in Forest Grove, just west of the Portland suburb of Hillsboro.

Floyd Dale Elliott faces rape and burglary charges after being accused of entering the victim's home in the middle of the night last month. Police said he then tried to rape her.

The woman reportedly grabbed a gun, hidden near her bed, and started firing.

Civilian Gun Defense Blog Featured in NRA Magazineo

The Gun Defense blog has been featured on the cover of the November issue of the NRA's America's First Freedom. The article, written by gun defense blogger David Burnett, contains a simple write-up of summaries and totals on the various different types of crimes prevented by armed citizens, as documented on this blog over the past several years. The article will soon be available on the magazine's website.

Schroeppel, New York Homeowner Shoots Intruder

Schroeppel, New York

From the October 18, 2009 Syracuse Post-Standard:

Schroeppel, NY - When Deanna Candee and her son, Adam, returned from a shopping trip Saturday to their Schroeppel home, they suspected something was wrong when they saw the garage door open.

Candee’s home had been ransacked. An intruder was still inside.

As her 25-year-old son moved toward the cellar to check out a noise, Deanna, 48, started into the house, said Wilson Candee, Deanna’s father-in-law.

The intruder confronted her and grabbed her by the hair, Wilson Candee said. Adam heard his mother scream, went to her aid and pulled the intruder off. He and the stranger began to struggle.

The fight ended, Oswego County Sheriff’s officials said, when Deanna grabbed her pistol and shot the man.

Phoenix police found Timothy Hartigan, 39, dead in a bedroom when they arrived shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday, Wilson Candee provided details about the struggle based on his conversations with Candee, his grandson, and investigators.

Candee legally owned the gun with which she shot Hartigan, sheriff’s department officials said.

...

Wilson Candee said the intruder’s motive did not appear to be theft. Money left in a wallet was untouched and no articles appeared to have been gathered for removal, he said.

But he said he was told the house had been thoroughly vandalized with doors broken, glass smashed, and pictures and knick knacks knocked from the walls. Cutlery was strewn along the hallway leading to the bedroom. There also were signs that the intruder had cooked bacon and eggs, he said.

Hartigan had a history of mental illness, according to his former wife, Denise L. Cunningham, and a man answering the phone at Hartigan’s mother’s home who identified himself as Hartigan’s brother-in-law.

When Hartigan was taking his medications he was a great guy, a good father to his two children and a good friend to many, Cunningham said. He was artistic and enjoyed drawing and woodcarving, although he did less after he was diagnosed, she said.

“When he was on his medicine he was a good person,” Cunningham said. “He would never have dreamt of doing this.”

Cunningham said her former husband was diagnosed a decade or so ago and recently had been treated at University Hospital.

“His son and I had just gone to visit him ... we actually saw him a week ago today,” Cunningham said.

The hospital released Hartigan on Tuesday, she said. Hartigan’s illness could not be learned Sunday.

A spokeswoman for the hospital declined to comment, citing privacy regulations.

Hartigan was no longer living at the downtown Syracuse YMCA, where he had resided about eight years, Cunningham said, and she didn’t know where he was living after his discharge.

Parole Violator Shot In Jefferson City

Jefferson City, Missouri

From the October 14, 2009 News-Tribune:

A parole absconder from St. Louis is believed to have shot another man in a Tuesday night robbery near downtown Jefferson City, then was shot by one of his victims who acted in self-defense.

Patrick Evans, 37, who was released from prison two weeks ago, was found hiding in a small room in an upstairs apartment at 611 E. Capitol Ave. just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, more than 8 hours after the shooting incident downstairs at the same address, according to police reports.

"Officers were ready to re-canvass the area as daylight broke when they found a new blood trail which led to the apartment," said Capt. Mike Smith of the Jefferson City Police Department. "A female resident, we believe, helped hide him."

Late Wednesday afternoon, the Cole County prosecutor charged Evans with first-degree robbery. The charges say Evans also is known as Patrick Harris.

13-Year-Old Shoots Father In Defense Of Mother

Bromley, Alabama

From the October 15, 2009 Alabama Press-Register:

BROMLEY, Ala. -- A 13-year-old boy shot his father Tuesday night to protect his mother from harm, authorities said Wednesday.

Joseph "Simp" Pruitt, 46, was shot in the arm and side after threatening his wife with a 9 mm pistol, according to Baldwin County Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack Jr.

Pruitt remained in critical condition at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile, a hospital spokesman said Wednesday.

"We believe Mr. Pruitt was attempting to shoot Mrs. Pruitt," Mack said. "Their 13-year-old son became aware of this and retrieved a 20-gauge shotgun."

No one involved in the incident has been arrested, he said.

Deputies were called to a Williams Road address in the Bromley community about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. Mack said the 911 call came from inside the residence, though operators received several calls from neighbors who heard gunshots.

Pruitt was conscious when emergency responders arrived, he said.

Montana: Friend shoots hunter during bear attack

Livingston, Montana

From the Casper Star-Tribune Online of October 16, 2009

Friend shoots hunter during bear attack

A hunter attacked by a grizzly bear in southern Montana also had the misfortune of being shot in the arm by a companion trying to stop the attack.

The incident last Saturday resulted in the bear being killed, the attacked hunter surviving and no charges against the companion for shooting his friend.

Park County Sheriff Allan Lutes says his office looked into the shooting of the hunter and found no negligence, with the other hunter trying to save his friend and killing the bear.

"It doesn't point to anything but an accident," Lutes said.

However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are still investigating and have not released details, including the hunters' names.

Lutes says the hunters thought they were tracking a black bear near Cooke City.

They entered a grove of very dense, second-generation pine six to eight feet in height when their quarry, which actually was a grizzly, jumped one of the hunters.

"He was yelling at his partner to shoot the bear," Lutes said.

The first shot struck the hunter in the arm. Subsequent shots hit and killed the grizzly, which Lutes said was estimated to be 20-25 years old.

"It was a big boar," Lutes said.

Lutes advised hunters to use extreme caution while prowling the hills and forest for game.

"These hunters need to be very careful, especially in thick areas," he said.

