A retired police officer was asleep in his Puyallup, Wash. home, when a group of four burglars, one armed with a crowbar, broke in. Upon becoming aware of the burglary, the homeowner retrieved a gun and fired on the criminals, causing them to flee.
A short time later, police were contacted when a man showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. The wounded criminal did not survive, but police were able to track down his two accomplices that had dropped him off. A search of their vehicle uncovered stolen property, leading police to believe that the group is responsible for a string of burglaries.
Police have been supportive of the homeowner’s use of force, with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Detective Ed Troyer stating, “At this point, if people enter your house and they’re armed with a crowbar – if you’re out doing burglaries and doing that – there’s a strong chance you’re going to get shot. People are able to defend their lives and their homes.” (KOMO, Seattle, Wash. 04/04/12)