Baltimore, Maryland

From WJZ of August 30, 2008

Police:Garage owner fatally shoots would-be robber

Baltimore police say the owner of an auto repair shop fatally shot a man trying to rob his business.

It happened around 6:30 p.m. Friday at Joe’s Garage in northwest Baltimore.

Police spokesman Sterling Clifford says this was the second time that owner Joseph Goldman has shot someone trying to rob his business, but he did not have further details about the first shooting.

In Friday’s incident, police say two men entered the business and displayed a handgun, but Goldman grabbed his own gun and fired at the men, hitting one.

The injured man was taken to Sinai Hospital where police say he was pronounced dead. Police did not release that man’s name.

The second man fled and police are still looking for him.

Miami Lakes, Florida

From NBC6 of August 25, 2008

Police: Woman Shoots At Men Trying To Break Into Car

Miami-Dade police said a woman opened fire on three men who were trying to break into a car in Miami Lakes early Thursday.

The three men were trying to break into a car outside a home near Northwest 57th Avenue north of the Palmetto Expressway at about 1:30 a.m., police said. Miami-Dade police said they think the men were trying to steal the car’s stereo.

A man and a woman who were inside the home came outside. When the man got into a confrontation with the three men, the woman started firing a gun, police said. Neighbors said they heard between four and seven shots.

“These subjects came here to do a crime,” said Bobby Williams of the Miami-Dade Police Department. “Once that crime was committed, the boyfriend came out to stop them or at least to talk to them. They attacked him, so she was in fear for her boyfriend’s safety and herself.”

Ilana Lopez was inside the home at the time of the shooting.

“If he was in my property, burglarizing one of our vehicles, she did what she had to do to protect it,” Lopez said.

The three men took off in an SUV, which police said was stolen. Police stopped the suspects outside a nearby CVS store and arrested them.

One of the three men had been shot in the chest and was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was in critical condition, NBC 6’s Steve Litz reported.

The investigation continues. The suspects were expected to face charges.

Lopez said the car stereo was stolen once before, about three weeks ago.

“What can I say? I’m just tired of this going on around here,” she said.

Florida’s “Castle Doctrine” allows a potential victim to respond with deadly force if an intruder or criminal has intentions of death or great bodily harm, Litz reported. If the shooting is justified, the person will not be prosecuted.

Police said the shooting appeared to be justified, so the woman who fired the shots might not face charges.

The woman had no comment for reporters Thursday morning.

The names of those involved have not been released.

Fort Worth, Texas

From CBS 11 of August 25, 2008

Fort Worth Man Shoots, Kills Neighbor’s Dogs

A North Texas family is mourning the loss of two of their pets. The nine-month-old pit bulls were shot and killed by a neighbor who says it was self defense.

The shooting happened in a neighborhood off Ten Mile Bridge Road in northwest Fort Worth.

The neighbors never had any problems before. But that all changed over the weekend.

The man who pulled the trigger says he didn’t have any choice. But the dogs’ owners disagree.

Kristopher Harrison has a six-year-old daughter. He says that’s why he was upset when two pit bulls wandered into his backyard Saturday afternoon.

Harrison says he told his next door neighbors, if it happened again, he would shoot the dogs. And that’s exactly what he did around 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

Harrison says he and a friend were taking a break from watching the Olympics when the nine-month-old dog named ‘Scarface’ crawled under the fence. Harrison had his shotgun with him, so he says he shot the dog and the dog’s sister, ‘Lady’.

“I wish he just would have went in the house and would have came and told me instead of retaliating that way,” dog owner Shaylen Ross said.

One of the animals was found dead in Harrison’s backyard. The other was found dead in its own backyard.

“He was showing his teeth, growling and he was coming at me,” Harrison explained. “The second dog, I didn’t know. I didn’t think I was going to have to shoot him, because he seemed a little hesitant. But then he looked at the hole in the fence. I thought he was going to go back under, then he turned around and started coming at me and that’s when I shot him.”

Fort Worth Police are reviewing the case, but they say if the dogs were in the neighbor’s yard when they were shot it’s unlikely that any charges will be filed.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

From the Journal Gazette of August 14, 2008

2 robbers flee, 1 finds a fight

A homeowner and his son fought off a robber Wednesday night during an attempted home invasion in southern Allen County.

