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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Male breaks into rural home, makes threats, ignores gun-toting resident's warning to stop. It ends badly for intruder.



A resident of a rural Illinois home fatally shot an intruder early Friday morning, Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds told the Effingham Daily News.

“At 5:25 a.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a home invasion in progress at a rural Herrick address within Shelby County,” McReynolds said in a press release, the paper said. “The suspect was identified as Wade M. Barnes, 19 years old, of Cowden. Barnes was known by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office due to prior involvements, including a current criminal case.”

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Barnes was threatening the home's occupants, the Daily News said, and McReynolds noted that an occupant retrieved a gun and verbally warned Barnes to stop.

“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds said, according to the paper. “Shots were fired in the direction of Barnes, striking him. EMS was dispatched. EMS transported to Good Shepherd Hospital, in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced deceased at 7:16 a.m.”

The Daily News said the sheriff's office is investigating the incident, and state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney have been contacted to assist with the investigation.

What else do we know about the suspect?

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle, according to the paper, which cited online court records. Barnes' next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 20, the Daily News said.

Barnes also was charged on May 18, 2023, with aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, the paper said, adding that the fleeing charge was dismissed. Barnes paid a fine and was ordered to driver education and community service, the Daily News noted.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under WICS-TV's Facebook post about the incident were decidedly behind the individual who ended the break-in threat. Here are a handful of those reactions:

  • "It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!" one commenter wrote.
  • "If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences," another user added. "I did not get shot recently; probably because I don't do crimes. Hmmmmm."
  • "The criminals' anthem... another one bites the dust!" another commenter stated.
  • "Justice is served," another user declared.

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Girl, 8, fights would-be kidnapper who entered her bedroom wearing clown mask in middle of the night, cops say



Police in Colorado said an 8-year-old girl fought a would-be kidnapper who entered her bedroom wearing a clown mask in the middle of the night last week.

Sterling Police were called around 2:30 a.m. Oct. 15 to a home on Walnut Street for a reported home invasion and kidnapping attempt, KUSA-TV reported, citing an arrest affidavit.

The victim's mother told police the suspect was in her home the previous weekend to help install a washer and dryer.

The suspect entered the home sometime between 1 and 2 a.m., the station said, adding that police said the suspect likely entered and exited through the back door, which may have been unlocked.

The victim told police the suspect came into her room, put a blindfold over her face, and grabbed her out of bed, KUSA reported. The affidavit says she started fighting back, after which the suspect hit her on the head, leaving her unconscious, the station said.

When the victim woke up, she ran into her mother's room to tell her what happened, KUSA said.

The suspect was wearing a cloth clown mask during the assault, the station said, citing the affidavit. The mask, along with a pair of gloves, were left in the child's room, KUSA noted.

Police said the suspect also took the victim's phone, the station reported. The affidavit says location data from the phone was used to help identify the suspect, according to KUSA.

The suspect — 56-year-old Thomas Gallegos — lives in the neighborhood, the station said, citing the affidavit. The victim's mother told police the suspect was in her home the previous weekend to help install a washer and dryer, KUSA reported.

Gallegos was taken into custody Saturday on suspicion of the following charges, police told the station: first-degree burglary, second-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, and child abuse.

The next court appearance for Gallegos is set for Nov. 4, KUSA said.

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Armed homeowner in New Mexico confronts alleged intruder who broke in before 4 a.m. It doesn't end well for uninvited guest.



A homeowner in New Mexico fatally shot an alleged intruder who broke into a residence early Tuesday morning, Bernalillo County deputies told KOB-TV.

The station said deputies responded to a call around 3:45 a.m. about an intruder at a home near Lost Horizon Drive on the West Mesa, the station said. The area is part of Albuquerque.

'That’s why we have our 2nd Amendment!!!'

The homeowner reported shooting the intruder, the sheriff's office told KOB.

Arriving deputies found the alleged intruder critically injured and tried life-saving measures on the individual, the station said.

Medics took the suspect to a hospital, but the suspect died, KOB reported.

Sheriff's office detectives who work on violent crimes and homicides are investigating the incident, the station said.

How are observers reacting?

