As reported, Wetumpka, Alabama police say that at around 2:15 AM, a burglar broke in to a homeowner’s utility shed and tried to steal a trimmer and a chain saw. The 64 year old homeowner, whose name has not been released, is said to have heard noises from the burglary attempt and gone out to investigate. A struggle ensued, and the alleged burglar fled to his vehicle, which would not start. At this point, police say that the burglar got out of his vehicle and threatened to shoot the homeowner. The homeowner is then said to have grabbed his 20 gauge shotgun, and shot the burglar in the chest. The suspected burglar, 36 year old Michael Dale Roberts II, was taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. He has been charged with three counts of theft, two counts of breaking and entering, and one count of burglary. The homeowner was unharmed, and is not expected to face charges for his self defense action.
Speaking about the self defense shooting, District Attorney Randall Houston reportedly stated the homeowner acted within his rights in shooting the alleged criminal, saying. “The bad people need to realize that folks in Elmore County have guns and aren’t afraid to use them,” Houston said. “A man has the right to protect his life and his property, and all the evidence gathered in this case shows that’s just what happened.”
District Attorney Houston’s comments really sum up the situation nicely – a law abiding citizen has every right to defend themselves against a violent criminal. Firearms are the best means of self defense yet invented by humanity, and enable crime victims from across the country to stop criminals every day, saving both themselves and future victims of that criminal.