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21 July, 2007

Florida check cashing store manager exchanges gunfire with armed robbers: "Miami-Dade Police are searching for two armed men who shot at a check cashing store employee. Police say the suspects approached one of the managers of a check cashing store, located at 140 W. Dixie Highway, as she attempted to open the store Thursday morning. According to the store manager, as soon as she put the key in the lock, the suspects approached her with a gun. "Some words were exchanged and according to the victim, the black male holding the firearm fired a shot at her," said Lieutenant Neal Cuevas of the North Miami Police Department. "She returned fire." Police found one round of bullets in the store when they arrived. The store's windows remain boarded up because the windows were shattered during the shootout. The suspects fled the scene uninjured. Police describe the suspects as two black males, 140 pounds and five feet five inches tall each. Police also say one of the suspects wore business attire: suit coat, blue tie and crisp white shirt, during the attempted robbery."



Indiana: Nutcase shot: "While calling police for help quelling a nasty fight between her two grown sons Monday evening, Kathleen Strickland heard a gunshot. Her older son, Archie Strickland Jr., 30, was shot. Her younger son, Andre Strickland, 22, was gone. Archie died a short time later at Methodist Hospitals Northlake emergency room with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m., Lake County Coroner's Chief Investigator Paul Castro said. Andre was arrested at his girlfriend's house in Brunswick on Monday night, but was released Tuesday by police after he was questioned. Cmdr. Samuel Roberts said investigators believe Andre fired after his older brother, who suffered from bipolar personality and was recently released from a rehabilitation program, wouldn't stop his attack. "There's an element of self- defense," Roberts said. Lake County prosecutors are reviewing the evidence, but no charges are expected to be filed against the younger Strickland brother. Their mother, a radio dispatcher for the Gary Police Department, told investigators her sons were arguing downstairs in their Tolleston home when Archie began hitting Andre with his fists. Despite her efforts to intervene, the battle continued. She went upstairs to call police when she heard the single gunshot, police said."



California: Medical marijuana defended: "After further investigation: authorities said Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed against a Helltown Road man who held a gun on two teenagers he suspected of trying to steal his medical marijuana. "I think he was in the right; justice has been done" said the father of the arrested homeowner, Carl Coleman Jr., 37. The younger Coleman was arrested early Monday morning after one of the two youths he caught on his property and held at gunpoint, fled and later claimed Coleman had assaulted them. District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Wednesday further investigation by the Butte County Sheriff's Office was unable to disprove Coleman's claims he was lawfully protecting his property. Gordon Dise, a self-professed "legal strategy consultant" and local medical marijuana proponent who accompanied several of Coleman's relatives and friends to court Wednesday afternoon, praised the decision not to prosecute the homeowner. "I think the district attorney is doing the right thing and pursuing the thieves, instead of the victims, who are medical marijuana patients," the local activist stated. "You have an absolute right to defend your life, your liberty or property with all force necessary," added Dise, even to the point of pursuing a suspected felon who tries to avoid being turned over to the police.



20 July, 2007

HR 2640 (One More Time)

There has been some rather alarming commentary about this bill but it is a bit hard to sort the wheat from the chaff so I reproduce below the very well-informed Clayton Cramer's post on the matter

Gun Owners of America points to an incident in Pennsylvania that they say is the reason that we shouldn't pass HR 2640:

Newspapers last month reported that Horatio Miller allegedly said that it could be "worse than Virginia Tech" if someone broke into his car, because there were guns there. It is not clear whether he was making a threat against a person who might burglarize his car, or if he was simply saying that the bad guy could do a lot of damage because of the guns he would find there. Nevertheless, Miller wasarrested, but not charged with anything.

The comment Miller made was certainly not the smartest thing to say. But realize, we don't incarcerate people for making stupid statements in this country -- at least not yet. Miller was a concealed carry permit holder who, as such, had passed vigorous background checks into his past history. Miller does not have a criminal record.

Regardless, the county district attorney did not like what he had said, so, according to the Harrisburg Patriot News on June 20, "I contacted the sheriff and had his license to carry a firearm revoked. And I asked police to commit him under Section 302 of the mental health procedures act and that was done. He is now ineligible to possess firearms [for life] because he was committed involuntarily."

Get that?

Pennsylvania is operating exactly the way Rep. McCarthy's bill (HR 2640) could treat all Americans. You might be thinking, I've never had a mental illness... I'm not a military veteran... I've never been on Ritalin... hey, I have nothing to worry about under the McCarthy bill. Right?

There are several problems with this:

1. Current law and regulation (as I have previously discussed) required a person to be adjudicated by a court or other due process situation. The D.A. calling the police and telling them, "lock this guy up" doesn't qualify. At a minimum, this guy may have some trouble getting his carry permit back, but if the D.A. thinks this makes him permanently ineligible to own a gun, he better go check the federal statutes and regulations on this.

2. HR 2640 hasn't been passed--and yet this guy has already been disarmed for life, according to Gun Owners of America. HR 2640 doesn't change the existing law at all about what categories of commitment disable you from gun ownership. It only expands the reporting. Let's say that somehow the D.A. managed to persuade a court (not the police) to involuntarily commit this guy. Anywhere in America, under the current federal law, he can't own a gun. Since many states are failing to report this, he might pass the federal background check, and be able to buy a gun. But if he comes to the attention of authorities, he's now in the same pile of trouble as a convicted felon in possession. HR 2640 doesn't change anything in terms of legality.

3. However: HR 2640 provides a procedure by which someone involuntarily committed might be able to get his rights back again (assuming that Congress funds the program, which they might or might not do). Right now, once you have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed with appropriate due process, you are unable to ever own a gun. There is no procedure for getting this straightened out--ever. HR 2640 makes it at least possible.



Florida: Naked Man shot dead: "A naked man was shot to death in West Palm Beach as he lunged at a resident who was trying to protect a woman and her children. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Jonas Morisma may have been under the influence of drugs when he ended up at the woman's apartment complex early Tuesday. Witnesses told police Morisma first attacked a tow truck, banging on the driver's windows and tearing off its lights. He then reportedly began banging on apartment doors and punching through windows. Police say Morisma was disrobing while doing all this. A resident came out of his apartment with a gun and told Morisma to leave as the woman and her children sought cover nearby. According to authorities, that's when Morisma lunged at the resident, who fired one shot. Police have not released the name of the man who shot Morisma to protect him from retaliation."