Plenty of people are reacting to KOB's story on the station's Facebook page. Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

  • "Unfortunately we have to protect our own because by the time police show up — if they show up — it's too late," one commenter wrote. "We all work hard for our things and need [to] protect our families. When [suspects are] arrested, they're just let right back out to do it all over again..."
  • "This is great news! More criminals need this fate!" another user concluded.
  • "This was totally warranted!" another commenter said. "Good job protecting yourself, family, & your home! There needs to be ... repercussions for the outrageous amount of crime in this city."
  • "Good job!!!" another commenter exclaimed. "That’s why we have our 2nd Amendment!!!"
  • "Good," another commenter noted before adding, "Tired of this crap. When [they're] in your home, you gotta protect it. I stand for the homeowner. Job well done."
  • "Finally some good news today," another user stated before adding, "Great job on protecting your family and what’s yours. Sends a perfect message to thieves; [we've] had enough of their BS."

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Homeowner shoots break-in suspect with arrow — and instantly intruder is in no condition to continue caper



A crossbow-wielding Michigan homeowner fired an arrow at a break-in suspect and successfully thwarted the early Tuesday morning caper.

Monroe County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a home in the 4500 block of Huron Street in Frenchtown Township just after 12:30 a.m. after receiving a report concerning a home invasion in progress, WLNS-TV reported. The municipality is about a half hour southwest of Detroit.

'Well, he definitely got the point not to ever do that again.'

The call to authorities indicated two people broke into the home that was occupied by two residents, the station said.

One of the residents shot one of the intruders with an arrow, after which the other intruder fled, WLNS noted.

The intruder who was shot — a 32-year-old male — was taken to a hospital to remove the arrow and undergo surgery, the station said, adding that he was in police custody while he recovers.

Police arrested the other male intruder — a 41-year-old — shortly after the incident and was being held in the Monroe County Jail, WLNS said.

The station said police won't release the identities of the males until they are arraigned.

The sheriff's office said the incident is not believed to have been a random act and appears to have stemmed from a prior altercation between those involved, WLNS said.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under the station's Facebook post about the incident seemed happy about the outcome:

  • "GOOD!!! Stop breaking the law a-hole," one commenter wrote.
  • "He’ll ya. Get r done," another user declared.
  • "Sounds like somebody F'd A & found out ...." another commenter noted.

Another group of commenters under WXYZ's Facebook post about the incident expressed similar sentiments:

  • "FAFO you decided someone else's property was more valuable than your life the moment you crossed the threshold," one commenter stated.
  • "I love a happy ending," another user wrote.
  • "Well, he definitely got the point not to ever do that again," another commenter quipped.

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Video shows shirtless, shoeless cop breaking into residence before homeowner fatally shoots him in self-defense: Sheriff



More details have emerged in the case of a Georgia homeowner who fatally shot a decorated off-duty Atlanta police officer who reportedly broke into the homeowner's residence early in the morning last week.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said surveillance video shows the officer — who's shirtless and shoeless — breaking into the residence just after 5 a.m. Friday before the homeowner fatally shot him in self-defense.

The sheriff's office said when the homeowner slightly cracked the door to see what was going on, Horton forcibly rushed inside and knocked the homeowner to the ground.

You can view video of the incident here. The sheriff's office said in a Monday night news release that it released more information and the video to combat false claims about the incident.

Atlanta Police Officer Aubree Horton arrived at a home in the 8000 block of Orkney Way in Winston, the sheriff's office said. Winston is about a half hour west of Atlanta.

The video shows Horton yelling and running in the darkness before arriving at the door of the home. He slams his body against the door and yells, "Help me!" He backs away from the door and yells, "Kill me!" before slamming his body into the door again. The video shows him sitting down, and the homeowner can be heard asking through the door, "Who are you?"

Horton then says, "I love you. No, just kill me," before a porch light turns on. Video shows him cry out again and forcefully lie his back upon the porch. Horton then stands up again near the door as the homeowner is heard continuing to try communicating with him, and then the video ends.

The sheriff's office said some portions of video were redacted and will be available when the case is closed. The redacted portions include the sound of the fatal shot, an officer’s response to the home, and video of the homeowner minimally dressed when speaking to the officer.

The sheriff's office said the homeowner's wife had just left for work shortly before the incident — but while on her way to work she received multiple notifications from her Ring doorbell camera, saw the situation unfolding, and called 911.

Her husband was inside the home and in bed when he heard the commotion outside, the sheriff's office said. In addition, the sheriff's office emphasized that the couple in 2021 endured an attempted burglary during which their back door, which leads to their bedroom, was kicked open around 4 a.m. while they were asleep in bed. The incident led the homeowner to enhance security measures, including installing cameras and reinforcing exterior doors.

