Armed crook breaks through window, orders elderly homeowner to turn over valuables — but victim fights back with his own gun



Police in Jacksonville, Florida, said they responded to a home around 12:41 p.m. Tuesday after a report that a person was shot, First Coast News said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said a man believed to be in his 70s living in the home on Arlex Drive, off Merrill Road, reportedly told police that a male armed with a gun broke through a window in the back of the home, the outlet reported.

'Just glad to have another one, another one of these guys off the streets.'

The victim said he was ordered into a back bedroom and forced to hand over his car keys and other valuables, the outlet added, citing the sheriff's office.

But the elderly victim fought back.

The sheriff's office said the homeowner was able to grab a gun and managed to shoot the suspect once in the shoulder, the outlet reported.

The wounded suspect reportedly fled the home and drove off in the victim's car, First Coast News said.

However, the sheriff's office said police found the suspect inside the vehicle about 30 minutes later and took him into custody on Fort Caroline Road, near Jacksonville University — just a few miles from the scene of the home invasion, the outlet noted.

Brandon Meredith, who was driving along University Boulevard, told First Coast News he witnessed the suspect's capture.

"Everyone had their tasers drawn," Meredith told the outlet. "They're moving up in a special kind of formation on the back of the car, heard a pop, they grabbed him and pulled him out, put him on the ground, and EMS was tending to him, and they had the intersection shut down for about two hours while this whole thing unfolded."

RELATED: Elderly Texas homeowner armed with hunting rifle spots burglar who broke through back door. It doesn't end well for intruder.

The suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, was taken to a hospital for the gunshot wound, the sheriff's office told First Coast News, and was in police custody.

Meredith added to the outlet that he's happy with the way things ended up: "Just glad to have another one, another one of these guys off the streets."

First Coast News said those with information about the incident that could help in the investigation can contact the sheriff's office at 904-630-0500. The outlet added that anonymous tips are also welcome through Crime Stoppers.

Commenters on WJAX's Facebook post about the incident expressed a variety of opinions about the outcome. The following are but a few of them:

  • "'In custody' means the homeowner needs some range time," one commenter asserted.
  • "Dang, people still dare to break in other houses in open carry state," another user opined.
  • "He's a hero," another commenter declared.
  • "The only problem I see is the homeowner needs some shooting lessons," another user wrote, adding "shoot for center mass, and this potentially eliminates the issue."
  • "In blue states and cities, this poor homeowner would have to face trial and have his life financially ruined (at best), or spend the rest of his life in prison," another commenter observed.

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Gun-wielding male kicks down door of home, opens fire at homeowner. But his target is armed too.



Law enforcement in Alexandria, Louisiana, responded to the 1800 block of Henry Street just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday for a reported home invasion, the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office said. Alexandria is about 200 miles northwest of New Orleans.

Officials said a black male identified as 33-year-old Davante Deundra Thomas of Alexandria allegedly kicked down the door of the residence armed with a handgun and fired at the homeowner.

'People have a right to protect themselves.'

But the homeowner also had a gun — and wasted no time using it.

Officials said the homeowner returned fire, striking Thomas.

After deputies arrived, Thomas was found dead inside the home with the gun still in his hand, officials said.

Sheriff’s detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded and began their investigation and processed the scene for evidence, officials said.

The sheriff's office said no arrests have been made.

Officials said the investigation is still active and ongoing, and all those with any information about the incident should contact detectives at 318-473-6727 or the sheriff's office at 318-473-6700.

Commenters reacting to the shooting were a bit mixed in their opinions. Most seemed completely behind the homeowner who returned fire — but others believed there was more to the story:

  • "Turns out the more you F around the more you find out," one commenter said.
  • "Welp, he won't do that again!!!" another user noted.
  • "This is a good opportunity to teach your kids about what happens if you go breaking into houses," another commenter wrote.
  • "People have a right to protect themselves," another user said.
  • "Crazy thing is people don't realize how many homeowners actually have weapons in their homes just for this reason," another commenter observed.
  • "Naw, we aren't getting the entire story here," another user countered. "Don't pass judgement without all the facts."
  • "This just doesn't sound right to me, either," another commenter stated. "Something [is] not adding up."

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Homeowner who fatally shot break-in suspect told 911 that intruder had gun; wife, child also in residence



The Ohio homeowner who fatally shot a break-in suspect early Sunday morning told a 911 dispatcher that the intruder had a gun; the homeowner also told 911 that his wife and child were with him in the residence at the time of the break-in.

WXIX-TV provided transcripts of the West Chester homeowner's call to authorities:

Dispatcher: “Is anybody shot?”
Homeowner: “I just shot someone — he [broke] into my house.”
Dispatcher: “I know that he broke into your house and you shot him, but where did you shoot him at?”
Homeowner: “He’s in my living room, he has a gun.”
Dispatcher: “Is he breathing?”
Homeowner: “I’m not sure.”

