Saturday, December 27, 2008

Orlando, Florida Purse Snatcher Shot By Bystander

Orlando, Florida

From December 25, 2008 WESH:
ORLANDO, Fla. - Police continue to search for two men who tried to grab a woman’s purse as she walked toward the Fashion Square Mall on Tuesday.

A third man was shot and arrested, apparently by a bystander who saw the robbery, police said Wednesday. Willie Keys-Fairclough, 29, who is hospitalized with minor injuries, was arrested in connection with the incident.

The incident began about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday when the woman got off a LYNX bus and walked to an ATM to check her balance. She then continued toward the mall.

“She felt people come up to her, maybe one, maybe two,” Sgt. Barb Jones of the Orlando Police Department said. “They tried to grab her purse...She resisted. She started yelling, that's when everything started unfolding."

One shopper, who saw the men with guns, got his own.

“You had a citizen engage the suspects,” Jones said Wednesday. “There were some rounds fired."

The suspects ran across the street, and police said they found one man hiding behind a dumpster. The man had been shot in the leg but didn't know it.

The man, later identified by police as Keys-Fairclough, is charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault with a gun. Two other suspects remain on the run.

Columbia, South Carolina Liquor Store Robber Shot

Columbia, South Carolina

From December 15, 2008 WIS channel 10:

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting on Shakespeare Road Wednesday in Columbia.

"I hope he don't die and if he comes back and look around, don't touch nothing else," says Sam Banks, talking candidly about the man he says tried to steal from his store. "I didn't go into business to lose money. We aren't making that much now, but I'm not about that losing."

The retired veteran wasn't at the store he co-owns with his wife Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies says around 3:00pm a man came in, tried to walk out with some liquor and got shot.

"I think they should respect the store owners property and their rights," says Banks.

Banks' wife, too shaken to talk on camera, said she was knitting a blanket when a young man walked into the S&H ABC Package Store on Shakespeare Road.

She says the man asked the price of a bottle of liquor. When she told him, he backed away from the counter and started to look around.

She says the man then crossed the employees-only chain, grabbed two bottles and headed toward her.

That's when she grabbed her .38 and fired two shots.

At least one person agrees with how she handled it.

"We have too many robbers in this neighborhood, all over the place. They're robbing for money, so the lady protected herself. She did the right thing," says Barbra Simmons.

The store has been around 10 years, and Banks says this is not the first time someone has tried to steal from him.

He has some advice for other would-be robbers: "The good book says thou shall not steal. Don't do that," he says.

Deputies say 28-year-old Oxvaria Ingram will be charged with strong-arm robbery.

As for the store owner, investigators haven't determined if she will face any charges.

Lincoln County, Nebraska Citizen Shoots Fleeing Felon

Lincoln County, Nebraska

From December 19, 2008 KSBI channel 52:
Lincoln County, Okla. -- A man who was shot is in jail himself. The incident happened Thursday night in Lincoln County.
Sheriff's deputies say it stems from an incident that happened last week.
Officials say Joshua Starkey broke into the man's house last week. The homeowner spotted him Thursday night while driving and followed him.
Starkey eventually stopped, got out of the car and started to run. That's when the homeowner fired the shot at Starkey's vehicle. Starkey was hit in the shoulder by a fragment. Starkey was arrested shortly after.
The homeowner was not arrested.
Officials say Starkey is responsible for other burglaries in the area and he also had $3,600 in warrants out against him.
A second suspect, Jason Cornett, was arrested last week for allegedly breaking into the home along with Starkey.

Nashville Perpetual Criminal Shot Dead In Robbery

Nashville, Tennessee

From the December 1, 2008 Nashville Tennessean:

A 22-year-old uniformed security guard who was buying gasoline at a Murfreesboro Pike station on Sunday shot and killed a robbery suspect carrying an air gun.

Metro detectives are ruling the death of Jamie L. Sullivan, 37, a justifiable homicide.

Wearing a mask and carrying what appeared to be a pistol, Sullivan entered the Mapco market at 2101 Murfreesboro Pike at 1:45 a.m.

Eric Gordon, 22, was also in the market. Sullivan pointed his pistol at Gordon's head and threatened to kill him. Sullivan told Gordon to surrender his holstered gun and a struggle ensued. Gordon drew his 9-millimeter weapon and shot Sullivan once in the face. Sullivan died at the scene.

Shortly after, detectives discovered that Sullivan's gun was a BB pistol that looked like a real gun.

Metro police had charged Sullivan with 146 offenses since June 1989. His last arrest was for trespassing Nov. 20.

Gainesville, Missouri Shooting Of Uncle Found Justifiable

Gainesville, Missouri

From December 8, 2008 Springfield, Missouri channel 3:
GAINESVILLE, Mo. -- The Ozark County prosecuting attorney says the shooting death of a man from Dora was a case of justifiable homicide. He dropped murder charges against Floyd Russell, 24, who was charged with killing his uncle, Terry Russell, in October.

A coroner's jury found the death was the result of an ongoing family feud that turned violent with another relative.

Burglar Tries To Run Over Victim, Shot Dead

Columbus, Ohio

From the December 23, 2008 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer:

Ludwig Leonard Grudisher, the Columbus man fatally shot Saturday night at a Reese Road home, had been arrested two weeks earlier for firing a gun at the same house.

Columbus police said Grudisher, 52, was hit by a shotgun blast fired by his stepson around 9:45 p.m. Saturday night. He was accused of burglarizing the stepson’s home and then trying to run him down with his truck when he was shot.

Two weeks earlier, police say Grudisher was at the house. An arrest report from Dec. 7 states Grudisher, who lived less than 150 feet from his stepson’s home, fired several shots at the home and then fled in his vehicle.

The stepson saw Grudisher fire at his home, police said. Grudisher was arrested at 6:30 p.m. that day outside Grace Baptist Church. He appeared in Columbus Recorders Court the next day and was given a $10,000 bond.

Grudisher was out on a property bond at the time of his death, court records show.

Police have not filed any charges in the Saturday case, though it will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office.

South Carolina Burglar Shot In The Buttocks

Walhalla, South Carolina

From December 23, 2008 UpstateToday.com:

WALHALLA — The Oconee County Sheriff’s Department incident report lists Donnie Murphy as the victim, but it appears the suspect arrested for the burglary of Murphy’s house might have gotten the worst end of the deal.

Sheriff’s deputies responded Sunday afternoon to a burglary call at 163 Murphy Drive in Walhalla and learned that Murphy had shot a burglar in the buttocks. Kirby Alan Ridley was later brought into custody on burglary charges at a Ranger Road home in Walhalla and sent to Oconee Medical Center for treatment of his wound.

The report summary states Murphy told officers he was in the bathroom when he heard a noise near his kitchen. He then walked out of the bathroom, retrieved his .22 pistol from his closet, and discovered a man standing in front of his fireplace. After telling the burglar to stop, the subject allegedly reached into his pocket as if to get a gun or weapon and began walking back towards the kitchen, at which point Murphy shot him.

Deputies located Kirby, called an ambulance and followed him to Oconee Medical Center.

Florida Home Invader Shot in Groin

Deltona, Florida

From December 15, 2008 WFTV channel 9:

Bullets went flying in Deltona early Sunday morning, after the victim of a chaotic home invasion fought back, apparently shooting one of the suspect's in his groin as he fled the crime scene.

It started just before 1:00am, when three men burst into Julio Blanco's home on Lackland Drive and forced him, his mother and girlfriend to the ground and robbed them. Volusia County sheriff's deputies said the suspects pistol-whipped Blanco and grabbed a safe, loaded it into their dark Ford Explorer and took off.

During the escape, the suspects and Blanco started firing shots back and forth in the middle of the neighborhood. The other victims and neighbors called 911 and Sgt. Thomas Dane quickly spotted the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. Deputies said the suspects crashed within two minutes and the vehicle rolled over and came to rest at Ft. Smith Boluevard and Outrigger Drive.

