Houston, Texas

From Houston’s Click2Houston.com of June 29, 2005

Police: Homeowner Returns Fire, Shoots Suspected Thief

Three Other Suspected Thieves Flee Scene

A northeast Houston homeowner shot a suspected thief who he caught trying to steal his pickup truck Wednesday morning, police told Local 2.

The shooting happened outside the man’s home on Richland at Sultan at about 4:15 a.m. shortly after four men arrived in a stolen Cutlass Ciera.

Police said the homeowner heard something going on outside, grabbed his shotgun and went outside to investigate.

Investigators said the homeowner fired the gun after one of the suspected thieves fired a gun at him first.

One of the suspects was struck in the back. He was transported to Ben Taub Hospital and is expected to survive.

The three other suspects fled the scene.

A nearby resident told Local 2 that the area has repeatedly experienced problems with car theft and vandalism.

“They are kicking in the brake lights, stealing the CD players out of our vehicles. The cops ain’t done nothing about it so far,” neighbor Kenneth Mallard said.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office will decide if the homeowner will face charges in the shooting.

Moreno Valley, California

From the Riverside Press-Enterprise of April 26, 2005

Man killed in self-defense, authorities say

Investigators have identified the gunman in a weekend shooting in Moreno Valley, although the man is not in custody because he is believed to have killed in self-defense, authorities said Monday.

Police are not releasing the man’s name until the district attorney’s office decides whether to file charges.

Investigators say he shot and killed 37-year-old Vincent Ernest Moore of Inglewood.

“We’re looking at it as a justifiable homicide,” Sgt. John Schultz of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Central Homicide Unit said Monday. “That’s why the guy wasn’t arrested.”

The incident was Moreno Valley’s third homicide in 2005 and 12th in the last 13 months.

Shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, Moore was shot and killed outside the house where his ex-wife lives in the 22600 block of Climbing Rose Drive, Moreno Valley police Sgt. Joel Ontiveros said Sunday in a news release.

According to Schultz, Moore first kicked the front door of the house, and then later punched the woman’s new husband. The husband of Moore’s ex-wife shot and killed Moore, Schultz said.

According to court records, there had been an outstanding warrant for Moore’s arrest in Riverside County since September 2004 for making criminal threats. Schultz said Moore had threatened his ex-wife and her new husband in the past, and there was a restraining order against him.

A friend of Moore’s painted a different picture, however.

Freddie Leslie, 55, who said he knew Moore for seven years, described his friend as a good parent and good person.

Leslie said he used to help Moore plant trees in his yard when he used to live at his ex-wife’s Moreno Valley residence.

He came over with others to watch basketball games.

No subsequent stories about this incident were found.

Spokane, Washington

From Spokane’s KXLY.com of June 28, 2005

Thief Held at Gunpoint in Spokane Valley

A would-be burglar chose the wrong store to break into in the Spokane Valley over the weekend.

Deputies arrested 24-year-old Brian Dukes early Sunday morning at the Fitness Fanatics store on East Trent. Deputies say Dukes broke a window to get in the back door. He then disabled the security system by pulling it off the wall.

The store’s owner and a security specialist were notified. The security specialist who is a former ATF agent went to the store armed with a rifle. He held Dukes at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

From a participant

I was browsing the web this morning and came across your reference to a story from Spokane. I am the “security specialist” referenced in the article. I think this is an example of the media wanting to downplay the importance of civilians using firearms for useful purposes. I am not a “security specialist” but just a computer geek. I didn’t have a rifle, I had a Glock 26, the store is cluttered and there are racks of merchandise all over the place so a rifle would not be the ideal choice of weapons. I was an ATF SA many years ago. The perp was armed with a large knife.

Mike Scalera
Spokane, Washington

Los Angeles, California

From the Los Angeles Times of June 27, 2005
Requires free registration

Valley College Guard Shoots Man on Campus

A man who threatened to hurl a 3-foot concrete stand at a security guard was shot and wounded on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College early Monday, sheriff’s investigators said.

