Saturday, February 28, 2009

Georgia: Lilburn homeowner shoots, kills intruder at door

Lilburn, Georgia

From WTVM of February 27, 2009
Lilburn homeowner shoots, kills intruder at door

TeGwinnett County police say a homeowner shot and killed 1 of the intruders when two men kicked in his front door.

The incident happened shortly after 5 p.m. Friday when the men knocked at the door and when no one answered, kicked it in.

Police spokeswoman Illana Spellman said the resident fired, striking and killing one in the doorway. She said the second man ran away and police using search dogs were unable to find the man.

No charges have been filed in the incident

Friday, February 27, 2009

Colorado: Pellet Gun Scares Would-Be Robber, Suspect at Large

Woodland Park, Colorado

From KRDO of February 26, 2009
Pellet Gun Scares Would-Be Robber, Suspect at Large

A suspect armed with a revolver ran away after a Woodland Park store clerk pulled out a pellet gun and told him to leave Thursday. He is considered armed and dangerous by police.

The robbery happened at the 99 Auto Detail on 219 South West Street in Woodland Park just before noon. Police say the suspect walked into the business showed a small revolver and demanded all the money. The owner Glenn Kothe went to the area where the money is kept and picked up a pellet gun pointed it at the suspect and told him to leave. The suspect ran from the business. Nothing was taken, no one was hurt.

The suspect is described by police as a white male, early 20's, approximately 6 foot, 175 pounds, short brown hair, GI haircut. The suspect was last seen wearing blue jeans and a long sleeve crew neck shirt which was darker than the jeans.

The students in Woodland Park Schools were not released for lunch off campus due to the active search for the suspect. The Woodland Park Police Department and the Teller County Sheriffs conducted systematic patrols of all of Woodland Park and the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect.

Point of contact is Detective Sergeant Tom Kinney at the Woodland Park Police Department, 719 687-9262.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Florida: Homeowner foils burglary attempt in NW Tallahassee

Tallahassee, Florida

From the Tallahassee Democrat of February 25, 2009
Homeowner foils burglary attempt in NW Tallahassee

A resident on the 2100 block of Padlock Place heard what appeared to be someone breaking into their home earlier this morning. According to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner stated a burglar was attempting to break the glass on a window.

“There have been several burglaries in this area in recent weeks,” said Sgt. Tony Drzewiecki, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office said about northwest Tallahassee. “We don’t know if this is related to those recent burglaries; however, we have uniformed deputies in the area now and we are working on any leads.”

Drzewiecki said the resident, armed with a shotgun, investigated. Upon finding an unknown person breaking into the home, the owner fired a shot, which missed, and the suspect fled.

Padlock Place is tucked away next to the Lake Talquin State Recreation Area and about a mile from Maddox Road.

No one was hurt in the incident, and deputies are searching for the persons responsible for the break in.

Anyone who notices anything suspicious or has information about the spate of burglaries in the area has been encouraged to call the Leon County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 922-3300 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-8477.

Florida: Tampa store clerk thwarts armed robbery

Tampa Bay, Florida

From Tampa Tribune of February 25, 2009
Armed Clerk Foils Robbery Attempt

Two men wearing ski masks and gloves walked into the Friendly Meat 'N Grocery store Monday evening planning to rob the business, according to Tampa police.

But when one of the men pointed a pistol at Mohammed Abu Sayed, the clerk grabbed a pistol of his own, police say.

The would-be robbers ran out but fired a shot back toward the store, shattering a window. The men drove from the scene in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle, police say.

Police did not have additional descriptions of the suspects.

Sayed, 49, was not hurt during the attempted robbery, which happened about 9 p.m. at 1910 N. 34th St.

South Carolina: Homeowner holds suspect at bay in pool

Lexington County, South Carolina

From The State of February 21, 2009
Homeowner holds suspect at bay in pool

A Lexington County man suffered cuts — but still was able to detain a man police say was caught breaking into his home Thursday.

The homeowner held the man — at gunpoint — in his swimming pool.

Ruben Silva-Aguilar, 19, of Lexington, was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary and assault and battery with intent to kill in connection with the incident, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said. Silva-Aguilar is being held at the county detention center, awaiting a bail hearing.

Reports indicate a homeowner on Gilbert Springs Court near Batesburg-Leesville arrived home Thursday as a burglary was taking place.

According to reports, items were being carried out of the home’s back door when the homeowner was cut on the arm with a knife. The homeowner managed to throw the man into the pool.

Deputies responded at about 3:35 p.m. to a call about a burglary in progress, Metts said. A neighbor directed them to the home’s backyard, where they found the homeowner — armed with a rifle — had forced the suspect to stand in the middle of the in-ground pool, reports say.