The station said the homeowner told 911 that his wife and child were in the home when the break-in and shooting occurred. Here's another call transcript from WXIX:

Homeowner: “How long is it going to take for them? I heard multiple gunshots like two minutes before he [broke] into my house.”
Dispatcher: “OK, so you heard him shooting?”
Homeowner: “Yes, like 10 or 12 times. It was upstairs before.”

The homeowner, who said he lives on the second floor, first heard shots fired on the third floor prior to the intruder breaking in, the station said.

The homeowner told police he heard a noise on his balcony, found an intruder in his residence, and shot the intruder.

Other residents who live in the same apartment complex or nearby were frightened and worried, WXIX said, citing two other 911 calls. One caller who said she's a mother told 911 that she heard loud banging and noises for hours — and then gunshots, the station said.

“It’s going again, there’s another bang — one, two, three, four, five shots fired. This is like the 10th or 11th shot,” the woman told 911, according to WXIX. “I’m sorry, I have to get my girl out of here. I don’t know what’s going on, OK?”

The homeowner who opened fire said he didn't recognize the suspect, the station reported.

Isaiah Erickson, 22, of Colerain Township was killed, WXIX said, citing the Butler County Coroner’s Office. Erickson was taken to the University of Cincinnati West Chester Hospital and later pronounced dead, the station added.

The homeowner has been cooperative with police, West Chester police spokesperson Barb Wilson told WXIX. West Chester is about a half hour north of Cincinnati.

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Armed intruder breaks into home after midnight. But homeowner's son also has a gun — and permanently takes care of business.



An armed intruder broke into a Florida home after midnight Sunday — but the homeowner's adult son also had a gun and fatally shot the intruder.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it received a call at 12:23 a.m. regarding an armed residential burglary in the 3000 block of Double D Ranch Trail in Ruskin. Ruskin is on the shore of Tampa Bay and is about a half hour south of the city of Tampa.

'This is a happy ending! Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner.'

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the suspect dead from multiple gunshot wounds, the sheriff's office said.

The deputies' investigation determined that the homeowner's adult son shot the suspect after he broke into the home, the sheriff's office said, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Image source: Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office

The Tampa Bay Times, citing deputies, identified the break-in suspect as 46-year-old Tony Sei. The Times, citing deputies, said Sei was armed with a handgun.

"Imagine the fear of being awoken in the middle of the night to a stranger invading your home," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This is every homeowner's greatest fear, a dangerous and brazen individual breaking in, showing a complete disregard for the safety and security of others. Our thoughts are with this family as they recover from the trauma of this event."

The sheriff's office said the investigation is active and that any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.

How are people reacting?

Nearly 200 comments have appeared under the sheriff's office Facebook post about the break-in. The following is a sampling:

  • "This is a happy ending!" one commenter declared. "Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner."
  • "FAFO quick! Glad the family is safe! Great job homeowners," another user noted.
  • "Anyone who knows that block would not try that," another commenter opined, adding that "most are good country folk and we love guns FAFO!"
  • "Outstanding job!" another user exclaimed. "That’s one taxpayers don’t have to pay to house, feed and defend."

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Homeowner fights knife-wielding, would-be burglar who escapes with stunt right out of 'Batman'



A homeowner in Tacoma, Washington, was awakened just before midnight earlier this month by a loud thud that sounded as though it was coming from his roof, KCPQ-TV reported.

So the homeowner went to check out what was happening and saw someone trying to break in from the fourth-floor balcony, the station said.

Then things got downright bizarre.

The homeowner confronted the intruder, and a fight broke out, KCPQ reported. The homeowner punched the suspect several times, and the suspect swiped at the homeowner with a knife, the station said, adding that the homeowner wasn't seriously hurt.

The suspect was apparently armed with two knives and possibly scissors, the station said.

Then things got downright bizarre — with a stunt right out of "Batman."

KCPQ said the suspect dropped from the fourth-floor balcony and landed on the third-floor balcony — and then jumped to the ground from there.

The suspect ran off, got in his vehicle, and drove away, KCPQ said.

The homeowner got in his vehicle and chased the suspect before losing sight of him, the station said, adding that the victim returned home and called 911.

The homeowner told responding law enforcement personnel that he didn't recognize the suspect, KCPQ reported.

More from the station:

When detectives later released a Crime Stoppers bulletin about the crime, a family member of the suspect identified him to police. The family member said that he had just gotten out of the hospital and didn't know where he was. The relative also told detectives that the suspect had bipolar disorder and that his mental health had been declining.