Deputies found four people in the vehicle. Suspected driver, 17-year-old Brandon Prather, was transported by ambulance to Orange City's Florida Hospital Fish Memorial and released. The passengers, 30-year-old Adam Salgado, and two teen girls were taken into custody for questioning.

A third scene emerged at 1:30am, when deputies received a 911 call reporting a man suffering from a gunshot in a front yard on the 2100 block of Puerto Rico Drive. Deputies identified him as Patrick Lauby, 33, and determined he suffered the gunshot wound during the course of the robbery he was involved in.

Deputies weren't sure if Lauby accidently shot himself during his escape or if Blanco hit him during the gun fight. Lauby was airlifted by Sheriff's helicopter to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Deputies questioned all five suspects before determining what charges to file. So far, they've charged Prather with home invasion with a firearm, aggravated battery and fleeing and eluding. They believe Prather is the suspect who pistol-whipped Blanco.

As of last check, Lauby was still at Halifax Health Medical Center being treated for his non life-threatening gunshot wound. He is being charged with home invasion and aggravated assault.

Adam Salgado, 30, was also charged with home invasion.

North Carolina Home Invasion Thwarted

Lillington, North Carolina

From December 19, 2008 WRAL:
Harnett County authorities are investigating a shooting that happened late Thursday night during a home invasion in Lillington.

Sheriff Larry Rollins said Derrick Womack, 31, was at home with his wife and stepson around 10 p.m. when four men entered his home at 232 Tacia Drive and tried to rob them.

Womack said he heard banging on the door and that when he opened it, he saw a man pointing a handgun at him.

Womack said he wrestled the gun away from the man and that in the process the gun went off.

He noticed another man on his porch and two others in his yard and with the gun, started shooting. He also said he believed another assailant had a shotgun and might have shot a third assailant.

Rollins would not say how many guns were involved or how many shots were fired. He said Womack did not have a gun.

Womack, who was shot in the hand, was taken to a hospital, treated and later released.

Oak Park Robbery Victim Shoots Robber

Oak Park, Illinois

From December 22, 2008 Chicago Breaking News:

Oak Park police said a would-be armed robber got more than he bargained for when he attempted to steal a leather jacket from another man in the near-west suburb Sunday night.

The owner of the leather jacket, after being approached, shot the 25-year-old in the face, the arm and the pelvis near North Lombard and North Avenues, police said.

The man underwent surgery for his wounds Sunday night at Stroger Hospital in Chicago and is expected to survive, Cmdr. Clement Harbour said.

Police are seeking the gunman, and no charges have been filed in the case as of Monday, Harbour said.

Estranged Husband in Oklahoma Shot By Wife

Adair County, Oklahoma

From the December 19, 2008 Muskogee [Oklahoma] Phoenix:
A Westville man remained in critical condition in a Tulsa hospital Thursday from a gunshot wound to the head, Adair County Sheriff’s Investigator Jack Smithson said.

Darrel Fouse, 39, was shot after he violated a protective order and entered his rural home and allegedly began assaulting his wife, Smithson said.

Fouse’s wife, Marilyn Fouse, 39, told law enforcement her estranged husband entered the home about 2 p.m. Tuesday, hit her in the head, grabbed her arm and was assaulting her when a gun fell out of his fanny pack.

“She grabbed it and shot him,” Smithson said.

“She put a blanket over him, got her two girls (ages 11 and 14) out of their bedroom, and they ran across a field to a great-grandmother’s house.”

No charges have been filed. The shooting remains under investigation, Smithson said. An employee in the Adair County District Court Clerk’s Office said a protective order was filed Oct. 10 and that records show it was served on Darrel Fouse.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Texas: Domestic dispute ends in a deadly shooting

Conroe, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of December 20, 2008
Domestic dispute ends in a deadly shooting

A woman's 80-year-old grandfather fatally shot her estranged husband after he tried to take their two children from the grandparents' house, Conroe police said Saturday.

Brice Wade Boudreaux, 32, died Friday evening at the home on Silver Creek Drive in Conroe, police said in a statement.

The investigation was ongoing Saturday, and it was not immediately clear whether the grandfather would face charges. He was questioned by police and released.

According to police, Boudreaux's estranged wife and children have been living with her grandparents for about five months.

When Boudreaux arrived Friday and tried to take the children, the grandfather intervened and ordered him to leave. Boudreaux refused, pushing the man out of the way, the statement said.

The grandfather then allegedly retrieved a revolver from another room and placed it in his back pocket before again advising Boudreaux, who was aware the older man had a gun, to leave, police said.

As the two left the home out to the driveway, Boudreaux again pushed the older man and allegedly struck him in the chest area where he recently had a pacemaker inserted, police said.

Fearing for his life, police said the older man then allegedly shot Boudreaux once, killing him.

Florida: Ocoee man, 91, shoots at, repels home invaders who threatened his wife

Ocoee, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of December 25, 2008
Ocoee man, 91, shoots at, repels home invaders who threatened his wife

Charles Johnson is a man of his word.

On Oct. 4, 1936, then 19, Johnson promised to love and protect his bride, Berlie Mae.

On Tuesday, he did.

Now 91, he scared off two home invaders with his 38-caliber revolver when the men threatened his wife of 72 years at their home east of Ocoee.

"I was going to kill him either way," the retired jack-of-all-trades said Wednesday. "She's all I've got to live for . . . Why would I want to live?"

Terror erupted in the Johnsons' heavily barred house on Lake Stanley Road shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday as the couple watched TV news. She was sitting in her wheelchair. He was sitting nearby on the sofa.

That's when a stranger stepped through the back door.

"What are you doing? What are you doing?" Berlie Mae Johnson, 90, remembered asking as the man stepped on her shiny-clean tile floor. "By then, he had the gun to my head. I don't know what all I said."

The man ordered the couple: "Be quiet. Don't say a word. Don't move."

Overcome by shock and fear, Berlie Mae Johnson said she couldn't move as a second man wearing a stocking over his face started to come through a sliding-glass door from the backyard.

"It's terrible. You don't know what [they're] going to do. You expect at any moment . . ." she said, her voice breaking. "I can't hold up. My nerves are shot. He'd probably have killed me."

But the love of her life was ready.

Her husband, who goes by Johnny, had his stainless-steel Police Special revolver tucked under a cushion on the sofa. He has been protective, she said, ever since they met at a Church of God service in Cocoa during the Great Depression.

"You don't think, man. You do what you have to do," Johnson said of how he grabbed his revolver as the second intruder entered. "He saw the gun and, boy, he was gone."

Shifting his aim, Johnson fired at the man still holding a gun to his wife's head.

"I shot as plain in his middle as I could have," said Johnson, describing how the man jumped and ran out the door. "I think I missed."

Orange County deputy sheriffs began arriving within three minutes of Johnson's 911 call. The response was delayed slightly because the home invaders tore out the Johnsons' telephone, so Johnson had to walk next door to call for help.

A K-9 tracked the home invaders' scent until it disappeared through a neighborhood on the south shore of Lake Stanley. Local hospital emergency rooms were notified to be on the lookout for a man suffering from an unexplained bullet wound.

Johnson bought his revolver for protection decades ago. A former citrus grove manager and plumber, Johnson said, "I'm still active. I still garden. We want to get a message out to other people. Be prepared. Keep your doors locked. And be alert."

His wife added, "And have a gun ready."

The Johnsons weren't worried that the home invaders might return.

"If he comes back he'll be sorry," Johnson said. "I'm ready for him."

Washington: Federal Way man dies after wife shoots in self-defense

Federal Way, Washington

From the Federal Way Mirror of December 14, 2008
Federal Way man dies after wife shoots in self-defense

At about 3:55 a.m. Dec. 13, Federal Way police responded to a shooting at the Mariposa Apartment Complex, 28120 18 Ave. S, Federal Way.

A 24-year-old white female called 911 to report she had shot her 40-year-old white male husband. Both are residents of Federal Way.