Texas: Fort Bend Homeowner Shoots, Kills Armed Man Angry Over Being Refused Entry To Party

Fort Bend, Texas

From the Fort Bend Now of February 23, 2009
Fort Bend Homeowner Shoots, Kills Armed Man Angry Over Being Refused Entry To Party

A homeowner in the Providence neighborhood shot and killed an armed man who may have been seeking retribution after being kicked out of a party on Saturday night.

The name of the dead man hasn’t yet been released, “pending forensic confirmation,” the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement issued Monday morning.

However, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case said the dead man is believed to be “a pretty high-ranking member of a gang,” whom the homeowner appears to have shot while “defending his property and his family.”

According to the sheriff’s office statement, deputies responded to a disturbance and possible shooting incident at 10:48 p.m. Saturday at a home in the 8700 block of Warrenford Drive, between Bellaire Boulevard and Bissonnet St. west of State Highway 6.

“Upon arrival, Fort Bend County deputies found an unidentified male lying in the street, the victim of an apparent fatal gunshot wound.”

The sheriff’s office didn’t name the homeowner or reveal details of the shooting incident.

But the law enfocement source familiar with the investigation said the dead man and one or more companions had approached the homeowner’s house and tried to enter, because one of his children was having a party there.

But the dead man and his companions were told to leave, and initially did so, the law enforcement source said. But then they came back.

“One of them approached the man” who owned the house “and threatened him.”

Both the homeowner and the alleged gang member were armed with handguns, the source said. At least one shot was fired, and the man who tried to crash the party was killed.

“Due to the circumstances surrounding this incident, this case will be referred directly to the grand jury,” the sheriff’s office statement said.

Delaware: Man wrangles handgun from would-be robber

New Castle, Delaware

From the News Journal of February 24, 2009
Man wrangles handgun from would-be robber

When a New Castle area man found himself being held up at gunpoint early today, he managed to wrestle the weapon away from the would-be robber, a woman, police said.

The bandit, who was unsuccessful in the robbery attempt, then ran off before New Castle County officers arrived.

The incident occurred about 12:30 a.m. at the Georgetown Village Apartments, county police spokesman Cpl. Trinidad Navarro said.

Officers were called to Building R in response to the robbery report and spoke with the 51-year-old victim, who still had the woman's gun.

He told the officers that he was about to enter his apartment building when he heard someone run up behind him.

He turned around to see a woman approaching the building, so he held the door open for her only to be accosted at gunpoint.

The man was able to wrestle the handgun away from the woman, run to his apartment and call police.

The woman, meanwhile, ran out of the building and disappeared.

Officers searched the area with a police canine, but the dog lost the scent nearby, which indicated that the would-be bandit probably escaped in a car, Navarro said.

The woman is described as petite, in her early 20s, with black hair and weighing 100 pounds.

She was dressed in dark green pants, a dark green shirt and a blue knit cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 395-8110 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Louisiana: Shreveport homeowner shoots, wounds burglar

Shreveport, Louisiana

From KSLA of February 20, 2009
Shreveport homeowner shoots, wounds burglar

A man police say was trying to rob a house ended up in the hospital after he was shot by the homeowner.

It happened just after midnight Friday morning in the 2800 block of Corbitt Street.

Police say the homeowner entered the house and discovered 28-year-old Fredrick Dickerson inside. Police say the homeowner grabbed a gun and shot Dickerson in both legs.

Dickerson managed to run away but was caught just around the corner.

Police say he could be connected to other crimes in the area.

"Our detectives did locate some other items on his person that may have been stolen in other crimes," said Shreveport Police Corporal Bill Goodin.

Dickerson was taken to LSU Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. After he was treated for his wounds he was booked into the Shreveport City Jail on a charge of attempted burglary.

Missouri: KC police identify robber shot by store owner

Kansas City, Missouri

From the Kansas City Star of February 16, 2009
KC police identify robber shot by store owner

Kansas City police today identified a robbery suspect who died after being shot by a store owner and involved in a car wreck Sunday afternoon.

Christopher L. Kublic, 28, moved to Kansas City from the state of Washington within the past month, police said.

Along with another man, Kublic allegedly tried to hold up a hydroponics store using a stun gun about 5:15 p.m. Sunday in the 3600 block of St. John Avenue, in the city’s Northeast neighborhood. The store owner told police he pulled his own gun and shot the robber.

Shortly after the holdup, a vehicle matching the suspects’ was found overturned about three blocks away.

Kublic was lying next to the wrecked vehicle. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The second suspect remained at-large this afternoon, police said.