The unidentified man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition.

The guard who shot him was part of a sheriff’s civilian detail contracted to guard the college.

Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Hartshorne said detectives are trying to determine the man’s identity and what he was doing on campus. They did not release the guard’s name or that of a second guard who came to his aid.

About 5:15 a.m., the man began throwing bricks at the guard outside the security detail’s bungalow on the Valley Glen campus, Hartshorne said.

The security guard was able to dodge the bricks, Hartshorne said. The second security officer fired a Taser gun at the man, but it didn’t stop him, the lieutenant said.

The man grabbed a large concrete stand used as an outdoor ashtray and held it above his shoulders as if to throw it at the officers, Hartshorne said. The first officer fired his gun several times, striking the man at least once, Hartshorne said.

Deputy Steve Suzuki said the officer told investigators he fired because he feared for his own safety and that of the other guard.

The security officers, who are members of the Sheriff’s Community College District Bureau, are armed, civilian employees who guard campuses throughout the Los Angeles Community College District.

(Emphasis ours)

Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona

From the Arizona Republic of June 28, 2005

2 try to rob jewelry store; 1 suspect shot, still at large

A jewelry distributor shot and wounded at least one of two masked, armed men who walked into a store Monday afternoon to rob it, authorities said.

The attempted armed robbery at Loretta’s Ahwatukee Jewelers at lunchtime in a community that seldom sees such violence brought back memories of the November murder and robbery of an armored car guard just two miles away.

In Monday’s incident, one suspect was shot in the leg and taken to Maricopa Medical Center in police custody. Police said the other suspect was likely wounded based on witness accounts.

(More)

Hamtramck, Michigan

From Detroit’s ClickOnDetroit.com of June 27, 2005

Jewelry Store Owner Grabs Gun, Chases Robber

Police Track Down Suspected Robber

The owner of a jewelry store in Hamtramck attempted to chase down a robber on Saturday, Local 4 reported.

Police said a man grabbed about $500 worth of jewelry from the Nice Jewelry store on Jos Campau Street.

The owner of the store grabbed his gun, chased the robber out of the store and fired a warning shot into the air, police said

Police said it was not the first time the store had been the target of a robbery. The owner was shot in the chest and in the stomach during a robbery in July 2000.

“He’s been a business owner in town for many years. He was shot numerous times,” said Detective Ben Bielecki.

The owner recovered from those injuries and returned to work, but said the only way he could protect his family and his business was to carry a gun, the station reported.

Police said the store owner has a permit for the weapon.

“It’s one store I would not want to rob or steal from in Hamtramck,” said Bielecki.

Police were able to locate the robber hiding in alley and take him into custody. He’s expected to be charged on Monday.

Houston, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of June 27, 2005

Homeowner kills 1, critically wounds another

A northeast Houston resident shot and killed one man and critically wounded another after reportedly catching them breaking into his house early today.

The man told police he returned to his house on Lakewood near Jensen just after 1 a.m. today and found four men trying to break in.

He opened fire on the would-be burglars, who fired back before fleeing to a house on Willie near Terrell, about a mile a way, authorities said.

One man died at the house on Willie and another man with gunshot wounds was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition. Neither of the victim’s names has been released yet.

Police are still questioning the man who shot them.

Houston, Texas

From Houston‘s Click2Houston.com of June 24, 2005

Police: Owner Shoots Suspect Using Stolen Wrecker To Steal Car

One Suspect In Critical Condition

A northeast Houston man opened fire on suspected car thieves who were trying to steal his vehicle, police told Local 2 Friday.

Officers said two men driving a stolen tow truck were trying to tow a car out of the Swiss Village Apartments parking lot on Homestead near Tidwell shortly before 5 a.m.

