Harris County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of February 20, 2010

Suspect killed in home invasion gunbattle

A north Harris County man shot a pair of suspected home invaders on Friday, killing one and wounding the other, during a gunbattle outside his house, officials said.

The homeowner was also wounded, authorities said.

“He was shot by one of the suspects,” said Sgt. Craig Clopton with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. His condition was not available.

Gunfire erupted at 11:30 a.m. at a home in the 1300 block of Spring City after two people forced open the front door, officials said. The homeowner and the suspects both were armed and exchanged gunfire, authorities said.

One attacker, an adult, fell to the ground in the yard. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The wounded juvenile ran to a nearby home in the 14000 block of Coveney and pounded on the front door.

“He told me that he had gotten shot and to call his mother. I thought he was just crazy,” said Pamela Grant, who cares for an elderly woman who lives there.

Grant said he came to the window and showed her his foot, where he had been apparently struck by gunfire. She could tell that he was bleeding.

“I told him to get away, but he wouldn’t leave,” Grant said.

By that time, deputies had arrived. The youth was taken by ambulance to a hospital. His condition was not available.
Courtney Brooks, who lives nearby, was watching television when the commotion started.

“There was shooting, and my dogs were barking,” Brooks said. “A good five minutes later, that’s when I heard the sirens coming.”

Brooks looked outside and saw a pair of Harris County sheriff’s deputies standing over the juvenile lying in the front yard of his neighbor’s house.

He said the deputies tried to question the juvenile about an accomplice.

Irma Miranda, who has been staying at her brother’s home for the last few months, said the area has recently been plagued with crime.

“It seems quiet, but lately there has been a lot of robberies. It’s scary,””she said.

Miranda said someone recently broke into her brother’s home, and she said she knew of at least two other houses on the same street that have been struck by burglars.

“They just kicked it (the door) in, and they went straight for the TV,” Miranda said.

Sheriff’s officials at the scene could not confirm whether Friday’s home invasion suspects could be linked to other crimes in the area.

Thanks to JD and Al for sending in this story!

Decatur, Georgia

From MyFoxAtlanta of February 24, 2010

Decatur Man Shoots Burglary Suspect

A Decatur homeowner will not be charged for shooting an intruder Wednesday morning. DeKalb County police said 40-year-old Dexter Tucker was justified in shooting a 17-year-old who broke into his home.

Tucker said he had run the scenario of an intruder in his mind many times before, but he never thought it would actually happen.

Tucker said he was asleep when he heard knocking at the front door. The Decatur man said he peered through the shades but didn’t answer the door.

“Then he started beating on the door,” Tucker recalled.

Tucker said he saw a young man run to the back door and that’s when he grabbed his gun.

“I couldn’t believe he was kicking in my door and it took him like four kicks to get in so by the time he got in I was ready for him,” Tucker said.

Tucker said he shot the intruder three times, striking him once in the thigh. The homeowner said he then saw another young man running away.

Neighbor Vermail Harris said she saw someone running away and getting into a car down the road.

“He ended up hopping in a car so I gave [the police] a description of the vehicle he got in and they found him later.

Tucker said the teens left their car when they fled. Police later arrested a 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old girl in a stolen car not far away.

Police said they suspect the teens who were arrested might be responsible for other crimes in the area.

The three teens involved face burglary and other charges.

Police said Tucker rightfully defended his home.

Shelburn, Indiana

From WAVE3 of February 23, 2010

Neighbor shot intruder during home invasion

Police say an attacker who had tied up two women inside a rural western Indiana home was stopped when a neighbor shot him in the leg.

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department says a man broke into the home near the town of Shelburn Sunday morning, tying up a woman and her mother and sexually assaulting the younger woman.

Sgt. William Snead says the older woman was able to send a text message to a neighbor asking for help. The neighbor’s boyfriend, Sonny Osborn, heard the confrontation and went inside with a gun.

Police say Osborn told the attacker to leave before shooting him in the leg three times. The man was treated at a hospital and was being held in the Sullivan County Jail.

Houston, Texas

From the Click2Houston of February 17, 2010

Man Fatally Shoots Intruder

Houston police said a 23-year-old man tried to break through a window to get into a home on Blueberry Lane near Bluegrass Street at about 9:30 a.m.

