Homeowner has surprise for burglars - Intruders ambushed on third visit

Houston Chronicle ^ | Oct. 11, 2002, 11:21PM | PEGGY O'HARE

[Bowana]

"We'd prefer that nobody gets hurt at all. Better to make sure the place is locked up well," Chase said.

Excuse Me?

Undeterred, Schwin bought plywood and two more locks for the door, determined to transform his home into a veritable fortress.

So Houston Police Department Sgt. J.R. Chase, how much more is a citizen supposed to do to "make sure the place is locked up well"?

[Greeklawyer]

Actually, the law still holds a mans home is is castle. Sleeping with a shotgun nearby is not a crime. Defending agains a home invader is not a crime.

Remember certain buzzwords. "I was in fear for my life"
"imminent physical harm" "protecting my family" "I saw something metalic in his hand that looked like a gun/weapon"

In most states a home invasion is an automatic felony. Some states have a mandatory sentence. Many states now have sentence guidelines that mandate 80-90% of the sentence must be served regardless of good behavior.

Last , they could charge the homeowner but they have to find a jury to convict him.

[TC Rider]

I think they would frown on a man being shot in the back on a public street as he ran away from the homeowner.

Amen.

He should have given them both barrels as they entered his home. Back shooting fleeing criminals will land you in jail in NC.

[Greeklawyer]

Not quite, drug use is considered intentional intoxication. Under the law that does not immunize your actions. Years and years ago DWI (aka DUI) offenders used to claim the decision to drive was a result of impaird decision making from being drunk. It evolved to, you were sober before your became intoxicated and should have made provisions.

Assuming mandatory sentences, he can get treatment in jail.

Footnote: His partner can be senteced for the fact someone got shot during the commissison of a felony. In criminal acts ALL perpetrators can be equally charged for injuries.

[Brad C.]

Exactly, one step through the door and the perp is a dead man, though bird shot may not have been the best choice. It may sound some what cold hearted, but with any luck a shot in the doorway would keep the carpet from getting stained.

[Gorzaloon]

With respect, I strenuously disagree with your point. Even in Communist California, they have the "Homeowners' Protection Act."

And even in the Peoples' Republic of Massachusetts, the "Castle Law" states that "It shall be a defense that the person was in his home.." (Ch.131, limitations on use of Deadly Force).

At one time we did have a law that stated a victim was expected to flee the home, but even here, that was regarded as scandalously absurd.

[GailA]

Doesn't do you any good to lock up well if they cut your phone lines and kick in your doors. Locked doors and windows are a not a real deterant to criminals..just to the home owner who locked themselves out of their house.

[TC Rider]

Exactly, one step through the door and the perp is a dead man, though bird shot may not have been the best choice.

I prefer Rottweiler buck shot. Nothing like a fistfull of 9mm lead balls to discourage home entry. Actually it wouldn't deter the perps, once they met the Rottweiler, they would be past deterence. Hopefully it would make an impression on the wannabe bad guys. (The main reason I bought the Rottweiler was that I like the name. Rrrrrr)

BTW, Mr. Glock is still my primary home defense weapon for all the right reasons.

[Mark17]

Remember certain buzzwords. "I was in fear for my life" "imminent physical harm" "protecting my family" "I saw something metalic in his hand that looked like a gun/weapon"

Thanks, I will certainly remember all those words.

[RightOnline]

"Because of the potential dangers, police don't recommend that homeowners confront burglars the way Schwin did. "We'd prefer that nobody gets hurt at all. Better to make sure the place is locked up well," Chase said..."

No, Chase, you blithering moron.........YOU'D prefer that we citizens just become passive victims, only to have you a**holes show up just in time to write up a little report and casually tell us that there's not a go**amned thing they can do about it and the perps won't be caught because they (the cops) have more important things to do.

Cops like this Chase character just chap my a**.