Posted on 03/05/2005 6:50:07 PM PST by Mr. Mojo
Raleigh resident won't face charges, police say
Charges won't be filed against a Raleigh homeowner who shot and killed an intruder early Friday.
Police said William J. Harmon, 42, whose last known address was in Millington, died at the scene after a single gunshot wound to the chest. Harmon had a lengthy criminal record, according to court records.
"They (the attorney general's office) declined to prosecute because of the inference of self-defense," Memphis Police Insp. Matt McCann said Friday. "They're in their home. He kicks in the door. They don't know him. They are afraid for their lives. He did what he felt he needed to do."
The homeowner, identified as Bob Pritchett, declined to discuss the shooting.
Harmon's police record included aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, domestic assault, carrying a pistol and vandalism. Additionally, there were several charges of public intoxication and a charge of driving under the influence, and someone filed a protection order twice against Harmon. The computerized court records did not indicate who sought the protection.
McCann described what happened about 12:45 a.m. Friday at the Raleigh area home:
Harmon "started banging and kicking on the door. The homeowner called 911 saying something to the effect of, 'Someone is trying to get into my house.'"
Several minutes later, but before police arrived at the home on Raleigh Millington Road near St. Elmo, McCann said Harmon "kicked the door in and came rushing in."
That's when the homeowner shot him.
Pritchett called police again and told them the intruder had been shot. McCann said police have no motive for the break-in.
Brenda Ward with the county Health Department said the medical examiner ruled Harmon died of that single gunshot wound to the chest. Toxicology reports have been sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab. Alcohol results are expected in two or three weeks, and the drug findings generally take between one and two months.
"Harmon had a lengthy criminal record, according to court records."
The Second Amendment works!
One shot, one kill.
Another one bites the dust.
I'm guessing a shotgun was used.
Music to my ears
Its a good thing he was not in England!
Good for Mr. Pritchett. Sounds like his intruder got exactly what he earned.
Did he breed?
Wise move.
And I hope this has a chilling effect on all would-be home invaders.
Another case of self administered fatal lead poisoning...
"They're in their home. He kicks in the door. They don't know him. They are afraid for their lives. He did what he felt he needed to do."
That's what I always say. I'm in MY home. NO ONE has a right to kick in my door. Glad the owner took action.
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Harmon "started banging and kicking on the door. The homeowner called 911 saying something to the effect of, 'Someone is trying to get into my house.'"
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"Its a good thing he was not in England!"
Amen brother. God bless our founding fathers!
"Toxicology reports have been sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab."
Acute Lead poisoning
maybe he was just a good center on shot with a handgun..I'd rather have the short barreled shotgun myself
Bravo! And God have mercy on the poor bastard that makes a hostile shadow across my front door - may there never be one.
Great demonstration of gun control, Mr. Pritchett. Society should pay you bounty for another career criminal who got early retirement.
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