Investigators said the homeowner woke up, grabbed his shotgun and fired shots as the man was going through the window.

“The homeowner was awakened by breaking glass and the movement of a dresser in the front window,” said M.F. Waters of HPD Homicide.

“I was walking by and heard ‘boom, boom, boom,’ and saw a guy fall out of the window,” witness Shern Scott said.

The intruder fell out of the window into the yard and died, officials said. His family identified him as Roosevelt Jackson Jr.
Jackson’s pastor said he joined a local church three weeks ago and a Bible study group prayed for positive changes in his life.

“Little did we know this would happen today,” Pastor T. Preston said.

Family and friends described the homeowner as distraught after the shooting.

“It’s going to change his life. I don’t think he’s ever going to be the same,” neighbor Elizabeth Moody “He’s a good person. He’ll imitate anyone and make you laugh. He’s a character. You would like him, too.”

The case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury without charges.

Thanks to Jeff for the link!

Houston, Texas

From MyFoxHouston of February 12, 2010

Robbery Suspect Fatally Shot in Game Room

Investigators say a security guard fatally shot an armed man who tried to rob a game room in northwest Houston.

Officers arrived after 10 p.m. to the Fun and Gift game room on West Little York Road near Chateau Forest Drive and found the alleged robbery suspect’s wounded body inside.

Homicide investigators say that the suspect entered the game room holding a gun and demanding money while a partner waited outside in a black Dodge pickup truck with a rag used to block the license plate number. The security guard, who was not an off-duty law enforcement officer, used a weapon to shoot the suspect an undetermined amount of times.

The man waiting in the truck outside the game room ran away on foot and left the vehicle in the parking lot.

Investigators have not revealed if any charges will be filed in the suspect’s death.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

From KRQE of February 12, 2010

Homeowner shoots suspected burglar

Bernalillo County Deputies are investigating a possible burglary that ended in gunshots.

Detectives said a homeowner shot a man that she thought was trying to break into her northwest Albuquerque home.

The shooting happened just before noon at a home on the 9900 block Academy NW.

While the woman was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, investigators said two men forced their way into the house.

Moments later the woman fired her gun hitting one of the men in the head. Detectives identified the man as Frank Castillo, 19. He was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital.

He has previous robbery and aggravated battery charges on his criminal record.

Detectives said the other man got away. Investigators aren’t saying how many shots the homeowner fired or if the other man was hit.

Deputies are looking for a two tone, dark colored car that the second suspect drove away from the scene.

As of 5:30 p.m. detectives had filed search warrants and were inside the house gathering more evidence.

Detectives said they don’t know if Castillo was shot inside the home.

When deputies arrived they found him in the front lawn bleeding from the head.

Detectives questioned the homeowner about the incident. She was the only one in the home at the time.

Bridgeport, Washington

From the Wenatchee World of February 13, 2010

House-sitter shoots at intruder, misses

A Douglas County man who was watching a home for a friend shot at an intruder in the home as he fled but missed, authorities said.

The man arrived at the house, southeast of Bridgeport, to find the door open and burglars inside, said Douglas County Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal.

The home is in the 3400 block of Highway 172, about one mile west of Sims Corner.

Gjesdal said the man saw a suspect dressed in black and wearing a ski mask, and went to his pickup to retrieve a 9 mm pistol, he said.

When he returned he heard glass breaking and believes he saw the man in black with something in his hand as he fled, the sheriff said. The man told police he fired twice, but missed.

When deputies arrived, they searched the home and found a 20-year-old Bridgeport man hiding in the bathroom. He had injuries from a saw he pulled on top of himself when the other suspect fled, he said. He was treated by an ambulance crew, the sheriff said.

Deputies used dogs and night-vision optics to search the area, but were unable to locate the man who fled.

Gjesdal said an investigation led to two other Bridgeport males, one 20 and one 17, who were also arrested as suspects in the burglary.

Authorities have identified a 23-year-old Bridgeport man they believe to be the man who fled, and they are searching for him, the sheriff said.

He said there’s nothing to suggest the man who fired acted inappropriately.