Police from several local agencies flocked to the Pheasant Run housing addition south of Dunkelberg Road after an officer who responded to the robbery reported hearing shots fired and that an officer was in trouble. Police later learned that no one was shot and the officer was OK, police said.

Allen County police took a call at 9:47 p.m. reporting the home invasion. Officers arrived at 9218 Burr Oak Drive at 9:52 p.m. and heard one shot as a robbery suspect was running from the area, Sheriff Ken Fries said.

The officer didn?t know who was shooting or why and stopped chasing the suspect and focused on the shooter. The officer detained at least one person who turned out to be a neighbor. He fired one shot at the suspect ? not the officer, Fries said.

Several people, including teenagers, were home when three men tried to enter the home. Two of the robbers fled, leaving one behind. The homeowner and his teenage son wrestled with the man and at some point the homeowner was hit in the head with an unknown object, police said.

The homeowner suffered a cut to his head and was treated and released. No one else was hurt, Fries said.

When police arrived, the remaining robber ran and the officer began to chase him. That?s when a neighbor thought he?d help and fired a shot toward the suspect, Fries said.

Police dogs were used to try and track the three robbers but none had been found by midnight. It was unclear whether they were armed, Fries said.

Fries said they should be considered dangerous and warned residents not to answer the door or let anyone into their home if they don?t know them or they look suspicious.

Investigators believe the home was not likely picked at random as the homeowner?s son knew one of the suspects, Fries said.

The attempted home invasion remains under investigation, he said.

Buffalo, New York

From the Buffalo News of August 14, 2008

Man escapes flurry of bullets but accidentally shoots himself

A man escaped a flurry of shots fired at him in a drive-by shooting, but when he tried to return fire, he accidentally shot himself, The Buffalo News learned today.

The man was in the 100 block of Hagen Street, in the Bailey-Delavan neighborhood, at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when a burgundy vehicle pulled up to him and a gunman inside fired shots at him, according to Northeast District Police.

The man, whose identity is being withheld by The News for his protection, told detectives that he attempted to return fire and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No charges have been filed against the man nor has the gunman who fired from the vehicle been located.

The man was treated in Erie County Medical Center and released.

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

From the Pocono Record of August 28, 2008

Alleged teen robber shot by Wal-Mart shopper

It’s a night time shopper’s nightmare. You buy groceries, go to your car, and someone tries to rob you at gunpoint.

Police say Joshua Eastman, 28, of East Stroudsburg was unloading groceries at his car shortly before 12:45 a.m. today when Reneau Jean Jacques, 17, of 77 Symphony Circle, East Stroudsburg, pointed a handgun at him and demanded that he hand over his money.

Eastman looked around for help or someone to yell to. The alleged robber continued to demand money. Eastman replied that he did not have any money – that he used a debit card to pay for his purchases.

Jacques became more threatening, pointing the gun and using a more menacing tone of voice.

Eastman then took out his wallet and pushed the door of his truck more open to put it between himself and the suspect. Jacques pointed his gun at Eastman’s face.

Eastman dropped his wallet and started ducking down. Jacques fired a shot that went through the window of the door almost striking Eastman and causing flying glass from the car window to cut his face.

Eastman pulled out a handgun he was carrying and fell to the ground. He returned fire under the truck’s door with his pistol while the teen continued to fire his weapon.

Eastman shot Jacques in the lower leg and foot. Then Eastman ran back toward the store as the teen fled towards Friendly’s restaurant.

Jacques fled into a landscaped island of bushes and trees in the parking lot. Stroud Area Regional Police were on the scene almost immediately and found him hiding and trying to bury a handgun in the mulch. He originally claimed to be a victim before police determined he was likely the one who started the trouble.

“It appears to be an armed robbery that went badly for the suspect because he picked an armed customer,” said Sgt. James Wielgus.

On Thursday afternoon, Jacques, using crutches and wearing a long hospital gown over hospital pants, sat with a numb look on his face during his preliminary arraignment in East Stroudsburg Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth?s courtroom. Jacques, a Shawnee Academy student with a prior juvenile record, spoke in a subdued tone when addressed by the judge.

Jacques is charged as an adult with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, crimes committed with guns and illegal possession of a gun, all felonies, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. He hung his head and sighed after the judge told him he could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, attempted murder.