Mississippi: Black thug shot in guts: "A man Jackson County deputies found shot in the stomach Saturday has been charged with burglary and attempted aggravated assault. Deputies responded to call at 4317 Knowlcrest drive in reference to a possible intruder, according to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd. Deputies discovered Shontile Leprice Keys, 24, 5119 Meridian, Moss Point, with a gunshot to the stomach. Keys was take to Singing River Hospital, Pascagoula. It was determined Keys had broken into the residence to await the arrival of the homeowners, according to the report. When the homeowners arrived, Keys attacked them but he was eventually shot, the report said. No bond has been set and Keys remains in the hospital, according to the report. "



19 July, 2007

Arizona homeowner shoots invader: "A suspected burglar was shot during an attempted break-in at a Tempe home Tuesday afternoon. Two males in their 20s knocked on the door of a home in the 1500 block of South River Drive, near Price and Broadway roads, at about 12:30 p.m. There were two people home at the time. One looked through the peephole but chose not to answer the door when he didn't recognize the suspects. He later heard the suspects forcing their way into the home and grabbed his handgun. He saw the suspects in the living room, and noticed one of them was holding an object that he thought might have been a weapon. The homeowner shot at the suspects, hitting one of them. Both suspects then ran from the home. Shortly after, Tempe Police received a call from Banner Desert Hospital saying that a man with a gunshot wound had been dropped off at the hospital. He was transferred to another hospital for surgery. His condition was unavailable. The other suspect has not been caught. The case is still under investigation."



South Carolina Hotel Clerk Shoots Suspect: "A motel clerk turned the tables on an armed robbery suspect, shooting him instead of handing over cash. Authorities are calling it a case of self defense. A clerk at the America's Best Inn and Suites on Fain Drive in North Charleston says the suspect, identified as 20-year-old James Johnson, ran into the lobby and pointed something at him, demanding money. The clerk told police he kept a small pistol in his left pocket for protection, and that he pulled out the gun and fired twice. It was the clerk who called 911 from the motel right after he shot the robbery suspect. Police say the hotel employee had a legal right to carry the gun and defend himself. "It's not something we would want to encourage. Not only they put themselves in danger, but they can put other folks in danger as well," North Charleston Police Spokesman Spencer Pryor said. The clerk told cops he had a good reason to carry a pistol. Just nine days ago, the motel was robbed, possibly by the same suspect. That time the robber got away with some cash. In this case, he was lucky to get away with his life."



Florida: Clerk Shoots Robber During Holdup: "Two men jumped the counter of a Northside gas station, pointed guns at the owner and forced him to empty the cash register. They got more than what they wanted. One robber left with a bullet in his leg. Police said the BP station on Broward Road was robbed in broad daylight. They just want to get money," owner Vijay Patel said. "That's what they just keep telling me, just 'Give me money, whatever you got, from the cash registers and safe.'" Surveillance cameras caught the whole crime on tape, including when Patel grabbed his own gun and fired. "I just ... take my gun out and shot him on his leg," Patel said. The injury didn't stop the robbers. The video shows one of them hold a gun on Patel while the other makes him open the register. The robbers then ran outside and took off in a white van. Detectives found several spots of blood near the door. Patel's nose was bruised in the struggle but did not require medical treatment... Patel told Channel 4's Emily Pantelides that until the robbers are caught, he's going to be extra careful."



18 July, 2007

Kentucky women with guns discourage home invaders: "Lexington police are looking for two men wanted for a home invasion over-night and one of the suspects should be easy to spot. He's wearing only one shoe. Police say the two men kicked the door open and rushed inside. Two armed women residents confronted the intruders and ordered them to their knees. The shirtless men were not fools. They fled on their knees as fast as they could crawl. That's when one of them lost a shoe. A police dog sniffed the shoe, but no arrests were reported as officers searched the area."



North Carolina black killed in robbery attempt outside club: "A 26-year-old man was killed this morning in the parking lot of a strip club, Greensboro police said. About 4 a.m. Monday, three men attempted to rob two pepole in the parking lot of Lost Dimensions at 510 Farragut St., Capt. Gary Hastings said. During the robbery attempt, one victim fired a weapon at the three men, Hastings said. When police arrived, they found a 26-year-old man - one of the three alleged robbers - dead of a gunshot wound in the woods on the edge of the parking lot, Hastings said. Police late Monday afternoon identified him as Victor Lamont Adams, of 1502 Pickard St. in Greensboro. The other two men involved in the attempted robbery are in police custody, Hastings said. Roland Lashawn Cole, 19, and Maurice Dontay Wilson, 19, are each charged with two counts of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. Police are also interviewing the man who fired the fatal shot."



California: Burglars pursued and shot: "Even before the night he shot and nearly killed two burglars, Chris Drake was a man who liked to keep a firearm within easy reach. Like many residents of this rural part of northern San Diego County, Drake, 48, owns a gun – several, actually. The nearest sheriff's substation is some 20 miles away. As a business owner, he says, he would feel vulnerable without a pistol tucked into his waistband. The store has been burglarized four times since his wife, Sheri, bought it in 2001. The early hours of March 6 were clear and frigid, the kind of morning when a person curls up under a second blanket. The moon was bright and nearly full. At 4 a.m., Drake woke up to go to the bathroom. The store alarm went off. In less than a minute, Drake estimates, they grabbed the car keys and the loaded .38-caliber revolver he keeps by his bed. They ran out the door, got into their black Cadillac Escalade, drove around the back of the store and edged into the front parking lot. Drake circled his SUV to the edge of the parking lot, keeping a safe distance. As he did so, two other men lugging merchandise ran out of the store. They got into the Toyota, which took off north on Highway 79. He pulled his SUV onto the highway and stepped on the gas. Finally, the two cars stopped and faced each other. According to Drake, his SUV became stuck on the shoulder of the road, where he had pulled over so the Toyota wouldn't hit him. At that point, he said, the driver of the Toyota began ramming the Drakes' front fender and driver-side door. So he grabbed his five-shot pistol, leaned out the driver's window and fired until his gun was empty. Two shots hit the grille of the Toyota, and three went through the windshield.... After reviewing the evidence, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office made a decision: The two suspects would be charged with burglary. The Drakes would be charged with nothing. The third person in the Toyota hasn't been charged yet, but investigators say they know who he is."



17 July, 2007

California robber injured: "A robbery suspect wound up at NorthBay Medical Center Friday night, according to Fairfield police, who report that he was shot with his own gun. The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Vedell Chew, a Fairfield resident. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the suspect reportedly approached a group of people who were gambling in the backyard of a residence in the 1800 block of Barbour Drive, according to police. Police allege that as he attempted a robbery, one of the people in the group struggled with the suspect and grabbed his gun. Meanwhile, several of the gamblers hit and kicked the suspect, according to police. During the struggle, the suspect was shot in the leg with his own gun by one of his intended victims, according to police. He was transported to NorthBay Medical Center by a waiting car. The suspect's injuries are reportedly not life-threatening, and police intend to charge Chew with counts of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, police said."



