Homeowner Shoots At Would-Be Thief
Homeowner Shoots At Would-Be Thief Save Email Print
Posted: 8:40 AM Feb 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:15 PM Feb 5, 2008
78 comments
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A man trying to break into someone's car may have gotten more than he bargained for. Police say the homeowner shot at the suspect.

Officers say the man was trying to get into a car outside a home in Canadatown, in Whitley County, when the homeowner came out with a gun.

He shot at the man, who took- off. Police don't know if the would-be thief was actually shot.

Authorities say they are not ruling out possible charges against the homeowner.
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Posted by: david Location: s.c. on Sep 1, 2008 at 05:57 PM
someone
Posted by: John Location: Doe on Mar 3, 2008 at 01:09 AM
I agree with most of you, but learn how to spell words correctly. It is ignorant people like you who give great states like Kentucky a bad name.
Posted by: Elliott Location: Kingsport tn on Feb 10, 2008 at 05:32 PM
My wife is from Corbin and I visit regularly. I see NO reason for that homeowner to be prosecuted, even if a. they weren't breaking into his house but into his car, b. several incidents have occurred previously. why? ITS HIS PROPERTY. plain and simple. I would stipulate that it might be easier on the fella if he puts up a no trespassing sign though. I'm sure folks that live around him know that its not a healthy idea to go poking around his property after dark. To the anonymous poster: to address the lack of evidence of an intruder..would YOU stick around if someone was shooting at you? umm helloooo! What I see here isn't excitement. this is a general consensus held by many people. Its hard enough to make a decent living in NE TN/SE Kentucky without someone stealing what you've worked hard to have.
Posted by: johnny Location: ky on Feb 9, 2008 at 08:39 AM
i dont blame the man that shot at the suspect trying to break in his car.but how closet was it to another house.i probly would have done the same thing.but if i didnt hit him i would not have told the police nothing about it.i know some people wont like to hear this but if he had killed this man they would have tried him for murder.the law is not on your side even tho he was protecting his property.that is not right but that is how the court system works.pleas dont think i am holden up for the thief because i am not.
Posted by: curtev Location: evarts on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:02 PM
If he breaks into my property he becomes a carry out 'nuff said
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Whitley on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:09 PM
According to records, this is not the first answered call of the same nature at this residence.This is at least the third time out there.Each time no evidence of an intruder.Before we get so excited , we should know all the facts.
Posted by: Charlie Location: Lexington on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:58 PM
The homeowner should be given a medal and funds to take a firearms course that would help him hit the scumbag. If the homeowner were to be charged I will make a donation to a defense fund. Don't try my house, your luck might end.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 7, 2008 at 05:34 PM
yes u can have a gun in your house in ky.and im glad its that way. its law u can.and if some one brakes in on me or temps to im shore they wont do it again,mr smith is my friend. and wont let me down.
Posted by: T Location: Harris on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Regardless of what state and what oridance, I would have tried to get him with the shot. Shotgun pellets won't do any harm at a long distance, so other homes should never be in danger. Get close enought o hit the guy in first place. Firing wildy to scare is dumb. This guy apparently was close enough to have hit the thief. I would have no problem with my neighbors firing at a thief with a shotgun. Definitely, I wouln't use any other type of gun near other homes to shoot at a thief unless point blank range. As far as the police, I would call them if the guy was left laying in my yard. Otherwise, forget it. They won't help, they don't care. They just get all jacked up and go after someone that has directly commited some type of offense in their presence, like a working guy trying to make it on time to work. This is much more profitable than investigating who broke into my home or car.
Posted by: Rob Location: London on Feb 7, 2008 at 02:00 PM
In some Countries it is illegal to even own a gun....Give me a break!!!In Ky it is legal to own a gun and it is legal to defend what is mine.If you don't think so,come to my home and try to take something.I may be on trial for shooting at you,but it is going to be hard for you to testify against me when you are dead....my word against...my word.What I have worked hard for is mine and noone is going to come and take it from me.NOONE!!!!!If they try they are going to be shot!!! All you bleeding -heart liberals need to move to somewhere where you are wanted and keep your mouth shut!!!Wht is mine is mine,not yours and you are absolutely not going to tell me how to protect my things or myself!!!!!File charges if you want to,but I will do the same thing over and over!!!!
