A Scottsdale, Ariz., man who was shot during an assault recently was moved from a hospital room to a jail cell. The 28-year-old man had been shot after allegedly breaking into his estranged girlfriend’s home, holding her against her will and sexually assaulting her in early December. During the fracas, the woman broke free and fled, and the troublemaker chased her as she ran through the apartment complex knocking on doors looking for help. One neighbor who tried to help was allegedly attacked by the suspect. In fear for his life, and to protect the woman, that man retrieved a handgun and shot the assailant in the chest. The suspect ran off but collapsed about 150 yards away. He was taken to a hospital and two weeks later was released into police custody and jailed. Police said the shooter will not be charged. (The Republic, Phoenix, AZ, 12/23/14)
The Armed Citizen® Extra
A 25-year-old Collegeville, Pa., man faces numerous criminal charges, including robbery, aggravated assault and burglary, after being arrested following a failed break-in. The culprit entered the residence using a spare “hide-away” key he had found, and then pulled a gun on the couple who lived in the home. After taking cash, credit cards and food, the robber tried to flee the scene. However, arming himself, the male resident confronted the thief in the driveway and held him at gunpoint until the authorities could arrive. Police believe the criminal targeted the home at random. (Bucks County Courier Times, Levittown, PA, 6/9/15)
From the Armed Citizen® Archives
October 1958
Kenneth Dietz of Chicago operates a tavern in the first floor of an apartment building. A tenant called him to investigate shadowy movement in an apartment rented by people who were known to be away at the time. Dietz knocked on the apartment door and, when he received no answer, he opened the door with a pass key. As he entered, a figure swinging a tire iron lunged at Dietz who fired one shot from his .45 ACP pistol. The dead burglar was identified as an ex-convict with an arrest record. (Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL)