Dallas, Texas

From Dallas’ NBC5i.com of August 1, 2007

Police: Homeowner Shoots, Kills Robbers

An overnight robbery went awry when a North Dallas homeowner came out shooting.

Police said four men broke into a home in the 9000 block of Woodshore Drive in a robbery attempt. The men approached the homeowner and demanded cash, according to police.

The homeowner pulled out a gun and shot two of the robbers, police said. One man died before police arrived and the other was taken to the Baylor Medical Center in critical condition.

The shooting continued outside the home while the two other robbers ran off.

"We know there were a total of four suspects,” Dallas police Sgt. Jamie Matthews said. “One that is deceased, one that is in critical condition at Baylor, one that is in custody and a fourth that is at large."

One of the men called 911 for help, saying that they were walking down the street when someone started shooting at them, according to police. Police said the homeowner also called 911 and chased after the men.

Police said they recovered several weapons from the suspect vehicle.

Police said they aren’t sure if there’s a connection between the homeowners and his attackers.

From the Dallas Morning News of August 1, 2007

Armed homeowner thwarts home invaders

A robbery gone bad in northeast Dallas turned into a gunbattle early Wednesday that ended with one man dead, another injured and another facing charges.

Police found small amounts of marijuana during their investigation and were looking into whether the events were drug-related.

Police said Wednesday afternoon they had not confirmed the identity of the man who died.

It started about 2 a.m. at a home on the 9000 block of Woodshore Drive, in a neighborhood near where Greenville Avenue intersects Royal Lane. Four or five intruders broke into the home and surprised its owner, 25-year-old Mark Stinson, while he was sleeping.

They forced him at gunpoint to open a safe containing several thousands of dollars, police say, and then they tried to flee in an SUV. But Mr. Stinson had a gun of his own and fired it as they tried to drive away.

It was unclear whether they fired back, Dallas police homicide Sgt. Larry Lewis said. “But we did pick up different caliber rounds out there so we know at least more than one gun was being shot.”

The sergeant said at least 30 rounds were fired in all.

Less then a mile away, the occupants of the SUV pulled over because tires were shot out. They called 911 as one of the occupants died of gunshot wounds. Another, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested at the scene. The others fled.

Another man, 18-year-old Davane Jones, soon showed up at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Police arrested him and the 17-year-old on charges of aggravated robbery.

As for the homeowner, Mr. Stinson, police say they will leave any possible charges up to the district attorney’s office and a grand jury. “Even though by our investigation it appears he was justified under Texas law to defend his house and his property...we don’t make that decision,” Sgt. Lewis said.