Jacques was taken to Pocono Medical Center for treatment. Police detained two other youths for questioning. They were in a car, trying to flee the scene, according to witnesses and police.

Bastrop County, Texas

From the August 27, 2008 Austin American-Statesman:

Sheriff?s deputies in Bastrop are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Tuesday when a man fatally shot another man he says was trying to break into his residence on John Croft Road near the city of Bastrop.

A dispatcher said that Dillian Wilhelm shot James Nauer, of Bastrop, around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when Nauer reportedly entered his house with a club. Nauer was critically injured and taken to the University Medical Center at Brackenridge where he was pronounced dead, according to the sheriff?s office.

The Bastrop County sheriff?s office and the district attorney?s office are investigating the case to determine if charges will be filed, investigators said.

West Hempstead, NY

From the August 26, 2008 Newsday:

Two assailants picked on the wrong guy when they confronted a man exiting his car in his driveway in West Hempstead on Monday night, police said.

The 35-year-old homeowner, who owns a check-cashing business in the city, was armed — carrying his licensed Glock 9-mm pistol.

When one of the assailants fired at the man, he fired back. No one was hit by the gunfire on Oakford Street before the pair fled.

Fawn Lake Township, Minnesota

From the August 12, 2008 Long Prairie [Minnesota] Leader:

San Antonio, Texas

From KSAT of August 25, 2008

Tattoo Parlor Owner Shoots, Kills Intruder

The owner of a tattoo parlor shot and killed an intruder at the business on near north side early Tuesday.

Police said the incident began as a disturbance at Perfection Tattoo in the 3500 block of Blanco Road at 2:30 a.m.

The business owner told police the man drove up to the building and broke a window and then threw a Molotov cocktail through the window, police said.

The owner then opened fire on the man outside the business, killing him, police said.

Police don’t plan on filing charges against the owner, police said.

The intruder has not been identified.

Boise, Idaho

From the Idaho Statesman of August 21, 2008

Boise man arrested after handgun standoff on Table Rock

A 37-year-old Boise man is being held in the Ada County Jail on a felony aggravated assault charge after a handgun standoff late Wednesday night on Table Rock.

Damon Glenn Smith was also charged with felony DUI and misdemeanor resisting arrest after the incident, which occurred at 11:48 p.m. Wednesday on top of the Table Rock mesa, a popular sightseeing spot overlooking Boise.

Witnesses told police the trouble started when a car passed Smith?s truck as both vehicles were on the way up to the top of Table Rock.

Witnesses said when Smith got to the top of the mesa, by the giant fluorescent cross which overlooks the city, he got out of his truck and pulled out a handgun, first threatening the driver of the other car, and then pointing it at other people on top of the mesa and threatening them.

At that point, witnesses said the driver of the car Smith first threatened pulled out a 9 mm handgun, pointed it at Smith, and told him he was going to disarm him. That man then took the handgun from Smith and determined it was fake.

Witnesses told police Smith got into his truck and tried to drive away but was stopped by police, who were responding to a 911 call about the fight.

Smith, who appeared visibly intoxicated had a hard time standing and failed field sobriety tests, according to police reports.

When officers went to take him into custody, Smith resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained, Boise Police spokesman Charles McClure said.

The other man involved in the confrontation displayed his handgun legally and police determined he was fully within his rights to defend himself at the time, McClure said.

Jackson, Mississippi

From WLBT of August 16, 2008

Suspected Car Burglar Shot by Owner

A burglary victim opens fire on a man who he allegedly caught breaking into his vehicle Saturday morning.

JPD Lt. Jeffery Scott said 22-year old Mario Lampkin was shot once in the leg by the owner of the vehicle. Investigators say it happened just before 6 a.m. at 1315 North Jefferson Street.

Officers also believe Lampkin is responsible for breaking into two other vehicles before he was shot. Police say Lampkin managed to walk to nearby Baptist Hospital for treatment. He will be charged with auto burglary when released.

From the Clarion Ledger of August 16, 2008

Wounded man may face charges in car break-ins

A 22-year-old man will face burglary charges once he is released from a Jackson hospital.

Police say Mario Lampkin was shot in the leg by the owner of a car who claimed Lampkin was breaking into the vehicle. After he was shot, Lampkin walked to the Baptist Medical Center.

