Dehli Township, Ohio

From Local12 of March 2, 2010

Soon-to-be Marine Fires At Intruder

A local man fights to protect his home from an intruder who breaks in, in the middle of the night. The Delhi Township man grabbed his gun – and fired two shots at the intruder. The burglar broke into his home off Hillside Avenue early Monday morning. Local 12’s Shawn Ley spoke with the homeowner who was fighting for his safety, just before he leaves to fight for our country.

Kevin Boyle- “I came around the corner and looked down and saw my door was open.”

And that’s when Boyle came face to face with every homeowners fear:an intruder, in his home in the middle of the night. That burglar thought he found the perfect place to rob. Boyle’s home at the end of a steep, private drive – no one around to see or hear him break in. But Boyle was home. And his powerful .45 caliber handgun was right nearby.

“I kind of crouched down like this, I was against the wall … I was looking around and I saw the guy right here. I told him not to move and he reached around and pulled out what looked exactly like a gun, he started bringing it up. I fired two rounds as I was running back to get behind the wall for cover and called the cops.”

“911 emergency dispatcher Rose. I fired two rounds and he took off running into the woods.”

Shots at such close range by such a powerful weapon, it’s hard to believe the burglar wasn’t hit – if he had, a shot from this gun would have done serious damage, perhaps even killed him. That burglar having no idea Boyle was home, was armed, comes from a police family … and has big plans for his future. “Yes, sir. I’m going to be a Marine.”

Boyle ships out for marine training in two months. he got some early training in crime and protection early this morning. “I’m glad no one got hurt, including him. He probably thought he could get in for a quick little burglary and luckily I was ready to keep myself safe.”

A K-9 tracked the burglar to the end of the driveway there on Hillside, indicating to police that a car was there waiting. Tonight police are asking if anyone saw a car speeding off of Hillside Avenue around one this morning to give them a call.

The intruder is described as a white man, six foot tall and 170 pounds. He was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans at the time. Call Crimestoppers if you can help. The number is 352-3040.

Shreveport, Louisiana

From the Shreveport Times of March 3, 2010

Home invasion: Suspect caught, dead youth ID’d

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a home invasion and the coroner has identiifed the 15-year-old who was killed while invading the home.

At about 10 p.m. today, Shreveport police arrested Jeremy Rachal, 18, of the 6200 block of South Crest Drive in Shreveport, on a charge of home invasion, according to Sgt. Bill Goodin, police spokesman.

Dr. Todd Thoma identified the 15-year-old as Gregory N. Graham.

Graham apparently participated in the home invasion at Billy Mayweather’s house in the 6000 block of Fox Chase Trail.

When the 62-year-old’s son, Brandon Mayweather, 31, came by the house shortly after 11 p.m. to check on him, Graham opened fire on Brandon Mayweather, according to police.

But Brandon Mayweather was also armed and returned fire, shooting the 15-year-old twice in the torso and once in an arm. Graham was pronounced dead at LSU Hospital in Shreveport.

Police say Brandon Mayweather, who was accompanied by his mother, was checking up on his father when he stumbled in upon the home invasion. Neither he or his mother live with Billy Mayweather.

By the time they’d arrived, Billy Mayweather had already been awoken by two males as they were restraining his hands and feet with duct tape.

Goodin called this method of restraining the home owner an anomaly — other than a home invasion in Benton during which three intruders used the same variety of extra-strength tape to immobilize the 68-year-old homeowner while they robbed her of her safe just after midnight Feb. 24.

Two guns suspected to be those used in the shoot-out between Brandon Mayweather and Graham were seized.

Anyone who has information should call Shreveport police Detective Lowell Bowen at (318) 673-7016 or Shreveport-Caddo Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373.

Cincinnati, Ohio

From WCPO of March 1, 2010

Man Fires Shot At Intruder In Delhi Twp.

A homeowner points and fires a gun at a man who was trying to break inside his home overnight in Delhi Township.

The homeowner says he wasn’t taking any chances.

Police say he fired his gun as the suspect tried to break-in to his home in the 4400 block of Hillside Avenue around 1 a.m. Monday.