Grizzlies are foraging, trying to add body weight before entering winter dens.

"They're not in good humor right now," Lutes said.

Ohio: Home invader shot and killed, police still hunting for accomplices

Springfield, Ohio

From WHIO of October 17, 2009

Home invader shot and killed, police still hunting for accomplices

A man was shot and killed during a home invasion attempt late last night, Oct. 15, but police are still hunting for his two accomplices.

Police say three black males wearing hooded sweatshirts and Halloween masks broke into the home at 214 W. Southern Avenue around 11:30 p.m. However, the homeowner wasn't helpless -- he fired at the armed invaders, killing 26-year-old DeMarkis Jones.

The other two men fled the scene. Springfield police are asking anyone with information about the incident or the two suspects to call (937) 324-7680.

Virginia: Late night antics lead to charges

Goochland, Virginia

From the Goochland Courier of October 15, 2009

Late night antics lead to charges

Werewolves aren't the only things to be wary of during a full moon.

After a month of little crime, the Goochland Sheriff's Office received a call from a Whitehall Rd. resident during the early hours of Oct. 3.

According the Sheriff Jim Agnew, the woman was home alone and reported to deputies that someone had attempted to break into her house by entering through the front door.

The woman called a second time, telling deputies that there was another attempt to enter her home, upon which the woman exercised her Second Amendment rights and drew a pistol on the man.

"She did the right thing," Agnew told the board of supervisors on October 6. "She said, 'Leave, or I'm gonna kill ya.'"

Deputies quickly apprehended Timothy Justin Tirado, 25, of Goochland, who is charged with burglary. At that time, Agnew said deputies had not yet found a passenger who was seen in Tirado's car.

Deputies remained in the area, looking for Tirado's partner.

"Around sunrise, we got a call from another resident off Forest Grove Rd.," Agnew said, "who said somebody was in the basement."

Tirado's partner, Valerie Lee Oliver, 32, of Chesterfield, had emerged from the basement, greeting the homeowner who had just poured herself a cup of coffee to start her morning.

Oliver is charged with breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor and petit larceny.

"They were both very intoxicated," Agnew alleged.

A sheriff's report stated that Oliver was wanted for a probation violation from Dinwiddie, and Agnew said both have prior histories.

"Hopefully they'll be going away for a while and won't be bothering us anymore," Agnew said.

Tirado and Oliver were eligible to be released on $5,000 secured bonds. Both are scheduled to appear in Goochland County General District Court on November 23.

Washington: Horse owner shoots pit bulls to save animal

Elk, Washington

From KNDO of October 13, 2009

Horse owner shoots pit bulls to save animal

The owner of a miniature horse says he was forced to shoot and kill three pit bulls that were mauling his animal.

Thursday, the horse's owner told the Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office the three dogs had come onto this property, off Juanita Lane and started attacking his horse.

The man fired several warning shots to try and scare the dogs and when the warning shots did not work, the man turned his aim to the dogs, shooting all three.

Two of the dogs died on the scene and the third ran off only to die later at a veterinarian's office.

While trying to get in touch with Justin Howell, the dogs' owner, a deputy discovered marijuana growing on Howell's property.

Howell told deputies he had Medicinal Marijuana Certificate and was growing marijuana for his own personal use, however an investigation found he had more than allowed for medicinal use under state law.

Howell was arrested for Manufacturing Marijuana and cited for dog at large.

The miniature horse suffered severe injuries and is being treated by a veterinarian.

Pennsylvania: Shots thwart Shrewsbury jewelry store heist

Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

From the York Daily Record of October 16, 2009

Shots thwart Shrewsbury jewelry store heist

Two people attempting to rob a Shrewsbury jewelry store Friday night were chased away when the store owner fired a shot at one of them, according to Southern Regional Police.

Chief James Childs said a man and woman walked into Alexander's Jewelry in the 400 block of South Main Street shortly before 8 p.m.

The woman brandished a gun, and the man attempted to put a pair of "flex" handcuffs on a customer - there were two customers and two employees in the store at the time - Childs said.

As the robber tried to put the handcuffs on the customer, the two got into a scuffle.

At that point, store owner Ken Zampier pulled out a gun and fired a shot at the female robber, Childs said.

Police believe the first shot might have hit the woman.

Both robbers took off, the chief said, and Zampier fired a second shot.

The man and woman were last seen running on South Main Street in Shrewsbury.

Police believe the woman might have ended up at a hospital in the Baltimore or Baltimore County area with a gunshot wound. Police in Maryland were also looking into a 911 radio report of a woman being dropped off in Baltimore County with a gunshot wound.

None of the customers or the employees at the store were injured in the robbery attempt, Childs said.

Stewartstown Police and the York County Forensics Unit were called to the scene to assist.

Massachusetts: Dog bites man, man shoots dog

Methuan, Massachusetts

From the Eagle Tribune of October 17, 2009

Dog bites man, man shoots dog

Matthew Reppucci was walking into his Linton Avenue yard when his neighbor's pit bull named Diesel jumped on him a few times and then bit him in the forearm.

So Reppucci pulled out his Colt .380 and shot the dog.

"The dog ran off," said patrol commander Capt. Randy Haggar. "It looks like the dog is going to live."

Haggar said Reppucci was licensed to possess the weapon.

He said that Reppucci agreed to turn over his pistol and a rifle and his gun license during the course of the investigation.

"That is standard procedure," Haggar said.

The owner of the dog, David Guzman, of 9 Linton Ave. second floor, rushed Diesel to Salem Animal Hospital where he was treated for a single gunshot wound to the right side of his chest.

At the scene, Josh Guzman, 33, brother of Diesel's owner called the incident with the dog a "fluke. He's a puppy. He's not even 2 years old."

"I was on the Internet and my cousin was making breakfast. I heard a shot but I didn't think anything of it. The next thing I knew the dog was coming upstairs bleeding," Josh Guzman said.

He said his sister and her children live on the first floor and they have had dogs for about 2 1/2 years.

"We've got kids," Josh Guzman said. "We don't put nobody in danger."