Upon arrival police contacted both subjects inside the apartment. The unresponsive male was on the bedroom floor with multiple gunshot wounds. South King County Fire and Rescue responded along with paramedics from King County Medic One in an attempt to revive the male, but pronounced him dead at approximately 4:43 a.m. The King County Medical Examiner later responded and took control of the body.

Upon initial interview of the female, she stated she had been separated from her husband for several weeks and that they each had a protection order against the other. The female was later transported to St. Francis Hospital by ambulance for minor head injuries and related pain. After treatment, the female was transported to the Federal Way Police Department for interviewing and is cooperating with the investigation.

Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was in self-defense. The scene was processed by the Federal Way Police Department with the assistance of the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Team.

Federal Way police are currently following leads from witnesses and other involved parties in an attempt to further investigate this incident.

The department encourages anyone who has any information regarding this incident to call 911.

Alabama: Robbery suspect shot dead, alleged accomplice wounded

Anniston, Alabama

From the Huntsville Times of December 25, 2008
Robbery suspect shot dead, alleged accomplice wounded

A would-be robber was shot dead overnight Wednesday and his alleged accomplice was wounded after they attempted to rob the owner of a gas station near Anniston.

Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson said the gun-toting suspects and the owner got into a shootout around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fuller's Oil Company on U.S. 431.

Amerson said 21-year-old Takeem Pope of Anniston appeared to have died of a single gunshot wound. The other man, 19-year-old Blake Jackson, also of Anniston, was shot in the arm.

Amerson declined to name the owner, but said he acted in self-defense. He was not injured. Authorities said charges are pending against Jackson, who was taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.

Arizona: Intruder killed in burglary attempt

Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of December 24, 2008
Intruder killed in burglary attempt

A Valley resident shot one of two intruders in his Phoenix home Tuesday night, police said.

According to police, two burglars broke into the man's home, and the homeowner grabbed his gun and shot one in the chest.

The intruders fled, though the injured one was dropped off at a nearby Circle K, police said.

Officers said they are still searching for the second intruder.

Oklahoma: Intruder killed in burglary attempt

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From the Tulsa World of December 24, 2008
Intruder killed in burglary attempt

A Tulsa homeowner shot and killed a teenager who was breaking into his house early Tuesday, police said.

Shortly before 3 a.m., three people broke into a home in the 1300 block of North Irvington Avenue, Tulsa Police Cpl. Mark Shelton said.

Many of the 15 to 20 occupants were awake, including the home- owner, who heard the break-in and got his gun.

Two of the suspected burglars, including one who was armed, were moving through the house when they encountered the homeowner, Shelton said.

Gunfire was exchanged. The homeowner shot one of the intruders twice in the chest, and the homeowner's wife was shot in the abdomen.

The wounded intruder, Cody Ray Payne, 15, left the house but died in the front yard, police said.

The homeowner's wife was hospitalized but is expected to recover.

The other two suspected burglars ran from the house and were not found, Shelton said. They were described as black, in their late teens and wearing hooded sweatshirts and dark baggy pants.

The victims, a Hispanic family, did not want their names released, said Capt. Ryan Perkins.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Texas: Police ID suspect killed in bank robbery attempt

Dallas, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of December 17, 2008
Police ID suspect killed in bank robbery attempt

Police on Wednesday identified the suspect and the security guard who fatally shot him during an attempted bank robbery in south Dallas.

The suspect in the attempted bank robbery Tuesday was 31-year-old Christopher Sebastian Jones.

Jones was fatally shot inside a bank after exchanging gunfire with security guard Matthew Scott Prindle, 36. Jones entered a branch of Chase Bank and shot at Prindle, who was grazed in the upper body but not seriously injured. Prindle returned fire, striking Jones, who died inside the bank.

Members of a police tactical unit entered the bank after seeing a woman hiding under a desk. Officers then found Jones' body.

Indiana: Man fatally shot during robbery identified

Indianapolis, Indiana

From the Indianapolis Star of December 22, 2008
Man fatally shot during robbery identified

Police have identified the man who was fatally shot while trying to rob a Westside grocery Sunday night and the employee who shot him.

Miguel Mondragon, 29, Indianapolis, shot Christopher Barreto, 23, also of Indianapolis, after Barreto reportedly pointed his gun at a woman with a baby, said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Sgt. Matthew Mount.

Barreto walked into El Michoacana Supermarket at 6240 W. 34th at 8:50 p.m. brandishing a handgun and herded all the customers into one part of the store, Mount said. When the robber pointed the gun at the woman and her child, Mondragon shot him, using a gun belonging to the store's owner.

Barreto was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police are calling the shooting justified, but evidence will be turned over to the Marion County prosecutor's office for a final determination, Mount said.

South Carolina: Suspect shot to death during apparent home burglary in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

From South Carolina Now of December 12, 2008
Suspect shot to death during apparent home burglary in Myrtle Beach

A home invasion leaves one man dead and another is on the lose.

County police say, around 9 last night, two suspects broke into a house on Burcale Road in Myrtle Beach.

Police are investigating the shooting death that occurred at Courtyard 1 Apartments on Burcale Road, that’s near the Clay Pond village community.

They say, the owner was home at the time of the robbery and shot one suspect while the other took off.

Police also tell News 13, that neighbors living next to the burglary victim’s apartment heard gun shots and a round of gunfire went through their apartment wall.

When police arrived at the house they say, the owner was just putting down his gun when they saw one of the suspects lying on the ground dead with two gun shot wounds.

The deceased suspect is, 22-year-old Lamont Lee Reed Durrell of Georgetown.

Police took the burglary victim into custody but was later released.

They say he was assaulted but not hurt during the altercation of the home invasion.

Sgt. Robert Kegler of the Horry County Police Department confirms that no charges will be filed against the home owner.

“Every situation when it comes to a home owner defending himself inside of his is different” says Sgt. Kegler, “There’s a lot of things we need to do before our case is closed”.

Police are looking to charge the run away suspect with burglary, armed robbery and assault with intent to kill.

They are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect who escaped the scene before police arrived.

They hope a description may help them lead to that home invader. He is described as a white male in his twenties about 5ft 10’, thin built, wearing all dark clothing, a dark hat and a blue bandanna over his face. He is possibly from Georgetown as well.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Horry County Police Department at 915-5350 or 915-TIPS.

Kentucky: Guard shoots man in store robbery

Irvine, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of December 22, 2008
Guard shoots man in store robbery

A security guard shot the alleged would-be robber of a grocery store Sunday night, Irvine police said.

Police would not identify the two men, but Officer Brian Brooks said the wounded man was taken to University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment.

Brooks responded to a call at 7:17 p.m. Sunday at Priceless Foods, 1012 Winchester Road in Irvine. Upon entering, he found a man, armed with a small-caliber revolver, slumped over the cash register. The man, in his 20s, then fell to the floor.

The guard had shot the man with a .357 Magnum, Brooks said.

Florida: Man Uses Would-Be Robber's Gun To Defend Himself

Miami-Dade, Florida

From CBS4 of December 22, 2008
Man Uses Would-Be Robber's Gun To Defend Himself

Miami-Dade Police say a resident turned the tables on three home invaders who tried to rob him in Southwest Miami-Dade Monday night.

Out of the three armed men that tried robbing the man, police say one ended up hurt and was dropped off by the other two accomplices at Jackson South Hospital.

They say three Latin males with thin builds attempted to rob the man at Southwest 152nd Street and 93rd Avenue, but they got into a struggle with him instead. The victim was somehow able to get the gun and shot at one of the would-be robbers, critically injuring him.

Police say they fled in a blue or green Chevrolet Astro van, which they used to drop off the injured man at the hospital before taking off.

The man in the house only suffered a bump to his head.

Police are looking for the other two men involved.

Chandler, Arizona Jeweler Exchanges Gunfire With Robbers

Chandler, Arizona

From December 21, 2008 KNXV channel 15:
A store owner shot by a would-be robber is expected to make a full recovery following a shootout Saturday night in Chandler.

