Goldsboro, NC

 2/13/21 Channel 11:

12-year-old shoots, kills home intruder after 73-year-old woman shot during Goldsboro robbery, police say

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- Goldsboro police are investigating after a 12-year-old shot at two intruders who forced their way into an apartment and shot a woman overnight.

Around 1 a.m., officers responded to a shooting report near 402 S. William Street. Officers then found a resident, a 73-year-old woman, with an apparent gunshot wound. Shortly after, a man was found at the intersection of William Street and Elm Street with a gunshot wound....

The investigation revealed two masked people forced their way into the residence, demanded money and shot the 73-year-old woman in the leg. During the robbery, a 12-year-old shot the intruders with a firearm in self-defense, causing them to flee. Evidence suggests Herring was one of the two masked intruders and was shot during the robbery.

"They came in the house, I open the door, I open it, and they came in there... One guy had a gun. They just put me down on the ground..." The [73-year-old woman] was in the kitchen, I don't know why they shot her," said the son of the woman, Randolph Bunn. He also happens to be the great-uncle of the child who fired the gun. 

Winston-Salem, NC

11/22/19 WRAL:

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Police in North Carolina say they won’t charge a man who fatally shot someone trying to rob him during a botched drug deal.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Lt. Gregory Dorn said 25-year-old Charvez Kent Brown went to a home on Tuesday to sell 22-year-old Danielle Miller marijuana. However, Dorn says the potential buyer, along with 22-year-old Ajian Lynell Jones and 19-year-old Andres Harris, tried to rob Brown. The newspaper says Brown ran away but the three began shooting at him. He was wounded and returned fire, also wounding the others.

Police say Jones later died from his injuries.

Burlington, NC

11/18/19 WSCO:

BURLINGTON, N.C. - A homeowner with a shotgun has fended off a man who police say tried to break into the home using an ax.

A news release from Burlington police says the suspect identified as 29-year-old William Lawrence Cowan tried to enter the house through a back door on Sunday morning, with an ax that belonged to the homeowner.

Police say the homeowner pointed the shotgun at Cowan, causing him to leave the ax behind and run away from the house. Cowan was arrested two blocks away without incident.

Leaving ax and likely some excreta behind.

Never bring an ax to a gunfight.

Davidson County, NC

2/23/19 Davidson Co. The-Dispatch:

While I’m obviously not privy to all the details of the case, it appears District Attorney Gary Frank made the right call in not prosecuting a homeowner who shot and killed an armed intruder in December.

That said, let’s hope it’s a long time before any local prosecutor – or homeowner – has to make that decision again.

To recap, authorities responded around 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 to a reported home invasion and shooting in the 100 block of Upton Street, just outside Lexington city limits. While in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, Lexington police officers arrived first and found 21-year-old Silvestre Begley lying dead in the front yard. Resident Joseph Asis told investigators an armed Begley was trying to break into the home and he used a shotgun to stop him.

Candler, NC

12/24/16 Asheville Citizen-Times:

The sheriff’s office says the employee who called 911 told deputies a robber brandished a gun, and the two exchanged gunfire.

The caller was not injured. He said the robber came in wearing a ski mask and glasses.

Even Bad Guys Defend Themselves

From Dec. 1, 2015 Jacksonville (N.C.) Daily News:

The death of Everette — whose body was found off Murrill Hill Road after a “drug deal gone bad” spurred gunfire early Monday morning — did not merit a murder charge, Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said.

The act was ruled self-defense.

Because both men were convicted felons, the survivor faces one charge of felon in possession of a firearm, Miller said. Everette’s convictions included possession of stolen goods and possession of a Schedule 2 controlled substance. The man who allegedly acted in self-defense — Delman Dwayne Dixon, 22 — previously was convicted of common-law robbery, breaking and entering and obtaining property by false pretense, according to N.C. Department of Public Safety.

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.

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."

North Carolina: Homeowner opens fire at break-in suspect

Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Charlotte Observer of September 25, 2009

Homeowner opens fire at break-in suspect

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say a man in the University area spotted someone in his garage early Friday morning and opened fire at the suspect.

According to The Observer's news partner WCNC, the homeowner on Glen Luce Avenue heard a noise around 3:30 a.m.

When the man found the suspect in the garage, police said he shot at the intruder. Investigators found blood outside, but have not located the suspect.