KCPQ said police arrested the suspect and took him into custody without incident Sunday, adding that the attempted burglary took place May 12.

The suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Adam Groetsch, the station said, adding that he's being held in the Pierce County Jail on first-degree attempted burglary and second-degree assault charges with bail set at $75,000. Groetsch was still in jail Friday afternoon, jail records indicate.

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Intruder armed with knife — who likely missed 'The Untouchables' — runs right into gun-toting homeowner



It's appears a Texas home intruder may not have watched the iconic movie "The Untouchables" — which includes a warning of sorts to avoid bringing a knife to a gunfight — because this guy did just that Monday night in Taylor. The city is about 45 minutes northeast of Austin.

The Taylor Press said officers responded to an 11:35 p.m. call about a male with a knife attempting to enter a house in the 2300 block of Donna Drive. As officers were headed to the residence, the paper said the male had entered the house — and that the homeowner shot the male.

Police found a large knife with a sheath featuring a 'Hail Satan' inscription the suspect was carrying.

The Press reported that when police arrived, the suspect had exited the home and was lying on the front porch with a gunshot wound to his hip.

Officers identified the suspect as 23-year-old Austin Sumpter of Thrall, the paper said.

Police found a large knife with a sheath featuring a “Hail Satan” inscription the suspect was carrying, the Press said, adding that the suspect was hospitalized; he's expected to survive.

The paper also reported that police obtained a warrant charging the suspect with burglary of a habitation with commission of felony, which will be served once the suspect is released from medical care.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters on the Press' story on Facebook seemed pleased with the outcome:

  • "I’m very thankful we live in a place where I can defend myself and property against people who feel they have any right to something that doesn’t belong to them!" one commenter wrote.
  • "Finally some good news for a change!" another commenter exclaimed.
  • "So glad the homeowners were armed & unharmed inside their home," another commenter said.
  • "He F’d around and found out," another commenter said, adding that "homeowners are tired of thieves! He got exactly what he deserves."

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Rifle-toting intruder forces his way into home in middle of night. Homeowner puts him in chokehold; cops find intruder dead.



A rifle-toting intruder forced his way into home in Midland, Texas, early Saturday morning — but the homeowner put the intruder in chokehold, and police said they found the intruder dead.

What are the details?

Midland police said George Samuel Butler, 37, entered a home in the 1400 block of Daventry Place “by force with a rifle," MRT.com reported, after which the homeowner placed the suspect in a chokehold "in an apparent case of self-defense."

Police said they responded to the scene just after 4 a.m. after a report of a disturbance with weapons and found Butler dead, the outlet added.

MRT.com noted that the police department's Crimes Against Persons Unit and Crime Scene Unit also responded to the scene, next of kin were notified, and the investigation into the fatality continued.

Not the first instance

MRT.com added that Butler was previously arrested for burglarizing a home in Midland.

The outlet, citing police, said a woman stated in July 2022 that "Butler had kicked in her front door."

Arriving police said officers saw Butler through windows of a residence searching a room and looking under beds — and cops also saw pieces of the front door frame hanging, MRT.com reported.

More from the outlet:

Officers made several announcements for Butler to exit the residence, but he refused and shut the door, preventing officers from conducting their duties. When officers entered the residence and attempted to place him in handcuffs, Butler started fighting an officer and placed him in a headlock. The officer was able to take Butler to the ground before placing him, with the help of other officers, in handcuffs. The officer also sustained a bloody nose.

MRT.com said Butler was arrested for assault on a peace officer/judge, a second-degree felony; burglary of habitations, a second-degree felony; and two misdemeanor charges. The outlet reported that he was held on a $57,000 bond.

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Couple returns home to find armed intruder inside. But homeowner also has a gun — and exercises deadly force with it.



A couple returned to their Texas home Wednesday to find an armed intruder inside — but the homeowner also had a gun and fatally shot the intruder.

What are the details?

Sgt. Jason Brown with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office told KRPC-TV deputies responded to a shooting that occurred around 5 p.m. in the 19200 block of Westfield Place in north Harris County.

The man who was shot was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the station said.

“We’re not sure exactly what the circumstances are that led to him being inside ..." Brown told KPRC. "He possibly entered through an unlocked front door, but as of right now the homeowners state that they don’t know who he is or why he would have been in there."

Intruder had a gun — and apparently warrants

Brown added to the station that the fatally shot man was armed with a handgun. KPRC said deputies were able to determine from the man's ID that he had several warrants out of Harris County, but authorities aren't revealing what those charges are until they officially confirm the man's identity.

The homeowner who shot the man isn't expected to face any charges, Brown told the station, adding that once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

How are folks reacting?

