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.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Gun-wielding homeowner wastes no time after he says burglar kicked in his door at midnight, ran toward him when told to stop



A North Carolina homeowner told WRAL-TV he was in his bathroom getting ready for bed around midnight Wednesday when he heard someone kick in the door of his home in southeast Raleigh.

The homeowner told the station that when he got to the living room, the intruder was standing there.

'If somebody breaks in your home, you have to protect yourself.'

"I had my gun, and I was telling him to get down! Get down! Or get out! Then he just ran to me," the homeowner, who didn't want to be identified, told WRAL.

With that, the homeowner fired shots, the station said.

When Raleigh police arrived at the scene on Rose Lane, they found 26-year-old Christian Beasley with a gunshot wound, WRAL reported.

Police told the station that Beasley was taken to a trauma center and was stable — and that after he's released from the trauma center, he'll be processed on charges of first-degree burglary and damage to property.

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

The homeowners told WRAL that they had no choice but to defend themselves and their home.

"If somebody breaks in your home, you have to protect yourself," the homeowner's wife added to the station. "And that's what he did. He had to protect us. We did not know what he was going to do."

Police told WRAL the homeowner will not face charges at this time but that the incident is under investigation. The station added that forensics investigators gathered evidence at the front door and inside the house.

WRAL said its Breaking News Tracker captured video of people coming out of the house, adding that they got in the back of police cruisers but did not appear to be under arrest.

Commenters on WRAL's Facebook post about the shooting seemed completely on the homeowner's side:

  • "Lookie there ... the burglar found the consequences of his actions," one commenter said.
  • "The homeowner deserves a medal!" another user declared. "Every home should be protected like this!"
  • "I'd done the same thing," another commenter wrote. "Let someone try and break into my house."
  • "It’s about time these criminals got it," another user stated.
  • "Sorry to hear he was taken to a trauma center, should have been taken to a morgue," another commenter said.
  • "America's fighting back!!!" another user exclaimed.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Armed carjackers meet their match as gun-toting victim turns the tables, shoots the crooks — among them a 14-year-old male



A crew of carjackers most definitely picked the wrong guy to steal from in Seattle over the weekend.

Officers around 3:30 a.m. Sunday responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of 1st Avenue, police said.

'Stories like this just warm my heart. I love a happy ending.'

Officers found a suspect suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and detained him, police said, adding that they also detained the victim — a licensed gun owner — for questioning and recovered the firearm.

Firefighters responded with police and provided medical aid to the suspect, police said, adding that medics transported him to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Police said the suspect was under armed guard by officers.

Police determined that the victim parked his sports car along 1st Avenue when the driver of a white sedan approached him.

RELATED: 'I'll blow your head off': Carjacking victim threatened crook after turning the tables on him. Now carjacker learns his fate.

Image source: Seattle Police

Four individuals wearing face masks were in the vehicle, police said, adding that after a short conversation, two males armed with guns tried to steal the victim's car.

Fearing for his safety, the victim fired multiple rounds, striking one of the suspects, police said.

The remaining suspects fled the area in the sedan before police arrived.

While they were investigating, police said the driver of a white sedan dropped off a second suspect at Harborview Medical Center. The second suspect also had been shot, was in serious condition, and was under armed guard, police said.

The driver of the sedan fled before officers arrived, police said.

One of the wounded suspects is a 14-year-old male, while the other is a 20-year-old male, KING-TV reported, citing police.

Both wounded suspects will be booked into custody when they are released from the hospital, the station noted.

Officers and robbery detectives processed the scene, collected evidence, and spoke to witnesses, police said, adding that officers took the victim to Seattle Police headquarters, where detectives interviewed him; he was then released. KING said the victim is 24 years old.

Police said the case is an open and active investigation assigned to the Robbery Unit.

More than 3,000 comments have flooded KING's Facebook post about the shooting, and as you might expect, folks seem quite happy about the outcome. The following are a few of their reactions.

