Posted on 03/21/2002 11:29:12 AM PST by Alissa
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Woman, 90, canes burglary suspect, 21 -- learns later he was wanted in connection with rape case By JANA RYAN Staff Writer STAMPS -- A Stamps man who turned out to be a suspect in a rape case had burglary plans thwarted last Thursday when his 90-year-old victim beat him with her cane and escaped to a neighbor's house. Stamps Police Chief Rob Drake and Officer Charles Lamb responded to a 5:05 a.m. 911 call from Illa Hooper, who told officers that a man was in her home on Antigo Street -- U.S. 82 in Stamps. The following day, James Sharp, 21, of Stamps, was arrested by Drake and charged with breaking and entering. Sharp offered a confession to the crime and a $10,000 bond was set. Police learned after Sharp's arrest that he was a suspect in on-going sexual relationship with a 13-year-old juvenile. Sharp has been charged with the rape of the juvenile in that case. Hooper told the Banner-News of Magnolia that on Thursday morning, a bright light awakened her and at first she thought it had been lightning. The light turned out to be a flashlight and Hooper soon realized that a man was in her bedroom. Hooper grabbed her cane that she keeps at the head of her bed and struck the man two to three times across his back, telling him to get out of her house or she would get her gun and shoot him. She got around the man and ran from her home. She crossed the highway to a neighbor's house where she called for help. During the investigation, it was discovered that the thief had attempted to enter the Hooper residence from a back window and a side door before gaining entrance through the front door of the home. Gaining entry, he went through cabinets and drawers and even helped himself to a soft drink out of the refrigerator. Hooper's wallet was also missing. Hooper, who will turn 91 on May 15, said she has known Sharp since he was 13 years old, but had not seen the young man in nearly two years. "I wish it wouldn't have happened," said Hooper. "The man needs help. Although I'm the most tender-hearted thing, I believe he broke man's law and God's law." Hooper said she was so frightened by the incident that she could not recall whether she ran out her front door of her home or the side door that opens up onto her carport. She said she could not even remember if there had been any traffic when she crossed the busy highway in front of her home. Hooper, better known as "Miss Ike" to her friends, is a woman of strong heart and full of vitality. Weather permitting, she can be seen cultivating the flowers in her yard and up until medical conditions interfered, could be seen almost daily at the Stamps City Park "power walking." Hooper was born and raised in Union County and retired in 1972 after working 41 years as an executive secretary. She describes herself as leading an active life and loving sports -- she was a guard on her high school basketball team. Regarding last Thursday's events, Hooper said, "God took care of me. God has been good to me and I give him praise and glory." According to Lafayette County Investigator Scott Jones, the Sheriff's Office received a fax from Arkansas State Police alleging that Sharp may have been involved in an on-going sexual relationship with a 13-year-old juvenile. Jones said prior to receiving the fax, the Sheriff's Office was not aware that an investigation into Sharp and the alleged crime was being conducted by State Police. The juvenile confirmed the relationship and Sharp confessed guilt, according to officers. Sharp, who was already incarcerated in the Lafayette County Jail, was also charged with rape and bond was set at $100,000.
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My grandmother used to walk to the store in East Oakland with her little wheeled bag carrier. One day a mugger came and grabbed her purse, and without thinking, she swung that little aluminum cart around and slammed it into the would-be muggers face. Then she walked around the corner of the store and got the security guard to go get him.
Go granny go!
/john
Mom?
Know what...
Right on.
When I grow up I want to be just like her.
Whooo-hooo! Go granny, go granny, go granny go!
You go, girl!
That's what an ambitious DA is going to claim as "Granny" is charged with assault.
LOL! I hope I'd be as clear-headed and decisive today, at age 53! Granny should open a self-defense school.
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