Police said two men walked into Christopher Diamonds at Chandler Boulevard and Coronado just before 7 p.m.

One had a gun and apparently tried to rob the place.

Police said Christopher Diamonds is a family run business and only three people were in the store at the time, including the owner, his wife and his son.

Another employee was outside the business.

Police said the owner, Rusty Uptain, grabbed a gun to defend his family and store.

A gun battle ensued and both Uptain and one of the suspects, 46-year-old Kevin William Murray, was shot.

Police said Uptain was shot in the face, but is expected to be okay.

Murray reportedly jumped into a stolen pick-up truck and fled the scene.

A police officer spotted the truck and chased him to the 101 and Broadway in Tempe.

That's where they said Murray died.

At about 8:15 p.m., a police dog tracked the scent of the second robber, 27-year-old Kenneth Wayne Simpson Jr.

Officers peeled out of the parking lot and caught Simpson a few blocks away near a wash.

Police said the suspects did not steal anything.


Family spokesperson Nancy Uptain told ABC 15, "My brother-in-law is an incredible marksman he's a hunter and we're very gratefully for our gun rights because with him being able to have his own protection he was able to save his family."

"These men came in and they had full intentions of killing the family and taking the jewelry," she said.

"It hit his nose the side of his nose and the corner of his eye."

Doctors are confident they are able to save not only Uptain's vision, but his eye.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Fort Smith, Arkansas Woman Defends Herself From Robbers

Fort Smith, Arkansas

From December 17, 2008 KFSM channel 5:

FORT SMITH - She's a woman who knows how to protect herself as two men who tried to rob her found out. What they didn't know was the woman is licensed to carry a concealed weapon...and yes, she was packing heat.

"A lady was flagged over Sunday evening about 6 p.m. on the interstate between Kelley Highway and the Arkansas river bridge." Lt. Steve Coppinger with State Police says that two men in a car signaled that the woman was getting a flat tire.

"When she pulled over to check her tires one of those person in that other car got out and attempted to rob her at knife point."

But what the thief didn't expect happened next. Coppinger says the female driver pulled out her handgun.

"She pointed that at her attacker and he backed away, got in the car and they fled."

Investigators say the would-have-been victim was able to turn the tables because she had a concealed carry permit. State police are keeping some details of the investigation close to their vest so they will know when they get the right guys. Right now, officials are saying they believe this to be an isolated incident.


Additional commentary at Weathering the Broken Links.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Arkansas: Mother Shoots, Kills Son In Self-Defense, Police Say

Franklin County, Arkansas

From the Fort Smith Times Record of December 16, 2008
Mother Shoots, Kills Son In Self-Defense, Police Say

A Franklin County man was killed by his mother Sunday, likely in self-defense, after he reportedly pistol-whipped her and his stepfather, authorities said.

Cameron Utsler, 22, was shot to death at the Prairie Street residence he shared with his mother and stepfather, north of Charleston, according to Lt. Steve Coppinger of the Arkansas State Police.

“Right now it looks like a justified shooting,” David Gibbons, Franklin County’s district attorney, said on Monday.

Troopers were dispatched to the residence at around 1:20 a.m. Sunday. Utsler was found dead at the scene, Coppinger said.

Utsler’s mother and stepfather, whose names were not revealed by either Coppinger or Gibbons, told investigators that Utsler became violent toward them after they had returned home from a Christmas party, according to Coppinger.

“He was upset that he was excluded from a family Christmas get-together,” Coppinger said.

Utsler reportedly brandished a handgun and at one point struck both his mother and stepfather on the head with the pistol, according to Coppinger. How many times Utsler struck them with the gun was not revealed.

“I don’t believe he discharged the weapon, he just physically beat them,” Coppinger said. “One of the parents, out of a defensive posture, had to get a firearm and shoot him.”

Coppinger described both the mother and stepfather as “very small in stature” and “slenderly built.” Utsler, however, was described as more than 6 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds.

“He’s a big guy with a violent history,” Coppinger said.

The mother and stepfather told investigators that Utsler had physically abused them in the past.

Because the shooting is believed to be self-defense, an arrest was not made.

“For this to occur right at the Christmas holiday must be very traumatic for the mother,” Coppinger said.

Both the mother and stepfather were treated and released from a local hospital, according to Coppinger

It is not known if Utsler had a history of mental instability, Coppinger said.

Gibbons said that until the State Police investigation is complete, he cannot officially clear the shooting as an act of self-defense.

Utsler’s body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, where an autopsy will be conducted.

Texas: Dog Walker Kills Armed Teen Robber, Police Say

Terrel, Texas

From the MyFoxDFW of December 18, 2008
Dog Walker Kills Armed Teen Robber, Police Say

A man walking his dog in Terrell on Wednesday fatally shot an armed 17-year-old robber, police said.

The incident happened at about 10:20 p.m. in Ben Gill Park in the 100 block of Lions Club Lane where, police said, a group of teen robbers surrounded the man.

According to investigators, Markee Lamar Johnson pulled out a gun and the 47-year-old man, a licensed concealed handgun owner, fired shots.

The 17-year-old Terrell High School student was struck in the head and died at Parkland Hospital. His weapon was recovered at the scene and later determined to be stolen during a separate offense in Terrell, according to police.

Police said they would not likely file charges against the man.

"I think in this particular situation, it would be a clear example of someone exercising their rights to protect themselves under the law," Capt. A.D. Sanson said.

Three other teen suspects fled the scene in a vehicle that was recovered in the 300 block of S. Park Street, police said.

Police identified the the other suspects and arrested one of them. Ryan Scott Patterson, 17, is charged with aggravated robbery.

The robbery victim, who did not want to be identified, was not injured.

Florida: Armed homeowner runs off burglars

Orange City, Florida

From the News-Journal of December 13, 2008
Armed homeowner runs off burglars

Two masked, armed men broke into an Orange City house but fled empty-handed after the homeowner went after them with his own handgun, officials said Friday.

The 36-year-old husband and his wife, 37, whom officials did not identify, were watching television in their bedroom at their Cedar Avenue home when they heard a loud crash in another part of the house at 9:45 p.m. Thursday. When they investigated, they were met by two armed men in their kitchen, Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said.

The couple ran back to their bedroom where the husband grabbed a handgun and went after the armed men, who then bolted through the front door, Haught said.

No one was injured in the incident, Haught said.

Arkansas: Malvern Man Holds Intruder At Gunpoint Until Police Arrive

Malvern, Arkansas

From KTHV of December 17, 2008
Malvern Man Holds Intruder At Gunpoint Until Police Arrive

A Malvern family gets an unexpected visitor in their home and the next to arrive is police.

It started out as a normal morning for the Newborns last Thursday, but as Lester Newborn was getting out of the shower he says his worst fears were realized as he heard his daughter scream "There's someone in the house!"

Lester Newborn adds, "I have no idea what she was planning on doing all I know is she came in my house."

Newborn says the intruder probably walked through the neighborhood looking for an open door or window and happened to find theirs. "I was messing with Christmas lights outside and I left a window unlocked and that's the window she came through."

His daughter Brittney Newborn adds, "She came in through my bedroom window and she took the screen off and she just came in. I heard her making noise in my room I was in another room I just came in to see what it was and she was just standing right there."

Brittney says as she screamed for her dad she left the room and he walked in with a .357 hand gun.

Newborn adds, "We're all blessed because evidentially she was on some kind of drugs or something because she didn't resist at all. The weapon is for protection in my home and I'm glad and thankful I didn't have to shot her."

Malvern Police tell us they do patrol more often during the holidays, but it is up to you to make sure your home is safe and secure and if you have a registered gun you have the right to protect yourself.

Detective Randy Neal with Malvern Police says, "You don't want to take anyone's life and chances are you never know what their intentions are he did the right thing he never pulled the trigger on her."

Detective Neal says they've had a string of robberies this holiday season. He continues, "Just keep everything locked that's a big deterrent usually when we get residential burglaries because it's not locked 90 percent of the time."

