Elderly homeowner fatally shoots burglary suspect after struggle in residence during early morning hours, cops say



An elderly New Mexico homeowner fatally shot a burglary suspect after a struggle in the homeowner's residence over the weekend, Española police said. Española is about a half-hour north of Santa Fe.

What are the details?

Police said they got a call early Saturday morning about a burglary in progress in the 500 block of Middle San Pedro Road.

Police said arriving officers learned an elderly homeowner confronted the burglary suspect in the residence, after which a struggle ensued, and the homeowner shot the suspect at least once.

The burglary suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

"This is an ongoing and active investigation, and further details will be provided in the coming days," police added.

How are people reacting?

Commenters underneath the police department's Facebook post about the incident are giving plenty of kudos to the elderly homeowner:

  • "The homeowner has every right to protect himself and his property," one commenter wrote. "It's called the Second Amendment. The governor can use a lesson on it and this incident."
  • "While I am grateful the elder homeowner is physically fine, what about the mental status[?]" another user wondered. "And I hope the elder doesn’t get charged because our country is so far left that RIGHT is wrong and WRONG is right! We need our guns! My comment isn’t up for debate, so if you want to pick a fight do it with yourself, I’m stating my thoughts."
  • "FAFO good for the homeowner. It’s time we take matters into our own hands," another commenter declared. "Nothing is being done in this town to curb the crime. Drugs and homelessness [are] out of control. ..."
  • "Prayers for peace for the homeowner," another user implored. "God watch over this family."
  • "And remember the left wants to take your guns," another commenter opined. "This is why the right to bear arms is so important. Don’t make yourself a victim; you deserve the right to stand up for yourself."

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75-year-old Vermont homeowner opens fire with muzzleloader after he says 3 armed men tried breaking in



A 75-year-old Vermont homeowner opened fire with a muzzleloader allegedly after three armed men tried to breaking into his residence late Tuesday night.

What are the details?

Gordon Richard Sr. told investigators the trio tried breaking into his home on Sandy Hill Road in the town of Georgia through a locked interior door from a separate section of the residence where his son lives, WCAX-TV reported, citing state police.

Richard added to police that he shot one of the men with a muzzleloader, shut the door, and called 911, the station said.

The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m., WCAX said. The town of Georgia is about a half-hour north of Burlington.

Troopers found 39-year-old Paul Brown of Milton and St. Albans wounded in a neighboring yard, the station said, adding that he was rushed to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday.

Police told WCAX they're still investigating, and no one has been arrested or faces charges yet. WPTZ-TV said police executed a search warrant at the home and that the homeowner is cooperating with police.

Troopers are trying to find Matthew Richard as part of the investigation, WCAX reported. According to WPTZ, Matthew Richard is the homeowner's 40-year-old son. Those with information on his whereabouts or about the case can call state police in St. Albans at 802-524-5993 or leave an anonymous tip online, WCAX added.

Man hospitalized with gunshot wound following alleged home break-in at Georgia, VT home youtu.be

How are folks reacting?

WCAX's Facebook post about the incident has attracted nearly 400 comments, many of them supportive of the elderly homeowner's actions:

  • "It’s about time," one commenter wrote. "Good for the older gent protecting himself and his belongings."
  • "Them old guys have one good fight left in them," another user observed. "Best to leave 'em alone."
  • "This elderly man better not receive any charges," another commenter declared.
  • "This is what it’s come to here in VT," another user concluded. "People need to protect themselves if the court system won’t, by letting out repeat offenders and being soft on crime."

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