Preparedness
Tampa Homeowner Shoots, Kills Intruder in Dead of Night
In a recent incident in Tampa, Florida, a homeowner reported to police that he had shot a burglar who had broken into his home in the dead of night, with the alleged intruder falling victim to his wounds. Local law enforcement in Tampa were alerted to a burglary at the Palmetto Beach Community, with officers arriving on scene at around 4:19 AM on Saturday.
The police were met by the resident of the home, located on the 1300 block of South Bermuda Boulevard, who informed them that he had used a firearm against a man attempting to enter his property via a window. The Tampa police revealed to WTVT-TV that the homeowner remained at the site of the incident and was fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Upon searching the property, officers discovered a male, believed to be in his early 40s, who had been fatally wounded by the gunshot. WTVT-TV reported that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat following the incident, with the homeowner fully cooperating with investigators. The incident was also widely discussed by the local community, with many commenters on the news station’s Facebook page expressing their support for the actions of the homeowner.
One user commended the homeowner’s actions, stating: “Standing your ground against somebody who wants to harm you and saving the taxpayers money — good job!! Essentially you saved other people’s lives because he can’t do it again.”
Another commenter stressed the consequences of criminal actions, stating: “Actions have consequences. I guess the intruder found that out for himself.”
Further comments reflected the sentiment of preparedness and self-defense prevalent within the community. One individual stated: “I have a feeling that a lot of people are going to f*** around and find out in Florida. We keep more than pistols around here. All legal; all handled properly; all for our protection. One under the pillow, too.”
Another sternly warned potential criminals, saying: “Let that be a lesson learned for others; you intrude, you leave in a body bag — period.”
While other comments highlighted the homeowners’ rights to protect their property and themselves, with one pointing out: “The homeowner had every right to. Break into my house, and you will meet your maker lickity split.”
This incident serves as a reminder that the act of home invasion carries serious risks, with another user questioning: “When are these criminals gonna realize that people go to bed with a gun under their pillow?”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
T. Moyer
July 24, 2024 at 11:18 am
While is fear of immediate or serious deadly harm to yourself or another, and home invasion of an occupied dwelling is exactly that, an individual has the right, and the responsibility, to defend themselves and others.
Leon Redbone
July 24, 2024 at 11:56 am
I keep a loaded 357 magnum revolver right next to me as I sleep. I will shoot first and ask questions later.
anthony cuccia jr
July 24, 2024 at 1:30 pm
I have that right to defend myself,family,and other defenceless humans, anywhere I am.
Fran McQ
July 24, 2024 at 1:46 pm
When a person’s home is invaded, there is no time to make philosophical decisions. A person has demonstrated intent to violate your rights, they pose an imminent threat. Attempts to use less-than-lethal means to stop the threat look good in the movies and in retrospect, but in real life, there are too many chances for failure. In any such encounter, the only acceptable goal is to win. The use of lethal force is the best avenue to that result. If a person were to choose something like a baseball bat, there are several unsatisfactory possible results. 1) The bat is ineffectual. 2) The bat is taken away and used on the victim. 3) The bat is effective, and the perpetrator is killed – leading to charges of excessive force. For example, “How many times did you hit the perpetrator (the new victim)? “Why didn’t you stop when he was down? Monday morning quarterbacks have lots of time to overanalyze every aspect of their use of what “should have been” a less-than-lethal device.
In summary, in any situation of imminent threat of death or grave bodily damage, the use of lethal force is justified, and the best tool is a gun.
Teresa Primo
July 24, 2024 at 2:07 pm
I’m too old to fight that is why I have guns in my home for protection and I will defend myself dont want to kill anyone but if you break into my home day or night then face your maker.
Joe
July 24, 2024 at 2:33 pm
This homeowner has a right to defend his family and himself. I’m from NYi would mad done the same thing , but I would not kill him i would had shot him in the leg or arm if I had time to do that.
Jeanne Black
July 24, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Excellent! We have a right to defend ourselves and our property.
CPO Bill
July 24, 2024 at 8:27 pm
Don’t be effing around and trying to break in someones home!