The Newborns say they learned their lesson and this Christmas will be especially meaningful.

Brittney says, "It will be different for me because it will make me extra thankful for my family and so thankful that this situation didn't turn out tragically."

Police say the intruder is 30-year-old Jennifer Draper. She's being charged with residential burglary and held on $5,000 bond.

Days earlier in Hot Spring County a homeowner held two intruders at gun point. Police say they had items in their car from previous burglaries.

Maryland: Baltimore Police Blotter

Baltimore, Maryland

From the Baltimore Sun of December 15, 2008
Baltimore Police Blotter

Police were seeking two men and a woman who attempted to rob three males at Hammershire and Reisterstown roads about 9:30 p.m. Friday. While the men walked down the street, a man armed with a handgun and a woman also carrying a handgun exited a silver Toyota Camry occupied by a second man and demanded their money. When one of the victims grabbed one of the guns, the two fled back to the car and drove off with no money or property.

California: Woman shoots thief, Sacramento police say

Sacramento, California

From the Sacramento Bee of December 4, 2008
Woman shoots thief, Sacramento police say

A 34-year-old homeowner shot a man who was trying to steal from her property in East Sacramento Wednesday morning, police said.

The incident happened about 7 a.m. in the 4500 block of 13th Avenue, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said.

The suspect, who sustained facial injuries, is in a hospital and expected to survive, Leong said. The man, whose has not been released yet, is a parolee-at-large.

Investigators are reviewing the case to determine if the woman acted in self-defense. She has not been charged, Leong said.

Georgia: Employee kill would-be robber in Forest Park

Forrest Park, Georiga

From the Ledger-Enquirer of December 17, 2008
Employee kill would-be robber in Forest Park

A would-be robber was killed after he was shot in a gunbattle with an employee at a cell phone store in Forest Park.

Authorities said it happened Monday night at about 8 p.m.

Police identified the deceased suspect as 18-year-old Tyrie Rolland of Decatur. Rolland was shot in the head and died at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Detectives are working to identify a second suspect who fled in a white pickup truck.

Forest Park police major Chris Matson said it appeared the worker acted in self-defense.

Maryland: Police: Liquor Store Owner Kills Would-be Robber

Largo, Maryland

From WJLA of December 12, 2008
Police: Liquor Store Owner Kills Would-be Robber

The co-owner of a Largo liquor shot and killed a man during an attempted robbery Friday, police said.

Bill Miles, another co-owner of Kettering Liquors, was there. He saw the shooting. He says the would-be robber came in with a gun and a struggle ensued. Officers say it ended when Miles' business partner pulled out his gun and shot the man.

"There were a lot of us in the tussle and so it didn't work out too well for the other guy," Miles said. "It's tragic. Somebody died today. Good news is, it wasn't one of us. It was the bad guy."

The owner who shot the man was identified as Bill Robertson by Carolyn Tucker, a store employee.

"He must have thought somebody was going to get hurt," she said.

Tucker arrived for work around 8:30 Friday morning. She was met by police officers, crime scene tape and the news one of her employers shot and killed a robber. Tucker said it was the first hold-up she knew of at Kettering Liquors.

Solly Sellers, a Kettering Liquor customer, defended the co-owner's actions: "Would you defend yourself if you got robbed? Sure you should defend yourself. Why not?"

The co-owner who opened fire has not been charged. Investigators will determine whether the shooting was justified.

A handgun was recovered from the deceased man at the scene, police said.

Neighboring business owners in the shopping center say the area has been plagued with crime. The liquor store is protected by bars on its windows and, according to a friend of the owner, it has barbed wire in the ceiling to protect against burglars who come in through the roof.

Kevin McMann, another merchant in the Largo Plaza, said, "It's unfortunate for the robber, but it, you know, had to be done, in my opinion. Maybe it'll send a message out to other people: Don't mess with the owners."

Florida: Man reports shooting intruder

Manatee, Florida

From the Bradenton Herald of December 18, 2008
Man reports shooting intruder

A Bradenton man reported shooting a man who came into his house and put a gun to his girlfriend’s head early this morning, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.

The 52-year-old homeowner said his girlfriend, 47, opened the door to their home, in the 6500 block of Wellesley Drive, just before 2 a.m. this morning. The girlfriend told deputies a man at the door tried to push his way in, while a second man with a gun got into the house and put a gun to her head, according to sheriff reports.

The boyfriend said he came back from getting a gun and opened fire on the gunman when he saw the gun to his girlfriend’s head. The boyfriend, who claimed his shot hit the gunman, said he only saw one person in his house, while the girlfriend said two men were there.

Sarasota authorities later reported to Manatee detectives that a gunshot victim had checked into a hospital there. Manatee detectives have interviewed the man, who had a gunshot wound to the hand, but have not confirmed whether he was the man involved in the Manatee shooting. No arrests have yet been made.

South Carolina: One dead, four charged in apparent robbery attempt

Newberry, South Carolina

From WISTV of December 15, 2008
One dead, four charged in apparent robbery attempt

The Newberry Police Department is investigating a shooting over the weekend that left a would-be robber dead.

According to Newberry Police Chief Jackie Swindler, the investigation started Saturday night when 35-year-old Willie Hiller was found dead in the driveway of a home on 1st Street.

At about that same time, a man went to the police station and told officers that he shot into a crowd of people as they attempted to rob his apartment at the Palmetto Point Apartments.

That apartment complex is near the location that Hiller's body was found.

The man who fired the shots told investigators a group of people tried to rob him at his apartment, and in self-defense, he fired into the group.

Police say it started around 9:30pm, when a 13-year-old came knocking.

They say the resident recognized the child and opened the door. Soon after that, police say 5 others rushed the apartment trying to get inside.

"The plan was for all of them to gain entry and get inside and rob the individuals of this house," Swindler said.

Investigators are still trying to work out the details but tell News 10 that the man who fired the shots will more than likely not be charged, as it appears he acted in self-defense.

Four people have been charged, including 18-year-old Jessica Sligh, with attempted armed robbery and attempted burglary.

"It's just sad that people make choices and consequences are grave. It's just a tragedy all the way around," Swindler said.

Apartment manager Lee Pannier cleaned up Monday morning. He said his tenant made the right call.

"First thing you think of is protect your family," Pannier said.

Pannier also said that his tenant is well-known to the community and is a good guy. As for the shooting, he said, "Nothing remotely like this has ever happened before."

Authorities say they are looking for another adult; six people were involved all together, they say.

Utah: Burglary goes bad when would-be thief, homeowner trade shots in Ogden

Ogden, Utah

From the Desert News of December 16, 2008
Burglary goes bad when would-be thief, homeowner trade shots in Ogden

Officers have arrested a man they say tried to break into a home and then traded shots with the homeowner in the middle of the street.

Ogden police said it happened about 9 a.m. Tuesday at a home on the 200 block of 29th Street when two men tried to break in.

"They were kicking in the door, and the man was inside with his family," Ogden Police Lt. Scott Sangberg said Tuesday. "He went to the door with his 9 mm (handgun). Then the guy realized that the place wasn't vacant and started to leave."

As he was leaving, police said one of the would-be burglars fired a gun at the homeowner.

"The owner took a shot at him," Sangberg said.

The homeowner gave police a description of the men and the green Dodge Intrepid they fled in. Police recognized it from an attempted burglary case they dealt with the week before and went to the suspect's home, where he was arrested.

The 31-year-old man was being booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of burglary. Detectives were still investigating the case, Sangberg said, including whether the homeowner would face any charges in the shooting.

Illinois: Dupo homeowner thwarts, handcuffs burglar

Dupo, Illinois

From the Belleview News Democrat of December 12, 2008
Dupo homeowner thwarts, handcuffs burglar

A Dupo resident fought back and made a citizen's arrest when a man attempted to burglarize his home in the middle of the day.

A St. Clair County sheriff's deputy responded at 1:16 p.m. Dec. 3 to a burglary in progress call in the 2800 block of Stolle Road in Dupo.

