Armed homeowner hits intruder with 4 shots, cops say: 'The safety and protection of one’s home is a fundamental right'



Deputies from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri responded to a reported home invasion and shooting on County Highway 244, Sheriff Derick Wheetley of the Scott County Sheriff's Office said.

The sheriff's office confirmed to Blaze News on Friday evening that the incident occurred late Thursday night.

'You should never enter another person’s home without permission or invitation.'

Preliminary reports suggest that the homeowner was alerted to the intrusion and acted in self-protection, officials said.

The homeowner fired four shots, all of which struck the suspect, officials said, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Based on initial findings, the homeowner’s actions appear to have been justified in defense of themselves and their household," officials said.

"The safety and protection of one’s home is a fundamental right," the sheriff's office added.

The incident remains under active investigation, officials said, adding that identities of all parties involved are being withheld at this time.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, the sheriff's office said, and the Scott County prosecutor will review the incident.

How are people reacting?

A number of commenters on the Facebook post from the sheriff's office had something to say about the incident:

  • "It is tragic," one commenter acknowledged. "However, you should never enter another person’s home without permission or invitation."
  • "Exactly as it should be!" another commenter declared. "The lock on my door is there for the intruders [sic] protection, not mine!"
  • "Don’t break into peoples [sic] houses, and you won’t get shot," another user said. "Seems pretty freakin' simple to me."
  • "That would [have] been the greeting at my house also," another commenter wrote.
  • "Same thing will happen if anybody invades my home," another user stated.
  • "Thank goodness for those rights to defend ourselves," another commenter offered, adding that "home invasion is one of the worst crimes. This is where we are supposed to feel safe."

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Dad forces 11-year-old daughter to assist with home invasion — then ditches her during attempted escape: Prosecutors



A Michigan father forced his 11-year-old daughter to assist with a home invasion — and then ditched her when the homeowner returned, according to the prosecutors.

Andre Stephon-Curtis Broadenax — a 29-year-old from Detroit — has been charged with first-degree home invasion, second-degree home invasion, larceny in a building, receiving and concealing a motor vehicle, inducing a minor to commit a felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

'Right now, you could have just lost your life and your child's, so it's really sad.'

On May 2, Broadenax was arraigned and received a $75,000 cash/surety bond with a GPS tether and was placed on house arrest. However, Judge William McConico on Monday increased his bond to $150,000 during a bond redetermination hearing.

Around 8:43 p.m. April 29, Broadenax reportedly arrived at a Detroit home in a stolen car, which allegedly belonged to a 52-year-old Dearborn Heights man.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that Broadenax "forced entry into the 75-year-old victim's home" with his 11-year-old daughter in tow.

The dad reportedly "forced his 11-year-old daughter to assist him with the home invasion."

However, Broadenax allegedly fled the crime scene on foot — without his little girl — when the homeowner returned to his residence.

Detroit Police officers caught up with the suspect and arrested Broadenax shortly after he tried to escape, according to prosecutors.

A longtime resident, David Bridges, told WXYZ-TV that "me being a father of eight kids, I can't see me using none of my kids to actually break into a house or do anything to harm another person because it's wrong."

The neighbor added, "Right now, you could have just lost your life and your child's, so it's really sad."

Broadenax's probable cause conference is scheduled for May 14, and the preliminary examination is scheduled for May 21.

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'I could not be her hero': Dad gives tearful tribute to daughter, 22, who police say was 'randomly murdered' in home invasion



A 22-year-old North Carolina woman was murdered in a tragic home invasion, according to police — and her shattered father honored his slain daughter with a heartbreaking tribute.

Logan Federico — a 22-year-old from Waxhaw — recently visited friends in Columbia, South Carolina.

'You might be able to kill my body ... but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me.'

On Saturday, Federico was found dead inside the house.

The young woman's cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the chest, according to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford.

During a Monday press conference, officers with the Columbia Police Department said Federico was "randomly murdered by a career criminal" who was "on a spree of thefts, break-ins, and credit card fraud."

Police named the suspect in Logan's death as 30-year-old Alexander Dickey.