Ohio: Armed Robber Gets Shot At

Oakley, Ohio

From WCPO of February 22, 2009
Armed Robber Gets Shot At

Daniel Lee and Erin Beckwith were eating dinner at the Green Papaya restaurant in Oakley around 6 p.m. Saturday when suddenly police swarmed the parking lot.

"We were out celebrating a friends birthday. And didn't hear anything. Next thing we know we saw a number of cop cars and we saw the lights outside and had no idea what was going on," said Beckwith.

Little did Lee and Beckwith know, just feet away the family-owned Natural Life Nutrition Center had just been robbed.

The clerk face to face with the armed robber was the owner's son.

"He complied with the demands that were made by the gunman. He turned over the cash that belonged to the store. As the gunman turned to leave, he felt threatened once again. The gunman raised his firearm towards the employee of the store. At that point, the employee then returned fire," said Sgt. Darryl Morton with the Cincinnati Police Department.

Police say the store was robbed last year. Since then, the owner's son has been armed with a small caliber handgun. After shooting at the robber several times, the man ran out of the store.

Police arrested a suspect less than a mile away in the Rookwood Pavilion parking lot just minutes later.

California: Woman fends off suspected burglar with gunshot

Barstow, California

From the Desert Dispatch of February 17, 2009
Woman fends off suspected burglar with gunshot

A woman fended off an alleged burglar by shooting at him after he tried breaking into her Octillo Drive home on Tuesday morning, according to Barstow Police. The suspect was later arrested in a nearby backyard.

The 49-year-old resident fired one shot and missed the suspect, Eric Charles Anderson of Barstow, who allegedly tried to break into her home through several entryways.

Police believe Anderson, 27, first tried to open at least one door to the home, according to a Barstow Police report. Anderson then removed a screen to a bedroom window and forced the window open.

As Anderson started coming into the window, the armed resident threatened to shoot him from inside the home if he came nearer, according to police. He left toward the front of the home where he tried to break in again.

The woman then shot at Anderson and he fled. Barstow Police officers responded to the incident at about 8:10 a.m. and found Anderson hiding in a nearby backyard, according to the report.

No injuries were reported. Police could not release information on the victim or the type of gun involved in the incident, according to Sgt. Mark Franey.

Police found that the bullet fired by the resident missed Anderson and struck a wall across from the home. The woman reported to police that she did not know the suspect.

Anderson was taken into custody and booked into jail at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Barstow station on a charge of burglary. His bail is set at $10,000.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Andrew Reyes at the Barstow Police Department at 760-256-2211.

Florida: Estates homeowner fires gun at attempted robbery suspects

Naples, Florida

From the Naples News of February 18, 2009
Estates homeowner fires gun at attempted robbery suspects

Collier County sheriff’s deputies are on the lookout for three men in a light blue minivan who they say attempted a home invasion Wednesday night in Golden Gate Estates, but fled when the homeowner shot at them.

Around 8:51 p.m. the three men attempted to enter a home in the 3600 block of 36th Avenue Southeast off Everglades Boulevard, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Karie Partington said.

The homeowner saw a light blue minivan pull up in the back yard.

"She gets a shotgun and fires two rounds of birdshot at the van," Partington said.

It is unclear if any of the three men, who were described as Hispanic, were shot, authorities said. Deputies, dogs and a Sheriff’s Office helicopter were all searching for a minivan with damage.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Woman Who Shot Husband Acquitted

Waynesville, Florida

From the February 5, 2009 Florida Times-Union:

A Brantley County jury acquitted a woman of murder and related charges Wednesday in the shooting death of her husband last year.

Teresa McKinney, 47, of Waynesville was found not guilty of malice murder, felony murder and four counts of aggravated assault in the death of Jeffrey McKinney, 45. He was shot in the head with a .22-caliber rifle on Feb. 27 at their home and died a month later.

Jurors deliberated 90 minutes before acquitting her in the death that her attorney, John Thigpen, argued was "justifiable homicide."

"He beat her to pieces, just black and blue," Thigpen told the Times-Union after the verdict. "He beat her like she was a borrowed mule. She acted in self-defense, and it was justifiable homicide."

McKinney, a retired school bus driver, testified she shot her husband after he repeatedly hit her in the head with a broomstick in an attack that began when he started cursing and verbally abusing her. After beating her, he left the house and she locked him out. Mc-Kinney told jurors she warned him that if he returned, she would kill him.

She said he came back and smashed in a window with a bicycle in an effort to force his way into the home.

McKinney said she feared for her life, so she fired several shots with a .30-06 rifle, .410-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle in an effort to scare him away. She said she didn't aim at him or try to kill her husband, an electrician.

When he was shot, she called 911 for help. He was found wounded in the yard.

