As reported, a 76 year old man used his gun to stop a burglar in Hampton, Virginia.
Police say that shortly before 2:00AM, an elderly man called to report an in-progress burglary on the 100 block of Patterson Avenue. Upon arriving, police are said to have found a broken window, and the homeowner reported that he heard loud noises and thought there was an intruder. After failing to find anyone in the home, the police left, only to have the homeowner find a burglar hiding in the closet, according to news reports. Acting in self defense, the 76 year old homeowner reportedly fired his gun, striking the intruder in the arm. The nearby police heard the shot and apprehended a suspect, according to news reports. No injuries to the homeowner were reported, and the suspect is expected to face burglary charges upon his release from the hospital, according to police.
It is a sad fact that criminals prey on senior citizens, seeing them as easy targets. Unarmed senior citizens can often be overpowered by a young criminal who is stronger and faster, and as a result may suffer greatly in their own home.
However, when senior citizens are armed for self defense, they are in the best position possible to defend themselves. A few additional examples: This armed 85 year old woman held a home invader at gunpoint, and made him call the police on himself. This armed 93 year old man shot a home invader in self defense after the home invader began to attack him. This armed 70 year old woman held an intruder at gunpoint until the police arrived to arrest him. This armed 91 year old man used his handgun to fend off two home invader who had broken in and threatened his wheelchair-bound wife with their guns. This armed 84 year old man used his handgun to stop a criminal who repeatedly tried to enter his home through the front door, back door, and a window.
I could go on with more examples, but the point should be clear: armed self defense is a senior citizen’s best chance at stopping a younger and stronger criminal who attacks them. Gun bans, on the other hand, serve to put the elderly at a disadvantage relative to their younger and stronger attackers.