When deputy Cerether White arrived, he found Eric L. Kirk, 35, of 117 S. Fourth St. in Dupo, handcuffed outside the home with the 35-year-old homeowner kneeling on him.

The homeowner told White that Kirk had knocked on his door, and he didn't recognize him when he looked out the window. The homeowner tried to run the license plate on a blue minivan Kirk was standing near but could not read the entire plate, so he decided to get his gun, according to the police report.

When the homeowner, whose name was not released by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, retrieved his gun and returned to the door, his dogs started barking. That's when he noticed Kirk and the van were gone. The homeowner told police he then saw the van backed up to his garage and Kirk using a crow bar to try to open the garage door.

The homeowner called 911 to report the crime in progress and then fired two rounds into the ground near Kirk.

According to the police report, Kirk ran to the van and attempted to get away when the homeowner grabbed him, wrestled him to the ground and slapped handcuffs on him with the assistance of a neighbor.

"After interviewing the victim and a witness, (it was determined that) the victim shot his firearm in defense of his life and his home," said Capt. Steve Johnson, chief investigator for the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. "Although law enforcement never wants citizens to take the law into their own hands, in this incident, it was a volatile situation."

Kirk has been charged with attempted burglary. His bail is set at $25,000, and he remains in custody in the St. Clair County Jail.

Ohio: Man Fires Shots At Intruders, Thwarts Home Robbery

Columbus, Ohio

From WBNS of December 11, 2008
Man Fires Shots At Intruders, Thwarts Home Robbery

A man thwarted a home robbery on Thursday morning when he fired gunshots at two armed men who had forced their way into his home.

Three adults and three children were inside the home on Azelda Avenue when the men barged in at about 2:30 a.m., 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.

Josh Fields said he was awakened when one of the men put a gun to his head.

"My life flashed before my eyes," Fields said.

Cassey Fields was also sleeping when the men broke down the home's front door, stormed inside and pointed a gun at her. Moments later, she said she heard gunshots.

"I heard two gunshots and I didn't hear Josh or my dad anymore, so I thought they got my dad," Cassey Fields said.

The gunshots were fired by her father. After hearing the men break into the home, Ken Fields grabbed his own gun and confronted the two men.

"The first one who was at the door turned around to go out and I fired a shot at him," said Ken Fields.

After being shot at, both men fled from the home. Police arrived a short time later but did not find the men, Ramos reported.

The Fields family said it was the second time in two weeks that someone has tried to break into their home.

Kentucky: Lexington man shoots, kills intruder

Lexington, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of December 18, 2008
Lexington man shoots, kills intruder

A Lexington man told police he shot an intruder, who later died, after the man entered his apartment near Shillito Park Wednesday night and tried to rob him, Lexington police said.

About 10:45 p.m., police found the resident suffering from gunshot wounds that weren't considered life threatening when they arrived at an apartment complex at 3500 Beaver Place, near Nicholasville Road and Man o' War Boulevard.

The resident, whose name has not been released, said he was shot during a fight after two men entered his apartment and tried to rob him. The resident was armed with a handgun and shot one of the intruders, Lexington police said.

Officer Ann Gutierrez, a Lexington police spokeswoman, said the resident opened the door after the two men knocked. No information was available Thursday morning about whether the resident recognized the intruders.

The alleged intruder and the resident were taken to University of Kentucky Hospital. The alleged intruder later died. The Fayette County coroner has not yet released his name.

No charges have been filed.

On Thursday, Lexington police were still searching for the other alleged intruder who witnesses saw running toward Shillito Park Wednesday night. The man was described as about 6 feet 3 inches tall and wearing a dark gray, hooded jacket.

Lexington police said anyone with information about the incident should call the Personal Crimes Section at (859) 258-3700 or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Arizona: Police: Homeowner Shot Intrude

Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of December 10, 2008
Police: Homeowner Shot Intrude

A man who police call a would-be burglar may be regretting kicking in the door of an east Valley homeowner early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Investigators said after Richard Lopez kicked in the door of a Gilbert home, the homeowner grabbed a gun and shot him twice -- once in the face and once in the torso.

The driver of the alleged getaway vehicle, Mark Vega, took Lopez to the hospital, where they were met by officers, police said.

Additionally, Gilbert police said, Lopez may be connected to a string of home burglaries in the east Valley.

Lopez was arrested in April in connection with a similar string of crimes in the west Valley.

Police called the ring, which targeted more than three dozen homes, the "door-kicking burglars" after the method they used to break into homes.

Gilbert police said they are investigating a connection to the crimes in the west Valley; however, they would not confirm whether the two crime sprees are linked.

The east Valley homeowner who shot Lopez will not be charged, Gilbert police Sgt. Mark Marino said.

"In this particular case, the homeowner protected himself," Marino said.

Texas: Burglar shot dead in Cedar Hill driveway

Cedar Hill, Texas

From WFAA of December 5, 2008
Burglar shot dead in Cedar Hill driveway

Police said a Cedar Hill resident shot and killed a person attempting to break into a vehicle in his driveway Friday morning.

The gunfire erupted at 7:30 a.m. in the 9100 block of Sleepy Hollow, one of the city's nicest, most established neighborhoods.

Police said the homeowner heard an alarm going off on his pickup truck. He grabbed a gun, went outside, and opened fire when he saw the alleged burglar attempting to remove a stereo system.

The suspect died at the scene.

"This is extremely rare," said Cedar Hill spokesman Corky Brown. "This is a really quiet neighborhood like most of ours in Cedar Hill. It's very shocking to the neighbors to have something like this occur."

The names of the homeowner and the suspect have not been released.

The homeowner has not been arrested or charged at this point.

Florida: St. Pete Storeowner Chases, Shoots At Armed Robbers

St. Petersburg, Florida

From the Tampa Bay Online of December 7, 2008
St. Pete Storeowner Chases, Shoots At Armed Robbers

When John Silva opened his St. Petersburg variety store about 9 a.m. Sunday, he brought Gertrude with him.

Gertrude, he says, was his grandfather's .22 caliber Sentinel Arms revolver. Silva's other gun, Betsy – a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol – was taken by St. Petersburg Police Saturday as evidence.

Two men came in to John's Variety, 208 4th St. N., at about 8 p.m. Saturday, says Silva. Their faces were covered with something resembling a ninja mask, he says.

They pointed what looked like a .45 caliber handgun at him.

"They told me and a customer to 'get on the floor, give me your money,'" says Silva on the phone while tending to a customer looking for Tylenol. "I moved as if going down on the floor, reached for my gun, stood back up with the .380 in my hands and they ran like jackrabbits."
Silva, 53, says he followed the men out of the store.

"I let three rounds go," he says. "Unfortunately, I missed them."

Not long after Silva chased the would-be robbers, St. Petersburg police arrested two men they say tried to rob the store.

One, Benjamin Roland Jones, 19, 934 10th Ave. S., was picked up on Central Avenue.

The other, Cory Jay Smith 21, was found hiding in a nearby lake and received a minor bite from a police K-9 dog, police said.

Smith, 985 Melrose Ave. S., is being held in the Pinellas County Jail on a bond of $50,000.
A former cook aboard the submarine U.S.S. Andrew Jackson and, more recently, a Merchant Marine, Silva says his actions were partly the result of his military training, partly instinctual.

"I was taught how to use a gun in the Merchant Marines," he says. "Just how to use and shoot a gun, what to do if we get pirates on board. Nothing like what I had to deal with last night, close, face-to-face contact. I don't consider myself tough. But I can handle myself. I used to be a bouncer."

When the two men pointed a gun at him, Silva says he just reacted.

"I wasn't thinking," he says. "But you ain't getting my money. I instinctively grabbed the gun which I call Betsy. A girl's name, an appropriate name as far as I am concerned."

Gertrude, he says, may be old, but still works.

"It used to be my grandfather's gun, from when he was the harbor master for Provincetown, Mass.," he says.