He said their dogs were well-trained and cared for, and that such an incident would not happen again.

"I am surprised it happened now," Josh Guzman said.

Haggar said Reppucci likely would not face any charges in connection with the incident.

"I don't believe at this time there will be any charges," Haggar said. "But we are going to review the case in its entirety before we make a final decision."

Reppucci did not respond to a knock on his door after the incident.

Texas: Homeowner shoots would-be burglar

Houston, Texas

From ABC13 of October 16, 2009

Homeowner shoots would-be burglar

A homeowner went for his gun when he heard noises in his backyard in the very early morning hours. In the end, a suspected thief was wounded and running for his life.

It happened on James and Cochran around 2:15am. The homeowner says he fired on the suspect to protect his property.

"We get robbed here all the time, we're used to it living in this neighborhood," said a frustrated homeowner who didn't want to be identified.

Frustrated that he and his neighbors were being repeatedly burglarized, one homeowner made a last minute decision to install a video camera late last night.

"Just wrap it up and so we can catch the guy," said the homeowner.

"You didn't have time to bolt it down, we asked.

"No chance to screw it on or nothing," he said.

Less than three hours later, the camera captured images of a man, allegedly trying to steal something from the front yard. From a neighboring surveillance camera, in the video you can see the burglar running away, just moments after the homeowner opened fire.

"I shot him, but I shot him on his foot. I didn't want to shoot him in the chest or head or anything, he was five feet away from me, I could have shot him between the eyes but I didn't want to kill him," said the homeowner.

The homeowner has owned his revolver for 40 years. He's never had to fire it, not even once, until early this morning.

One single shot through his bedroom window and the suspect was still able to run away but he didn't' get far. Police found and arrested him just a few blocks down the road. Residents in the neighborhood are now breathing a sigh of relief.

"That's good. I'm glad somebody took care of him," said another homeowner.

The video that was captured from the newly installed surveillance camera are now in the hands of the police. It apparently shows the face of the alleged burglar up close. Investigators have not released the suspect's identity.

Louisiana: Suspect shot during break-in found at hospital

Shreveport, Louisiana

From KSLA of October 15, 2009

Suspect shot during break-in found at hospital

Caddo Parish Deputies say they've made an arrest related to an early Thursday morning home invasion.

Investigators say the break-in happened just after 3 am at a home in the 1100 block of Oak Grove Lane. According to deputies, the homeowner was awakened when he heard someone kicking in the front door of his house. The homeowner said he grabbed a handgun, and when the suspect came into the bedroom, the homeowner shot at the suspect several times. The suspect then ran from the house.

When deputies arrived at the home, a loaded AK-47 was found near the front door. About 30 minutes after the shooting, deputies learned that a man showed up at Willis-Knighton Pierremont with gunshot wounds to both legs.

Deputies identified the man as 30-year-old Dion Lewis.

Lewis was treated at Pierremont then later transferred to LSU Hospital. Detectives say Lewis will be taken to jail on a charge of aggravated burglary once he recovers from his wounds.

Two other people were in the house at the time of the attempted robbery - a woman and the homeowner's 17-year-old son. No one inside the home was injured.

North Carolina: 911 Calls Reveal Details Of Break-In Suspect Shot By Homeowner

Greensboro, North Carolina

From DigiTriad.com of October 14, 2009

911 Calls Reveal Details Of Break-In Suspect Shot By Homeowner

Greensboro police say an 80-year-old man is not facing charges after he shot and killed a break-in suspect early Wednesday morning.

Charles Haithcock called 911 immediately following the shooting of 19-year-old Michael L. Medley who he says broke into his home.

Haithcock: "A man broke in on me and pulled a gun. i shot him and he's laying out in the yard."

911 Operator: "Is he breathing?"

Haithcock: "I don't know. he broke in the window. He pulled the air conditioning out in the living room. And I heard something and he come back to the bedroom. I was in the bed. And I opened the door and he had pulled, what looked like a shotgun, he was pointing it at me."

Police responded to the home on Walnut Street Wednesday morning, which is near Summit Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found Medley, Jr. dead from a gunshot wound.

"The guy ran into the back room, locked his door and shot through the bedroom door and killed him," said Haithcock's neighbor, who did not want to be identified.

At this time, Haithcock is not facing criminal charges. However, police say the shooting incident remains under investigation.

WFMY News 2 has learned that Medley has a criminal record, which includes a conviction for Common Law Robbery.

The apartment where the 80-year-old lives is located near the Greensboro Police Department's Eastern Division precinct.

"The police department is sitting right here, and they still kicked in this door and stole a car from in front of the house," said Haithcock's neighbor. "I would think this was the safest place to be."

Stay with digtriad.com and WFMY News 2 for more updates.

Orange County, Florida Man Shoots Teen Burglar

Orange County, Florida

From October 14, 2009 WFTV channel 9:

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- An Orange County man caught two burglars breaking into his house, so he pulled out his gun and shot them both Tuesday night. One of the burglars was killed and the other is in critical condition.

The deceased burglar was identified as 17-year-old Brandon Martinez.Deputies say the owner of the house on Rubens Court (see map) won't be arrested. They say he did nothing wrong.

The homeowner, along with his brother and son, had just gotten home from work when he confronted the burglars Tuesday night. They had already ransacked his house and even tried to get into a safe. Anthony Julien, 50, insists he had no choice but to take action.

“The way I look at it is like they invade my privacy and I was scared when I come in, so I defended, you know, my property,” he said (watch interview).

Julien took Eyewitness News step-by-step on what happened when he confronted the two burglars in his house.“I come in. I look to my left, one this way, one here. I had my gun like this and he was there, so I come in like that. When I come in, he run this way and he point his gun at me, then I go down and I 'pow,'" Julien described. “I keep on walking to him, walking to him, walking to him, he get up and I 'pow’ and I leave him."

Julien then focused on a second man in another bedroom.

“He run up from here, coming out to me, when come out, ’Pow!’ He fell to the ground there,” Julien said.

When Julien went outside to call 911, somehow one of the suspects was able to run away, but he didn't get far. Jonathan Rodriguez, 25, collapsed in the driveway of a home one street behind Julien's house.