  • "Not every hero wears a cape," one commenter said.
  • "The vehicle owner doing the Lord's work," another user noted.
  • "Awesome story," another commenter wrote before adding "buy that man a beer."
  • "Stories like this just warm my heart," another user gushed. "I love a happy ending."
  • "FAFO! Whahahaha! I love it!!!" another user exclaimed.
  • "When you allow your streets to become the Wild West, sometimes you run into Wyatt Earp," another commenter observed.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Cop driving patrol car doesn't mess around when he spots alleged gunman on the run — and reaching for his waistband



Video from police in Fresno, California — newly released Friday — indicates that an officer was on an unrelated call in the area of the River Park Shopping Center on Aug. 20 when he heard gunshots from a restaurant parking lot around 5:30 p.m.

KSEE-TV reported that the restaurant is Ruth's Chris.

'He's reaching!'

Police said surveillance video shows George Ruiz, 18, firing shots at a passing vehicle.

The officer ran toward the sound of gunfire and saw Ruiz running off, police said. The officer then saw the suspect attempting to carjack a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot, police said, adding that the victim was able to drive away.

Police said Ruiz shot once at the vehicle during the attempted carjacking, hitting the car, but those inside the vehicle weren't hurt.

Police said the officer ran after Ruiz toward the Sam's Club parking lot and broadcasted over radio the suspect's description and the direction of the foot pursuit.

After the radio call, two other officers in a marked patrol vehicle spotted Ruiz on the run — and reaching for his waistband, police said.

The officer driving the patrol car struck Ruiz with the vehicle, and the officers arrested Ruiz, police said.

One officer is heard in the below video advising that "he's reaching!" in reference to the suspect going for his gun just before the arrest, police said. The relevant segment begins around the 4:40 mark:

RELATED: Wild police video: Cops ram car driven by female armed robbery suspect — who actually tries to run away after freeway crash

Police said Ruiz dropped his handgun after getting hit.

RELATED: Crazy video: Unhinged driver hits teen, crashes through Dollar Tree wall — with teen still on hood. The end is even wilder.

Image source: Fresno (Calif.) Police bodycam video screenshot

Here's a screenshot showing the opposite angle:

RELATED: Long Island police commissioner defends officer's use of SUV to neutralize gun-toting woman who threatened to shoot herself and others

Image source: Fresno (Calif.) Police bodycam video screenshot

The following is a close-up image of Ruiz's loaded gun, police said.

RELATED: VIDEO: Florida trooper crashes head-on into accused drunk driver to stop her car from plowing into runners of 10k race

Image source: Fresno (Calif.) Police

Ruiz was taken to a hospital, treated for leg pain, and released, police said, adding that he provided a statement admitting to the shooting.

Ruiz was booked into jail for the shooting, firearm-related charges, and resisting arrest, police said, adding that no officers were hurt during the incident.

Fresno County Jail records indicate Ruiz was still behind bars Monday afternoon; his bail is listed as $575,000.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Cheerleader's final act of kindness: 'Hero' high school student gunned down at bonfire gives life to others



A high school cheerleader who dreamed of becoming a nurse was shot during a party in a wooded area of Alabama. The 18-year-old died after being taken off life support because her gunshot wounds were so severe.

Kimber Mills was a senior at Cleveland High School, where she also ran track.

'We shouldn’t be burying our little sister.'

Mills was attending a bonfire party over the weekend in a wooded area known as "The Pit," according to AL.com.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the town of Pinson just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday

"Upon arrival, deputies discovered three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds: a 21-year-old male, an 18-year-old male, and an 18-year-old female," the sheriff's office stated, adding that all three were taken to area hospitals.

Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush said Mills was shot in the head and the leg.

The sheriff's office later learned that a fourth shooting victim, a 20-year-old female, had been transported to a hospital in a personal vehicle.

The three surviving victims have non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicated that a "verbal and physical altercation escalated and resulted in gunfire."

Kimber's sister, Ashley Mills, told AL.com that the alleged shooter was trying to talk to one of Kimber's friends, offering her drinks, and trying to get close to her.

"The girl told her boyfriend, a fight involving multiple people ensued, and shots were fired," AL.com reported.