Yakima Carry Permitholder Shoots Robber

Yakima, Washington

From the January 22, 2009 Tri-City Herald:

YAKIMA -- A robbery suspect was shot dead by an armed civilian late Monday, the first incident of justifiable homicide city police said they could recall in recent memory.

Franklin McWain, 33, died at a hospital from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. An autopsy was performed Tuesday.

A police news release said the shooting occurred in the 800 block of North Second Street about 11 p.m. Monday.

According to the release, a 27-year-old Yakima man told officers he was waiting outside a residence for a friend when he was approached by McWain.

The man, identified as Michael Valadez, 27, said McWain struck him on the head with a stick and demanded money. Valadez told police he was struck several more times before firing two shots at McWain. Valadez had a valid concealed weapons permit.

Valadez ran from the area and flagged down a passing police officer. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of a head wound and a broken left arm.

The release said police found evidence at the scene that backed up the man's story.

He has not been charged with a crime. The case is being referred to the Yakima County prosecutor.

McWain was a longtime Yakima resident whose criminal history included six felonies, police said.

Court records show he was found guilty of charges related to eluding, theft and drugs, among other offenses.

Ferris, Texas Resident Shoots Burglars After Car Attack

Ferris, Texas

From the February 7, 2009 Waxahachie (Tex.) Daily Light:
FERRIS – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident that occurred before noon in the 200 block of Newton Road near Ferris.

Sheriff Johnny Brown said the homeowners were in the process of moving when they returned to the residence to pick up another load of belongings. En route, they observed two male suspects coming out of the residence.

As the two suspects went to drive away in an SUV later identified by authorities as stolen, the male homeowner exited his pickup to ask them what they were doing.

The suspect vehicle then struck the homeowner’s pickup and the homeowner, who suffered slight injuries.

“The homeowner opened fire on them at that point,” Brown said.

The suspect vehicle then struck another vehicle that the homeowner’s wife had exited before going out into a field and coming to a stop.


“The passenger got out and ran. The driver-suspect was transported by air ambulance with gunshot wounds,” Brown said.

Wellington, Florida Schoolteacher Shoots Armed Intruder

Wellington, Florida

From the February 16, 2009 South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
WELLINGTON - One man is dead and a couple is left shaken after a home-invasion robbery turned deadly early Monday.

The intruder wound up dead after he was shot by Heath Miller, 34, a popular music teacher at Howell L. Watkins MIddle School. The dead man is identified as Robert Rishard Tomlin, 22.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesman Pete Palenzuela, Tomlin entered the home Miller was renting through a back sliding-glass door at about at approximately 1:50 a.m. Miller told authorities he saw the silhouette of an individual with a handgun coming through the bedroom door and fired.

Miller and his wife Mirelle were quite shaken and were staying with his parents, said his mother Harma Miller, a former Belle Glade mayor who served for 14 years as a city commissioner.

...

Miller had concealed weapons permits from 1999 to 2003, according to records, which are no longer public.

Houston Home Invader Shot ToDeath

Houston, Texas

From January 22, 20009 MSNBC.com:
HOUSTON - A burglar was fatally shot in northwest Houston early Wednesday, police told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said a man kicked in the door of an apartment on Pinemont Drive near Langfield Road at about 3:15 a.m.

Two men entered the home and one of them had a gun, investigators said.

One of the tenants, 30-year-old Matthew Rixner, grabbed a shotgun and opened fire on the attackers, police said.

One of the attackers was wounded and died at the scene. Police said he was 18-25 years old, but his name was not released.

The second attacker escaped, officials said.

Sampson County Farmer Captures Burglar

Sampson County, North Carolina

From the February 13, 2009 Dunn (N.C.) Daily Record:
A Fayetteville man's plan to rob a Sampson County man's home went awry Tuesday when he got a surprise - an unexpected meeting with the home's owner, complete with a .22-caliber rifle.

According to the Sampson County Sheriff's Office and the homeowners, Richard Corderro Woods, 21, of Asbury Road in Fayetteville was arrested Tuesday morning after Bryan Tew came home and allegedly saw Mr. Woods coming out the back door of his home in the 600 block of Eldon Store Road in the Mingo community.

Mr. Tew, a local turkey farmer, said he was driving his tractor down the road to fill it with fuel around 11:30 when he noticed an unfamiliar Buick Roadmaster with a burgundy top parked in his garage with the trunk open.

He said he parked his John Deere in front of the car, jumped down and was reaching behind the seat of his pickup truck for his rifle when he heard Mr. Woods kick open the back door, heard broken glass and saw him step outside with an armload of electronics, Wii games and a jar of change.