Rodriguez was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and was treated for at least one gunshot wound. It doesn't appear that Martinez or Rodriguez had serious criminal records.

Anthony Julien drives an ice cream truck for a living and says he's always keeps a gun with him for protection.

Father Shoots Son In Self-Defense

Harkers Island, South Carolina

From the October 9, 2009 South Carolina News-Times:

BEAUFORT — No charges will be filed against the Harkers Island man who fatally shot his son in his home recently.

The County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that District Attorney Scott Thomas would not file charges against Cleveland Hackworth, 67, who shot and killed his son, Blake Hackworth, 45, in an incident at the family residence on Harkers Island on Sept. 27.

Mr. Thomas was unable to be reached for comment by presstime.

According to Capt. Jason Wank, based upon the facts and the law, Mr. Thomas reviewed the sheriff’s department’s case and concluded the incident was a justifiable homicide and that no criminal charges will be filed against Cleveland Hackworth.

The incident occurred following a day of aggressive behavior by the son that included attempted assault on his mother and his threatening to kill her.

“Family members said Mr. Hackworth had been exhibiting combative behavior for most of the day when the shooting took place,” Chief Deputy Ken Raper said at the time of the incident.

Police reports stated Blake Hackworth died Sept. 27 from the head wound he sustained after his father shot him as the junior Hackworth attempted to attack both his father and his mother, Peggy Hackworth.

Louisville Argument Probably Self-Defense

Louisville, Kentucky

From October 9, 2009 WLKY:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Louisville man was shot and killed overnight. Police said the shooter may have pulled the trigger in self defense.

Alexander Harris, 24, was found shot to death in the front yard of a home on Sunset Avenue just after 1 a.m. Friday, but police aren't saying why he came to the home and just what prompted his acquaintance to fire the deadly shots.

Police said Harris came to the front porch and got into an argument with one of the four people inside."Shots were fired at that time," said Lt. Barry Wilkerson of Metro Police. "Some rounds entered the home and the others struck the victim, fatally wounding him."

Police said Harris came to the house with a gun but they won't say if he actually fired the weapon. The shooter and the victim were acquaintances and neither actually lived at the residence.

Detectives said they didn't take the shooter into custody because they didn't feel they had enough probable cause to make an arrest.

"We will further take the information we have and further testing of the evidence to the commonwealth attorney's office and have them make a determination on whether charges should be placed or not," Wilkerson said.

Jefferson City, Missouri Robbery Goes Badly

Jefferson City, Missouri

From the October 9, 2009 Springfield, Missouri News-Leader:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Law officers now say a man killed near Jefferson City apparently was shot by one of the residents in the mobile home he and others were trying to rob.

The Cole County sheriff’s office previously had said that 19-year-old Lamar Gardner, of Kansas City, appeared to have been shot accidentally by another robber.

But Sgt. Bob Bruchsaler (Brook’-say-ler) said Friday that an adult resident of the home now says he fired the shot in defense of the two other adults and two children living there. He did not identify the person.

Florida: Bear shot at after it tries to break into Lee County home

Lee County, Florida

From the Naples News of October 12, 2009

Bear shot at after it tries to break into Lee County home

A bear was shot at by a Buckingham man Sunday night after the critter tried to get inside his house three times, state wildlife authorities said.

The bear tried first to go in a back door and left. It then tried the garage, left the area and came back again at the front door, said Gary Morse, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman. Each time, the family called 911 during the events that took place between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

Fish and Wildlife Lt. Michael Frantz filed a report stating that the man, who lives in the 6100 block of Higgins Boulevard, fired three rounds at the bear, which fled into the woods.

No trace of the bear has been found. Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies and wildlife officials could not find a blood trail and do not believe the bear was shot. The man does not face criminal charges for firing at the bear, Morse said.

The bear, estimated to be about 6 feet and weighing roughly 200 pounds, may be the same bear seen trying to get into a Fort Myers Shores house and Dumpster diving in the area. And it could be the same bear that was spotted eating pet food near a farm in North Fort Myers recently.

“The problem is going to get worse unless the community at-large secures garbage,” Morse said.

Some ways to reduce human-bear encounters is to use bungee cords to secure trash can lids, or keep garbage cans inside a shed or fenced-in area. Wildlife officials say pet food should never be kept outside and that bird feeders need to be placed in an area where bears cannot reach. Bear-resistant containers also are available.

If anyone sees a bear Dumpster diving, getting into trash or showing aggressive behavior, call the wildlife alert hotline at 800-404-FWCC

Texas: Homeowner: I shot intruder who was kicking my bedroom door

Houston, Texas

From TXCN of October 13, 2009

Homeowner: I shot intruder who was kicking my bedroom door

A Harris County man who shot an intruder in his home said pulling the trigger is the most difficult decision anyone can make.

“It’s a weird feeling,” Jorge Guzman said as he walked through his bullet-riddled home on Lima Drive. “I don’t care who it is or who they think they are, when you’re in that position, it’s totally different.”

The break-in occurred in the early morning hours last Monday. Only Guzman and his uncle were home at the time.

The chilling encounter was captured in a call to 911.

“Please, they’re breaking the windows,” Guzman told a dispatcher.

Guzman, who had barricaded himself in a back bedroom with a handgun, described the scene as it unfolded to dispatchers.

“I hear somebody in the house. They’re trying to open the door. Hurry! Please hurry,” he said.

The dispatcher continued to reassure Guzman that sheriff’s deputies were on the way. At one point, Guzman was instructed to lay down his weapon.

“Go and put your gun down because if you hear anything, it’s going to be the deputies,” the 911 dispatcher insisted.

Then, moments later, the sound of gunfire was caught on tape.

Guzman told 11 News he fired the shots because the intruder was trying to kick down the door to his bedroom.

“As soon as he put his foot there, that’s when I shot, because he had a big tattoo on his face and when the lady was telling me that’s the sheriff’s department, when he came into that door I said that’s not the sheriff’s department,” Guzman said.