Tennessee Convenience Store Owner Shoots Robber: "After two previous hold-ups 67 year-old Boonie Crawford decided enough is enough. Crawford went out and got a permit and bought a gun. On Sunday, July 15, 2007, that weapon came in handy. His store is KC's Market and Deli in the 4900 block of Austin Peay Highway just outside Raleigh. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office says Crawford used his new gun to shoot an armed robber. Police identified the guy as 24-year-old Aaron Thomas. Thomas was rushed to a local hospital with a gun wound. This is the third time this store has been robbed since last December 2006. The last time the store was robbed was on May 25, 2007. Right now police are investigating if Aaron Thomas was involved in those robberies."



Pennsylvania: Black robber killed by clerk: "Police continue their investigation after a would-be robber’s night of crime was brought to an end when he was fatally shot on Saturday night. Now, officials are asking for your help in identifying the man who was shot and killed. He is described as a black male, about 25 to 30 years of age, about six feet tall, weighs around 161 pounds, with a well-groomed beard and has multiple, distinctive tattoos. Police say at the time of the robbery he was wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, gray tennis shoes, a black skull cap and a black and white bandana on his face. Authorities say the alleged suspect first entered a Co-Go’s on Mount Washington, demanded money and was able to get away. Investigators tell us that the man later attempted to rob a BP along Route 51 just before midnight. Police say the man entered the convenience store with a handgun and demanded money and tobacco products. According to authorities, the clerk handed the would-be robber a bag of cigarettes and cigars. Then, the clerk pulled a gun, shot twice and hit the man in the chest, police add. Officials have not yet identified the would-be robber or the clerk, but say the suspect died on the floor of the store. Sources who have seen the surveillance tape of the incident tell KDKA’s Ross Guidotti that it appears to be a self-defense shooting."



16 July, 2007

Texas: 1 dead, 3 jailed after scuffle inside RV: "Charles Oxner doesn't drink, smoke or dip, he says. He has never been in trouble with the law. On Wednesday night, three men he worked with forced their way into his recreational vehicle and began beating him, he says. He shot one of them, and now he's charged with murder. Dale McGee, 46, died two hours later at Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital. Argyle police charged the other two men with burglary with intent to assault. "I never had no dealings with the law, not even a speeding ticket in the last 15 years," Mr. Oxner, 38, said Thursday afternoon at the Denton County Jail. "I walked out of that trailer of my own free will. They handcuffed me and stuck me in a car, and here I am now." Mr. Oxner's bail has been set at $100,000. He has a black eye he says one of the other men inflicted with a boot. He has visible bumps on his forehead and says there are many more on the back of his head. Under a bandage on his left hand is a bite wound. "There was three of them whalin' on me, and I don't know what I was supposed to do," he said. "I sure didn't invite them in there." Texas Ranger Tracy Murphree, who helped with the investigation, said Thursday that a decision was made to jail everyone. "We had a mobile crime scene. We had people who live in other states. We had a man who was dead and a man who shot him," he said. "It is not the duty of police to decide whether it was justified. Lawyers and judges make those decisions."



Houston, Texas robber killed: "A robber was killed when one of his victims shot him early Saturday, officials told KPRC Local 2. Houston police said two armed men jumped out of a car and tried to rob four men at a home on Keel Street near O'Donnell Drive at about 1:30 a.m. One of the victims pulled out a gun and a shootout ensued, officials said. Investigators said both of the robbers were shot. Detectives said one robber was shot in the torso and transported to Doctor's Hospital. He was later transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he died. His identity was not released. The second robber was shot in the leg and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital. One of the robbery victims was also shot and transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition.



Texas mishap: "A northwest Harris County business owner trying to prevent a robbery accidentally shot and killed a customer. Late Friday night at a shop on Gears and Walters, the business owner told authorities he would not let a man in because he looked suspicious and was carrying a gun. "The business owner believed he was going to rob the business, so he took action to prevent that. It resulted in the death of one of his patrons," explained Sgt R. Nelson with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The owner says he shot at the robber but accidentally hit the woman. The stranger who tried to get in ran away. Investigators found a pistol on the ground. They're treating the shooting as an accident. It will be up to the district attorney to determine if charges will be filed."



15 July, 2007

Airman shot by Leftist fruitcake is recovering: "A Reynoldsburg High School alumnus serving in the U.S. Air Force is recovering after he was shot in New Jersey on July 4. Senior Airman Jonathan Schrieken, 22, said from a hospital bed tonight that he’s still too tired to discuss the shooting, in which he was targeted, apparently at random, by a suicidal gunman, authorities said. But Schrieken said he was recuperating and resting with relatives from Ohio at his side. He was in serious but stable condition at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., said Senior Airman Danielle Johnson, a spokeswoman at McGuire Air Force Base. Johnson refused to elaborate. He was critically injured in the shooting, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Independence Day in Willingboro Township, N.J., about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Schrieken had walked out of his house to get something out of his car when a man approached and shot him once in the chest with a small-caliber handgun and then turned the gun on himself, said First Assistant Prosecutor Raymond Milavsky of Burlington County, N.J. The shooter, identified as Matthew Marren, 22, of Pennsauken, N.J., was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital that night". [More here]



Florida clerk shoots robber: "Police say a store employee has shot a robber on East Lake Avenue. It happened around 3 p.m. at the Yasmin Food Mart. That's at the intersection with Potter Street. Detectives say 17-year-old Xavier Pierre Whitehead came into the store with a gun and was wearing a Spiderman mask. "He demanded money, told them to open the till and get all the money out and that's when the struggle started, and the struggle over the gun and the shot was fired," said Tampa police spokesperson Andrea Davis. Whitehead was taken to Tampa General Hospital. There's no word yet on his condition."



Texas carjacker killed: "The suspect in a carjacking was killed after one of the victims he kidnapped shot him Friday morning at the victim's house. A man described as a 25 year-old Hispanic male carjacked the couple at a nightclub, according to Bexar County deputies. The suspect then demanded money from the couple, but they told the suspect that they did not have any cash. Then, the suspect demanded to be taken to the victims' home in the 1100 block of Buckskin Bend. One of the victims said that as the suspect was loading items from the house into a suitcase, he got a gun and shot the suspect in the head. Deputies were called to the scene of the shooting about 4:30 this morning. Deputies do not believe the couple will be arrested. They will be taken downtown to give statements."



