Justifiable self-defense. That’s how Oklahoma officials have described a triple shooting by a 22-year-old who used an AR-15-style rifle to kill three intruders who broke into his home. The young man was asleep when three strangers, all clad in black, broke into the house. After being awakened by noises made during the break-in, the resident grabbed his semi-automatic rifle. Seeing the intruders, whose faces were covered with masks, the armed citizen fired, killing two suspects on the spot; the third ran away, but died in the driveway. After the young man shot the home invaders, he barricaded himself in his room and called 9-1-1. When the police arrived, they discovered that one of the troublemakers was armed with a knife, while a second had a pair of brass knuckles. A weeklong investigation led officials to determine that the shooter apparently was in fear for his life when he shot, thus he was protected under Oklahoma’s “Stand Your Ground” law. A woman has since been arrested and charged in connection with planning the burglary. (Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK, 4/4/17)
The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one Sunday morning, a masked and armed criminal attempted to crawl through a bedroom window of a house only to find the homeowner armed as well. The homeowner shot the intruder, who then fled on foot. Shortly after, police found the trespasser and took him to the hospital, where he passed away. Authorities stated that the homeowner appears to have acted within the law. (Courier Press, Evansville, IN, 5/21/17)
From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1959
Hope Crane opened fire with a cal. .22 pistol when burglars attempted to gain entry to his Atlanta store. Crane had returned to his place of business late in the evening and found evidence of theft. He fired at the burglars when they returned to come through the window for the second time. Four suspects were arrested with part of the loot, one requiring treatment for a bullet wound. (Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, GA)