Ashley Mills said, "Kimber was caught in the crossfire."

The sheriff's office named 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead as the shooter. The suspect remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail. Whitehead is being held without bond.

Whitehead initially was charged with three counts of attempted murder. However, an additional charge of murder was filed against Whitehead on Wednesday after Mills died.

Image source: Jefferson County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office

Mills was taken to the University of Alabama Hospital in critical condition, but Ashley Mills said there was "too much trauma to her brain," and Kimber was placed on a breathing machine.

"There is no surgery that would give her a life worth living," Ashley said.

But Kimber had already decided to be an organ donor — to give others a chance at life.

"We’ve already got it set up for her to be an organ donor because that’s what she wanted,” Ashley said.

Ashley Mills told WBRC that Kimber’s heart and lungs have already been matched with recipients.

On Tuesday, the hospital staff joined Mills' family and friends for an Honor Walk — a ceremony during which medical staff line the hallway to honor a patient before being transported to the Legacy of Hope organ center roughly two blocks away.

Kimber’s brother, Michael Mills, led a prayer in the hallway.

"Heavenly Father, thank you Lord for this young woman, my sister, I love her so much Lord," Michael prayed. "I pray for swift hands of the surgeons, Lord, that we do what needs to be done to save other lives Lord."

Michael continued. "I pray no fear, no sadness Lord, no hatred. Thank you, Lord, for Kimber. Please protect us in these uncertain times."

A Legacy of Hope representative told AL.com, "Today we stand in awe of a true hero, giving of themselves so that others may live."

"May the recipients enjoy restored health and recognize the magnitude of such a rare and remarkable gift," the spokesperson stated. "Thank you, Kimber, for the life-saving legacy you are leaving behind. We honor you today and always."

RELATED: University of Kentucky cheerleader arrested after allegedly stashing her dead baby in garbage bag, hiding body in closet

Mills died Tuesday when she was taken off life support, WBRC reported.

"We shouldn’t be burying our little sister. It should be the other way around," Ashley Mills said. "It's supposed to go from oldest to youngest not youngest first."

According to WBRC-TV, Rodney Green, superintendent of Blount County Schools, released the following statement:

Our school district is deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of one of our students, Ms. Kimber Mills. Kimber was a bright, outgoing senior cheerleader for Cleveland High School. Kimber’s smile and infectious personality will certainly be missed, but she will always be remembered. Our heart is burdened for her family and for the impact this will have on the students, faculty, and staff at Cleveland High School. Please keep our Cleveland Family in your thoughts and prayers! I do want to thank everyone that has reached out to this family and supported them during this tragedy.

AL.com reported that Kimber was planning to attend the University of Alabama next year with a dream of becoming a nurse.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help support Mills' family, which cited Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Blaze News.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Felon accused of shooting man in scrotum reportedly after victim recorded video of gunman — after he fell off a scooter



A 41-year-old man had just gotten home from a construction job and was sitting in his car in the 500 block of West Scott Street in Chicago texting a co-worker about the next day’s schedule, CWB Chicago reported, citing prosecutors.

With that, the outlet said another male rode a scooter through the parking lot, crashed, and fell.

RELATED: Blaze News original: A dozen times gangs on motorcycles, ATVs, and bikes harassed, attacked, and killed others

Photo by JONAS ROOSENS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

The man sitting in his car used his phone to record a short clip of the scooter rider on the pavement, the outlet said.

But apparently, the guy on the ground didn't like his mishap finding its way on camera.

So prosecutors said he got up, parked his scooter near the 41-year-old man's car, walked toward a grassy area, and returned holding a gun, the outlet said.

Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered Jones detained on charges of aggravated battery by discharging a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Surveillance video allegedly showed the gunman walking up to the car, standing next to the driver’s side door, and firing two shots downward toward the victim’s lap, CWB Chicago said.

He then moved to the back of the car and fired several more rounds as he walked away, the outlet said, citing prosecutors.

The armed victim returned fire from inside the vehicle and again after opening the door as the gunman — identified as 40-year-old Michael J. Jones — fled the scene, CWB Chicago said.