14 July, 2007

Ohio owner foils clothing store robbery: "Two women and a girl from Dayton, Ohio were arrested Wednesday after they allegedly stole clothing from a store and tried to run over the owner with a car, according to Springfield Township police. Toya Heard, 20, Raytona Glenn, 22, and a 14-year-old girl were charged with aggravated robbery. Around 5:10 p.m., officers arrived at Casablanca, a clothing store in the 11000 block of Hamilton Avenue, and were told two females ran from the store with a large amount of clothing. away and the three females were arrested nearby. When the owner saw them climb into a getaway car, he told them to stop but the driver tried to run him over and struck him in the leg, police said. The owner then fired one shot from a handgun and hit the car’s front right tire. The car was found a short distance away and the three females were arrested nearby."



Texas homeowner shoots robber: "A homeowner who caught a man in his yard with an armful of tools shot and seriously wounded him Wednesday night when the man would not stop walking toward the resident, Irving police said. The unidentified man is an 18-year-old Irving resident, police said. He was shot in the torso and was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He is expected to survive, but his condition was unavailable Thursday morning, police said. The shooting happened about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of Tucker Street. The 34-year-old homeowner told police that he heard noises in his backyard, and believing someone was stealing his property he grabbed his shotgun. Once outside, the homeowner found a man walking out of his backyard with an armful of tools, police said. The resident ordered the suspect to lay on the ground, police said. The suspect put the tools down and began to walk toward the homeowner, police said. After the homeowner repeatedly warned him to stop and get down, the suspect was shot, police said. The resident was not arrested, police said."



North Caronlina homeowner shoots alleged armed intruder: "An alleged intruder is listed in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center after police say a homeowner shot him. Police from the North Tryon Division responded to a call around 8:45 Tuesday night at a home in the 5800 block of Eastbrook Road in east Charlotte. The homeowner told investigators an armed man, who he did not know, walked into his home. He also said he and other residents of the house fought with the man and during the struggle the alleged intruder was shot. Police have not released his identity, pending notification of his family. The case now goes to the district attorney’s office which will determine whether the homeowner was justified in shooting the man."



13 July, 2007

Florida Homeowner Shoots Intruder: "A 24-year-old man was shot several times in an exchange of gunfire with a Panama Park homeowner Wednesday morning during what police described as a home invasion robbery. Just after 9 a.m., police responding to a burglar alarm at 7100 block of Elwood Avenue found the door of kicked in and Jonathan Comas shot several times. Investigators said Comas and Donovan Thomas, 21, broke into the house, waking up Johnny Johnson. Johnson grabbed his gun and got to the living room in time to see two men turning around to leave. "I was the first person to shoot, I guarantee it, because they were in my house," Johnson said. "I look up, see the guy and I shoot twice, then I start hearing shots." Johnson said he fired five or six shots, then dived for cover when he heard gunfire coming from outside. Police said Comas, who was shot several times, was taken to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center by Thomas and Sandra Flood, 27, who officers said was driving the vehicle used in the incident. Comas remains in critical condition. "I'm lucky to be alive," Johnson said. "Somebody could have died, and I could have been me." Police said Comas, Thomas and Flood will be arrested and charged with home-invasion robbery".



Texas: Rabid skunk shot: "Comal County recently reported its second documented case of rabies in 2007, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The incident was the 37th case in Region 8. A rabid skunk walked into the yard of a home about half a mile east of downtown Bulverde and sprayed the home owner’s chocolate Labrador Retriever on June 21. The owner then shot and transported the skunk to Country Hills Veterinary Clinic for a rabies submission. The dog, which was current on vaccinations, was boostered according to protocol the next day and began a 45-day isolation period, the report said. This incident followed a rabies case involving a raccoon and another chocolate Labrador Retriever in Bulverde on May 17, according to Zoonosis Control."



Tennessee: One Robber Killed, Another In Hospital: "Two men, who tried to rob a patio party, found themselves looking down the end of the apartment owner’s gun barrel. According to witnesses, two men walked up and asked if they were having a party. The men then left and returned with guns and tried to rob the party. Witnesses say the apartment owner then got his gun and told the robbers to put down their guns. When the robbers didn’t, the apartment owner shot both robbers. One robber was shot in the head and killed; the other is in critical condition at the MED with a gun shot wound. Police say they are still investigating the shooting and no charges have been filed."



12 July, 2007

Arizona resident faces intruders with rifle: "When Ahwatukee Ryan Altieri heard knocking at the door of his quiet townhouse Monday evening he thought it might be a salesman. Turns out it wasn't anything nearly as innocent. At about 6:45, two men kicked in the door at Altieri's townhouse on Piedmont Road, near Guadalupe and 48th Street. Instead of an empty home, however, the intruders came face to face with Altieri - holding a cellphone and a rifle. "I was in the bathroom when I thought I heard a knock," Altieri said. "They knocked for about three minutes, I guess trying to make sure nobody was home, then they started kicking the door in. So I got my cellphone and went into my bedroom and loaded my rifle." Altieri, 27, said he was on the phone with the 911 operator when two intruders burst through the door. The intruders walked in on Altieri kneeling with his rifle trained on them and the cellphone at his ear. "They saw me and started stuttering," Altieri said. "I said, 'One more step and you're done.'" The men ran away, leaving their car behind. One suspect, a 17-year-old, was caught soon afterward. Police are still looking for the second intruder, a man believed to be in his 30s, according to Phoenix police Sgt. Leonard Pinuelas. Nothing was taken from the home."



Idaho Man Shoots Burglar: "Everyone wants to think their neighborhood is peaceful. That's what many thought about one Nampa street until early this morning. Around 2:30 in the morning, shots rang out outside a home on Jerry Lee Lane. The man accused of firing the shots lives there. Police say, he was the victim of two prior robberies over the weekend. The man waited up all night for the suspects to appear again, and when they did, he shot one of them in the legs with a pellet gun. The case will be forwarded to the Canyon County Prosecutor's Office. No charges have been filed yet."



Police harassment of Australian gun shop: "New details have emerged about the seizure of hundreds of guns from a Wagga Wagga address in southern New South Wales last week. A well-placed local source says there were over 500 guns taken from the address, which is a shop called the Wagga Wagga Boat and Sports Centre. The 310 guns were taken as exhibits while 200 other guns were seized for 'safekeeping'. Around 25,000 rounds of ammunition were also taken during the 14-hour operation involving 10 officers. The source says the man being interviewed by police is actually a licensed gun dealer and had a permit for the guns, and that the shop was raided because authorities were concerned about the storage of the items.



11 July, 2007

California burglar surprised by armed owner: "A Newbury Park homeowner foiled a burglar's plans early Monday morning when he greeted him with a gun, authorities said. The confrontation occurred about 1 a.m. when the burglar stole a garage door opener from a car on the 200 block of Deerwalk Place and used it to get into a home's garage, said Capt. Ross Bonfiglio of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. When the burglar walked into the carport, the homeowner was waiting for him with a firearm, Bonfiglio said. The homeowner chased the burglar down the street and called police after the suspect escaped by climbing over a fence. After searching the area, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Enrique Guzman Juarez, 20, of Newbury Park, Bonfiglio said. Juarez was booked into Ventura County Jail, where he was being held this morning in lieu of $70,000 bail. He is facing charges of vehicle burglary and residential burglary in connection with today's incident, as well as a previous charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.