Guzman said once he shot the suspect, the 19-year-old ran around his home trying to find a way to get out.

Deputies arrested the wounded suspect, along with a woman they say drove his getaway car.

Guzman is just happy to put the incident behind him.

“You don’t know what’s on the other side of that door,” said Guzman.

Alabama: 81-year-old man shoots Escambia County home invader to death

Brewton, Alabama

From the Press-Register of October 12, 2009

81-year-old man shoots Escambia County home invader to death

An 81-year-old man shot and killed a masked gunman during a home invasion early this morning at a residence north of Brewton, Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said.

The sheriff said the robber had been released from a Nebraska jail just two days before he was killed.

Smith declined to identify the homeowner, but said the man and his wife were in bed in their home along U.S. 31 north of town about 3 a.m. when the intruder kicked in the door to the home and entered their bedroom, demanding money.

Smith said the homeowner managed to retrieve a pistol from the bedside table and pointed it at the robber, who told the homeowner to drop the weapon.

Instead, Smith said, the homeowner fired the gun, striking the intruder in the forehead, killing him instantly.

Smith identified the intruder as Jeremy Paul McCall, believed to be 35 years old. Smith said McCall had a prior record, and had been released from a Nebraska jail about 48 hours before he was killed.

Smith said McCall's body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile for autopsy.

The shooting will be presented to the grand jury, Smith said, but the sheriff said he doubted the homeowner would face any charges.

"The man was in his home, in bed with his wife, and he acted in self-defense," Smith said. "And as far as the wife, she had armed herself with a shotgun by the time I got there."

Georgia: Bank Manager Pulls Gun on Armed Robber

Griffen, Georgia

From MyFoxAtlanta of October 8, 2009

Bank Manager Pulls Gun on Armed Robber

A former bank manager said Thursday that a life or death decision got him fired. The manager said he pulled a gun on a bank robber and fired shots at him, forcing the robber to flee. Police credited the manager's actions to the arrest of the suspect William Hunt.

Wesley Hallman said it was common knowledge that he carried a pistol. The former manger said he felt safer with the gun when he opened the bank.

Hallman said when he saw a would-be robber holding a gun in an employee's face, he challenged the man with his gun.

The robber turned, so Hallman said he fired a shot. The robber fired a shot, ran and then fired two more shots

Hallman said he was called into the bank the next day and fired. Hallman said there is a bank policy that employees can't carry weapons. The former branch manager said he knew violated company policy but he didn't violate the law.

Florida: Polk man shoots shotgun-wielding robber

Polk County, Florida

From ABC Action News of October 12, 2009

Polk man shoots shotgun-wielding robber

The Polk County Sheriff's Office says the victim of a would-be armed robbery shot one of his attackers on Sunday.

Johnny Preston told deputies he was in the front yard of his Lakeland home preparing his cargo van for work around 6 p.m. He spotted two men in a red 4-door Mazda driving by slowly, staring at him.

Preston became suspicious and retrieved his .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver from inside the van and wrote down the Mazda's vehicle tag number.

He went back to preparing his van. Moments later, he looked up and was staring down the barrel of a shotgun. The two men, who were wearing t-shirts over their faces, demanded his wallet.

Preston said he pushed the barrel of the shotgun away with one hand and fired his handgun with the other, hitting the armed suspect in the torso.

The suspect, identified as Michael Darnell Richardson of Lakeland, drove himself to Plant City Hospital where he was treated and arrested.

The other other suspect, identified as Mario Ford of Plant City, fled on foot, and was found hiding under a parked car.

Preston was not injured.

Georgia: 11 year old shoots at home invader

Albany, Georgia

From WALB of October 5, 2009

11 year old shoots at home invader

An 11 year old Albany boy fired a shot during a home invasion last night.

The boy shot a .357 magnum at a gunman who came into his house.

The 11-year old told Police about 7:15 Wednesday night that several juveniles kicked in the back door at his home in the 200 block of Tremont Avenue.

He said a boy with a pistol came into the house and pointed the gun at him.

That's when the 11-year old fired the .357. He said that scared the home invader off.

The Gang Unit is investigating because they think it could be gang related. They are not releasing the 11-year old's name for his protection.

Pennsylvania: Robbery Victim Fatally Shoots Suspect in W. Oak Lane

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From KYW of October 11, 2009

Robbery Victim Fatally Shoots Suspect in W. Oak Lane

Philadelphia homicide detectives are investigating a shooting death of an unidentified man around midnight in the city's Ogontz section of West Oak Lane. In this case it was the victim of a would-be robbery that turned the tables around on an armed bandit.

The armed robber was shot when he tried to rob to his victim. The incident took place in the 6400 block of north 15th street in the city's Ogontz section in West Oak Lane.

The 24-year-old armed suspect was pronounced dead at the scene of a chest wound. Police say the victim who he had targeted to rob was carrying a hand gun. When the suspect demanded all his money, the victim pulled out a gun and fired a shot killing the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the suspect matches the description in two other hold-ups Saturday night and investigators say they do not expect to charge the victim.

California: Man wrestles rifle from would-be robber

Escondido, California

From the North County Times of October 9, 2009

Man wrestles rifle from would-be robber

A store manager wrestled a loaded rifle from an unsuccessful thief Friday morning, then managed to get his license plate number after the robber tried to flee but got stuck in traffic.

Rodolfo Evaristo, 40, said all he could feel was fear as he stared down the barrel of a rifle at his store, Lopez Market, on 200 West El Norte Parkway. The robber had come in the front, but seeing no one there, had walked to the back of the store and demanded Evaristo give him cash. Evaristo put up his hands and begged the masked gunman not to shoot. Evaristo's brother, Simon Evaristo, 50, also witnessed the incident.

Without getting any money, the robber then tried to flee out the back door. He took one hand off the gun to try to push open the fire door, not realizing it was deadbolted below. With the gun down, and confident that his brother would back him up, Rodolfo Evaristo decided to make his move. He grabbed the rifle with both hands and managed to wrestle it away from the would-be robber while screaming for someone to call the police. The thief then unlocked the door and ran to a Jetta parked behind the store.