The victim called 911 and was found on the pavement next to his car with gunshot wounds to his thigh, calf, and scrotum, the outlet added, citing court filings.

More from CWB Chicago:

Police identified Jones through an informant who knew him by name and had learned of his involvement. Additional video footage showed Jones walking toward his nearby home shortly after the shooting, prosecutors claim.

When officers arrested Jones recently, they found a loaded handgun in his cargo pants pocket, prompting Jones to explain that he carried the weapon because he lived in a dangerous neighborhood, according to prosecutors.

Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered Jones detained on charges of aggravated battery by discharging a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the incident, which occurred just before 9:30 p.m. July 11, the outlet said.

Jones has a 2016 felony gun conviction, CWB Chicago said, citing court records.

Cook County Jail records indicate Jones was booked Saturday and is scheduled for a Thursday hearing.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Florida sheriff defends McDonald's worker who shot customer in the neck: 'It was just a McMess'



A late-night food run escalated into a stand-your-ground shooting at a McDonald's when two Florida men caused a "McMess," according to police.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a McDonald's got overwhelmed by orders after several events in the area ended early in the morning of Oct. 12.

'What do these goober smoochers do?'

Yoan Soto — a 21-year-old employee at the McDonald's in Davenport, the sheriff's office said — was working an overnight shift.

Two men — 20-year-old Peter Story and 18-year-old Nicholas Jones — pulled into the drive-thru to order food. However, there was reportedly a long wait.

According to Judd, Soto told Jones and Story, "Hey, sorry guys, but we’re way behind ... our online orders are overwhelming us."

However, the two customers allegedly became furious.

Judd said, "They threatened to attack the man who just told them, ‘We’re busy, we can’t take any more orders,’ and he did that because the manager told him to."

Sheriff Judd said the two customers threatened Soto with violence.

"We're going to hang out here," the pair allegedly told Soto, according to Judd. "When you get off, we are going to beat you up."

Judd added, "What do these goober smoochers do? They park their vehicle, and they come into the restaurant."

Sheriff Judd said Soto and the two customers began "jawing" and "having a McArgument in the McDonald’s over McHamburgers, or lack of McHamburgers."

The 22-year-old McDonald’s manager reportedly told Story and Jones to leave because they were trespassing.

Judd said the two customers threatened to commit a "mass shooting" at the McDonald's, which allegedly had other customers inside the restaurant.

Surveillance video shows Soto walking out of the back of the restaurant with a gun and pointing it at the unruly customers — and Judd backed Soto's actions as self-defense.

"And [Soto] comes into the lobby to confront these guys who've threatened him and threatened the store and threatened to shoot the place up," Judd said. "And now he's trying to get them out of the store."

Jones and Story are seen swinging their hands in an apparent attempt to take Soto's gun.

Judd noted that "as they try to grab his gun, [Soto] pulls the trigger, and he shoots Peter Story in the neck."

Jones then drove Story to a local hospital.

"It's a blessing that it was a very minor wound," Judd said.

RELATED: Florida couple charged with manslaughter after 3-year-old died while 'rotting in the bed,' sheriff: 'I have never, ever seen anything as sad, as bone-chilling, and as sickening'

Judd said Soto retrieved the bullet casing and projectile from the floor and fled the McDonald's.

Authorities allegedly convinced Soto to return to the scene of the crime, and he cooperated with police.

Soto was charged with tampering with evidence, which is a felony.

Story and Jones were charged with trespass after warning and disorderly conduct.

"Listen folks, it’s never OK to threaten a mass shooting," Judd stressed. "It’s never OK to threaten to beat people up at a business. And it’s never OK to grab your ammunition and your firearm and run after a shooting."

Judd again backed Soto's self-defense attempt: "He has a right to stand his ground and protect himself, and these guys are threatening to do violence after they’ve already threatened on the outside of the store and came inside."

Judd said of the two customers, "They created a well-founded fear in him and the store manager. It was just a McMess, but we’ll sort it out because we are McGood at investigating McCrime."