The shooting happened just before 6 a.m. today at an apartment complex in the 1300 block of N. Jefferson St.

The car owner was questioned and released. That person has not been charged.

Two other cars at the apartment complex also had been burglarized. Police say they suspect Lampkin may be responsible for those, too.

Hanover, Pennsylvania

From the August 20, 2008 York [Penn.] Daily Record:

On June 28, only two days after the Supreme Court announced its 5-4 ruling that Washington, D.C., citizens have the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the Constitution, I found myself standing in a pool of blood in York, from a man I had just shot. It was not my intent that evening to test the Second Amendment or kill somebody, but events unfolded to make it necessary for me to draw my weapon to defend myself and others.

My fianc?e Maria and I had spent the day showing real estate investors our investment properties in York. We were driving to nearby Hanover to visit my mother when we came across what looked like a rear-end traffic accident.

Instead, a man, Douglas Need, had been driving recklessly when he swerved in front of a car and was hit in the rear. In a fit of road rage, he stormed out of his car, went back to two young women and a baby in the car that hit his, reached through the driver’s window and started beating the driver very violently. She was able to break free and drive her car to the only place she could go — the parking lot next to the street. Need ran back to his car, squealed his tires into the parking lot and looked as though he was going to broadside the women’s car with them still inside.

At the last moment, he swerved his car around and blocked hers from going anywhere. I pulled into the parking lot, got out of the car and yelled at Need to leave the women alone while Need’s passenger was in the parking lot. My gun was still holstered by my side. The woman got out of her car and escaped into the store. He followed but only moments later exited the store back into the parking lot. Both Need and the man with him were uncontrollably enraged and seemed deranged past the point of caring who they hurt.

As they continued to threaten that they had guns and were going to kill people, for some unknown reason Need ran to the driver’s side door of my car and started pounding on the window, shouting at my fianc?e who was inside the car with the engine running. Fearing that Maria’s life was in danger because of his previous death threats, that’s when I drew my weapon. I ordered Need to step away from my car, which he did. He then returned to the center of the parking lot, according to witnesses, and continued with threats and deranged behavior.

I went to my car and stood at the driver’s side door. Need turned back to me and started coming at me with his arms waving and shouting “just shoot me.” I ordered him to stay back, but he kept coming. Then, when he was about four or five feet from me, he put his hand into his pants pocket, and that is when I fired my first shot into his left thigh. It didn’t stop him from coming at me. He grabbed my shirt, ripped off the top button and grabbed my right arm. That’s when I shot him the second time point-blank into his thigh. I was told later that the bullets had severed his femoral artery and he had bled to death at York Hospital. I was truly sorry he died, but knew I had made the right decisions.

Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of August 21, 2008

NW Harris County store owner fatally shoots robber

Confronted with a pistol and bound with duct tape, the owner of a northwest Harris County store decided not to quietly submit and hope his attacker would show mercy.

The businessman worked himself free, got his own gun and killed the robber in a shootout, sheriff’s deputies said.

The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday when a man walked into the cellular phone store in the 12000 block of Veterans Memorial Drive near Antoine, pulled out a gun and tied up the owner, sheriff’s detectives said.

“He (the robber) was in the process of trying to disable the surveillance equipment when the owner was able to free himself,” said Sgt. Ben Beall.

The owner grabbed his own pistol and opened fire. The robber did the same, but was fatally wounded.

“The owner is fine. He was not injured,” Beall said.

A woman at the store today said the owner did not want to comment on the incident.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the dead man is the same person who held up a number of other cell phone stores in the area recently, Beall said.

Memphis, Tennnessee

From EyewitnessNews of August 19, 2008

87 Year-Old Shoots Man Climbing Through His Window

Police say an 87 year-old man shot another man who he claims was climbing through a window in the back of his North Memphis house.

The shooting happened around 5:45 a.m., Tuesday August 19, 2008, in the 3400 block of Warford.

Police say the man was shot in the upper torso and was rushed to the Med in extremely critical condition.

Two other people that live in the house with the 87 year-old, say they woke up to the sound of two gunshots.

The 87 year-old man and two eyewitnesses are being questioned by police.

Felony Response is taking over the investigation.