Investigators believe Dickey broke into a house near the property where Federico was staying. The suspect allegedly stole several items from the house, including a firearm, credit cards, and keys to a vehicle.

Dickey then committed a home invasion where Federico was staying around 3 a.m. Saturday, police said, after which the suspect reportedly fled the crime scene in the stolen vehicle.

Dickey made several purchases with the stolen credit cards across Lexington County before the vehicle he allegedly stole broke down, according to People magazine.

Law enforcement tracked down Dickey at a house in Lexington County, and the suspect allegedly set the home on fire.

Police officers reportedly extracted Dickey through a window and took him into custody.

Citing the Columbia Police Department, ABC News reported that Dickey was charged with murder, two counts of first-degree burglary, weapons possession, and larceny.

The Lexington County sheriff added that Dickey also was charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree arson.

Dickey reportedly was denied bail.

The Columbia Police Department said in a statement, "While Logan was visiting friends in Columbia, her life was senselessly taken. Our deepest condolences go out to the Federico family and all who knew and loved her. No words can ease the pain of their loss, but we stand with them in support and sorrow."

The statement continued, "We remain committed to pursuing justice and supporting Logan’s family every step of the way."

Logan's father — Stephen Federico — made a touching tribute to his slain daughter during a press conference.

"I am Logan Haley Federico's father, better known as 'Dad,' or her hero," the distraught dad said. "Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero."

He continued, "My daughter, I cherished. She was a strong, fun-loving individual who did what she wanted to do and was spicy."

The father added, "My daughter was working hard at school, working two jobs to become a teacher. She loved and adored kids, children of all ages."

Logan's father delivered a powerful message to his daughter's alleged killer.

"The message I want to send to Dickey, who took my daughter's life — this is from her: 'You can't kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body ... but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me,'" Federico declared before breaking down in tears.

You can watch the father's painful tribute to his slain daughter here.

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From bravery to burglary: How a decorated cop ended up in handcuffs after allegedly going on violent home invasion



An off-duty New Jersey cop was arrested after she allegedly broke into a residence and assaulted two victims, according to police.

Rebecca Sayegh — a 32-year-old officer with the Toms River Police Department — was arrested and charged with two counts each of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, one count of terroristic threats, one count of home invasion burglary, and one count of resisting arrest, according to jail records.

'Sayegh previously was commended and presented an award for her "bravery" as part of rescuing a woman and her pets from a January 2021 Toms River house fire.'

Sayegh used a baton to smash the front door glass of a home in the Bayville neighborhood around 11:20 p.m. Friday, according to the criminal complaint.

Citing court documents, NJ.com reported that Sayegh began arguing with her former boyfriend and a woman at the house.

The verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when Sayegh allegedly began pushing and shoving the man and woman.

One of the alleged victims suffered swelling to the eye, the complaint stated.

The man and woman reportedly restrained Sayegh in the living room before she “broke free” and smashed items in the house and knocked pictures off the wall, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Sayegh scratched one of the alleged victim's vehicles on the hood.

Once police responded to the crime scene, Sayegh allegedly attempted to fight with officers and needed to be physically restrained.

The complaint noted that Sayegh made a threat to burn down the house as cops escorted her down the property's driveway.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stated: "Sayegh was taken into custody at the scene — after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest."

"Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Berkeley Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation," the prosecutor's office noted.

Sayegh reportedly was suspended with pay.

Sayegh's attorney, Terrance Turnbach, told NJ.com: "Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her. She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years. She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings."

Sayegh is being detained without bail at the Ocean County Jail ahead of her court appearance scheduled for Friday morning to determine if she will be granted bail.

Complicating issues, Sayegh has a lawsuit pending against the Toms River Police Department that was launched last year.

In November 2024, Sayegh filed a lawsuit against the township, former Police Chief Mitch Little, former Capt. Shaun O'Keefe, former Deputy Chief Patrick Dellane, and Sgt. Matthew Broderick.

The lawyers for the defendants have called the lawsuit 'frivolous and without legal basis' and 'baseless and/or meritless.'