North Carolina: Cab driver strikes back, kills would-be robber

Charlotte, North Carolina

From WBT of September 7, 2009

Cab driver strikes back, kills would-be robber

A deadly showdown played out late Sunday in the front seat of a taxi.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said a would-be robber, identified as 17-year-old Renaldo Smith, was shot dead by his would-be victim - a cab driver who was called to an apartment complex near Carowinds.

Police said as the cab left the Colonial Village apartments off John Price Road in southwest Mecklenburg, Smith pulled a gun on the driver.

Within seconds, the driver drew his gun and shot Smith, who was dead by the time police arrived.

Police did not immediately identify the cab driver. The cab belonged to Professional Cabs of Charlotte. An employee of the company told WBT NEWS this morning he did not know the driver's identity.

The District Attorney's office must now decide whether to pursue charges against the driver. It's legal under North Carolina law to shoot and kill someone in self-defense.

Arrest records show one previous arrest for Smith - a felony breaking and entering charge from Septemer 2008.

North Carolina: Man fired to defend himself, police say

Hillsborough, North Carolina

From the News Observer of September 2, 2009

Man fired to defend himself, police say

Police do not expect to charge a 65-year-old Faucette Mill Road homeowner who shot an intruder Friday night.

"At this point we believe he was acting in self-defense," Lt. Davis Trimmer of the Hillsborough Police Department said Tuesday. "He was alone in his house. He came out and found three men in his living room."

The case will be reviewed by the district attorney's office, Trimmer said.



Christopher Jerome Williams, 19, of 626 Wildaro Court in Hillsborough, was shot in the chest at 11:34 p.m. He is doing well after surgery, Trimmer said.

Police charged Williams and Audricus Southerland, 18, of 316 Lakeshore Drive in Hillsborough, with first-degree burglary. They were found a few minutes after the incident at a relative's home, less than a mile away.

Police arrested two more suspects Monday night. Brandon Borden, 20, of 548 Homemont Ave., and Artimus Stewart, 20, of 179 Torain St., were charged with first-degree burglary. They and Southerland were being held at the Orange County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, Trimmer said.

Police are not releasing the name of the homeowner. He told police he heard the door to his residence being forced open. He got a pistol and found three people standing in his living room. He fired one shot, hitting Williams. After the shooting, he saw four men running from his home.

North Carolina law recognizes people's right to defend themselves, others or their homes.

In cases of defending one's home, the law allows the use of deadly force against an intruder to prevent entry and to terminate unlawful entry if a person thinks doing so will prevent death, injury or the commission of a felony.

"I think they are more difficult cases to prosecute," said John Rubin, professor of public law and government at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government who has written a book "The law of self-defense in North Carolina." "The law provides a lot of protection to the homeowner," he said.

North Carolina: NC man, 76, shoots youth, 15, after home invasion

Charlotte, North Carolina

From WRAL of August 26, 2009

NC man, 76, shoots youth, 15, after home invasion

Police are unraveling a home invasion and burglary that began at an elderly couple's home and ended with a 15-year-old suspect shot to death on a nearby street.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said robbery and homicide investigative units are working to sort out the Saturday incident that began when four young men pushed into the upscale brick home that C.L. McClure, 76, shares with his wife in northeast Charlotte's Newell community.

"I'm not in any condition to talk" about the incident, McClure, a retired building fireproofer, told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday.

Police said four teens entered McClure's home Saturday. McClure was bound with duct tape and his wife held at gunpoint. The robbers left with some jewelry and a wallet.

McClure's son, Larry, who lives next door, said his father broke free and after checking that his wife was OK guessed at the robbers' route out of his neighborhood. C.L. McClure grabbed a pistol, got into his dark green van and pursued the crooks, Larry McClure said.

"He thought they might have been driving, and he wanted to get a tag number," Larry McClure said.

Larry McClure said his father told him he was in his van when he saw one of the suspected robbers and thought he was armed. C.L. McClure fired his pistol when the teen turned toward him, his son said.

Marcus Fluker, 15, died later at Carolinas Medical Center. Police said they didn't recover a gun from near his body.

Officers took C.L. McClure to headquarters for questioning but released him without charges.

Police charged the other three teens with robbery and burglary. Police identified them as Joseph Graves, 17, Matthew Everett Morgan, 17, and Tahjaue Wiley, 18.

Police said they want to prevent any possible retribution against McClure and have assigned an officer to keep an eye on the residence.