Most of the individuals commenting underneath the KPRC story on the shooting don't appear upset in the least. Here's a sampling:

  • "Glad to see that there is another case of a good guy with a gun taking out a bad guy with a gun," one commenter wrote.
  • "Being a criminal is a dangerous 'job.' Glad this one ended well," another commenter said.
  • "Great," another commenter remarked. "That needs to happen to all burglars and home invaders. Only sure way to stop the crime. The 'justice' system sure won’t do anything to stop crime."
  • "He shoots! He scores!" another commenter quipped.
  • "Good job citizen!" another commenter declared.

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Intruder fires shots as he enters residence, kicks his way into bedroom and shoots again. But man in bedroom also has a gun — and a much better aim.



An intruder fired shots as he entered an Alabama residence earlier this week — and fired more shots as he kicked in a bedroom door, law enforcement officials told the NorthWest Alabamian.

But a man inside the bedroom also had a gun and shot the intruder dead, authorities added to the paper.

What are the details?

The Sheriff's Office of Winston County said the home invasion took place Tuesday off County Road 21 in the Poplar Springs area, which is about an hour northwest of Birmingham, and two men were part of it.

Jason Wayne Smith, 40, of Jasper was the first to approach the residence, and he used a gun to hit a male on the porch in the eye, sheriff's officials told the paper, after which Smith entered the home while firing the gun.

Another male was inside a bedroom with his girlfriend, and he armed himself, authorities told the paper.

When Smith kicked his way into the bedroom door and began shooting again, the male inside the bedroom fired five shots, three of which struck Smith, who fell backward into the hallway area, authorities added to the paper.

A second intruder — Donald Webb Jr., 27, of Jasper — approached the residence behind Smith, picked up the male Smith hit with the gun, and forced him into the house, authorities told the paper.

When Webb — who was not believed to be armed — saw Smith lying on the floor, Webb fled the residence and left the scene in a vehicle, authorities told the paper.

What happened next?

Authorities found Smith dead, the paper said.

The Sheriff's Office of Winston County noted that with the help of the Walker County Sheriff's Office, leads were followed, and they were able to find the second suspect.

Webb was charged with first-degree robbery taken to the Winston County Jail, the paper said, adding that other charges may be brought against him. After posting a $30,000 bond, Webb was released, authorities told the paper.

The Sheriff's Office of Winston County said the resident who shot and killed the intruder has not been charged.

'I work hard for what I’ve got. If you come and take it, there’s consequences': Homeowner who shot armed intruder dead issues no-nonsense warning ​to crooks



An Indianapolis homeowner who fatally shot an armed intruder late last month issued a no-nonsense warning to others intent on similar crimes.

“I hate that it happened. I hope these other guys learn a lesson from it. If not, there’s plenty of spots over in Crown Hill,” Howard Murphy told WANE-TV, presumably in reference to a city cemetery. “I don’t want it to be like that, but just like the average worker, I work hard for what I’ve got. If you come and take it, there’s consequences behind that.”

What happened?

Murphy said he heard someone breaking into his West 34th Street home through a side window just after 4 a.m. July 29, WANE reported, adding that he came downstairs to confront the intruder.

Image source: WANE-TV video screenshot

“He took a video game system and threw it at me, and after that shots rang out,” Murphy told the station.

Murphy admitted he shot the stranger, who then ran upstairs while holding a knife and died in a bedroom, WANE said.

“I honestly didn’t even know if he had been shot because he was still moving around and running around,” Murphy added to the station.

He cooperated with police and was soon released from custody, WANE reported.

Murphy also told the station his home had been broken into earlier in the same week as the July 29 incident and that that thousands of dollars in electronics were stolen.

Image source: WANE-TV video screenshot

"You shouldn't have to be armed inside of your own house," he added to WRTV-TV. "It's sad, but it is like that over there in this neighborhood."

Murphy was unsure whether 64-year-old Steve Sheppard, Jr. — the man he fatally shot — was involved in the prior break-in, WANE said.

“I don’t go out looking for trouble," Murphy noted to WANE. "I mind my own business."

He shot intruder in 2014

Citing police reports, WANE said it wasn't the first time Murphy shot someone who broke into his home.

The station said police were called to the same address in November 2014 after an intruder kicked in his door.

“He took a gamble thinking I wasn’t there, and I happened to be there,” Murphy told WANE at the time.

He added to the station that he shot the intruder in the leg: “He reached for something. I don’t know if it was a sledgehammer, but he reached for something and was getting ready to strike me, and that’s when shots were fired."

The wounded man ran off, WANE said, adding that he was eventually convicted of breaking into Murphy’s home — and Murphy was cleared of any wrongdoing.

(H/T: The Police Tribune)