Hypocritical Texas Democrat shoots would-be thief: "A state lawmaker who opposed a bill giving Texans stronger right to defend themselves with deadly force pulled a gun and shot a man he says was trying to steal copper wiring from a construction site, police said Monday. Rep. Borris Miles told police he was fixing a leak on the second floor of the Houston house he's building Sunday night when he heard a noise downstairs and saw two men trying to steal the copper. After Miles confronted the pair, one of the men threw a pocketknife at him, Houston Police spokesman Victor Senties. Miles, a former law enforcement officer, shot the man in the left leg, police said. The wounded suspect was being treated at a Houston hospital. Police were trying to identify the other suspect. Charges of aggravated robbery are pending against the wounded suspect, Senties said. Police said Miles, who is in his freshman term, is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. No charges have been filed against Miles, Senties said. Miles, a Democrat, voted against a bill that gives Texans stronger legal right to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes, vehicles, and workplaces."



Fruitcake shoots soldier -- kills himself: "My son’s best friend, Jon, who’s in the Air Force stationed in New Jersey at Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base was shot by a crazed anti-military white guy on Independence Day and he remains in critical condition. He had been on leave here in Ohio and got back to his home off base and was unpacking stuff from his car when this 22 year old guy walked up to him and asked him if he lived in the house. When Jon said yes, the guy said “not any more” and shot him point blank in the chest. He tried to shoot him again, but his gun jammed. Jonathan made it into the house. The guy then shot himself. Turns out the guy left a couple of suicide notes stating how much he hated the military and he wanted to go out making a statement, so he chose to make his statement on Independence Day trying to kill a soldier. We are very worried about our Airman. He’s the sweetest, nicest, do anything for ya kid and he’s like a son to me. He’s been to Iraq and Afghanistan on our behalf and then gets shot in his own driveway here in the U.S by an anti-war, anti-American lunatic"



10 July, 2007

Texas icehouse owner fatally shoots burglar: "Jesse Elizondo had only meant to scare the intruder away. He had spent the night lying in wait at his business, an icehouse just north of downtown, determined not to let another burglar on his property after a string of break-ins this year that cost him thousands of dollars and put his nerves on edge constantly. He had been asleep well before dawn Saturday when he awoke to the sound of rustling outside the icehouse, followed by a loud bang. Then he saw a hand coming through a window. Fearing for his life, Elizondo popped off one quick shot from his Beretta semiautomatic in the direction of the intruder's hand. Then he heard a man moan. "I knew I'd hit him," said Elizondo, hours after the man, identified as 24-year-old Michael Adam Eden, died from a gunshot wound to the chest in the icehouse parking lot. Elizondo later learned the bang he heard was from a rock Eden had thrown through the front window. "I was scared," said Elizondo, who estimates burglars have broken into his business close to 20 times in less than a dozen years. "It could have been me laying there on the floor." Police found Eden's body, his ankle still in a cast from a recent fracture, several feet from the front door of the icehouse. No charges had been filed against Elizondo. Texas law allows homeowners and business owners to use force to defend their lives or property. A recent bill signed by Gov. Rick Perry will expand those protections so victims no longer have to retreat before they can fire on intruders or attackers."



Nevada: Store Clerk Shoots & Kills Suspected Robber: "North Las Vegas police say a suspected robber has been shot and killed. It happened around 5 AM. Police say the armed man tried to rob the Korner Store II on Camino Al Norte and Lone Mountain. The suspect allegedly produced a firearm and threatened the clerk. The store clerk shot him. The suspect was taken to UMC, but later died. At this point it does not appear that the clerk will face any charges in this incident. The deceased suspect has not yet been identified.



Ohio push: "Trying to build on success that began in Florida and spread to 17 other states, the National Rifle Association started a push in Ohio on Wednesday that would give people more authority to use deadly force to defend themselves both in and outside their homes. People who injure or kill an attacker in self-defense no longer would shoulder the burden to prove their actions were justifiable under a bill introduced Wednesday by Republican lawmakers. The proposal also would protect people who justifiably kill someone in self-defense from civil lawsuits that could require them to pay damages. The first similar law passed in Florida in 2005, and Ohio is one of 16 states where the NRA is pushing the legislation. The NRA also was responsible for pushing an Ohio law that enabled concealed carry permits for guns."



9 July, 2007

Kentucky: Shot shooter may be charged: "A Park City man may face charges after police said he shot into a home Wednesday - if he survives several gunshot wounds suffered when the person inside the home returned fire. Conwell, 33, of Park City arrived at the residence and began shooting at the house with an AK 47, Holder said. Conwell then broke into the house by shooting off the doorknob. When inside, Conwell continued shooting and Matthew Pulley, 20, of Bowling Green returned fire striking Conwell several times, Holder said. Conwell was removed from the scene, initially taken to The Medical Center and then transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is in critical but stable condition, Holder said. Conwell could face anticipated charges of attempted murder and first-degree burglary, according to state police. There will be no charges filed against Pulley, Holder said. Monica Wilson, 19, and Joyce Davidson, 42, both of Park City, were inside the house as well when shots were fired. Pulley, Wilson and Davidson were not injured, according to state police. Conwell was attempting to get into the house because of an ongoing domestic situation, Holder said".



Wyoming man cleared in grizzly killing: "Ken Meade agrees it's fair to say he's relieved he was not charged with killing an endangered species. Federal officials recently determined the 65-year-old Lander man killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last fall. The case marks what is perhaps the last time a federal agency will be involved with investigating a grizzly killing. The bears were removed from federal protection earlier this year, and control of the animals now rests with the state. Meade said the one shot he fired to kill the 4-year-old, 350- to 400-pound male grizzly in October was "the luckiest shot of my life." On Oct. 11, Meade was hunting elk on Togwotee Pass with his chocolate Lab, Clementine. He was camping in a camper, less than 50 yards from U.S. Highway 26/287, he said this week, two weeks after he received word his case had been ruled to be self-defense."