Neither McDonald's nor the Polk County Sheriff's Office immediately responded to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Father accused of murdering 67-year-old alleged rapist of his 14-year-old daughter makes startling bid for public office



An Arkansas father accused of murdering the 67-year-old alleged rapist of his 14-year-old daughter is making a surprising bid for public office after he said the "system failed" him and his family.

Aaron Spencer, 37, announced last week that he's is running for Lonoke County Sheriff. As it happens, the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office investigated last year's headline-grabbing case involving Spencer.

'Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court.'

The Facebook video from Spencer's campaign is captioned: "It’s time to bring trust, accountability, and safety back to our community. Join us on this journey to build a sheriff’s office you can believe in!"

In the campaign video, Spencer notes that "many of you know my story."

"I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed," Spencer says.

Spencer adds that he is a husband, a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, a contractor, and a farmer.

"Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court," Spencer states. "I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures."

Spencer also stresses in the video, "This campaign isn’t about me. It's about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community. It’s about restoring trust, where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need."

RELATED: Thug allegedly recorded himself raping woman at gunpoint — before she shot him

As Blaze News reported last October, Spencer was arrested after authorities said he fatally shot 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who reportedly was in a vehicle with Spencer's 14-year-old daughter.

Spencer reportedly went to his daughter's bedroom to check on her. Citing an affidavit, CNN said the daughter was gone, but there was a stuffed animal wrapped in her hoodie under the blankets in her bed.

The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies were dispatched regarding a missing teen at approximately 1:12 a.m. Oct. 8, 2024. However, while en route, deputies were notified that Spencer had located his daughter in a vehicle with Fosler.

The affidavit states that Spencer used his vehicle to rear-end Fosler’s Ford F-150 truck at an intersection, forcing it off the road.

"A confrontation between the two adult males ensued, which resulted in a shooting," the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the affidavit, Spencer told police that he "had no choice" but to shoot Fosler.

The New York Post, citing the affidavit, reported that Spencer told investigators that Fosler "lunged towards him" with something in his hand and shouted, "F**k you!"

The affidavit states Spencer fired at Fosler until his weapon was empty and then jumped on him and pistol-whipped him.

Police said Fosler was pronounced dead at the crime scene.

Citing court records, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported that Fosler was out on bond at the time of the shooting after being arrested and charged with two counts each of fourth-degree sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child, and internet stalking of a child. Fosler also faced one count of electronic facilitation of child sexual abuse and 35 counts of pandering or possessing depictions of sexual conduct involving a child.

CNN added that "the family had been on edge" and that "three months earlier the teen, then 13, revealed she’d been sexually abused by a 67-year-old man she met at the home of a family friend."

Spencer was arrested and soon charged with second-degree murder. Spencer was released on a surety bond and has pleaded not guilty.

Spencer's pretrial hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17.

RELATED: Couple allegedly tries to sell 2-month-old baby for cash, 6-pack of beer because it's 'not working having 3 dogs and a baby'

A Change.org petition titled "Absolve Aaron David Spencer of Charges Stemming from Saving his Daughter's Life" was launched and has more than 361,000 signatures.

Spencer's wife, Heather, said in a GiveSendGo fundraiser that her daughter had been "targeted, groomed, and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend," the Post reported.

"We let the justice system do its job," Heather Spencer said. "The monster who hurt our child was charged quickly, but released even faster on a $50k bond. He was awaiting court in December for several felonies in relation to what he did to our child."

The mother called her husband a "hero" and said that her "child would have not come home if my husband hadn’t found her."

Lonoke County Sheriff Jeff Staley told the Democrat Gazette that he couldn't comment on the Spencer case because of the pending trial.

But Staley did say in an emailed statement, "I will be seeking re-election to continue being your Lonoke County sheriff. Since 2013, I have served as sheriff of Lonoke County with a clear mission — to protect our citizens and hold those who break the law accountable. From day one, our focus has been on three major threats to our communities: drug traffickers, sexual predators, and thieves."

The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

3 intruders — 1 armed — reportedly run into home. But homeowner also has a gun — and only 2 intruders run back out.