According to the Asbury Park Press, Sayegh claims there was a "boys club" culture in the department that led to her "being sexually harassed, passed over for promotions, and written up for supposed offenses that were ignored when committed by male officers."

Sayegh, who joined the department in 2017, claims O'Keefe "shamelessly" pursued a sexual relationship with her. She alleges that during a Toms River Police Foundation event at the Bey Lea Golf Course in June 2022, O'Keefe purportedly followed her into the women's restroom, took out his penis, and told her to perform oral sex on him.

O'Keefe retired from the department in 2021.

In April 2025, Superior Court Judge Robert E. Brenner dismissed the claims against O'Keefe without prejudice because the lawsuit was filed after the two-year statute of limitations had passed.

The lawyers for the defendants have called the lawsuit "frivolous and without legal basis" and "baseless and/or meritless."

Sayegh previously was commended and presented an award for her "bravery" as part of rescuing a woman and her pets from a January 2021 Toms River house fire.

"Officer Sayegh went to the front door and made entry, locating Ms. Nicolo and her pets. Officer Sayegh was able to escort Ms. Nicolo and her pets across the street to safety. Officer Sayegh is commended for her swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions," the department stated.

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Alleged home intruder — with reported '135 prior interactions' with cops — runs into homeowner with .45 caliber handgun



An alleged home intruder — with a reported "135 previous interactions" with cops — didn't get very far into an Indiana residence early Friday morning after the homeowner reportedly shot him in the face.

Henry County deputies at 1:45 a.m. responded to a residence after a homeowner called 911 and reported someone was trying to break into his home, Sheriff John Sproles told WISH-TV, adding that the homeowner heard his dog barking and a voice outside.

The homeowner was with his wife and 3-year-old child at the time of incident.

Sproles told the station the intruder had broken two front windows and was reaching inside the home and attempting to pull the blinds down when the homeowner fired one shot from a .45 caliber handgun.

When deputies arrived, they found a man lying on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the face, WISH said.

The station added that the alleged intruder was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital, where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition.

WISH said authorities haven't released the individual's identity but "confirmed he’s had 135 prior interactions" with Henry County law enforcement, "most of which were related to mental health issues."

Sproles added to the station that the incident appears to be isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. WISH said there was not a motive for the break-in.

The homeowner was with his wife and 3-year-old child at the time of incident and is cooperating with the investigation, the station said.

“This incident highlights the dire crisis we are facing with inadequate resources to house people with mental illness,” Sproles added to WISH.

You can view a video report here about the incident.

How are people reacting?

Those commenting under WISH's Facebook post about the incident seemed decidedly in the homeowner's corner. The following are a few examples:

  • "Good guy with the ability to protect himself and his family!" one commenter wrote. "Excellent!!!
  • "The more this happens the less they’ll even try," another user said. "Good work, homeowner — you're a true American hero."
  • "Give him a medal," another commenter declared.

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Home invasion victim fights armed burglar, then turns the tables on him — takes crook's gun away, shoots him dead with it



A Houston home invasion victim fought an armed burglar Wednesday night, police said — and the victim turned the tables on the crook, taking his gun away and then shooting him dead with it.

Police told KPRC-TV that three burglars targeted an apartment on Westridge Street near the NRG Stadium in the southeast part of the city a little after 9 p.m.

'Stupid games stupid prizes.'

One of the masked males knocked on the door while the two others tried breaking in through a window, the station said, citing a police news release. The residents called 911 by that time, KPRC reported.

Police said one of the burglars pointed a gun at the two tenants, and a fight ensued after one of the tenants knocked the gun out of the burglar's hands, the station reported.

During the fight, police told KPRC the burglar “pulled out a second gun from his waistband.” But the 20-year-old apartment resident who was fighting the burglar wrestled the gun away from the suspect and shot him, the station said.

The two other burglars ran off by the time police arrived, KPRC said, adding that the third burglar, who was shot during the fight, died from his injuries. Police have identified the deceased burglar only as an 18-year-old male, the station said.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, KPRC said, but police confirmed that the Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and that a grand jury would review the case.

How are people reacting?