On Friday morning after he was awakened, the husband wasn't sure if his wife had departed for work, and he was concerned for her safety and called out for her as he armed himself and approached the front door, the sheriff's office said, adding that he also feared his wife could be in danger with the intruder outside their home.

The sheriff's office said when the homeowner slightly cracked the door to see what was going on, Horton forcibly rushed inside and knocked the homeowner to the ground. Fearing for his life and in defense of his home, the homeowner fired a single shot and fatally wounded Horton inside the residence, the sheriff's office said.

More from the sheriff's office:

A Douglas County patrol officer who lives nearby and was about to leave for work, heard the commotion, and rushed to assist. Investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene and were initially unable to identify Horton, who was found without identification and wearing no shirt or shoes. His identity was later confirmed using a portable fingerprint scanner, and further investigation revealed that he lived in close proximity to the incident location.

It was later confirmed that Horton was an Atlanta Police Officer. We coordinated with the Atlanta Police Department to ensure proper notifications were made to his family, and that APD had time to prepare their own statements before releasing that information.

The sheriff's office said it's working closely with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and "after reviewing the available facts, we are both confident that no charges will be filed against the homeowner."

Horton was selected as Investigator of the Year at the Atlanta Police Foundation's 20th Annual 'Crime Is Toast' Awards on Sept. 24.

The sheriff's office also dispelled rumors that a captain with the sheriff's office is the homeowner. The sheriff's office also said, "There is no truth to the claim that Officer Horton was involved in a domestic disturbance, or that any family member of his sought refuge at the home. Horton was completely unknown to the homeowner."

In addition, the sheriff's office said it cannot release a full report until toxicology results come back "which could take several months."

WAGA-TV, citing authorities, previously reported that Horton also lived in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood — about a half-mile from the crime scene — and may have been experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.

Atlanta police confirmed in a statement that Horton — who had been with the department since November 2015 and most recently was assigned to the Fugitive Unit — was off duty at the time of the incident, the station said.

Horton was selected as Investigator of the Year at the Atlanta Police Foundation's 20th Annual "Crime Is Toast" Awards on Sept. 24.

You can view a video report here about the updated information surrounding the incident.

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Homeowner fatally shoots decorated off-duty cop who reportedly broke into residence at 5 a.m.



A Georgia homeowner fatally shot a decorated, off-duty Atlanta police officer who reportedly broke into a neighboring residence at 5 a.m. Friday — and authorities are calling the shooting self-defense.

Atlanta police identified the officer as Investigator Aubree Horton, WAGA-TV reported.

'I've lived here for five years, and I can promise you, this isn't something you expect to see here.'

Horton was selected as Investigator of the Year at the Atlanta Police Foundation's 20th Annual "Crime is Toast" Awards on Sept. 24.

The incident occurred at a home on Orkney Way near East Carroll Road in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood, WAGA said.

Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds told the station that deputies responded to a burglary call at the scene of the shooting.

"On an attempted burglary, we understand that an individual attempted to gain entry into the residence," the sheriff told WAGA. "Once inside, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual." Pounds said the individual in question died.

The deadly shooting shocked neighbors, the station said.

"I've lived here for five years, and I can promise you, this isn't something you expect to see here," resident Milton Johnston told WAGA.

Authorities told the station that Horton also lived in the neighborhood — about a half-mile from the scene — and may have been experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.

"We believe the burglar lived in the neighborhood," Pounds noted to WAGA. "This is an active investigation, and there are many details we're still working to uncover."

Atlanta police confirmed in a statement that Horton — who had been with the department since November 2015 and most recently was assigned to the Fugitive Unit — was off duty at the time of the incident, the station said.

"We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to learn more about what occurred as they continue to investigate," the police department's statement read, according to WAGA.

You can view video reports here and here, about the incident.

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Alleged Mississippi home invader fatally shot in exchange of gunfire after midnight, sheriff's office says



An alleged Mississippi home invader was fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire after midnight last week.

The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call from a resident in the 1600 block of Beatline Road in Tunica just after 1 a.m. last Friday reporting an attempted home invasion. Tunica is in the northwest part of the state and is about 40 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee.

'This is our little town where we should feel safe.'

The caller said there was an exchange of gunfire, and two people were shot, officials said.