Northport, Alabama

From the Tuscaloosa News of February 15, 2010

Northport home invasion victim shoots suspect

A victim of a home invasion early Sunday morning was able to shoot one of the suspects, who was being treated at DCH Regional Medical Center.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home invasion in the 4000 block of Oak Meadow Lane, off Highway 43 in Northport, about 2 a.m. Sunday and found the victim beaten by two people who got into the home by kicking in the door, according to a news release by the Sheriff’s Office.

The victim gave deputies the name of one suspect, Dennis Sagely, 25, of the 9000 block of Porter Road. He was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with second-degree robbery. He had posted a $30,000 bond and was released from the Tuscaloosa County Metro Jail, according to the jail’s online log.

The second suspect showed up later at DCH seeking treatment for a gunshot wound, but the suspect had not been charged as of Sunday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.

Maryville, Tennessee

From WBIR of February 15, 2010

Man pulls gun during knife fight, faces no charges

No charges have been filed against a man accused of bringing out a gun during a knife fight.

Officers arrested Matthew Dressler on Friday at a Wal-Mart in Maryville.

According to investigators, the 26-year-old picked a fight with another customer inside the store. At some point, Dressler pulled a knife.

Another customer, Billy Dunkelberger, 21, tried to help. Officers said Dressler then pointed his knife at him, so Dunkelberger pulled a gun.

No one was hurt, and police arrested Dressler. He’s charged with aggravated assault.

Dunkelberger is not facing any charges because he’s a gun permit holder.

Monroe Township, Ohio

From the Star Beacon of February 16, 2010

Intruder, occupant exchange gunshots

Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department deputies are looking for a man who shot a Monroe Township dog, burst into a home and then evaded the owner’s return gunfire early Monday morning.

The dog, a German shepherd, was shot three times but survived the attack, deputies said. The owner wasn’t injured, and deputies are unsure if the other man was wounded.

“We’re not sure if the intruder was hit,” said Lt. Van Robison. “We’ve checked with hospitals and clinics (in the area).”

Deputies were called to the Michael Hommes Jr., residence at 4784 School St., around 3:26 a.m., Robison said. Hommes, 24, and his 21-year-old girlfriend told deputies the dog became agitated and was running to windows in the home.

Hommes let the dog outside and soon heard three gun shots, he told deputies. Hommes grabbed a large-caliber pistol and moments later heard the sound of his back door being kicked in, deputies said.

Investigating, he found a man standing inside his home, deputies said.

Hommes fired at the man, who ran from the house and then fled the scene in a white, four-door Buick sedan, according to reports.

The dog was treated at a Mentor area veterinary clinic, deputies said. It’s believed the animal was shot with a .45 caliber pistol, according to reports.

Evidence was collected at the scene and an investigation is under way, deputies said. People with information pertaining to the case are asked to contact Robison at 576-3625.

Lee County, Florida

From WINK of February 11, 2010

Fight Over Unleashed Dog, Gun Pulled

Forty-one-year-old James Cashin is in jail tonight for allegedly punching another man in the head during an argument. Kurt Hartman says he was hit while taking Gus for an early morning walk.

“Their dog was running loose, no collar, no leash, no nothing,” said Hartmann.

Hartmann admitted to frustration with Cashin, who lives a half a block away on Park Road. He says Cashin routinely let his dog run loose, so he shared his frustration.

“It became into a heated exchange, next thing you know, the guy hit me,” said Hartmann.

Hartmann suffers from cardiomyopathy, and needs a pump to move his blood. he carries a battery pack wherever he goes.”This is just a temporary measure until I can get on a transplant list out of Tampa General Hospital.”

Lying on the ground, bleeding, and in fear of his life, he says, he pulled out a licensed .40 caliber pistol in self-defense.

Julie Sherman, a friend of Cashin’s says, it didn’t happen that way.

“Jimmy was arguing with him because he was calling me names,” said Sherman. “He pulled the gun on me and put it in my face.”

But according to deputies, there were inconsistencies between Sherman and Cashin’s stories.

“You don’t bring a fist to a gunfight, you think if I pull out my gun, he’s gonna come after me with his fist? I pull out a gun, he’s going to run,” said Hartmann.

According to reports, both parties called 911. Hartmann has a concealed weapons permit and deputies say he acted well within the law. Cashin was taken to jail and now faces one county of felony battery.

Cashin does have a prior criminal record that includes battery and drug charges.