Evaristo was able to write down the car's license plate number, he said, because it got stuck in traffic on Escondido Boulevard.

An hour later, police found an abandoned Jetta with matching plates on the south side of town. Police eventually arrested Jose Zardon, 47, of Escondido and booked him on suspicion of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also investigating Zardon's immigration status.

New Hampshire: Homeowner chases away intruder with shotgun

Nashua, New Hampshire

From the Nashua Telegraph of October 9, 2009

Homeowner chases away intruder with shotgun

A man shooed away a burglar with a shotgun, police said.

The homeowner, who state police did not identify, came home Thursday morning to find a young man at the side door of the residence, state police said Friday in a press release.

The man said he knew the homeowner's son and had left a belonging there a few days earlier, state police said. But the homeowner asked the man to return when his son came home and shut his door, state police said.

Moments later, the homeowner heard noises in his living room and entered to find the man shuffling through items, state police said.

The homeowner got a shotgun and chased the man out of the house, state police said.

State police are now searching for the suspected burglar. He is described as a young white male, about 16-17 years old, and wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with a blue baseball cap.

Anyone with information is urged to call state police at 672-3333.

Colorado: Homeowner Opens Fire on Burglar

Adams County, Colorado

From the First Coast News of October 7, 2009

Homeowner Opens Fire on Burglar

Police are trying to find a man that has broken in twice to the same house, where the homeowner chased and shot at him.

On Oct. 2, the man tried breaking into Guy Sitzman's home the second time and was caught him on tape.

Sitzman was watching security tapes from the previous hour in his computer room, when toward the end of the tape the system went back to "live" mode, and Sitzman noticed a man walking around the side of his house.

That's when he saw the man leaving through his back door carrying a rifle and a pistol.

Despite his initial fear, Sitzman said he grabbed another gun and ran after him. "I ran out back and fired two shots off at him."

The man dropped the items he stole from Sitzman's house and took off.

During the first break-in, Sitzman and his wife were in bed and the man tried breaking in through Sitzman's side window with a large hunting knife.

He was stole a computer, $200 and an iPod.

Detectives with the Adams County Sheriff Department are investigating the break-ins. They're asking people not to take matter into their own hands and instead to call 911

Texas: Alleged home intruder shot by homeowner, dies after car-crash getaway

San Antonio, Texas

From KENS5 of October 8, 2009

Alleged home intruder shot by homeowner, dies after car-crash getaway

What started early Thursday morning as a home invasion has ended in the death of the alleged intruder.

Just after 5 a.m., Bexar County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene in the 11400 block of South Foster Road.

Deputies say 24-year-old Cardell Deon Joseph broke through the front door of a home there, and that's when the homeowner shot him once in the intruder's rib cage area.

They say the Joseph then ran from the house and drove away, but he then crashed his vehicle a few blocks away. According to reports, the suspect was still talking after the crash, and asked the homeowners for help.

But, Joseph later died at the scene.

It's unclear whether the crash or the gunshot wound was the major factor in his death.

Bexar County records show that Joseph was in trouble before. He was arresed for evading arrest and possession of marijuana.

The Bexar County district attorney's office will review the case.

Arizona: Would-be robber shot by victim

Tuscon, Arizona

From the Arizona Star of October 6, 2009

Would-be robber shot by victim

A man suffered life-threatening wounds when he attempted to rob another man at a midtown car wash and was shot by the victim, Tucson police said.

The incident occurred at a self-service car wash on East 22nd Street near South Beverly Avenue just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said a 50-year-old man was at the car wash washing his vehicle when he was approached by an 18-year-old man.

The younger man pulled out a gun and attempted to rob the older man, police said.

The older man pulled out his own gun and shot the 18 year old.

The younger man ran away and got into a car that was being driven by another person. A short time later, the 18-year-old man showed up at a hospital with life-threatening wounds, police said.

The 50-year-old man was not injured.

He’s being questioned by police as is the driver of the car who took the wounded man to the hospital.

Texas: Homeowner Shoots, Kills Burglar

Houston, Texas

From Click2Houston of October 5, 2009

Homeowner Shoots, Kills Burglar

A northwest Houston homeowner shot a burglar after he found him inside his home Monday morning, police told KPRC Local 2.

Investigators said the homeowner, Mark Brown, returned to his house in the 8500 block of Norton at about 9:30 a.m. when he heard someone inside.

Brown grabbed a shotgun hidden under a bed and found the burglar in a bedroom, police said.

The homeowner fired several shots after the burglar rushed at him from a closet. The burglar was hit three times, according to investigators.

The burglar, whose name was not released, died at the scene.

Milton Brandt has lived on Norton for 50 years. He called 911 after the shooting.

"I just talked to (Brown) a while ago. He's upset, sure he is," Brandt said. "He walked in the door and said all the lights are on."

Brown said he felt lucky that the burglar did not find the shotgun.

"The guy had already ransacked his bedroom and just so happened that God bless him, and he didn't find the shotgun under the bed," said David Brown, the homeowner's father.

"It's obvious it's been burglarized. There's disarray inside. It's a neat, well-kept home and you walk inside and obviously see piles of personal items set out in preparation of being taken -- drawers open, cabinets pulled out, etc.," said Detective C Elliott of the Houston Police Department.

Brown was not injured.

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

Newport News Shopkeeper Shoots Robber

Newport News, Virginia

From October 6, 2009 WVEC channel 13:

NEWPORT NEWS – The red exterior is unassuming, rather plain, but for David White, the neighborhood store on Chestnut Avenue is the way the 62-year-old has supported his family for decades. When two people tried to rob him and a worker Friday night, White protected himself, the employee, and his business.

As one of the people pointed a shotgun at them, Newport News officers say Barry Hooker started to move behind the counter. White pulled a gun and shot Hooker, putting him in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital.

...

In February, White found himself in a similar situation. Police tell us a teenager with a gun entered the grocery store with the intention of robbing it. He got into a struggle with a customer or worker, and his gun fired, putting a bullet in the ceiling. White pulled out his own gun, and hit the 16-year-old in his backside.