Roosevelt Grant is a neighbor of the car owner. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw the white Buick LeSabre hooked up to a tow truck. Then, he said he saw his neighbor running after his car and shooting a gun at the two men inside the wrecker.

“I just heard a loud, squealing noise and I just happened to see a wrecker truck,” Grant said. “To take something that belongs to you is just not right.”

The car’s owner fired a total of six shots at the wrecker, hitting Antonio Devon Hunt, 29, who police said was driving the tow truck. He was shot once in the head and transported to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.

The other man escaped.

Police said that the men stole the tow truck a week ago and were using it to steal vehicles.

“I feel sure that they stole the wrecker for a reason and, so, it’s entirely possible that other vehicles have been stolen in this manner and fashion,” said Sgt. Jim Binford, with HPD Homicide.

The car theft suspects also allegedly punctured the tires of three other vehicles in the area. Officials believe they were trying to prevent anyone from chasing them.

Neighbors supported the car owner who fought back when his vehicle was being stolen.

“I didn’t even know he owned a gun. I probably would have done the same thing if it was my car,” a neighbor known only as Linda said.

Police do not expect to file charges against the owner because the shooting appears to be justified. The case will be referred to a grand jury.

Texas law allows people to use deadly force to protect their property or, under certain circumstances, to stop someone they believe is committing a crime.

Richmond, Virginia

From the June 22, 2005 Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Law enforcement sources involved in the case said Rodvon Daymetric Brown, 14, was carrying an unloaded, .22-caliber rifle when he got off his bicycle and approached a 47-year-old man sitting in his car at 24th Street and Fairmount Avenue around 11:40 p.m.

An ammunition magazine from an AK-47, also unloaded, had been duct-taped to the barrel of the rifle, giving it more of an appearance as a deadly assault weapon, the sources said.

The man inside the car, however, had a loaded, 40 mm [sic] semiautomatic handgun. He told police that after dropping off a woman at her home, he saw Brown and another boy circling his car on their bicycles. Police said the man told them Brown got off his bicycle and began walking toward the driver’s side of his car carrying his weapon.

The man said Brown “threatened him with a gun and attempted to rob him,” according to a statement released by police.

Law enforcement sources said the man in the car fired three times, shattering two windows in his vehicle. One of the shots struck Brown in the side of the head, causing him to fall face-first on his gun. He died just over an hour later at VCU Medical Center.

Richmond are consulting with prosecutors on whether to charge the man in connection with the shooting, which is still under investigation.

Police said the man who fired the fatal shots did not flee the scene, but called 911 and waited for police and medical attention to arrive.

A recent law school graduate with sources inside the prosecutor’s office tells me that if there are charges filed, it will be for felon in possession–not for the shoot itself. The article goes on to explain that the 14 year old had an arrest record.

Madison, Tennessee

From the Nashville Tennessean of June 26, 2005

Police: Homeowner shoots, kills intruder

An attempted home invasion Friday evening ended when a homeowner fatally shot one of the intruders, police said.

Bobby Pottinger, 38, of Nashville was shot and killed when he and three other people tried to rob a home at 504 Macfie Court in Madison at about 11:40 p.m., police said.

Metro Capt. Mike Hagar said it appears the homeowner shot Pottinger in self-defense, but detectives still are investigating the incident.

“The homeowner met them at the door and refused admission,” Hagar said.

“When they attempted to force their way in the house, the homeowner fired his pistol.”

Jacksonville, Florida

From Jacksonville‘s FirstCoastNews.com of June 24, 2005

Attempted Robbery Lands Two In Hospital

Two men were taken to Shands Jacksonville after getting shot in an attempted robbery. They both have non-life threatening injuries.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers tell First Coast News the shooting happened at 13th Street Lottery Store on Canal Street and West 13th.

They say two men walked into the store Friday shortly after 10 p.m., and tried to rob it.

The suspects exchanged gunfire with the victims, and then took off on foot.

The store’s owner and another man were taken to the hospital.