Commenters under KPRC's Facebook post about the incident seem to like how things ended up and are backing the victim who pulled the trigger:

  • "Hopefully the homeowner suffers no emotional trauma from shooting this 'person,'" one commenter wrote.
  • "Great news, another loser off the count," another user said.
  • "Good one less waste of human flesh in the streets," another commenter declared.
  • "Stupid games stupid prizes," another user noted.

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Homeowner with 2 sleeping kids spots masked intruders walking up stairs. But they turn tail and run when he pulls gun.



A Los Angeles homeowner whose two young children were fast asleep one night last week found himself face-to-face with three masked males walking up his stairs, KNBC-TV reported.

Believe it or not, the intruders reportedly announced themselves as police officers amid the Studio City home invasion last Wednesday, the station said.

'I was kind of ready for any scenario.'

But the homeowner was wise to what was happening — and had a gun on him.

And wouldn't you know the intruders staring down that barrel suddenly realized that they had more pressing matters on their calendar? Yup, they took off running.

KNBC said the masked males were seen on security video recorded outside the home. The station said they tapped windows and the dog door to make sure all animals were inside.

“Three men covered basically head to toe. Windbreaker hoodies; only their eyes are visible,” the homeowner later explained to KNBC.

The intruders used a device to shatter a double-pane glass door, the station said, after which they walked into the house.

“They yelled ‘LAPD’ when they were in the house, impersonating the police," the homeowner also noted to KNBC. "I think that’s what kind of triggered my senses."

The homeowner — who didn't want the station to identify him — told KNBC he "peered down the stairs and saw two men coming up the stairs and just immediately charged after them ready to take them on. I was kind of ready for any scenario. I was kind of armed and ready to go, and, thankfully, they ran — because the last thing I wanted to do was start shooting people in my house.”

The homeowner added to the station that the would-be thieves got away before officers arrived. The homeowner also noted to KNBC he believes the crew may have been watching his house for several days.

“We were out of town for a few days, and the way they reacted they definitely thought the house was empty,” the homeowner added to the station. “I think they are just getting that brazen. You kind of have to be ready.”

You can view a video report here about the incident.

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5 armed thugs force their way into residence, but gun-toting homeowner isn't about to back down



When five armed males forced their way into a residence in Los Banos, California, late last month, the homeowner also got himself a gun — and won the confrontation, shooting two of the intruders.

Police Chief Ray Reyna told KFSN-TV that "the homeowner approached the intruders with a gun he legally owns," after which the chief said a shoot-out ensued at the dwelling near the area of Edward Street and San Luis Street.

'It was very scary.'

The homeowner shot two of the suspects, Reyna added to the station.

A dispatcher on police scanner audio indicated that one suspect was wounded in the leg and another was wounded in the stomach, KFSN reported.

The two suspects were in custody at a Modesto area hospital, where they were expected to survive, the station said. Los Banos is about an hour south of Modesto.

KFSN said police are searching for the other three suspects, who escaped the home through a bedroom window and then took off in a car.

The chief told the station that at least four people were inside the home at the time of the incident, and they weren't hurt.

Reyna added to KFSN that he has reason to believe the intruders are not from the area, and he said police are looking into a possible motive.

"It was very scary," Sergio Juarez told the station before adding that the neighborhood usually is quiet.

KFSN noted that hours after the shoot-out an apparent bloody handprint had stained a gate.

"I moved here because it was a safe neighborhood," Juarez added to the station. "But looking at it right now, it's very scary."

Reyna added to KFSN that there is no outstanding threat to the community, but he's asking for more information from the public.

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Husband, wife, 3 children asleep when intruder breaks window, enters their home after midnight. So husband grabs his gun.



Police said a husband, wife, and their three children were asleep when an intruder broke a window and entered their home in Spanish Fort, Alabama, around 12:15 a.m. Saturday.

“The homeowner was awakened by his wife, who believed she heard somebody make an entry into the house,” Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber told WALA-TV. Spanish Fort is about 15 minutes southeast of Mobile.

'The homeowner took what we believe was a reasonable step to protect himself and his family.'