...

Newport News police officers say Hooker had outstanding warrants for assault and battery at the time of the attempted robbery. Checking on-line court records, 13News found he also has a long criminal history.

Detectives are looking for the person with the shotgun who was with Hooker at the time of the incident. They say he was a dark-skinned black man, 160 pounds, 5’10” tall with a goatee.

Akron, Ohio Store Owner Shoots Robber

Akron, Ohio

From the October 3, 2009 Akron Beacon Journal:

A Chicago man suspected in an attempted armed robbery was shot and killed Thursday night in what Akron police are calling a confrontation with the owner of a neighborhood market at Raymond and Campbell streets.

Akron Police Lt. Rick Edwards said the store owner, Ali Ahmed, 59, had closed for the night and was walking to his vehicle in the rear parking lot at about 7:30 when the suspect approached.

There was an exchange of gunfire — witnesses reported seven or eight shots — and both men were hit, Edwards said.

Ahmed was taken by ambulance to Akron General Medical Center with wounds that were not life threatening, Edwards said.

A hospital official declined Friday to release any details about Ahmed's condition.

Edwards, the department's spokesman, identified the robbery suspect as Timothy Grant, 29, of Chicago's west side. He said Grant died at 9:04 p.m. Thursday at Akron General from unspecified gunshot wounds.

According to police radio traffic moments after the shooting, one man was shot in the head and the other in the hand.

Grant's mother, Sharon Grant, 50, said in a phone interview from her Chicago residence that her son was visiting an aunt in Barberton — his second trip there in the past year — and that she talked to him by phone about noon Thursday.

She said he asked to be wired some money for a bus ride back home and that she was preparing to do that when hospital officials called and said her son was deceased.

Jury Finds Gainesville Shooter Acted in Self-Defense

Gainesville, Georgia

From the October 2, 2009 Gainesville Times:

Carlos Moz never denied he shot a man in the head, but he claimed it was to defend himself and his brother.

On Thursday, a jury agreed, finding Moz, 34, not guilty of aggravated assault.

The Hall County Superior Court jury deliberated for less than an hour before acquitting Moz of the felony charge, which carried a sentencing range of one to 20 years.

The man Moz shot, 21-year-old Nathan Tony Monson, was released from a hospital just days after sustaining a bullet wound in front of his left ear. He survived the shooting with some hearing loss but no other permanent injuries, according to Brett Willis, the assistant circuit defender who successfully defended Moz.

Willis said his client fired the shot from a legally owned 9 mm handgun on the night of Oct. 1, 2006, after his client’s older brother was severely beaten by an unruly mob of at least six
teenagers in front of California Records, a store next to the Kangaroo convenience store on Park Hill Drive.

The beating victim, Juan Moz, was injured by large chunks of asphalt hurled at him by "a group of ne’er-do-wells harassing a couple of guys who were just walking," Willis said.

The Moz brothers were walking home from a baby shower they attended at the Glen Cove apartments when they were attacked, Willis said.

The prosecution sought to show Juan Moz was confronted after he made advances on a young girl at the apartment complex, but Moz denied that allegation.

While down on the ground, Juan Moz was kicked in the face by a teenage girl who was charged and later prosecuted in juvenile court, Willis said.

During the beating, Carlos Moz, a legal permanent resident who lived across the street at the Versaille apartments, retrieved his gun, Willis said.

When he returned to the front of the store, Monson made a threatening motion toward Carlos Moz and made the statement that he was "looking for who was next," according to Willis. Monson was then shot.

Shortly afterward, police were called to the Moz apartment regarding the beating of Juan Moz. When they arrived, Carlos Moz told police he fired the shot and showed them where the gun was.

North Carolina: Sheriff: Revenge likely motive for fatal home invasion

Halifax, North Carolina

From WRAL of October 2, 2009

Sheriff: Revenge likely motive for fatal home invasion

A New Jersey man who was shot and killed during a home invasion in Halifax Friday morning was likely seeking revenge for a two decade-old domestic dispute, according to Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier.

The investigation is ongoing into details of the 1988 dispute between Marcel Alston, of Halifax, and Carlton L. Burgess, 61, of Lumberton, N.J. Frazier said.

"It's baffling right now. We've got a lot of loose ends that we've got to try to tie up," said Lt. Bobby Martin, with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said that a knock woke up Alston around 7 a.m. at his house at 5524 U.S. Highway 301, where he lives alone. When Alston opened the door, Burgess, who had a gun, began assaulting Alston.

Alston got away and was climbing up the stairs when Burgess fired, striking his victim in the buttocks, investigators said. Alston managed to get to his bedroom and got out a gun he kept there.

Burgess followed Alston into the bedroom, and Alston fatally shot him in the upper torso, according to investigators.

According to a 911 call, Alston went to a neighbor's for help after the shootings.

In addition to a gunshot wound, Alston suffered a gash on the head. He was undergoing surgery at Halifax Regional Hospital Friday afternoon. His condition was stable, Frazier said.

Alston acknowledged his acquaintance with Burgess and said they hadn't seen each other in several years.

Deputies were examining a white van with New Jersey license plate parked in front of Alston's house that Burgess might have driven. Investigators were also searching a room at the Days Inn in Weldon where Burgess had checked in Wednesday.

Frazier said the killing appeared to be a case of self-defense. The Halifax County District Attorney's Office has to decide whether charges will be filed.

Neighbors said they were stunned this happened to Alston, who has been their friend for years.

"It shocked me," neighbor Leroy Lynch said. "I'm really sad. He's a real nice man."

Oregon: Oregon man, 93, pointed gun before he was shot

Glendale, Oregon

From KTVZ of September 28, 2009

Oregon man, 93, pointed gun before he was shot

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says the shooting death of a 93-year-old man in southwest Oregon appears to have been in self-defense.

Spokeswoman Andrea Zielinski said detectives learned Clarence Hartley had been pointing a gun before he was shot by 75-year-old Clement Dewart on Friday. She says Hartley was a relative of the Dewart family and lived on their property in Glendale.