Posted by: LP Location: London,Ky. on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:44 PM
If you think for a moment that you are going to get help from the police of Southeastern Ky. in a personal property theft, you are crazy. If you don't believe me call them up next time you have something stolen and see how much they do for you. They act as if you are an undue burden on them. Bravo to this homeowner for taking matters into his own hands, it's about time some one stands up for their property. As for charges, I would say bring it on, lets see how far you get with a jury of good ole country people.
Posted by: keith Location: harlan on Feb 7, 2008 at 09:14 AM
plain and simple if someone comes on your property or in ur house and you feel scared for your life then put some led to them what can you get charged for its self-defense
Posted by: c Location: fkt on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I agree with you James, NO CHARGES SHOULD BE FILED AGAINST THIS HOMEOWNER, WHOSE WAS PROTECTING WHAT HE HAS WORKED FOR! Go after the (edited) theft and leave the homeowner alone! I would have done the same thing! All law abiding citizen are going to have to start protecting what's theirs because the law cannot! So leave the homeowner alone!
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 7, 2008 at 01:44 AM
some one comes at my house to brake in they can kiss there butt goodby..cause i will put them out of busines. try me see if u make it to the woods.dont think so.
Posted by: swqd Location: nvle on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:27 AM
It's pretty bad that a homeowner can't even defend his own home and property. Do you have to wait for something bad to happen on your own property, then call the police, who will just take a report and then leave? America, land of the free?
Posted by: Bill Location: south east ky on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Way to go. Teach these thieves a lesson. The problem is in most cases the home owner gets ridiculed for this.
Posted by: Rick Location: Georgetown on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:46 PM
The guy shot a criminal. SO WHAT? But I agree with some of the other posters. Originally the guy broke into the house and police followed a blood trail. Regardless. good job my friend! We need to show the scum that crime doesn't pay.
Posted by: Joyce Location: Bell County on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Way to go! This could have ended up like the one we had in our county where a 94 year old man was beaten to death in his home. I imagine drugs had a play in both, so I think it could have come down to a you or me thing and the homeowner chose to protect himself. Sad we have to take such measures. We gotta do what we gotta do.
Posted by: kymom Location: lex on Feb 6, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Cudos to the homeowner! This would-be-thief needs to count his blessings that he even got away! I think that bringing charges against the homeowner is ridiculous! I'm sorry, but most of us work hard for the things we have and I for one am not gonna let some punk who's too lazy to get a real job come and try to take what is rightfully mine! Maybe we'd all be better off if we took a stand for what's right just as this homeowner did!
Posted by: J Location: KY on Feb 6, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Way to go homeowner!! don't blame you! I would've done the same.
Posted by: James Location: Haywood on Feb 6, 2008 at 05:26 PM
It is my belief and positon that no charges should be brought against the hoome owner who shot at the robber. The shots could have been in the air on into the ground. Since the robber was not shot or injured there is no basis to charge him. I believ that all persons have the right to protect themselves and their property which was the case here. Should the homeowner be charge I believe that all citizens shoul pitch in and help him.
Posted by: Chris Location: SE KY on Feb 6, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Todd, you are correct in that some cities and counties have firearms discharge ordinances. My county doesn't, and far as I know neither does Whitley (esp. Canadatown), where this incident occurred. You are also correct that in some states, a warning shot is illegal. Kentucky has no such statute. The definition of "deadly physical force" in KRS503.010 makes it clear that the force must be used with the purpose of causing death or serious physical injury, or create a substantial risk of such. A warning shot fired into the air does present a substantial risk to others, having no control over where that projectile is going to come down (careless, reckless; i.e. shooting toward a residence,populated area, or across a roadway). Though not illegal, you will be held accountable if someone is killed or injured, even if you had no intent of harm. I truly thank God that I live in Kentucky and not some liberal anti-gun state! Note the overwhelming majority of posts have been in the shooters favor.
