Kingsport, Tennessee

From the Kingsport Times-News of March 11, 2006

Kingsport homeowner shoots robbery suspect

When Lowell Wilson realized his Brookside Drive house was being broken into late Thursday night - for the third time in less than a year - he was pretty fed up.

So fed up that this time he shot the intruder.

Sullivan County Sheriff's Department officials questioned the alleged robber after he showed up later at Indian Path Medical Center with a gunshot wound.

Medical officials are obligated to notify law enforcement anytime someone comes to the emergency room with a gunshot wound.

Donald Scott Bridges, 25, of 3814 Memorial Boulevard, Kingsport, told police that he had been at Wilson's house to collect a debt when Wilson shot him.

Wilson, 67, said he has had no business dealings with Bridges and owes him no money.

He said his only other encounter with Bridges came on Wednesday night when Wilson alleges Bridges broke into his house the first time.

Wilson said that on Wednesday night there were four guns, prescription medications and at least two watches stolen.

He didn't report the Wednesday night break-in because of his experience seven months ago.

Wilson said his house was broken into then, and the intruders put him on the floor and held a gun to his head.

He said he reported that incident, but nothing came of the investigation.

The incident Thursday happened around 11:10 p.m. Wilson told police he heard a noise in his wife's bedroom and went to investigate.

When he tried to open the bedroom door, someone closed it, so Wilson went to the den to get his gun.

"My wife is blind, and she thought it was me (in the room)," Wilson said.

"He opened the door so far and stuck his head. He said ‘It's cool man. It's cool,'" Wilson said.

But Wilson knew it wasn't cool and told police he fired his gun through the door.

Two suspects fled out the back door, and Wilson called his daughter.

Wilson said in hindsight, he and his wife realize that the intruders could have hurt them badly.

"They might have killed both of us," Wilson said.

But as long has he has something to protect himself with, Wilson said he still feels safe.

"I know I can take care of myself," he said.

Bridges was admitted to Holston Valley Medical Center for further treatment. Sullivan County sheriff's investigators have a warrant for his arrest charging him with aggravated burglary.