Zielinski says the investigation remains active. When it's finished, the results will be forwarded to a grand jury for a review of any possible criminal charges.

Connecticut: Plainfield resident shoots dog, stops attack on animal control officer

Plainfield, Connecticut

From the Norwich Bulletin of September 30, 2009

Plainfield resident shoots dog, stops attack on animal control officer

Plainfield Animal Control Officer Terry Foss was attacked by a "pit bull-type dog" late Tuesday night, according to Plainfield Police.

Foss was responding to a complaint at 270 Green Hollow Road, where, according to residents, the dog was preventing them from exiting their home.

On her arrival, the dog jumped at Foss, knocking her to the ground. Resident Ron Roberts fired "2 or 3 shots" from a .22 rifle at the dog, which police say yelped and ran away.

Foss was transported to The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich for treatment of possible head injuries, She was transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven.

A hospital spokeswoman said Foss' family has requested no information on Foss's condition be released Wednesday morning.

The dog has not been found.

Police Chief Robert Hoffman said Roberts will not face charges from shooting at the dog. He said the department thanked Roberts for his action.

"It sounds like it could have been a lot worse had he not been there," Hoffman said.

Anyone with information about the owner or the dog is urged to call Plainfield Police at 564-0804.

California: Armed homeowner thwarts burglary suspects

Sutter County, California

From the Appeal-Democrat of September 29, 2009

Armed homeowner thwarts burglary suspects

Three suspects arrested in Sutter County after an attempted home burglary ran into the worst of luck — a homeowner with experience fighting off intruders.

Two women and a man, all Sacramento residents, broke into an isolated house at about 2 p.m. Monday in the 3900 block of O'Banion Road west of Yuba City, according to Sheriff J. Paul Parker. The owner, David Massey, armed himself with a handgun and discovered one woman in his kitchen while the other woman and the man fled out the back door, Parker said.

The suspects got into a Ford Explorer parked on the circular driveway outside and drove it toward Massey, but he fired six shots toward the vehicle just before it rolled onto its side, the 63-year-old homeowner recalled Monday night.

"They drove right across the center of the (driveway) circle towards me, and I yelled at them to stop and fired five rounds into the radiator to make them stop," said Massey. "The car was not three feet from me when it went by; they almost took me out.

"I was in fear of my life. They wouldn't stop, so I shot."

The passengers abandoned the Ford and ran through a flooded prune orchard, but deputies arrested them within a mile of the house. Both women were treated at Rideout Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in the acc dent, according to Parker.

The sheriff's department identified the detained women as 31-year-old Tiffany Abila and 27-year-old Angelina Walters, and the male suspect as 26-year-old Marcus Campbell. Parker said authorities likely would pursue burglary charges against the three and said others may be pending.

Detectives have recovered jewelry boxes and other items from the Explorer and are checking whether the suspects are linked to any burglaries in the area, the sheriff's department said.

Massey's last encounter with suspected burglars also ended in gunfire. On July 2, 2008, deputies arrived at his house after he reportedly fired his handgun at a suspected burglar fleeing in a pickup and held another alleged robber at gunpoint.

"I wasn't a hero; I just did what I thought I had to do. I just wish I got both of them," he said at the time.

Massey called Monday's incident the sixth theft and third break-in at the home he has owned since 1992, and admitted its remote location has made it a "sitting duck" for would-be thieves. Despite the string of thefts, he declared he would keep the home and was hopeful another house under construction nearby will dissuade at least some thieves in the future.

"Most people in the world are good people, but there's an element out there that doesn't remember 'Thou shalt not steal,'" he said Monday night. "I moved out here for the serenity; I don't know how serene it is today."

Texas: Man Shoots Burglar

Corpus Chrisi, Texas

From KIII of September 30, 2009

Man Shoots Burglar

A Corpus Christi man, who says he's been burglarized the last two nights, took the law into his own hands Wednesday morning when a suspected burglar came back for a the third night in a row.

It was around 2:30am when the Garza family heard what they thought was a burglar in their garage.

Henry Garza says, "I was waiting for him, last night about 2 o'clock in the morning he came in, busted my door, in the garage, and got in it again. He run that away and that's when I shot him."

66 year old Henry Garza, who lives near Port and Baldwin wasn't taking any chances. Sunday and Monday night, Garza says burglars got away with his tools, a couple of bicycles, a stereo, and other small items.

So, Tuesday night, Garza and his wife, Mary, were ready. Around 2:30 in the morning they heard noises coming from their garage and Mr. Garza grabbed his single barrel 410 caliber shotgun. Mrs. Garza armed herself with a two by four.

Garza says, "I hit him one time with the gun, like this, and he ran away. My wife was standing there, he him my wife, she had a 2x4, she hit him with a 2x4. That's what made me mad, he pushed my wife around, and that's when I shot him."

Garza thinks he shot the intruder in the back of the leg, but the suspect was able to get away.

Garza says, "I know I hit him, cause he fell."

Mrs. Garza, who was knocked down is going to be ok and as for Mr. Garza says, "I'll be waiting for him here. If he comes tonight, if he's not wounded."

Ohio: Man fires at would-be robber

West Chester Township, Ohio

From Cincinatti.com of September 30, 2009

Man fires at would-be robber

A resident wrestled with a would-be burglar Wednesday, then fired a shot that may have hit the fleeing man’s pickup, officials say.

Edward Honerlaw, 55, of the 8200 block of West Chester Road, reported he was home alone around 2 p.m. when an intruder kicked in a rear door – so he armed himself with a handgun, a news release said. After a tussle, the suspect fled; Honerlaw fired at the truck.

West Chester Township police have arrested Kyle P. Lightner, 22, of Bannon Court in Middletown. He has been charged with one court of burglary, a second-degree felony.

It was unclear Wednesday evening when Lightner may appear in court.

The incident was reported around 2 p.m.

As of 3:30 p.m., officers were still on the scene gathering information, Wilson said.

Authorities described the suspect as a white man, 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, about age 35, with a scruffy beard, wearing a white hoodie sweatshirt.

He fled in a tan pickup truck, Wilson said.