Elk Grove, California

From the Sacramento Bee of June 24, 2005
(Free registration required)

Homeowner captures burglar

A burglary was brought to an abrupt halt Thursday morning when the homeowner confronted the suspect with a handgun, police said.

Elk Grove Police arrested Esteban Rodriguez, 30, on suspicion of assault with deadly weapon and burglary. The incident took place at 3:13 a.m. in the 3300 block of Marina Cove Circle.

An officer investigating a report of vandalism in the area heard a window break and a woman scream. The officer forced his way through the front door of the residence and found a man holding Rodriguez at gunpoint, according to reports.

Rodriguez, who had a large metal tool, had allegedly smashed a rear window to get in and chased a woman through the residence. She alerted the homeowner, who got his handgun, the report said.

Rodriguez remained in Sacramento County jail Thursday.

Grand Bay, Alabama

From Mobile’s WPMI.com of June 23, 2005

Would-be robber gets a big surprise

A dramatic robbery caught on video tape… now the would-be robber is in custody of local law enforcement officers.

Tuesday night at a Grand Bay convenience store, the clerk opens the cash register when suddenly a customer makes a daring move… jumping at the clerk and trying to grab some cash from the register.

But, boy is he in for a surprise! The clerk’s husband comes dashing out from the back of the store. It’s quite a struggle.

The clerk pulls a gun threatening to shoot, but the determined suspect manages to get away.

It all went down at the Mini-Mart in Grand Bay at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and 188.

Sheriff’s deputies say after the video aired on NBC 15 News, they started getting phone calls alerting them to the suspect’s identity. Timothy Lamar Carey, taken into custody at his home in Coden, is charged with Robbery – 3rd degree. Carey is 19 years old and currently on probation for another robbery. Officials say he has a history of arrests for drugs and domestic violence.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Department expressed appreciation to the public for their assistance in identifying Carey as the suspect seen in the convenience store surveillance tape.

Lexington, Kentucky

From Louisville’s WAVE3.com of June 23, 2005

No Indictment In Fatal Shooting

A grand jury has dismissed murder charges against a University of Kentucky student who shot a Louisville man in a struggle outside a Lexington apartment complex.

Twenty-year-old UK junior Brian Briggs said in an interview that he told a grand jury Tuesday that he shot 22-year-old Cory Harris in self defense. He says Harris threatened to kill him during a May 2nd robbery. Harris died a day later.

Grand juries meet in secret to decide if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to make a suspect stand trial. Authorities must prove only they have probable cause to proceed.

It was the second time in four months that a Lexington grand jury has dismissed murder charges against a suspect. Charges against Lucian Anderson, who shot a man in his driveway on Christmas Day, were dismissed by a grand jury in March.

Tacoma, Washington

From the Tacoma News-Tribune of June 19, 2005

Argument ends in fatal shooting

A 22-year-old man who had been arguing with his girlfriend was shot and killed early Saturday after another man overheard the argument and tried to break it up, police said.

It happened about 2:40 a.m. at an apartment in the 4300 block of South Union Avenue in Tacoma, said police spokesman Mark Fulghum.

Richard Matthews, who recently moved into his girlfriend’s apartment, pulled a gun on the man who tried to intervene, Fulghum said.

But the would-be peacekeeper, identified by police only as an approximately 30-year-old Tacoma man, also was carrying a gun.

He fired “numerous” shots at Matthews before Matthews could get off a shot, Fulghum said.

Matthews was pronounced dead at the scene, Fulghum said.

No other injuries were reported.

Police officers who happened to be nearby heard the gunfire and arrived soon after the shooting, Fulghum said.

The shooter was cooperative with officers, Fulghum said. Detectives interviewed him and let him go. It will be up to prosecutors to decide whether to charge him with a crime.

Based on what police saw, “This guy just had a quicker draw,” Fulghum said. “The prosecutor will make the decision, but it looks like he didn’t have much choice.”