As reported, a Deerfield Township, Michigan man used his shotgun to fend off three early-morning burglars:
Police say that the 73 year old man was in his home, just after 6am, when he awoke to the sound of a home invasion. Grabbing his shotgun, the man reportedly told the intruders to stay put still until the police could arrive, and fired a warning shot into the floor. The burglars ignored the homeowner and ran, at which point one of the burglars got into their vehicle drove it toward the elderly man, according to police. Fearing for his safety, the homeowner is said to have fired at the vehicle’s tires, preventing the suspect from running him over or picking up the other two suspects. The suspects then reportedly fled, with one leaving in the vehicle and the other two fleeing on foot. Three suspects, including one with shotgun pellet wounds, have reportedly been apprehended by police and the homeowner is said to have suffered no injuries.
I would note the great restraint that this homeowner showed by not immediately firing at the 3 home invaders, and for aiming at the vehicle’s tires when he finally did fire in self defense. Those opposed to gun rights like to suggest that armed citizens who fire in self defense are blood thirsty killers just looking for an excuse to take a life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, such armed citizens fire as a last resort, in order to protect themselves and their families from an imminent threat. As another example, this disabled veteran, who had a concealed carry permit, decided to comply with a robber’s demands for his wallet instead of shooting in self defense. It was only when the robber continued to advance on him while brandishing a metal pipe that the citizen fired in self defense. Similarly, this pizza delivery driver handed over his money and tried to back away, and only fired in self defense after the violent robber followed him and continued to threaten his life. As a final example, this man gave a machete-wielding attacker multiple chances to cease his attack before firing in self defense, and even provided first aid to the attacker after he was forced to fire. In the current case, as well as those two examples, armed citizens risked their lives by hesitating, in an attempt to avoid having to shooting a violent attacker. Note that I’m not suggesting that citizens should or must hesitate the way that these citizens did; instead, my only point is that armed citizens are not the violence-prone individuals that anti gun groups suggest them to be.
I am 73 and would not have wasted such a wonderful opportunity to rid the world of several genetic defects. I wonder if I would have been allowed to mount their heads on the wall. Just think perhaps their relatives would come looking for them and I could add to my wall collection.
The below is what happens to elderly burglary victims in 'Gun-free' Britain
Great Grandmother, 88, Found Murdered
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Charlton…
An 88-year-old great grandmother has been stabbed to death by an intruder in her south-east London home.
Police found the body of Irene Barrett in her flat in Charlton this morning.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested. Scotland Yard said next of kin have been informed.
Local residents said they were "disgusted" by the attack.
Officers found Ms Barrett, believed to be a retired secretary, at her flat in Charlton, south-east London, this morning.
Fighting back tears, neighbour Claire Pickett, 30, said: "I just do not understand how anyone could do this.
"She was such a lovely lady. She used to knit blankets for premature babies and animals at Battersea Dogs Home.
"She even made a blanket for my baby when it was born. She was like a grandmother for all the young children here.
"A lot of her friends had died so she really was like the last one."
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said a murder investigation was launched after the victim was found with multiple stab wounds in Valiant House, Sam Bartram Close.
An incident room has been set up at Lewisham police station under Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons of the homicide and serious crime command.
DCI Lyons said: "This is a violent attack resulting in the death of an elderly lady in her own home.
"At this early stage we believe this is a burglary which has escalated into murder.
"I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the police immediately."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room at Lewisham on 0208 721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
I am not a gun fan but I believe if citizens were armed, the undue advantage that criminals enjoy now would end. Right now, denying people right to own firearms is not fair because criminals, being crminals, DO NOT obey the law. and law enforcement agents cannot be everywhere at all times.High time we looked after ourselves!
With exceptional military training I decided to own a gun(s) and have had a permit (s) since 1963.
I have had occasion to point a loaded pistol to warn another once (2) persons who withdrew as I awaited their response. I will always be prepared and hope I will never have to shoot. A GOOD THING BUT I WOULD REQUIRE TRAINING AND REFRESHER COURSES ANNUALLY.