Posted on 02/03/2012 9:10:38 AM PST by marktwain
BALDWIN HILLS - Quick thinking and a sharpshooter's aim enabled an 87-year-old retired postal worker to thwart an attempted burglary and critically wound one of two burglars trying to break into his Baldwin Hills home, police said.
Jack Goodwin, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, told police he was listening to a Lakers game when he heard the rear window breaking in his house in the 5300 block of Rodeo Road around 9 p.m. Tuesday night.
Fearing for his life, Goodwin said he armed himself with a handgun, walked down his hall and opened fire when he saw the intruders, critically wounding one and sending the other fleeing, police said.
The wounded suspect, who was hospitalized, will face felony burglary charges, as will his accomplice, when he's caught, police said.
Goodwin, who was acting in self defense, was not expected to be charged with any crime.
Anyone with information on the burglar who fled was urged to call Los Angeles Police Department Criminal Gang Homicide Division Detective Mike Applegate at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters can also call the 24-hour tip line, (877) LAPD-24-7.
Good for him. More people need to think about what they would do if they were inn this situation.
Thomas Jefferson didn’t argue for an armed citizenry for no reason. Good job.
Disappointed city and county officials said.
California currently has Castle Doctrine law precluding criminal charges or civil tort for home defense, but it hasn't always been that way. 25 years ago Goodwin would have gotten a lengthy prison sentence and the burglars would have gotten everything he owned, unless a jury nullified.
Good shooting, Citizen. Civilization thanks you.
70 years later, still takin' out the trash. Thank you for your service, sir, against enemies foreign AND domestic.
Baldwin Hills is the most upscale black neighborhood in Los Angeles. It is sometimes referred to as the black Beverly Hills.
I’ll second that!
Well and truly stated. DITTOS
Love stories like this - I hope I grow up and be just like him.
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