"You ever see those cartoons where their eyes get big as saucers? That's what he looked like," Mr. Tew said. "I yelled at him and when he saw that gun, he sat the stuff down on the freezer near the back door turned around and ran back into the house."

Mr. Tew said he chased Mr. Woods and caught up with him when Mr. Woods slipped on the linoleum near the front door of the home.

"I told him to stay down and put his hands out," Mr. Tew said. "He was saying he was sorry. He said he'd pay for the glass in the door if I'd just let him go. He said he had to go to the bathroom.

"You know, a friend of mine said your body only produces about a teaspoon of adrenaline in a lifetime," he said. "Well, I think I used my whole teaspoon."

Mr. Tew said since the incident he has wondered time and again what he would have done if Mr. Woods had had a gun.

"I told the deputies, "The thing is my rifle wasn't loaded,' " Mr. Tew said. "They laughed and said, "Hey, that's all right. He didn't know that.' "

Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said as it turns out, Mr. Tew had apprehended a suspect his office had been looking for since the middle of January in connection with several break-ins in the area.

"We didn't know who he was, but we were looking for the automobile," he said. "Every time the automobile was spotted in that end of the county, he was gone by the time we got there.

Channelview, Texas Burglar Shot

Channelview, Texas

From February 11, 2009 Fox News in Houston:

HOUSTON - A man who Sheriff's deputies say was trying burglarize a home is taken by helicopter to the hospital after he is shot.

The shooting took place after 12 a.m. Wednesday in a business at the intersection of Wadsworth Street and Talcott Street in Channelview.

Harris County Sheriff's investigators have not determined if a clerk or a security guard shot the would-be burglar.

Houston Businessman Shoots Burglar

Houston, Texas

From February 11, 2009 KTRK channel 13:

Irvin Horton, 64, was notified by his burglar alarm company of an active alarm at his business at 1012 Avenue Oaks shortly before 3am. When he arrived, he observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by the suspect, parked in the driveway adjacent to his business. Horton also noticed the gate to his business had been forced open and articles had been removed from a locked storage trailer inside the property.

Police say Horton confronted the suspect while the man was inside the vehicle and told him to get out. The suspect refused and made a sudden movement inside the vehicle and reached for an unknown article.

The suspect then started the vehicle and attempted to strike Horton as he attempted to drive away. Horton fired at the vehicle's front tire. The suspect continued to drive away while Horton continued to fire additional shots at the fleeing vehicle. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete drainage culvert at Robertson and Woodard.

The suspect, described only as a Hispanic male, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition from injuries sustained during the incident. Horton was not injured.

Springfield, Ohio Homeowner Shoots At Burglar

Springfield, Ohio

From the January 22, 2009 Springfield News-Sun:

SPRINGFIELD — Police are searching for a man who may have been shot while allegedly burglarizing a garage Wednesday night, Jan. 21.

A man from the 200 block of West Southern Avenue reported hearing a burglar in his garage over a baby monitor he had installed to listen for break-ins, according to a police report.

The man went outside with a handgun to investigate when the intruder lunged at him and the gun "went off," the victim told police.

The burglar shouted "I'm dead, I'm dead" before escaping on foot, according to the report.

Chief Stephen Moody of the Springfield Police Division said he could not confirm that the intruder had been wounded.

"We found evidence at the scene which led us to believe he had been hit by gunfire," the chief said.

Las Vegas Homeowner Shoots, Kills Burglar

Las Vegas, Nevada

From the February 16, 2009 San Jose Mercury-News:
LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas police say a homeowner shot and killed a suspected burglar after coming home and finding the person in his home.

Homicide Lt. Lew Roberts says the homeowner likely would not be charged for the Sunday incident west of Nellis Air Force Base, but said the investigation was still in its early stages.

Bullets Work When Restraining Order Doesn't in Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

From January 26, 2009 WHTR-TV:
Indianapolis - A restraining order didn't keep a woman's ex-boyfriend from breaking into her home this morning, where she shot him.

Wounded and in handcuffs, 32-year-old Jeffery Seats was taken first to Wishard Hospital, then to jail.

"She's got a right to protect herself and her children and he forced his way in there, so she shot him," said IMPD Lt. Jeff Duhammel.

Around 11:30 Sunday morning, police say Seats kicked in his ex-girlfriend's door at the Cold Springs Manor apartment complex. He grabbed her and hit her with a chair, all in the presence of their two young children.

"She gets away from him, goes upstairs, grabs a gun and then, either he was pursuing her upstairs but she fired a shot, just graze wounds on his head. That's when he takes off," Lt. Duhammel said.

Police found Seats' pick-up truck at an apartment complex at 59th and Georgetown Road. They found Seats upstairs in one of the apartments at a friend's home.