North Carolina 5-year-old pins rabid fox during family cookout to protect brother; stepfather kills animal: "A 5-year-old boy grabbed a rabid fox by the neck and pinned it to the ground during a family cookout, protecting six other children before his stepfather could kill the animal. "I wanted to protect my little brother," said Rayshun McDowell, who battled the fox in the front yard of his home Sunday in Kingstown, a town about 50 miles west of Charlotte. The fox bit Rayshun in the leg, but the 61-pound-boy held the animal down for more than a minute. Animal control officials said Tuesday that test results confirmed the fox had rabies, which is fatal unless treated before symptoms appear. Rayshun is undergoing treatment. Rayshun's stepfather, Ryan Thompson, pulled the boy off the animal and kicked it. A neighbor fired a handgun three times but the fox continued to advance. Thompson, wearing a cast because of a broken leg, said he used a stick and his crutch to beat the fox to death."



8 July, 2007

Idaho: Drunk invader: "Imagine checking on your 5-year-old daughter in the night and finding a complete stranger sprawled out on the floor next to her. That's exactly what happened to an Idaho Falls family Thursday night. "Went in kids bathroom and his hat and his shorts were on the floor and I thought that's weird and so I ran to my husband and I said Brock there's someone in the house," said Shannon Hayward. A stranger was out cold on the floor, sleeping next to Hayward's 5-year-old step daughter. While Shannon spoke with 911 dispatchers, her husband grabbed a rifle and ordered Stanton out of the room at gun point. "He kept saying I don't know where I am, my husband kept saying what are you doing in my house? He was out of it, really out of it," she said. The police report says Stanton's blood alcohol was nearly twice the limit at 8 in the morning. The Hayward's think he was partying at a house nearby. They say the experience was enough to triple check their locks every night before bed. Daniel Stanton was cited for unlawful entry and released."



Kentucky: Double shooting kills both: "Police are calling the causes of death for two people found dead together in an apartment at the 1000 block of Muhammad Ali Boulevard a double homicide. Metro police said a mother, Bonnie Porter, 45, and her son, Leon Porter, 28, were found dead in the apartment Thursday. Investigators said the son fired several rounds at the mother and, while defending herself, she shot him in the head, resulting in both their deaths. Family members said Leon was being treated for mental illness."



Florida: Clerk shoots hardware store robber: "An armed hardware store heist in Hialeah was foiled Friday when a clerk pulled his own gun and shot the robber twice, police said. Hialeah Police say 22-year-old Carlos Isaac was buying tools around 2:30 p.m. at the store on East 25th Street. When the clerk opened the cash register to give him change, Isaac pulled a handgun, started to pistol-whip the clerk and tried to take the money, said Hialeah police spokesman Frank Gonzalez. The clerk, who Gonzalez said ''feared for his life,'' then shot Isaac twice. Isaac was later found at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he had checked in with two gunshot wounds, police said. He was arrested and charged with armed robbery."



7 July, 2007

British Keystone cops raid white kid with toy gun -- miss heaps of black kids with real guns: "Armed police confronted a ten-year-old boy who was showing his friend a plastic toy gun at his home. Two officers armed with machineguns and others handling dogs went to the house in Cradley Heath, Staffordshire, after police received a report about groups of youths, some with firearms, in the area. They found Brodie-Cian showing off his new 18-inch black plastic gun to a friend. Gail Pearsall, his mother, was also present. She said: “I suddenly saw the officers. They were saying, ‘Go, go go, move it’. Then they said, ‘Is that Brodie?’ I was so shocked I thought, ‘What on earth has my son done?’ “I just couldn’t believe it. There were ten of them in total. They then said they wanted the gun and they took it away into one of the cars and looked at it for half an hour.” Brodie has been banned from taking the 10 pounds gun, bought from a market stall, out in public. He said: “I was very frightened. There were loads of officers with guns and dogs. I thought maybe it was the gun.”



Arkansas home invader shot: "Little Rock police are investigating a home invasion in which 1 of the suspects was shot dead by 1 of the victims. Police say the incident began early this morning when someone banged on the apartment door of 27-year-old Julian Armstrong and demanded to see someone named "Steve." Armstrong told the person he had the wrong apartment. A while later, the man returned with a second person. Armstrong told police the men kicked in his door and that he exchanged gunfire with the second suspect. Police say Armstrong sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and that the suspect was shot dead. Police say Armstrong's injury isn't life-threatening. No name has been released for the dead suspect, and police said they have not been able to find the other assailant. Police say the shooting at southwest Little Rock apartment occurred at 2:20 a.m.



Michigan man shoots rottweiler: "A Redford man shot and killed an 100-pound rottweiler as it ran toward a 10-year-old neighbor boy late Sunday afternoon. The dog had been seen loose in the neighborhood, and the shooter told police he feared it was going to attack the boy, according to a Redford Township police report. The man had walked the boy to his house because of the dog, and they were waiting for the boy's mother to open the side door when the dog ran, he said. The incident occurred on Riverdale Street south of Plymouth Road. The dog came from a house on Virgil Street, one block to the west. Police said the shooter had a valid concealed weapons permit. Police requested followup by the animal control department on possible dog ordinance violations by the dog's owner."



6 July, 2007

Texas man wounds robber: "It was a phone call he says he'll never forget — his wife's voice on his cellphone pleading "there's nothing in my purse" to someone pointing a gun at her face. That's what a 56-year-old Fort Worth man, who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, said he heard before he shot an armed robber late Tuesday at a grocery store... The Samaritan said he and his wife made a late stop at the store for yogurt and soda. He sat outside in the car while his wife went inside. He soon noticed two men crouching suspiciously in the parking lot. About 11:30 p.m., three men carrying semiautomatic weapons burst into Albertsons, 3525 Sycamore School Road, in an "invasion-style manner," said Lt. Dean Sullivan, a police spokesman. Outside, the Samaritan said he watched the robbers go in and dialed 911. He said he told the dispatcher he was worried about his wife and was going inside. "I was hoping she was still at the back of the store near the yogurt," he said. "But as I walking up, she called my cellphone. I heard her talking about her purse and then a heard a loud banging sound.".. The Samaritan said he entered the store and saw a man pointing a gun at him, so he raised his hands in the air. They both started to speak at the same time. Then, the Samaritan said, he sensed that the man was about to shoot him. “He has his finger on the trigger,” he said. So, he said, he drew his Berretta and fired first."



Georgia motorist fights back in robbery: "A Columbus motorist decided he wasn't going to take it after a robber took his wallet at gunpoint on Tennessee Drive Monday night, police said. Jerrod Towers was stopped in his 1996 Lincoln Town Car at Tennessee Drive and Matilda Lane about 11 p.m. when a man pulled up in a white Chevy Caprice, stepped from the vehicle, put a handgun to Towers' head and demanded money. Towers complied and put his wallet on the ground. The gunman demanded more. When Towers said he didn't have any more, the robber put one hand around Towers' neck. The victim took that opportunity to drive away from his attacker, who quickly fired two rounds, police said. Towers stopped his car, popped his trunk, pulled a shotgun out and fired a round at the robber who was at that time running back to his own vehicle, police said. The robber wasn't hit, and Towers escaped unharmed."