Barber added to the station that the homeowner fired one shot and hit the intruder in the upper abdomen, after which the homeowner immediately called 911.

Turns out the intruder is a 17-year-old male, WALA added.

“Our officers were able to apply chest seals to the individual that was suffering from the gunshot wound,” the chief explained to the station. “It was a substantial wound. He was airlifted to University Hospital. At this time, we believe he is critical, but stable.”

Barber told WALA the teen appeared to have broken in through one of the front windows of the home on Caisson Trace. He added to the station that the teen and homeowner don't know each other and that the incident appears to be random.

“Based on the initial investigation, we believe the teen was under the influence of some substance — we’re not sure exactly what ... but we do believe he was under the influence of something,” Barber told WALA. “Earlier that night, he was at a residence on that street with some of his friends. He left that residence and made entry into this other one. We were not able to talk to him and find out what he was thinking or not thinking because he was, again, wounded, so that’s going to be a part of the investigation.”

The chief called the situation a "tragedy" for all parties, the station said.

“A husband and a wife, three kids, who were asleep in their house,” Barber told WALA. “Your house is your castle. The wife awakens to shattering glass — what a scary situation it is. So the husband [is] protecting his home — doing what he did."

The station said Alabama's Stand Your Ground Law allows individuals to use force — including deadly force — if they believe they are in imminent danger and that deadly physical force is being used or is about to be used against them in a place they're legally allowed to be.

“Inside your residence, you don’t have to retreat,” Barber told WALA. “The homeowner took what we believe was a reasonable step to protect himself and his family. Eventually this will be presented to a grand jury to make sure this was the case, but that’s the initial investigation.”

The chief noted to the station that investigators are working to determine the teen’s charges and that "we hope that he pulls through.”

You can view a video report here about the incident.

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Robbers break into home, but resident grabs gun and fires at suspects — leaving 1 dead and 1 wounded: Sheriff



Robbers broke into Southern California home Tuesday night, but the resident grabbed a gun and fired at the suspects, leaving one dead and another wounded, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said.

Deputies responded to a residence in the 23000 block of Grand Terrace Road in Grand Terrace around 9:18 p.m., officials said. Grand Terrace is about 60 miles west of Los Angeles.

'About time we the people take back our power.'

The victim said approximately three suspects broke into his home, after which he armed himself with a gun, officials said.

In fear for his safety and in self-defense, the victim fired rounds at the suspects, and the suspects fled the location in a white sedan, officials said.

Deputies responded to a 76 Gas Station on Redlands Boulevard after a report of a male who had been shot and was lying on the ground; he was accompanied by a 15-year-old male, officials said.

Deputies detained the juvenile, and the 33-year-old wounded male was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said, adding that investigating deputies determined that both the deceased male and the juvenile were involved in the residential robbery.

Officials didn't name the fatally shot male, noting that next of kin need to be notified.

Just after 10 p.m., the San Bernardino Police Department responded to another hospital where the third suspect — identified as 25-year-old Marquez Jackson — was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound, officials said.

Jackson underwent surgery and remained hospitalized, officials said, adding that Jackson will be booked for robbery and murder upon his discharge from the hospital. The juvenile male also was arrested for robbery and murder and booked into Juvenile Hall, officials said.

A fourth suspect remains at large, officials said, adding that those with information about this case are urged to contact Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Officials added that callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

How are people reacting?

Close to 200 comments about the shooting hit the Facebook page of the sheriff's department, and many are backing the homeowner's actions. The following is a sampling of them:

  • "About time we the people take back our power," one commenter said.
  • "Good for the homeowner!" another user declared.
  • "This is the best thing I have read today!!" another commenter exclaimed.
  • "Gun control, hitting what you are aiming at," another user quipped.
  • "Fantastic," another commenter wrote, adding that "this homeowner is a real hero, to his neighborhood, family, and all who are ready to protect their castles!!!!!"
  • "Great work," another user said, adding that "at least we don't have to pay for that individual to live happily in prison. So let me just say thank you to the resident for saving me some money. You should probably sue their families to reimburse him for the expended ammunition as well."
  • "So awesome," another commenter noted. "We need more of this."

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