Posted by: Barb Location: Lexington on Feb 6, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Every one who feels the homeowner was in the right needs to join the NRA. They are the ones who are continually fighting to protect the 2nd amendment. They need your support to do this. Also, if you haven't taken your 'concealed carry class', do that soon and get your permit to carry your protection with you. People aren't just threatened at home, danger comes daily.
Posted by: lone wolf2 Location: eastern ky on Feb 6, 2008 at 02:39 PM
way to go its amazing what a good dose of lead poison a do for a thief betcha he was singing i saw the light when he was hooking up an getting out of there
Posted by: Melvin Location: Frankfort on Feb 6, 2008 at 02:21 PM
The only mistake the homeowner made was telling the cops that he shot at the would-be burglar. If you think the police are going to help you recover any stolen property, think again.
Posted by: jane Location: corbin on Feb 6, 2008 at 02:04 PM
I'd shoot too!
Posted by: Todd Location: Lexington on Feb 6, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Chris, check your local ordnances. In some cities / counties it is illegal to discharge a firearm within a certain distance of a residence. To say no charges would be filed is speculative. In some states warning shots are illegal. Deadly force is just that, regardless of intent.
Posted by: Wendy Weinbaum Location: Dallas, TX USA on Feb 6, 2008 at 01:24 PM
As a Jewess in the US, I would like to remind all that America wasn't won with a registered gun. And that criminals are not stopped by talk, but by FIREARMS. That is why all REAL Americans put our 2nd Amendment FIRST!!
Posted by: Chris Location: SE KY on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:27 AM
For all they (the law) know this could just have been a warning shot. That's not illegal. The home invasion law doesn't cover an unoccupied vehicle, so they could in reality charge him if he shot AT the scum. Breaking into a vehicle that isn't occupied doesn't put anyone in "fear for their life" per the statutes. Deadly force isn't authorized to protect property (except from arson to a building). The lawmakers need to listen to the people and make the use of deadly force applicable to protect any and all personal property, regardless of occupancy. I would claim that it was just a warning shot fired into the ground to scare the useless piece of human trash. No charges could be filed then.
Posted by: Bill Location: Paxton on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:13 AM
It is really sad to think we might have to face legal ramifications for protecting ourselves and our property. Blame the victim, great idea!
Posted by: cindy lee Location: whitley co on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:05 AM
It's a shame that thieves have more rights than anyone else. What has our juistice system coming to? I'd be dang if some idiot low life try to steal my stuff without paying for it. We protect our selves and our belongs but creeps like this wouldn't pull a day but we would have the book thrown at us. The justice system is a joke.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:03 AM
This story apparently has changed. Yesterday is was the persons home was broken into and today it is his car was being broken into. Which is it? I also agree that it seems that the criminals have more rights than law abiding citizens. A person should be able to defend their home and property with appropriate force.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Authorities say they are not ruling out possible charges against the homeowner. This is crap. WKYT better keep us all updated on this story so if charges are brought, we can all show up at the homeowner's court date and protest the charges against him. On a somewhat-related note, I have recently heard that if someone breaks into your home and is injured by falling, tripping, dog attack, etc, they can sue the homeowner. So I'm telling you, if someone breaks in on me, I will shoot to kill so there is no chance of a law suit later.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Corbin on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:28 AM
This is the kind of thing that happens when drugs take over your community. This area of Whitley County is stricken with dope heads and drug dealers. No charges should be filed against the homeowner for protecting their property from dope heads.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: frankfort on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:44 AM
It's better to be tried by 6 ,Then carried by 6. he did the right thing.
Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Make sure if you have to shoot someone around your home, make sure he's inside your house. (legal reasons)
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 6, 2008 at 08:56 AM
There is about 0% chance ANY charges are going to be filed against the homeowner.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 6, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Use a shotgun next time, spread pattern makes it hard to miss a thief. 12 gauge Buckshot preferrably.
Posted by: CB Location: KY on Feb 6, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I can't see how any charges should be filed against the homeowner...Don't we have a right to protect ourselves and our property? Criminals do have the right to a fair trial, but should NOT have more rights than the law-abiding segment of society. Seems this is what's happening way too much..."Justice" is no longer "just" unless you're a criminal.
Posted by: mike Location: burnside ky on Feb 6, 2008 at 08:23 AM
country justice!!we need more of it..to help with our over crowded jails and dwindling state budgets........