Silva says he was hoping the guys he shot at were connected to other recent armed robberies in St. Petersburg.

"This would have stopped them and they could go to jail for a long freaking time," he says.

However, after questioning the two men, police say they do not appear to be connected with recent armed robberies that left two brothers – owners of different stores - wounded.

...

Silva says there was no question about opening up his store after the robbery.

"I had no second thoughts," he says. "I just brought another gun from home."

Florida: Pizza Man Attacked, Shoots At Attempted Robbers

Brevard County, Florida

From WFTV of December 8, 2008
Pizza Man Attacked, Shoots At Attempted Robbers

Titusville Police were searching for a group of robbers who attacked a Dominos Pizza delivery man late Saturday night. The attackers hit Jerry Johnson in the face with a brick, but he scared them off when he pulled out a gun and started shooting.

Johnson said he normally leaves his gun in the car, but when he pulled up to the home on Parkland Street, he knew something was wrong.

"When I pulled up I noticed it was dark. I've been doing this for ten years and this looked fishy so I put my gun in me," he said.

Police dogs searched the area, but didn't find the suspects. A Dominos Pizza manager told Eyewitness News that it's against company policy for employees to carry firearms and doesn't know if Johnson will get in trouble for defending himself.

Alabama: Men shot in break-in attempt

Nitrate City, Alabama

From the Times Daily of December 4, 2008
Men shot in break-in attempt

A Colbert County homeowner shot two men who reportedly were trying to break into his house early Wednesday, leaving both hospitalized recovering from multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said.

Three Florence men face charges over the break-in bid, Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said.

Charged with second-degree burglary were:

# Justin Peake, 22, 330 Reddoch Road, Florence.

# Holland Noah Elkins, 19, Darby Drive, Florence.

# Jason Douglas Reynolds, 18, 127 Patsy Drive, Florence.

Peake, a student at the University of North Alabama and 2006 member of the golf team, and Elkins were both injured, May said. Peake was in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital on Wednesday night, while Elkins had surgery and was transferred to a private room at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence and was in stable condition.

Authorities said the homeowner reported that the men were trying to kick in the back door at his home at 6720 Second St. The break-in occurred around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Investigators say Reynolds, a student at UNA, was the driver of the getaway car. He was not injured.

Investigators said the homeowner shot Peake and Elkins multiple times with a 9 mm pistol after they kicked in the back door of the residence, which is just past East Colbert Baptist Church. The sheriff said neither Peake nor Elkins were armed.

Peake, who was found lying in the yard, was flown to Huntsville Hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit.

After being shot, Elkins was taken to E.C.M. Hospital by Reynolds, who was driving Peake's silver Mercedes.

May said Peake's Mercedes was found by Florence police on Reddock Road in Florence, which is in the affluent Heathrow subdivision.

"We were able to locate the driver (Reynolds), and he was interviewed by investigators and admitted that he took (Peake and Elkins) to the residence to burglarize the residence," May said.

He said it's unclear what the burglars were after or why they chose the eastern Colbert County residence.

"We understand that one of their friends may have told them that something of value was inside the residence and that they would want to get their hands on it," May said.

He said the burglary plan was sidetracked when the men were confronted by the homeowner as they kicked in the door.

"We got a call at 12:38 a.m. from the homeowner that two people had broke through the back door and he had shot one or both of them," the sheriff said.

Authorities said Peake was likely shot seven or eight times, while Elkins was shot at least twice.

May said the homeowner turned over the weapon to sheriff's investigators.

The homeowner said he lived alone and moved into the house just over two years ago.

May said the homeowner reported an attempted burglary that took place at the residence Monday night.

"He said someone had been calling his house (Monday) and hanging up, and the telephone numbers were some he didn't recognize," May said. "Then when he got home from work Monday evening, someone had tried to get into the back door of his porch."

The sheriff said the homeowner told investigators the hang-up calls began again Tuesday.

"And they lasted into the night," May said. "So (the homeowner) said he got suspicious and cut out all the lights and was just sitting and waiting when they broke through the door."

It is the second home invasion reported in the Shoals this week and the third in Colbert County within a week.

Massachusetts: Clerk shoots, kills masked man during Worcester holdup

Worcester, Massachusetts

From the Boston Globe of December 11, 2008
Clerk shoots, kills masked man during Worcester holdup

A liquor store clerk shot and killed an alleged armed robber in Worcester last night, firing at a masked man several times when he pulled a handgun during a holdup, police said.

The alleged robber -- Evan Louis Rivera, 40 -- was pronounced dead at a hospital 45 minutes after the shooting. When the clerk opened fire, Rivera's accomplice ran and remains at large, police said. The clerk who shot the robber was interviewed by police and has not been charged.

The two masked men entered Big Bob's Liquors on Richmond Avenue at 9:59 p.m., police said in a statement describing the shooting. One of the men pulled a handgun and pointed it "directly at one of the two store clerks then on duty," the statement says.

One of the store clerks pulled his own gun and shot the alleged robber several times, police said. The clerk's name was not released because he has not been charged with a crime. Police said he was cooperative and is properly licensed to possess and carry firearms.

After the shooting, police launched a "large-scale area search" for the second robbery suspect that included State Police dogs. Detectives believe that the two masked men may have been responsible for a string of similar robberies in the region, according to Sergeant Kerry F. Hazelhurst.

From the Boston Channel of February 6, 2009
Storeowner Who Killed Robber Not Charged

The owner of Big Bob’s Liquors will not be charged in the death of a man who was shot while attempting to rob the store at gunpoint in December, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

“A thorough review of the investigation and evidence has revealed that the storeowner acted in self-defense and in the defense of another,” Early said. “He and his brother were put in fear for their lives.”

Two men entered Big Bob’s store at 4 Richmond Ave. at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 10. At least one of the men pointed a handgun directly at a store clerk behind the counter. The storeowner, who was nearby, pulled out his own gun and shot one of the would-be robbers several times. The other man fled the store and remains at large.

Evan L. Rivera, 40, was pronounced dead later that night at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

Virginia: Man Shoots And Kills Alleged Intruder

Arlington, Virginia

From WUSA of December 9, 2008
Man Shoots And Kills Alleged Intruder

Arlington County Police tell 9NEWS NOW that a man shot and killed an alleged home intruder.

Police say that they received a call at approximately 4 AM from a man who said that he had shot an intruder in his home and that the man could be dead.

Police say that when they arrived at the home on the 2100 block of Arlington Ridge Road, they found one man dead and that the man who called turned himself in to them.

Arlington Police are still investigating the incident and could not confirm any more details.

Massachusetts: Liquor store clerk disarms would-be robber

Lawrence, Massachusetts

From the Eagle Tribune of December 7, 2008
Liquor store clerk disarms would-be robber

Raul Gruezo said he got angry last night when a would-be robber walked into Garcia Liquors, pointed a loaded gun at him and demanded money.

"I'm so mad, I'd like to hit him," the 59-year-old package store clerk said.

Gruezo said he stared the man down, then grabbed hold of the gun with his right hand, and used his left hand to pull it away from the intruder, who then fled the store.

"I look at him, like a cat, then take it away," Gruezo said, demonstrating how he snuck his right hand onto the weapon as he looked at the intruder. His left hand was injured and bandaged from the scuffle.

"This is the first time in my life that somebody pointed a gun at me," he said. "But I don't scare. I'm not nervous. I'm just mad."

Gruezo said he used his size advantage to pull the gunman toward him and push the gun so it pointed toward the ceiling instead of at his face.

The robbery suspect, who is described as 5-foot-5, with a stocky build, fled the store after losing his gun. Police said they will review a store surveillance tape in an effort to identify the gunman.

(More)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

North Carolina: Store Owner Shoots Suspected Robbers

Catawba, North Carolina

From WSOC of December 6, 2008
Store Owner Shoots Suspected Robbers

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office said a business owner shot and killed a suspected robber, and hurt another one.

