Studies prove that Americans experience fewer “hot” burglaries-which occur when homeowners are present and therefore carry a greater risk of violence-because criminals in the United States fear being shot by homeowners. The notion was reaffirmed recently when a Portland, Ore., 9-1-1 dispatcher received a wacky call. The caller informed the dispatcher that he had broken into a home and decided to take a shower when, in the midst of bathing, the homeowner returned. Terrified that the homeowner might have a gun, the intruder locked himself in the bathroom and placed the emergency call. The homeowner also phoned police, who arrested the intruder. (CNN, 03/08/11)
The Armed Citizen Extra
The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.
Two employees, a male and a female, were working one evening at local grocery store when a masked man entered the store and drew a handgun. The male employee immediately drew a handgun from behind the counter and shot the man. Police confirmed the would-be burglar died on the scene. (San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio, TX, 01/31/11)
From The Armed Citizen Archive
June 1978: Having broke into the house, the robber leveled his gun at Clara Hicks of Selmar, Tenn., and demanded all her money. Hearing the commotion, Hicks' son, an invalid, managed to get his own gun and confront the hoodlum. In an exchange of fire, Hicks' second shot struck the man in the side, putting an end to the gunplay. The burglar was arrested and taken to the hospital. (The Independent Appeal, Selmar, Tenn.)