Posted by: david Location: somerset on Feb 6, 2008 at 07:48 AM
i would have done the same,if everyone done this and these bad guys would learn, something the court system isnt doing anymore.
Posted by: Paul Location: Lexington on Feb 6, 2008 at 07:28 AM
It's a sad state of affairs when a person cant defend their self without having to defend against the Law.I carry a 45 automatic and if I have to defend myself or property the thief wont be far away.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 6, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Not ruling out charges against the homeowner?! Some justice system..looking out for the riff-raff and punish someone who was defending property he had worked for. How's that fair?
Posted by: jesse Location: Lexington on Feb 6, 2008 at 02:37 AM
Police might charge the victim? There is something very wrong with our society when criminals have more rights than the victims of crime.
Posted by: bpmadsx Location: Jenkins on Feb 6, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Charges against the homeowner??? !!! Ohh now we cannot even protect our own property you know this country really is SCREWED UP! If they charge him with anything they are just plain STUPID and that is INJUSTICE in my book!
Posted by: Fed up on Feb 5, 2008 at 11:24 PM
The homeowner deserves a medal. It is high time the law protected the legal citizens instead of thugs, dopeheads and thieves.
Posted by: JON Location: PIKE on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
charges my eye. give him some shootin lessons
Posted by: Tom Location: Brady on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Do you really think a bullet is justified for a car break in? A home break in maybe...but a car? The homeowner would have gone to jail if he hit him.
Posted by: M Location: Winchester on Feb 5, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Lets ask these questions: Just how full is the jail/prison system in KY right now? How long does it take the court system to push through a convition if this perp was caught? How many tax $ are lost everytime we as tax payers put this person through the system on our dime? What exactly was the perp going to make on the radar dectector, radio, or cb had he got it out of the car. My last question is what church or homeless shelter was he going to donate this to in order for a child to have a meal? If you answer any of those questions with anything other than "The gun owner should get a pat on the back," then you have never had anything stolen and you have no clue just how scared a human being can be if they think their or their family's life is in danger of being ended over a 2 bit criminal who just wants to sell their items for that next fix. I applaud this gentleman and hope that scum was hit right in the hind-end. This should be an example to all those scums that live off us.
Posted by: Ron Location: Hazard, KY on Feb 5, 2008 at 07:42 PM
It figures that the man trying to protect what belongs to him would possibly be charged with a "crime"...The only crime committed here is that he missed...
Posted by: Rhonda Location: Morehead on Feb 5, 2008 at 07:21 PM
YOU GO HOMEOWNER!!! If more howmeowners had their guns handy, maybe the crime rate would drop, the court system obviously is not working! I would hate to see the homeowner charged for protecting his or her property. The laws support the criminals instead of victims.
Posted by: Thumbs Up To Homeowner Location: ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 07:11 PM
I don't blame the homeownwer one bit. Just wished he would have hit the trash that tried to get his car. It's crazy that the cops would think of pressing charges against the homeowner though. He was only trying to protect himself and the valuables he worked hard for. I bet those folls won't try anything else at that mans house. Good job!!!!
Posted by: Law abiding citizen Location: Lexington on Feb 5, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Possible charges against the homeowner? Give me a break! This criminal was on this man's property and obviously he wasn't there to mow the yard. We should all be able to defend ourselves and our property. Period. Message to all the would be thieves: "If you plan to wrong someone, in any way, be prepared...you have no idea who you may be dealing with."
Posted by: Dean Location: Floyd c on Feb 5, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Bang! Bang! You could be dead. Is getting high worth losing your life? More people need to take the offensive against such people.
Posted by: Bart Location: Harrodsburg on Feb 5, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Good thing this didn't happen in Lexington. Ray Larson would have charged him with a crime.