Arriving sheriff's deputies found a 46-year-old male who lives at the home who was suffering from a gunshot wound, officials said, adding that he was treated at the scene and flown to a Memphis hospital.

Deputies found a second male — identified as Nadarius Joiner, 30, of Tunica — who was wounded by gunfire. Officials said he was treated at the scene and died.

"Homeowners have a constitutional right to protect their homes once a person gains entrance," the sheriff's office said. "No arrests have been made."

Officials said those with information are urged to contact the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office at 662-363-1411; those who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400. Officials said any information leading to an arrest can pay up to $1,000.

How are people reacting?

Commenters on the Facebook post from the sheriff's office about the incident made their voices heard. Here are a few reactions:

  • "Justifiable," one commenter said.
  • "I hope Tunica does not get as bad as Memphis," another user said. "This is our little town where we should feel safe."
  • "Got that lead," another commenter said. "Found the right house."
  • "Sad," another user noted.

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Burglars enter home near Lake of the Ozarks, and resident opens fire. One crook escapes in car. The other one? Not so much.



A Missouri resident called 911 around 3 a.m. Wednesday to report a burglary in progress, the Camden County Sheriff's Office said.

The residence in question reportedly is on North Highway 7 in Camdenton, a city that sits next to Lake of the Ozarks and about 150 miles southeast of Kansas City.

'Try that in a small town!'

The resident added to officials that he or she shot one of the burglars while the other one drove north in a dark-colored vehicle, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies responded to the residence where medical personnel provided emergency care to the suspect, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies and detectives were actively working the crime scene, the sheriff's office said, adding that officials don't believe there's a current active threat to the public.

How are people reacting?

As you might guess, commenters on the sheriff's office Facebook page about the incident were not too sympathetic to the individual who was fatally shot:

  • "The Ozarks is the wrong place to 'find out' or 'win a prize,'" one commenter wrote.
  • "'Try that in a small town!'" another commenter said.
  • "If [you're] not invited, nobody makes it out alive! Locked, loaded to aim and fire," another user declared. "All of us here in our small town protects each other and our neighbors before calling 911…"
  • "Hopefully this is a HUGE wake up call to the one who got away. Your partner definitely didn't, rightfully! To the homeowner, way to protect your own!" another commenter noted. "Praying for the family as I'm sure there's trauma now there that they'll have to sort through for the rest of their days."
  • "Well, I mean you come into someone else’s home, their safe space, you ask for it," another user said. "Well done protecting your family."
  • "These comments alone should show anyone else even considering ... break[ing] and enter[ing] that this area isn’t the place if you want to make it out alive," another user warned.

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Homeowner fatally shoots window-breaking male trying to get inside: ‘We never have anything ever happen in this neighborhood'



After a Las Vegas homeowner fatally shot a male who was breaking windows and trying to gain entry into the homeowner's residence Thursday morning, at least one neighbor reacted with concern, KLAS-TV reported.

“I was shocked,” Jennifer Sauberan told the station. “Because it’s a very quiet neighborhood.”

'I have cameras around my house now.'

“I was just thinking, 'Oh, my God, what if I hadn’t come back the night before?'” Sauberan wondered to KLAS. “It could have been my house.”

Sauberan told the station she's lived in her neighborhood near Torrey Pines Drive and Flamingo Drive for decades with no worries — until now.

“It was so unexpected,” she told KLASf the fatal shooting. ‘We never have anything ever happen in this neighborhood, ever.”

What happened?

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Homicide Lieut. Jason Johansson said the homeowner called 911 around 7:40 a.m. saying a strange male was breaking windows and trying to get inside the homeowner's residence, the station noted.

“The man was not listening to what they were telling him,” Johansson added to KLAS. “He was acting extremely irrational as they continued to tell him to leave the property.”

Johansson noted to the station that’s when the male moved toward the front door — and with that, the homeowner pulled the trigger.

Officers found the shot male in the driveway, KLAS said, adding that he later died at a hospital.

Johansson told the station there are "self-defense" elements in this case, and he doesn't believe the homeowner will face charges. The Clark County District Attorney will make a final determination, KLAS reported.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521 or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com, the station said, adding that to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online.

Meanwhile, Sauberan told KLAS she's doing her best to maintain a safe home: “I have cameras around my house now. I put them up more recently, but then I put in flood lights and stuff because [criminal activity] makes me a little bit nervous sometimes.”

- YouTube youtu.be

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