North Carolina oldster Shoots Intruder During Home Invasion: "An elderly man feared for his life and shot a 23-year-old man who broke into his home Tuesday night in Hickory. The 79-year-old man woke up to find that someone had broken into his home. His quick thinking may have saved his life and his wife’s. The man told his wife to go the neighbor’s house and be safe. Get out while she could. The man then grabbed his handgun that he had in the house and waited for the intruder. When the burglar walked into his bedroom, the elderly man shot him in the head. The elderly man said it was a split second decision and one that he doesn’t regret. Investigators said the man had a right to defend himself and his home. The 23-year-old intruder is in the hospital and is expected to survive. Investigators said that he would be arrested as soon as he is discharged from the hospital"



5 July, 2007

Florida thief shot but gets away: "A clerk at a Jacksonville service station shot a robber Tuesday morning, but couldn't stop the robbery, police said. Two men came into the Broward BP at 1188 Broward Road about 10:30 a.m. While one pointed a gun, the other jumped the counter and began struggling with the clerk, said Sgt. Bill Vanaman of Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The clerk had his own gun and shot the man struggling with him, but then he was then disarmed, Vanaman said. The robbers then took the store's money and left in an off-white four-door Saturn, police said."



Florida store owner fights back: "Police say the two robbers had forced the store owner at gunpoint to the ground and were on their way out after stealing money and ripping off the stores surveillance system, but apparently the owner didn't plan on going down without a fight. The store clerk got up, grabbed his gun, came out of the store, and yelled at them to stop. One of the males turned around pointed the gun at the store clerk and said, 'I will shoot you.' At that point, the store clerk did shoot the bad guy. ” Bullets and evidence markers litter the area, as police try to piece it all together. They recovered two guns. The owner managed to wrestle the robber away and hold him for police. Beal says the store has had many problems. This time the owner sent a strong message. Police say it looks like this was a case of self defense and it doesn't immediately look like Saed will face charges. Investigators are looking for the second robber who fled in a maroon Ford Taurus."



Kentucky murder charge dropped: "A murder charge against 19-year-old Troy L. Cole has been dropped after police determined that he was likely acting in self-defense. Cole was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Jordan Adams, who was shot just after midnight Sunday in the 4500 block of Beechbrook Road in Norfolk. Lt. Barry Wilkerson said this afternoon that after interviewing Cole and witnesses, police believe Cole was being robbed by Adams and another 15-year-old when an altercation broke out and Adams showed a gun. That prompted Cole to shoot in self defense, Wilkerson said. The other 15-year-old, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, has been charged with robbery, Wilkerson said. Cole is still charged with tampering with physical evidence, but his bond was reduced after the murder charge was dropped, Wilkerson said. Adams was a runaway who dropped out of Seneca High School, according to Christopher 2X, a spokesman for his family."



4 July, 2007

Some Oklahoma history: 'King of bank robbers' nabbed by teen: "Badman Henry Starr, called the "king of the bank robbers," was captured by a teenage boy who shot the bandit after he and his gang had robbed two banks at Stroud. "I wouldn't have minded it so much if a man had shot me," Starr reportedly said after being wounded. The boy, Paul Curry, heard gunfire from the bandits as they marched several hostages from both banks toward the livery stable after the March 26, 1915, robbery. He borrowed a .44-caliber octagon-barreled rifle and ammunition and hid behind his father's grocery store, waiting for a good shot. As Starr, whose identity Curry didn't know but who appeared to be the leader, approached, the boy shot him in the hip. Starr fell, Curry ran up to him, pointed the rifle at him and ordered, "Drop your gun or I'll kill you." Starr followed the order. Curry was 19, although some newspapers listed his age as 17 or 18, but looked to be 14. He picked up Starr's gun and turned his attention to Lewis Estes, another bandit, who had mounted his horse and returned to help his fallen leader. Curry shot him in the neck but Estes was able to ride out of town, leaving a trail of blood and silver dollars, which he had stuffed into his pockets during the robbery. He was found leaning against a tree near the town cemetery."



Kentucky man Shoots and Kills Son-In-Law: "Police say a homeowner shot and killed a man, suspected of trying to break into his home. It happened in a trailer on Sinking Creek Road late Sunday night, just off west Highway 80. Kentucky State Police tell 27 NEWSFIRST 46-year-old Jesse Justice reportedly tried to enter the home, and that he was armed with a Machete. When police arrived, they found Justice dead at the scene, shot and killed by the homeowner, Paul Whitworth, the suspect's father-in-law. Police say that an active Domestic Violence Disorder was in effect at the time against Justice, taken out by his wife, Edna Whitworth, and her parents. No charges have been filed in the case.



Arizona Robbery Escalates Into 2 Gun Battles: "What began as an armed robbery at a South Phoenix jewelry store escalated into two gun battles on Monday, leaving two of the three robbers wounded, police said. The first gun battle erupted outside Luxor Jewelers between the robbers -- a woman and two men -- and store employees, police said. The two men jumped a block wall, officers said. Two jewelry employees chased them on foot, where a second gun battle broke out near the parking lot of a K-Mart store at 331 E. Baseline Road. Both men were hit by bullets, detectives said. One of them suffered life-threatening injuries, according to officers. The second robber was driven to a hospital by the woman, police said. Officers said they caught up with them there. One of the jewelry store employees was grazed by bullet and treated at the scene, police said."



3 July, 2007

Florida man tried for defending himself against a gang: Norman Borden doesn't want to be the poster boy for Florida's self-defense laws. He never wanted to kill anyone, but he did. He killed two. He was walking his four dogs near his home in the Westgate neighborhood west of West Palm Beach with his friend. It was after 2 a.m. on Oct. 8, in the rough neighborhood where homeless settle and gang activity has grown. There was an altercation between Borden and Juan Mendez, 21, and Christopher Araujo, 19. Heated words were exchanged, the men reportedly threatened to hurt Borden's dogs. He showed them he had a gun. But it wasn't over. The men sped away and picked up Saul Trejo, 21, a documented member of a violent gang. Armed with bats, they headed straight to Borden, and he fired. Fourteen gunshots later, Araujo and Trejo were dead, Mendez injured. Prosecutors said the first five shots fired at the windshield were self-defense, the next nine were murder. "When I called 911 that night, I didn't believe I would be put in jail," Borden said. "The simple fact of the matter was that it was a do-or-die situation." Borden said he's almost positive Mendez, who he said started the incident with taunts and threats, had a gun that night; his attorney told jurors that Mendez had opportunity to hide a gun before deputies and paramedics arrived.... Though Public Defender Carey Haughwout vigorously argued that Borden was immune from prosecution as a result of a 2005 Florida law that became known as the "stand your ground" law, Circuit Judge William Berger declined to dismiss the charges and the case went to trial. Eleven women and one man on the jury reached their not-guilty verdict in two hours. Now he's a free man."



