Attempt to steal truck foiled by owner’s gunshots

One of the principal issues in the current debate over gun control laws is whether gun ownership makes homeowners and their property safe from robbery and other crimes. A recent incident near Belleville provides at least some anecdotal evidence to support the advocates for minimal restrictions on firearm ownership.

According to reports, a homeowner was awakened during the night by noises at the front door, and he went to the door to investigate. The man was carrying his 9mm pistol. After opening the door, he saw a man trying to drive away in his pickup truck, which was parked in the driveway. He heard the truck’s engine start and he saw the truck begin to move. The homeowner stood in the driveway and fired two shots at the windshield of the truck as it moved toward him. Neither shot hit the truck or the alleged thief, but the thief reversed direction and tried to back out of the driveway. He hit two other vehicles that were parked in the driveway, and he abandoned the truck and attempted to flee on foot.

When police arrived, the owner was unhurt, but the suspect had already fled the scene. A search led to the arrest of the suspect a few blocks away. After completing their investigation, the police decided that the homeowner’s actions, including the firing of his pistol, were reasonable, and no charges were filed against him. The suspect was charged with one count of burglary.

The suspect in this case is facing a serious criminal charge, and he may benefit from consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney. The means by which the police identified the suspect have not been disclosed, and it is not clear if the man admitted that he was attempting to steal the truck. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to use these uncertainties to craft a successful defense, or at least to provide the basis for a favorable plea negotiation.