Posted by: Jack Location: Lee County on Feb 5, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Matthew 24:43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
Posted by: Chadwick Location: Georgetown on Feb 5, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I love it!!!!! Too bad the homeowner didn't aim between the eyes.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Georgetown on Feb 5, 2008 at 04:28 PM
WAY TO GO!!!!! Too bad they couldn't find the thug so he'd be bleeding AND in jail.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 5, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Why are you people thinking this way. I'm sure the home owner did not want to kill the intruder or he would have. If he had have killed him, he would have to live with that the rest of his life. That would be hard to do, knowing you took a life. I pray that he is alright and doesn't do anything like that again.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 5, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Dang it! Squeeze the trigger, don't jerk it!
Posted by: JC Location: Madison Co on Feb 5, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Good for the home owner. If the thugs had been arrested, they would have just gotten a slap on the hand from our wonderful legal system. Everyone should be that prepared and maybe people would stop this breaking in.
Posted by: me Location: ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Good for the homeowner. We all need to start standing up to the home invaders. Stand up with a 38 hog leg in your hand and it will detter them real fast! The young people are trying to take over and I swear it is all because the dang GOVERNMENT won't let us bust their little tails anymore when they misbehave. See what all you do gooders did out there!
Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Feb 5, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Get a bigger gun, apparently your calibre isn't big enough. Then go to the range and shoot for a while to get your practice down pat. Then burglars will fear coming anywhere near your home, which is how its supposed to be. Next time put the bullet in their head and have a copy of KRS 503.055 enacted in 2006 that states that the law presumes you to be in fear of your life if someone unlawfully or forcibly enters your home, with some exceptions of course (police, family, custody issues, etc).
Posted by: BS Location: Ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Good enough for scum breaking into a person's home.
Posted by: Joe Location: Bery on Feb 5, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Good job!!! I give you an A for effort,But the key to being a better shot is practice. Remember when being questioned about this just keep saying you were in fear for your life and what happened next is blank!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: aka Location: work on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Great for You
Posted by: Wow Location: RIchmond on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:51 AM
CONGRATULATIONS to the home owner and I hope the wound was fatal if not causes the B@#$%^& to have to wear a colostomy bag for life littlone voiding his chanced of contaminating the earth with his offspring. This is KENTUCKY and response times for most areas are very slow for many reasons including geography and lack of road planning. If it takes even 2 minutes for police to responds to a violent invasions its too late and fatal. Imagine waiting 45minutes and the ambulance beats the cops but too bad your already dead. The report on this does seem to try to incriminate the home owner as some sort of vigilante. If this was on purpose the author should be ashamed. But if its just a summary of the full article thats also understood. ANyone that objects to the justice that has been served needs to read into Kys new "castle defense law". If some one threatens you any where you are legally allowed to be (home. work, grocery stores) you are legally allowed to protect yourself.
Posted by: Ernie Location: Manchester U.K. on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Wish we could do the same over here in the U.K.
Posted by: Side-Show Willie Location: The Big Top on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Give this man or woman a Cuppy doll!
Posted by: Shawn Location: Booneville on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:07 AM
The homeowner should have aimed better or had a bigger gun, then there would be no problem finding the burglar.thats why I keep my .45 very handy and not a 9mm. But the way our system is these days they will arrest the homeowner and the burglar will sue and collect about a half million.
Posted by: Tom Location: Rockcastle on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:55 AM
The wording of the report seemed to imply that the homeowner was some type of vigilante. A person that unlawfully breaks and enters your home while you're at home is probably coming for you at least as much as, if not only, for property. Even the US Supreme Court has said that there is no obligation on the part of law enforcement to protect individuals, and rural response times are greater than in urban times. Why is an individual taking responsibility for his or her family's safety a bad thing?
Posted by: j Location: Ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Way to go! A person in their own home minding their own business has every right to defend themselves if trouble comes barging through the door.
Posted by: t Location: ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:21 AM
my hat is off to this home owner! this is one way to reduce the crime rate ky, lexington home owners should contact this guy for tips.
Posted by: mje Location: lex on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Way to take things into your own hands. You should be commended.
Posted by: absolutely Location: awsome on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Hey intruder! Come on back, were home... Bet he dont come here no more!!!!
Posted by: Me! Location: Ky on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Maybe the scum crawled off like a coyote and died somewhere!!!!Let the scavengers pick 'em clean.
Posted by: Kevin Location: Kentucky on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Good for the homeowner. If more of these thugs got shot, I bet they would start thinking twice.
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