It appears the suspect targeted the home, which is located on top of a hill on a secluded lot near the intersection of Riverside and Anderson Ferry Roads.

Police did search the area with the help of K-9’s, but could not find the suspect.

It does not appear the suspect was shot.

If you have any information about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040 . Text tips to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) with “CINTip:” at the beginning of the message. You don’t have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward if your tips lead to an arrest.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Henry, Georgia

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of February 5, 2010

Intruder killed by homeowner in Henry County

A Henry County homeowner shot and killed an intruder Friday during a predawn home invasion, police said.

Henry police Capt. Jason Bolton said three men got out of a dark-colored truck along Hill Lane in Ellenwood just before 5:30 a.m. and forced their way through the front door of a house occupied by a man, his wife and two teenage children.

“Once inside, one of the suspects exchanged gunfire with the homeowner,” Bolton told the AJC. “The suspect was shot and killed by the homeowner.”

The two other men fled in the truck “believed to be driven by another suspect who remained in the truck,” Bolton said.

Neither the homeowner, nor his wife or children was injured. They were being interviewed by investigators at mid-morning Friday.

“Detectives are trying to learn why these victims were targeted,” Bolton told the AJC.

Bolton said “multiple shots” were fired during the incident. Sadarrevin Kendrick, 20, who lives next door, said he heard five gunshots.

“At first I heard two and thought it was over,” Kendrick said. “Then there were three more. Boom, boom, boom.”

Thanks to Will for sending in the tip!

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From News9 of February 2, 2010

Homeowner Shoots Intruder; OKC Police Arrest Suspects

Three intruders fled from an Oklahoma City home this morning after being shot at by the home owner, police said.

The owner told police that he heard a noise at his front door around 1:45 a.m. and opened the door. Three men armed with knives forced their way into the home in the 6400 block of South Phillips Avenue.

The intruders forced the residents into a back bedroom when the homeowner shot one of the intruders. The intruders fled in a dark-colored SUV, police said.

Police said the homeowner said he recognized one of the suspects. Subsequently police arrested 30-year-old Eric Kutz as well as a 14-year-old male.

Police said Kutz was transported to an area hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Upon release, Kutz will be interviewed by investigators. He is facing charges robbery and assault charges. The 14-year-old was transported to the Berry House and faces robbery charges as well.

A third suspect is still outstanding. Anyone with information on this incident should contact Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Yakima, Washington

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of February 1, 2010

Shotgun handy for Yakima man with burglars

Three men tried to break into a home west of Yakima while the resident was home.

The Yakima County sheriff’s office says he was on the phone to a dispatcher Sunday when a brick came through the window.

The homeowner armed himself with a shotgun as the would-be burglar entered the house. When he saw the gun, the intruder jumped into a getaway car. It sped off with the homeowner firing three shots at the car. The third suspect fled on foot.

A sheriff’s deputy and Union Gap police stopped and arrested two men in the car. A Washington State Patrol trooper arrested the third man.

Thanks to Jason for the tip!

Phoenix, Arizona

From ABC15 of January 29, 2010

Police ID robbery suspect shot, killed by Phoenix homeowner

Police have identified a man who died after he was shot while trying to rob a Phoenix homeowner Wednesday afternoon.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said 26-year-old Rudolph Gomes was seen breaking into a coin operated car wash machine near Tatum Boulevard and Union Hills Drive around 12:30 p.m.

A witness apparently followed Gomes and called police. At one point, Gomes reportedly struck a stop sign, damaging his vehicle.

Thompson said he parked his Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot of Foothills Elementary School near Grovers Avenue and 44th Street and ran into the neighborhood, according to witnesses.

Officers arrived on the scene and as they set up a perimeter and began searching the neighborhood they heard a ‘pop.’

Police then received a call that a homeowner had shot an armed intruder, Thompson said.

According to Thompson, the 59-year-old homeowner told police Gomes tried to rob him at gunpoint and at some point he was able to get a shotgun and shoot the intruder.

The injured Gomes was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries, Thompson said.

There is no word yet if the homeowner will be charged in the shooting. He was not injured, according to police.

The shooting and robberies are under investigation.

Thanks to Justin for the tip!