"They observe the truck here, they see blood inside the truck, he comes to the door and he is wounded to the head," Lt. Duhammel said.

Police say the couple has a history of domestic violence and that the woman had a restraining order against Seats.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Mississippi: Armed Jackson resident surprises thieves

Jackson, Mississippi

From the Clarion Ledger of February 11, 2009
Armed Jackson resident surprises thieves

Three suspected burglars fleeing an angry and armed Jackson homeowner were arrested and charged Tuesday night, police said today.

Precinct 2 Cmdr. Jesse Robinson said the west Jackson homeowner who lives in the 2300 block of Powers Avenue came home late Tuesday to find his front door kicked in.

The owner found three strangers hiding in a rear bedroom and fired several shots. He missed, and the intruders fled, according to Robinson.

However, a police officer later arrested and charged Corey Husbands, 20, Ceola Washington, 18, and Brandon Carter, 25, with house burglary.

They are being held at the Hinds County Detention Center on $25,000 bond each.

California: Robber shot during coin shop heist dies

San Diego, California

From the San Diego Union-Tribune of February 13, 2009
Robber shot during coin shop heist dies

An armed man attempting to rob a North Park coin shop Friday morning was killed after he and at least one of the store's employees exchanged gunfire, police said.

The man and an accomplice went into the Old Coin Shop on El Cajon Boulevard, just east of Texas Street, at 9:16 a.m. and confronted two employees who were both armed with handguns, said San Diego police homicide Lt. Terry McManus.

About the same time police received a 911 call about the robbery and while en route, shots were fired inside the business, McManus said.

Officers found the would-be robber lying on the ground just east of the front door of the shop. McManus said his accomplice had picked him up from inside the store and brought him outside to a nearby parking lot before fleeing with the handgun.

The man had been shot in the left leg and in the lower back, and he died at Mercy Hospital at 9:54 a.m., the lieutenant said. He has been identified as Michael Anthony Watkins Jr., 26, of San Diego.

Witnesses said they saw the second man running from the store. He was described only as a young black man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build and was last seen wearing a gray sweater and dark pants, McManus said.

Officer searching the area found clothing and a handgun in an alley behind a building on Hamilton Street near Howard Avenue, McManus said.

Police are also looking at an older-model car in the Denny's parking lot, which may have been driven by the pair, and are checking it for evidence.

McManus said it has not yet been determined how many shots were fired inside the store or if both employees fired or just one.

The store is equipped with a security system that allows employees to keep the front door locked and buzz customers in, but it was unclear whether that system was in use.

Investigators are also checking for any surveillance video from the store or nearby businesses.

Eric Diaz, 37, said he was in the Denny's restaurant next door washing his hands in the bathroom when he heard two pops and a big crash, which sounded like glass breaking.

Seconds later, police officers rushed into the restaurant's bathroom looking for the shooter. Outside, he saw one of the robbers lying motionless on the sidewalk.

The front glass door of the business, which has bars on the windows, was shattered.

Officers are still searching for the man's accomplice. El Cajon Boulevard, between Texas Street and Hamilton Street, is expected to remain closed for several hours as homicide detectives investigate. McManus said they hope to have the westbound lanes opened soon.

The Old Coin Shop was founded in 1960 by Harlan White, according to the business's Web site. Over the years it has handled many rare and expensive coins, it said.

This isn't the first time the business has been targeted by robbers.

In 1994, a thief ran inside, wedged a newspaper under the doorjamb to keep the security door from locking behind him and ran out with about $500 in silver dollars, according to a news report. He was caught down the block by a good Samaritan who was driving by.

Georgia: Two crime victims kill their attackers in metro Atlanta

Atlanta, Georiga

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of February 8, 2009
Two crime victims kill their attackers in metro Atlanta

Two crime victims in metro Atlanta fought back on Saturday and killed their attackers, authorities reported.

In Cobb County, police said a man shot in his own garage grabbed the would-be robber’s gun and shot and killed the man.

In Atlanta, police said a woman fatally stabbed a home-invasion robbery suspect who broke into her apartment while her 11-year-old child slept.

No charges have been filed in either case.

Cobb police spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce said Richard Ellis, 38, of Cauthen Court in Marietta was getting out of his car in his garage late Saturday night when he was approached by a man with a handgun. The man demanded money from Ellis and shot him in the leg, police said. Pierce said the incident was not a random crime and that the two men had “previous contact” in the past.

“Within moments of being shot and while the male is briefly distracted, Ellis grabbed the gun and a fight ensued in the driveway of the residence over control of it,” Pierce said. “Detectives believe that Ellis was eventually able to wrestle the weapon away from the male before shooting him twice with it.”