Deputies said it happened at 3:15 a.m. Saturday. Randy Willis, owner of Willis Packaging on Highway 10, went to his store because the alarm was going off. When Willis got there, deputies said he saw a man coming out of his store with a shotgun.

Willis and the robber struggled, and deputies said Willis pulled out a pistol and shot the robber, killing him.

Deputies said another robber, 52-year-old Arnold Ray Jr., had broken into the store. Ray jumped Willis, and Willis shot him as well, this time in the shoulder.

Deputies said the two men had broken into the store through the front window. They also said a woman, Jean Holman, dropped the two men off. Holman is charged with breaking and entering and larceny.

The sheriff’s office said Ray was taken to the hospital. Authorities have not released the deceased man’s name. Authorities said Willis hurt several ribs during the altercations, but did not go to the hospital.

Ray is charged with breaking and entering, larceny, robbery and kidnapping.

Willis was not charged. Deputies said the case will be handed over to the district attorney.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Florida: Woman shoots home invader through abdomen

Lynn Haven, Florida

From the Northwest Florida Daily News of December 5, 2008
Woman shoots home invader through abdomen

Lynn Haven police were looking Friday for two suspects in a home invasion and attempted robbery.

Melissa Galarza, of 817 Bradford Circle, answered a knock on her door Thursday evening, and two white males charged into the home and demanded "the money," a Lynn Haven officer wrote in an incident report.

One of the men punched Galarza in the face twice and knocked her to the floor. The men covered her mouth to keep her from screaming and kept demanding the money, reports said.

While on the floor, Galarza remembered she had a gun within reach on the bottom shelf of her coffee table. She drew the weapon, and the two men backed off before charging at her again. Galarza said she fired in self-defense, and the men fled her home together, report said.

Galarza suffered minor injuries in the incident, officials said.

Galarza's bullet went through the abdomen of one of the suspects, 26-year-old Matthew Andrews, officials said.

Andrews went to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. While at the hospital, Andrews was met by the Panama City Police Department and an investigator questioned him about the wound, said Capt. Mark Aviles.

Andrews told the investigator he was the victim of a robbery on 15th Street but that he did not want to file a police report and did not want to speak with officers further, Aviles said.

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California: Burson homeowner, Arnold store clerk foil separate robbery attempts

Burson, California

From the Amador Ledger-Dispatch of December 1, 2008
Burson homeowner, Arnold store clerk foil separate robbery attempts

A Burson man was arrested by Calaveras County sheriff's deputies after he attempted to rob a homeowner at a residence located in the 5800 block of De Los Angeles Road in Burson earlier this month.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, Mike Nicholson III, 24, knocked on the door of William Six's residence on De Los Angeles Road. Six answered the door and found Nicholson standing there with a 10-inch knife. Nicholson told Six to give him the keys to his best truck and reportedly said, "I'm robbing you," according to a release from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office.

Six balked and closed the front door. Concerned Nicholson was going to remain outside his residence or steal one of his vehicles, Six retrieved a firearm. Six confronted Nicholson at the bottom of his driveway and ordered Nicholson to the ground. Six told deputies Nicholson sat down for a short time, but became belligerent.

According to Six, Nicholson said he did not have to remain at the scene and started to get up off the ground. Six responded by firing a warning shot into the ground. That seemed to do the trick, as Six was able to hold Nicholson at gunpoint until Deputy Jim Moser arrived to take Nicholson into custody.

During the confrontation, Nicholson reportedly threatened to do harm to Six and his wife.

Nicholson was booked at the Calaveras County Jail on charges of attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and public intoxication. Nicholson is being held at the Calaveras County Jail on $55,000 bail.

Vermont: Murder Charges Dropped, Shooting Was Self-Defense

Chester, Vermont

From WXAX of November 26, 2008
Murder Charges Dropped, Shooting Was Self-Defense

Murder charges have been dropped in a fatal shooting in Windsor County.

Kyle Bolaski, 24, of Springfield, was charged with second-degree murder, for killing Vincent Tamburello, 32, of Springfield, in August during a fight at a park in Chester. Bolaski claims Tamburello was chasing him with an ax, so he shot him twice.

A grand jury agreed the shooting was self-defense.

Bolaski will face aggravated assault charges for allegedly hitting Tamburello with the gun after the shooting.

Alabama: Birmingham teen murder suspect in wrong place, mother says

Birmingham, Alabama

From the Birmingham News of December 5, 2008
Birmingham teen murder suspect in wrong place, mother says

The adoptive mother of a teen charged with capital murder of an acquaintance who was killed while the two were robbing someone Sunday said her son was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Malik Hameed, 17, is remorseful over his involvement in a weekend robbery that left his accomplice, a family friend, dead, said his mother, Hamidah Hameed, 56.

"All he's been doing is crying and asking me to come get him," Hamidah Hameed said. "He keeps saying, `Mama, I'm sorry.' I told him he had a chance to think and make a different choice, but he didn't think. He just asked me to hug him and hold him."

Police say Malik Hameed and Patrick Cortez Levert, 26, were shot Sunday in the 100 block of Cotton Avenue Southwest while trying to rob a 39-year-old man at gunpoint.

The man pulled a gun and shot both, police said.

Levert, found on the sidewalk, was taken to UAB Hospital, where he died. Someone drove Hameed to Princeton Baptist Medical Center, where he was treated and later taken into police custody.

Though Hameed didn't shoot Levert, he is charged with capital murder because he was a conspirator in a crime that resulted in death, police said.

Hamidah Hameed said witnesses have told family members her son wasn't armed.

"We haven't been able to verify whether he was or wasn't armed," said Birmingham homicide Sgt. Scott Thurmond. "But from talking to him, he knew what was going on prior to getting there. He knew the deal."

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Arkansas: Ark. man forces way into wrong house, fatally shot

Trumann, Arkanas

From WXVT of December 8, 2008
Ark. man forces way into wrong house, fatally shot

Police in northeast Arkansas say a Trumann man looking for his wife after an argument went to the wrong home and was shot to death by the homeowner when he tried to force his way inside.

Trumann police say Saturday's shooting death of 34-year-old Todd Short appears to be a justifiable homicide. Police Chief Larry Blagg says Short apparently got into an argument with his wife, and that she went to a family friend's home. According to police, Todd Short went to a nearby home - thinking that's where his wife was staying - and tried to force his way inside.

The homeowner, Jimmy Hand, then fatally shot Short with a shotgun. Police say the two homes were "cookie cutter" and that both had similar cars in the driveway.

The shooting remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed against Hand.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Georgia: Would-be robber shot with his own gun after struggle

Savannah, Georiga

From the Florida Times-Union of December 6, 2008
Would-be robber shot with his own gun after struggle

Police say a man who tried to rob a Savannah convenience store ended up being shot with his own gun after a clerk refused to hand over any money without a fight.

According to police, the clerk managed to wrestle away one of the 19-year-old’s two guns and shoot him in the leg Thursday afternoon. The suspect dropped the other gun, which wasn’t loaded, as he ran away.

Police initially couldn’t find the man, but officials say he turned up later in the day at Memorial University Medical Center.

He had not been charged as of Thursday evening, and police didn’t immediately identify him because investigators were still interviewing witnesses.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Florida: Crook Caught After Losing Gun During Robbery

Tampa, Florida

From CBS4 of November 30, 2008
Crook Caught After Losing Gun During Robbery

An armed robbery suspect in Tampa learned a valuable lesson on his latest caper – hang onto your gun.

Armed with a pistol Jerome Haggins, 42, burst into a home Saturday evening and demanded the six men inside to lie on the ground, according to police. He then demanded they hand over their wallets and jewelry. Once he had the loot, Haggins reportedly told the men to take off their clothes; that's when he noticed one of the men was still wearing a bracelet.

The men told police Haggins put his gun on a table and then snatched the bracelet off the man's arm. While Haggins was taking the bracelet, police say another man grabbed the gun and turned the tables on Haggins. They then held him at gunpoint until police arrived.

Haggins faces multiple charges, including armed robbery.