Police in Miami Gardens, Florida, told WTVJ-TV they got word of a possible home invasion in the 3000 block of Northwest 204th Terrace shortly before noon Monday.

Police said three individuals — one armed with a rifle — entered the home, the station said.

'I guess he was defending his daughter from the three people who went inside.'

However, as one of the intruders opened a bedroom door, a victim opened fire, hitting one of the intruders in the arm, WTVJ reported.

The two other intruders fled the scene, the station said, and Miami-Fire Rescue airlifted the wounded subject to Aventura Hospital.

The wounded individual's condition is unknown, WTVJ noted, and no other injuries were reported.

RELATED: Florida man sees back door of mom's home left open. So he goes inside, hears strange noises — and grabs a gun.

A man who lives at the house told the station that he and others who were inside at the time of the home invasion are OK, but he didn’t want to comment further.

A teenager who didn't want to be identified added to WTVJ that she watched from her bedroom window as three people ran inside the house — and when just two of them ran back out.

“I saw them shooting toward the porch, then running to the car, then the father shot four times,” the teen told the station. “It was loud, it was right there, across the street, boom, boom, boom, boom.”

The teen added to WTVJ that two men who were inside the house also ran outside: “He was standing outside of the house. He was defending the house. He said, 'That's my daughter; I have no money,' so I guess he was defending his daughter from the three people who went inside."

A woman who lives down the street added to the station that after she heard gunshots, she saw a car speeding by and someone with a face covering: “I saw the car zooming, and the guy was running behind the car, and I thought he was running after the car because I saw him with a gun in his hand. I was shocked. I was surprised."

WTVJ said the search for the two other subjects is ongoing.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Evil feels unleashed': Gut-wrenching reactions to horrific Michigan church shooting



At least one person has died and 9 others were injured in a mass shooting at a church in Michigan on Sunday morning, according to local authorities.

The fatal shooting occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan.

'THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!'

The Grand Blanc Police Department said in a statement, "[There] has been an active shooter at the church of Latter Day Saints on McCandlish Rd. There are multiple victims and the shooter is down."

The police department noted that the church is "actively on fire."

The Grand Blanc Police Department stressed, "There is NO threat to the public at this time."

Citing Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, CNN reported: "A gunman drove his car into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and opened fire on congregants during a large service."

USA Today reported, "He then exited the vehicle and fired 'several rounds' at people inside the church, Renye said at an afternoon news conference."

Renye added that responding officers “engaged in gunfire” with the shooting suspect and said, "That suspect is no longer with us."

Citing the police chief, USA Today reported that the suspect "is believed to have deliberately set the fire" at the Michigan church.

RELATED: Two 'MONSTERS' arrested in shooting of children's baseball coach were granted citizenship under Biden, DHS says

Multiple reports stated that nine victims suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to local hospitals.

According to USA Today, the church was "engulfed in flames" and police expect that there will be more victims.

Paul Kirby, an alleged victim of the church shooting, told the New York Times that it was the "scaredest I’ve ever been," noting that it sounded like an explosion when the vehicle collided with the place of worship.

"When he went outside to help, he said he saw a man about 10 to 20 yards away from him getting out of his truck and starting to fire at people," the New York Times reported. "He said a bullet went through the glass door beside him and a piece of shrapnel hit his leg. He then ran inside, gathered his family and others, and ran out the back of the church.

Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck stated on the church shooting in Michigan: "Evil feels unleashed, with bloodshed now a daily sorrow. We mourn with all who mourn. Yet I hold fast: evil never wins. Christ will bring ultimate justice and reign in peace. May He find us worthy. May He save the Republic."

President Donald Trump reacted by saying, "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. ... The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"

Vice President JD Vance stated on the X social media platform, "Just an awful situation in Michigan. FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things. Say a prayer for the victims and first responders."

"We are heartbroken,” Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Scott Bennett said at a Sunday news conference. "This kind of violence doesn't happen in our community, and we are heartbroken that it came to Grand Blanc Township. And we're going to do everything we can to support the families, the victims, and our community getting through this situation."

The investigation included members of the local police, Michigan State Police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!