The wounded man, identified as John Harrison, 33, of Palmetto, ran to the front porch of a nearby house and collapsed, Pierce said. Harrison was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital but died of his injuries. Ellis was treated at the hospital for his wound and released.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Tucson Home Invaders Shot With Guns & Video

Tucson, Arizona

From February 10, 2009 KVOA channel 4:
A homeowner, alerted of an impending home invasion by his security cameras, arms himself and takes matters into his hands last Thursday when four armed suspects attempt to break into his home.

The video the owner caught is incredible, and you can see it by watching the video link to the left. You see a vehicle pull up, and four men run out. One of them is carrying what appears to be an AR-15 or M-16, a weapon which could be fully automatic.

The robbery happened last Thursday in broad daylight at a home on West Vande Loo Street. All the action was caught by the homeowners outdoor surveillance system.

"The victim was able to get back inside his house, close his door, semi barricade it, reach for [a] weapon that was easily accessible," says Pima County Sheriff's Deputy Earl Gieron.

The homeowner shot at the suspects. He even put a bullet through the windshield of the suspects car, which is also caught on camera. The four men retreated and took off. All of them remain on the run.
The video, which includes the homeowner's video surveillance camera capture of the action, indicates that one of the invaders was shot in the arm and taken into custody.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tulsa Burglar Shot To Death

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From the February 10, 2009 Tulsa World:
Just after 1 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 600 block of East 53rd Street North. They found Terrance L. Johnson, 16, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police at the scene said the shooting might have resulted from a botched robbery attempt. On Monday, however, detectives were still investigating what led to the shooting, Ashley said.

Preliminary information indicates that Johnson had gained entry into the home and that a resident of the home saw him with a handgun. The resident retrieved a gun and shot Johnson, Ashley said.

The man who shot Johnson was interviewed by police and released. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for a determination on whether charges should be filed.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Texas: Intruder shot at Kaufman County business

Kaufman County, Texas

From WFAA of February 6, 2009
Intruder shot at Kaufman County business

Investigators said an alleged intruder at a Kaufman County business was in stable condition Friday morning after the owner shot him.

According to Assistant Chief Deputy Troy Graham, the owner reported hearing someone inside his storage facility in the 1000 block of Everett Drive around 2:30 a.m. Robert Sanders grabbed his loaded rifle, walked to the front and confronted the suspected burglar.

He opened fire and struck the suspect, several times. Deputies found the wounded man lying just outside the door.

Sanders leases a storage unit at the location, and lives in the back of that unit.

At this time, no arrests have been made. Police say there are no plans to charge Sanders.

Stolen items from another nearby property were found in the victim's truck.

Texas: Homeowner, Suspect Both Hurt after Burglary

Dallas, Texas

From MyFoxDFW of February 7, 2009
Homeowner, Suspect Both Hurt after Burglary

A Bristol homeowner was hurt Sunday after he rolled up on a burglary in progress. But he was able to shoot and stop one suspect before he got away.

According to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, the homeowner and his family returned home at around 11:30 a.m. They noticed two men about the take off in an SUV with some of their belongings.

The suspects tried to drive off, slamming into the homeowner's truck and hurting both him and is young children. The man told deputies he them pulled out his small-caliber rifle and fired shots at the SUV.

One of the suspects was hit three times and is now in critical condition at a local hospital. The second suspect fled on foot.

Ellis County sheriff's deputies are still searching for the second suspect. Residents are urged to call 911 if they notice someone suspicious.

Georgia: Robber Shot During Stick-Up Attempt

Stone Mountain, Georiga

From WSBTV of February 2, 2009
Robber Shot During Stick-Up Attempt

The target of a robbery fought back Monday by pulling a gun and shooting and wounding the stick-up man.

The armed robber approached the man at the U-Wash carwash on Rockbridge Road.

The would-be victim pulled his own gun and opened fire, hitting the robbery suspect.

The wounded man was taken to the hospital where he's in stable condition and facing armed robbery charges.

Florida: Local prep athletes face murder charges

Bradenton, Florida

From the Publication of February 3, 2009
Local prep athletes face murder charges

Two high school football players have been arrested on charges they killed a 55-year-old woman during a botched home invasion robbery. One of the teenagers is paralyzed after one of the robbery victims shot back, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Detectives arrested Palmetto High School students Ta Heem Blake, 17, a former running back for the school, and Marquis Sanders, 18, who transferred from Bayshore High School. They face charges in the shooting death of Maria Lerma early Sunday, Bradenton Police Deputy Chief William Tokajer said.

Blake and Sanders are accused of barging into Lerma’s home in the 900 block of 25th Street East just before 6 a.m. Sunday in a robbery attempt.