"I think there's a concern. They just want to be extra careful. It's extra upsetting to have a 15-year-old shot and killed," said Capt. Mike Smathers, who command's the department's robbery unit. "I don't care who you are; that's terrible. They're just trying to make sure peace is maintained."

North Carolina: Legislator Shoots Intruder

Tabor City, North Carolina

From the August 24, 2009 Winston-Salem Journal:

TABOR CITY -- A sheriff says that North Carolina's longest-serving legislator has shot an intruder at his Tabor City home.

Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten said that state Sen. R.C. Soles, 74, shot one of two people who kicked in the front door yesterday.

Batten said that the intruder was taken to a hospital, though he did not know the extent of his injuries.

North Carolina: Duke student shot during struggle with would-be robber

Durham, North Carolina

From WRAL of August 9, 2009

Duke student shot during struggle with would-be robber

A Duke student struggled with a man who tried to rob him, resulting in gunfire that wounded him and possibly the would-be robber, Durham police said.

The student and a woman were walking in the 500 block of Watts Street shortly before midnight Saturday when a man armed with a gun approached them from behind, police said. He ordered the pair to put their hands on their heads and started to search them.

A struggle ensued over the gun, and two shots were fired, police said. The student was shot in the abdomen, and the attempted robber fled.

"I was pretty sure that it was shots, not firecrackers. ... It was like right here, and the woman, she was screaming her guts out,” said Anita Akella, a Duke graduate student who lives nearby.

The victim, whose identity hasn't been released, was treated at a nearby hospital. The woman was uninjured.

The gunman was limping when he fled and might have been shot, police said. He was described as black, approximately 40 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a stocky build. He has bulging eyes. He wore a gray shirt and dark jeans.

The shooting happened one block from Duke's East Campus, where first-year students are to move in next week.

Graduate student Melanie Oberman said the shooting happened outside the apartment she recently rented.

"I definitely don't feel comfortable living in the house until I have security put in," she said. "I had no idea that something could happen right outside my door like that."

Residents said Trinity Park neighborhood has long been a safe area.

“It makes me very sad, more than it does fearful," homeowner Sally Spears said. "But the world we live in now has turned into the situation that it is."

Anyone with any information about the shooting should call Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers never have to identify themselves.

North Carolina: No charges filed against Sneads Ferry man who shot intruder

Jacksonville, North Carolina

From the Jacksonville Daily News of July 7, 2009

No charges filed against Sneads Ferry man who shot intruder

A Sneads Ferry man who shot a teenager charged with trying to break into the man's home Monday will not be charged, authorities said.

Landon Crews, of Crows Nest Lane, shot 18-year-old Cyle Norris early Monday morning. Detectives with the Onslow County Sheriff's Department said Norris was trying to crawl through a broken window when Crews shot him in the right forearm with No. 7 shot from a 12-gauge shotgun.

Norris and three other local men were charged with first-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.

North Carolina state law says that Crews was within his rights to shoot an intruder breaking into his home. General Statute 14-51.1 states, "A lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence is justified in using any degree of force that the occupant reasonably believes is necessary, including deadly force, against an intruder to prevent a forcible entry into the home or residence or to terminate the intruder's unlawful entry if the occupant reasonably apprehends that the intruder may kill or inflict serious bodily harm to the occupant or others in the home or residence, or if the occupant reasonably believes that the intruder intends to commit a felony in the home or residence."

The law also states that a lawful occupant has no duty to retreat from an intruder.

"The long and the short of it is he didn't break the law," Sheriff Ed Brown said.

Attempts by The Daily News to reach Crews were unsuccessful.

Authorities said Norris, Trevor Sturgis, 21, and David Sonye, 21, tried to break into Crews' house after Joseph Michael Greene III, 16, who is also accused of attempting to break in, was forcefully put out of the home 20 minutes prior.

The four men tried to break down the front door, break out windows and climb through, authorities said.

Crews - who was at home with his mother - told investigators that he warned them several times before shooting. The four accused intruders were given a bond of $50,000 each.

The Sheriff's Department is seeking to talk with James Austin Boone, who authorities believe was at the residence around the time of the shooting.

Anyone with information concerning Boone's whereabouts can contact the Jacksonville/Onslow Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273 or Sheriff's Sgt. David South at 910-455-3113. Callers do not have to reveal their identities.

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.

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.

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.

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.