For those who think that a restraining order can protect a person, remember this: A restraining order is just a piece of paper, and sometimes people don’t abide by it; in fact, sometimes people react with violence to the very idea of one. That’s one takeaway from a defensive shooting that involved parties from two states. A woman called the police to report a stalker was outside the Los Altos Hills, Calif., home where she was staying. She was on the phone with 9-1-1 dispatchers when the suspect forced his way into the home and started shooting at her and others inside the residence. Fortunately, a male resident of the home had grabbed a gun before the intruder entered the house. He shot the bad guy several times. The alleged stalker fled but was later hospitalized and charged with attempted murder. He was then identified as someone the woman had known in Georgia. She had asked for a restraining order against him, though it was unclear if one was issued. (The Mercury News, San Jose, CA, 10/17/16)
The Armed Citizen® Extra
Two young men kicked in the back door of a home one Friday afternoon with one of the men in possession of a gun. A woman who lives in the home fired a gun at both men, striking one in the chest. The men then retreated by jumping off a deck. The wounded intruder died, while the other was charged with murder and burglary. No charges would be filed against the homeowner. (Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, 11/29/16)
From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1970
A man wearing a paper-bag mask drew a pistol on Leon Matthews, intending to rob the Augusta, Ga., store, in which Matthews works. Pulling out his own gun, Matthews scared the man out of the store. (Chronicle-Herald, Augusta, GA)