The teens found Lerma and two men in the home when they entered, and Blake opened fire with an SKS rifle, according to Tokajer. Detectives say he killed Lerma, and shot one of the men in the house in the arm.

Sanders had a pistol in his hand but did not fire, according to Tokajer.

The teens did not count on one of the men in the home pulling his own gun, firing and hitting Blake. Police officers and emergency personnel found Blake shot in the driveway.

Sanders escaped but Blake’s injuries left him paralyzed with a severed spine. Tokajer said detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Blake on a murder charge, and Pinellas County deputies were expected to serve Blake at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg on Monday night.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office would not confirm Monday night if Blake had been served because he is a minor.

(More)

Florida: Would-Be Robber Shot, Killed In New Smyrna Beach

New Symrna Beach, Florida

From MSNBC of February 8, 2009
Would-Be Robber Shot, Killed In New Smyrna Beach

A would-be robber was shot and killed Saturday morning in New Smyrna Beach as a store owner was opening up his shop.

The robber was shot twice in the chest by a security guard at the Medicine Shoppe pharmacy Saturday at 10:15 a.m.

Police said the masked robber entered the store at 653 N. Dixie Freeway, put a gun to the head of the pharmacist and demanded drugs.

That's when the man with the gun was shot and killed by the security guard.

Neighboring store owners said the Medicine Shoppe had heard rumors lately that they were going to be held up, and as a result had hired the security guard.

"It was kind of chaotic," said neighboring store owner Julie Mokas. "Everyone was peeking out their doors. No one knew what was going on."

According to neighboring shop owners, the security guard is a retired sheriff's deputy who is related to an employee of the Medicine Shoppe. However, police would not confirm that.

"They were tipped off that somebody was gonna rob them, and they had an undercover cop sitting in there," Mokas said.

The shooting is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the state attorney's office but police appear to support the guard's actions.

"The security guard did what he had to do, and he protected the pharmacist," said New Smyrna Beach police Sgt. Michael Brouillette.

The pharmacist and one clerk, who were in the store at the time of the hold-up, were not harmed.

The store had been held up twice before. It was robbed in May 2006 and April 2007. Both were armed hold-ups with suspects looking for drugs. Police have not yet released the name of the victim or of the security guard involved in the shooting.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Tyler, Texas Woman Shoots Burglars

Tyler, Texas

From the February 2, 2009 Tyler Morning Telegraph:
A Tyler woman successfully defended her property and children from would-be burglars by shooting at and hitting one of them through her bedroom door while she was locked inside, police said this morning.

Police responded to the report of a burglary in progress at the Southwest Pines Apartments shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday. The resident, a 31-year-old woman, said someone was in her apartment and she was locked in her bedroom with her children, police said in a prepared statement. The suspects, who entered the locked back door, attempted to get into the locked bedroom, and the victim shot through her bedroom door.

Police arrived and a 14-year-old boy was detained for questioning.

A few minutes later, officers received information that a black male near the front of the apartment complex was advising he had been shot. Other officers responded to this location and found another 14-year-old boy who had been shot in the left jaw. Fire and EMS personnel arrived and took over the care of the boy, who was transported to East Texas Medical Center.

The investigation revealed that three males had entered the apartment to burglarize it, and one of them was shot, police said. The age of the third suspect was not revealed by police. The suspect who was shot was admitted to ETMC awaiting surgery. He was listed in good condition before dawn today, according to a police statement. He is under arrest for residential burglary.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Vancouver Man In Underwear Captures Burglar

Vancouver, Washington

From February 3, 2009 KPTV channel 12:
A man wearing only his underpants caught a burglar breaking into his home and held him at gunpoint until officers could arrive, police said.

The suspected prowler was facing serious charges after the alert homeowner caught him in the act and held him at gunpoint early Tuesday morning in northeast Vancouver.

Police said Matthew Morris, 24, was trying to break into the family's cars and possibly their home, when he ended up facing the barrel of the homeowner's gun.

Tuesday, a woman FOX 12 will refer to only as "Sandy" was still shaken up over her family's startling wake-up call.

"We were afraid. I mean, my husband was afraid and I was afraid for my children and for our safety," Sandy said.

After a recent string of car break-ins, including one right next door, Sandy and her husband set out a motion sensor in front of their house.

So when the alarm was activated early Tuesday morning, they didn't hesitate."(We) went to the window and saw the person in between our two vehicles and then trying to look in the front window," Sandy said.

Her husband grabbed one of their guns and ran out to confront the man.

The firearm probably wasn't the only thing to catch the accused burglar by surprise since Sandy's husband was only wearing his underwear.