Posted on 10/06/2004 12:48:54 AM PDT by Jaysun
I was sitting in my study tonight when I heard something at my front door. I already knew that my family was in bed, so I retrieved my pistol before going to investigate. As I got closer to the foyer I could hear the doorknob jingling. The motion lights were on, so I was sure that someone was trying to get into the house.
I stopped at the doorway into our dining room where I had a clear view of the front door. I cocked my revolver, aimed at the door, and waited. Suddenly this swings open and this guy steps into the house. I hadn’t said anything at this point, and my heart was hammering away like a sewing machine.
I said, “Stop! What are you doing?” I didn’t yell it at him, mostly because I was too nervous to muster anything much louder than a normal tone. He looks around to see where my voice was coming from and when he saw me with a gun aimed at his face he freaked out.
He immediately dropped what looked like a gym bag and threw his hands into the air. He took his eyes off of me, ducked his head, and started bending at his knees to get into a kneeling position. I kept my aim trained on his head. He was saying, “SH*T SH*T DON’T SHOOT! OH GOD DON’T SHOOT, OH SH*T!…” So I said, “Do not move! What in the hell are you doing in my house?” At this point I was both angry and scared at the same time.
He said, “I’m here to stay with Patricia…..my Aunt Patricia…I’m from New York and I’m here for the week.” Of course, there is no Patricia here, and I told him as much. By this time, my wife had awakened and she alerted me to that fact by letting out a shrill yelp. I told her to get the phone and call the police. He continued to insist that he was here to stay with Patricia. Somewhere in there he also mentioned someone named Dan. Then it dawned on me. Dan and Patricia are my neighbors. I told Melanie to call them and ask if they were expecting company.
Dan and Patricia confirmed his story so I lowered my gun. They walked over and he finally stopped hyperventilating long enough for us to figure out what happened. Patricia had mailed him a house key in a letter a few weeks ago. At that time he wasn’t sure exactly when he’d be here, and they wanted to make sure he could get in if they were out of town (they just got back).
So he followed her directions, came to what he thought was her house, put the key in the lock, and turned the knob. Their key unlocks my door and vice versa. We have no idea how we ended up with two doorknobs with matching locks. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
Anyway, I just sat back down and I’m still somewhat shaken. He has no idea (or maybe he does) how close I came to blowing his head off when he walked in the door. His name is Kevin. He ended the night by saying, “Damn! I knew Alabama was going to be different, but I though that I’d at least get my bags unpacked before almost being killed.”
Whew. I’m still shaken. Just thought I’d share this bizarre event with you guys.
I loved the 32 magnums.
Have several shotguns and two rifles.
Two 12 pumps, a 20 and two bolt action 22's that aren't really good for anything.
Thank God for protecting you and the other man...
Dan, Patricia and ADG (almost dead guy) owe you dinner, at least, and maybe a new door lock from Home Depot.
I had somebody tell me that if someone broke into my home,
and I shot at them, that I'd better make sure I killed them. Aim for the head. It was a police officer that told me that. I don't know if I could be as calm as you were.
LOL!
First, having experienced the "Oh-my-God-I-don't-want-to-shoot" TERROR of having to draw down on somebody (12 gauge pump, double-aught buck, 1 round chambered, 4 in the mag, safety OFF), I understand that armed self-defense is no laughing matter.
Second, your fire discipline is praiseworthy. I believe I'd have shot the minute that door started swinging open -- probably wouldn't have shot to kill, but I'd have shot something.
But third: HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! Welcome to Alabama, Kevin -- and won't you have a story to tell your buddies when you get back to New York! I dare say all of Kevin's friends in New York will be VERY CAREFUL if they ever set foot in Alabama!
Congrats on your self-control and situation assessment, J. I use a Remy 870 Synthetic Tactical 12ga, and a Kimber "Eclipse Target II" 1911A1 .45cal ACP - my carry piece - for home intrusion work.
I was robbed and shot with a .32 mag on 7/14/74, so I know it does the job.
Nice going, man.
If you go to HomeDepot you will also find that the doorknob sets off the shelf are coded on the box- and that you can go through their stock and find matching codes on several boxes yet only need half of what you find. Anyone could purchase the remaining ones with the same code so it's nearly as certainty that someone out there has a key to fit your house. These codes are for people who want the same key to open all their doors.
Why? Single action?
sorry...nanny at work editing c o c k e d
Where I used to live some old geezers shot and killed a drunk college kid through their sliding glass door. He was "confused" and apparently thought their house was his.
We have no idea how we ended up with two doorknobs with matching locks. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
If your home is in a housing development where all were built by the same contractor it is not unusual. Locks are bought in quantity.
Nice job keeping your composure.
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