Atlanta, Georgia

From CBS Atlanta of February 11, 2010

3 Shot During Robbery At Vacant Fulton Home

Police said two electricians were lured to a vacant house in south Fulton County and shot Thursday afternoon.
The incident happened just after noon Thursday on Surrey Trail in Atlanta.

Fulton County police told CBS Atlanta that a man called two electricians from two different companies to the home. When the first electrician arrived, the suspects robbed him, then shot him in the leg.

Police say a short time later, the second electrician arrived.

“The second electrician to arrive on the scene did not know the first electrician was in trouble,” said Fulton County Police Cpl. Kay Lester.

The suspects then shot the second electrician in the leg. That’s when the electrician pulled out a gun and shot the suspect in the head, according to investigators. The alleged robber was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

“I’m just glad that the electrician had a weapon. He retaliated against him so they wouldn’t think about doing it again to no one else,” said May Youmans, who saw all the police commotion.

Other neighbors also commended the electrician was his quick thinking.

“I think the state made it legal for civilians to carry weapons now because there are just too many robberies going on,” said Clarence Martin, a neighbor. “You don’t want to be a victim.”

Police said there may be a second suspect with a bullet wound. He fled on foot.

Thanks to Michael for sending in the tip!

Modesto, California

From the Modesto Bee of February 9, 2010

Modesto woman fires shot at suspected burglar, who flees

A Modesto woman walked into her home this morning to find a suspected burglar and fired her gun at him before he fled the scene, authorities said.

Modesto police received a call at 11:21 a.m. of a possible burglary in process on Kingfield Drive, which is northeast of the intersection of East Orangeburg and Sunrise avenues.

“A female in her 40s came home to her residence and interrupted a burglary in process,” said Sgt. Rick Armendariz, a police spokesman. “She was able to arm herself and when she confronted the suspect, she feared for her safety.”

Armendariz said she fired one shot, and there was no indication the suspect was hit.

He then fled the scene.

The suspect was described as white, in his 20s with long blond hair, a blue hoodie, blue jeans and carrying a duffle bag.

Thanks to Walter for the tip!

New Orleans, Louisiana

From WRNO of February 6, 2010

Suspected Burglar Shot To Death At New Orleans Residence

Police say a suspected burglar was shot to death around 12am Saturday in the garage of a residence in the 600 block of Independence Street in New Orleans.

The shots were fired by a resident of the home.

Investigators say a burglar alarm was trigged and the alarm company notified those in the house that a motion sensor indicated activity in the garage located in the rear of the home.

One of the residents went to investigate and fired multiple shots after encountering the suspect.

No charges have been filed as the investigation continues. The NOPD says detectives will consult with the District Attorney to determine if any legal action is necessary.

Thanks to Jimmy for the tip!

Winter Haven, Florida

From The Ledger of February 1, 2010

70-Year-Old Winter Haven Man Shoots Would-be Thieves

Two would-be thieves didn’t count on a motion alarm and a gun-toting 70-year-old Winter Haven man when they tried to steal the batteries from his golf cart, according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports.

Robert Rowley, of 28 Henry Drive in Winter Haven, awoke to the sound of a motion sensor alarm about 2:15 a.m. Monday.

When the alarm sounded, he grabbed his handgun and flashlight to investigate, sheriff’s reports said.

As he walked outside his home, he saw two men, who investigators said were trying to cut the cables to the battery packs on Rowley’s golf cart.

When he challenged them, one of the men began to walk in Rowley’s direction, he told investigators he tried to scare the men away by firing his gun.

Rowley fired three shots – once in the air, another at the ground and a third at the men’s truck as they tried to quickly get away.

Deputies were later called to Winter Haven Hospital for two men who showed up with gun shot wounds, reports said.

After talking to the men and to Rowley, deputies charged Matthew Alan Clinage, 20, and Christopher Polson, 21, with grand theft and burglary of an occupied residence, reports said.

Clinage was also charged with violation of community control for a previous conviction of grand theft of a firearm.

Rowley told deputies he didn’t realize his shots had struck either man.

Clinage was struck in the leg and Polson in the head and neck area.

Clinage was treated and taken to the Polk County Jail, while Polson was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he remained in stable condition. He will be booked into the jail later, officials said.