Texas senior shoots robber: "An elderly man shot a 31-year-old man who he said had robbed him at gunpoint late Friday night in northeast Dallas. Charlie Andrew Myers III of Dallas was recovering Saturday from gunshot wounds in the throat and shoulder at Baylor University Medical Center. Amor Kerboua, 79, was driving into the parking lot of his apartment in the 6400 block of Melody Lane, near Northwest Highway and Skillman Street, when a man police identified as Mr. Myers approached him, according to a police report. Mr. Myers put a handgun in Mr. Kerboua's face and demanded money, police said. Thinking it was a joke, Mr. Kerboua pushed the gun away, but Mr. Myers pointed it at his face again. Mr. Kerboua opened his back door and handed Mr. Myers a cup containing $242.50. Mr. Myers then pointed the gun at Mr. Kerboua's stomach and told him, "I'm going to shoot you, [expletive]," according to the police report. Mr. Kerboua then drew a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun from his front pocket and shot Mr. Myers in the throat. Mr. Myers fell to the ground but kept his handgun pointed at Mr. Kerboua, who then fired two more times into Mr. Myers' shoulder, police said. Investigators released Mr. Kerboua, who has a concealed handgun permit, after concluding that he had shot in self-defense."



2 July, 2007

Oklahoma: Pit Bull Shot After Attack: "Midwest City police said they wouldn't cite a man who shot a pit bull terrier that was attacking a meter reader. Jason Fish was reading a meter for Oklahoma Gas and Electric Friday when police said the dog attacked him. A neighbor heard Fish screaming and shot and killed the animal with a shotgun. Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes said Fish was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Clabes said the dog's owner -- Terry Almon -- was cited for harboring a vicious animal."



Oregon man, 71, wounds intruder: "A Northeast Portland homeowner who came face to face with an intruder in the early morning darkness Friday shot him once in the head, leaving him seriously injured, family members and authorities said. About 4:50 a.m., Leroy Hudson, 71, and his wife, Janice, 62, awakened to the sound of a break-in, said Walter Hudson, 49, the second of the couple's nine children. Walter Hudson relayed his parents' account of events: Leroy Hudson was asleep upstairs and Janice Hudson was asleep downstairs in their home near Northeast 107th Avenue and Glisan Street. When they heard suspicious noises from their enclosed back porch, they met in a hall and got out a gun. Janice Hudson called 9-1-1 to report an intruder. Leroy Hudson opened the back door of the house and found a man standing in front of him. He demanded to know what the man was doing, hoping to scare him off. But the man said nothing. Instead, he walked toward Leroy Hudson, and Hudson raised the gun and shot him. Police arrived soon after. Police have not released the intruder's identity but think he's about 26 years old, said Officer Brian Schmautz, a Portland Police Bureau spokesman. The man's gunshot wound was life-threatening and he had surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, Schmautz said. No condition report was available. No charges have been pressed in the incident."



Florida business owner fires at robbers, hits bystander: "After two men shoved guns in an auto shop owner's face, taking $1,300 from his business, the owner grabbed his own gun, followed them outside and fired, police said. Police don't know if any of the shots hit either robber, but one did hit a bystander in the ankle. The bystander, who police would not identify Wednesday, was taken to an area hospital with an injury said to be not life-threatening. According to police, investigations into both the robbery and the shooting, which happened shortly after 1 p.m., are continuing. Richard Hydro, 54, owner of Motor Werkes, in the 4600 block of Dyer Avenue, was not held by police. A man answering the telephone at his home said the business owner had been advised not to discuss the shooting. Riviera Beach spokeswoman Rose Anne Brown, however, said, "The (robbery) victim, in fear of his life, followed the subjects and shot at them." She added that a second encounter outside the business preceded the shooting, but said she had no information on what took place. The robbers took cash and personal credit cards, police said. Hydro has a concealed weapons permit, according to state records. He has owned the property where the business is since 1993, records show."



1 July, 2007

Alabama man captures intruder at gunpoint: "Three people apparently didn’t believe in the old saying “three strikes and you’re out,” or else they wouldn’t have attempted to burglarize the same Sardis City home Wednesday morning. Sardis City police Chief James Alverson said he believes three men were responsible for burglaries on June 21 and Monday of a U.S. 431 South residence and apparently were attempting a third burglary when things didn’t go as planned. Alverson said a friend of the homeowner was staying at the home Wednesday when he heard a vehicle pull up to the house and blow its horn. The unidentified friend told police he looked out the window and saw a black truck, with which he was not familiar, in front of the house. A short time later, the doorbell rang, but the friend did not respond. Alverson said the friend told police that, a few minutes later, one of the men popped open the lock on the back door with a screwdriver and entered the house. The man then started toward the basement door in what was believed to be an effort to let an accomplice into the house. The homeowner’s friend, who had a pistol, confronted the surprised burglar and told him, “Don’t you move!” Believing he might be shot, the man did not move. Then the friend proceeded to take the intruder outside, asking him, “Where’s your other buddy at?” A man in the pickup truck in the driveway saw his partner being held at gunpoint and quickly drove back to U.S. 431."



Indiana shooting could be self-defense: "A Hobart man is hospitalized after a fight ended with a shooting Tuesday evening that police believe could be ruled self-defense. Witnesses say Lawrence Halt, 43, was in an argument in front of his next-door neighbor's home in the 100 block of North Guyer Street when he put Michael Peco in a headlock. Police believe they were fighting over whether Halt would be allowed to do home repair work for Peco, according to police. Halt followed Peco into his home, where police believe he again put Peco in a headlock. During a struggle, Peco drew a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol and shot Halt, once in the hand and again in the chest, said Detective Lt. Leo Finnerty. "He was in fear, and he shot him twice," Finnerty said. Halt was hospitalized but he was awake and alert Wednesday morning when he was interviewed by police, he said."



Florida: Thieves load boat; victim unloads gun: "A Mary Esther man had his boat stolen from his home, but the thieves didn’t get away before he had a chance to shoot at their truck. Three men went on the man’s property on U.S. Highway 98 and loaded his boat into the back of their truck on June 27, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. They left with the boat and the victim followed, and when the boat owner had the chance, he shot at the rear wheel of the truck with a Smith and Wesson. It’s not clear if he was able to hit the truck, but his aggressive response must have helped. Two of the men have been arrested. Christopher Clark, 23, and Elliott Stone, 20, both of Mary Esther, have been charged with burglary and larceny.