Preparedness
Chicago’s Violent Weekend Raises Questions on Gunshot Detection Strategy
Over a recent weekend, Chicago experienced a wave of violence that resulted in at least 26 individuals being shot, with five fatalities reported. These incidents occurred across Saturday and Sunday, with no arrests made as of the latest updates.
According to Illinois research nonprofit Wirepoints, Chicago has led the nation in homicides for the 12th consecutive year in 2023. Among the victims, a man was fatally shot in his high-rise apartment in the South Loop on Saturday. Another victim, Timothy Fulton, aged 26, succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained in an empty lot and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
A 27-year-old man was critically injured after being shot in the back outside the office of city Alderman Maria Hadden. Expressing her concern, Hadden stated her hopes for the man’s “speedy recovery.”
The weekend also saw several drive-by shootings. One such incident left a 33-year-old man in critical condition after being shot above the eye while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Another drive-by shooting on the South Side resulted in three people being injured, two of whom are in critical condition.
In a controversial move, Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson recently allowed the city’s contract with the gunshot detection system ShotSpotter to lapse. Many city aldermen had advocated for its retention, citing its effectiveness in enabling quicker police responses to shootings.
Alderman David Moore from the 17th ward criticized this decision, emphasizing that ShotSpotter could have significantly improved the response time of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in the case of Sierra Evans, whose body was discovered nearly nine hours after she was murdered. Moore highlighted the potential impact of the system, stating, “Instead of a resident finding her body hours later, the sound of gunfire would have alerted CPD to multiple shots at 12:06 a.m. and it would have done so in less than 30 seconds from the shots being detected.”
He further expressed his frustration, noting, “While the politics of this city is trying to minimize this tragedy, I’m not going to remain silent. This is about saving lives. For a woman to be found 9 ½ hours after a ShotSpotter alert could have been sent is heartbreaking.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Homeowner Jailed After Confronting Alleged Squatter in Her Home
A Georgia homeowner found herself in an unexpected legal predicament after confronting an alleged squatter in her property. Loletha Hale, who owns a house in Livingston, Georgia, had been dealing with a squatter situation since August, according to her account to WSB-TV. Despite her attempts to resolve the issue, it was Hale who ended up in jail.
Hale’s troubles began when she discovered Sakemeyia Johnson residing in her home with a former tenant. The tenant had previously been evicted, and Johnson initially received a citation for squatting. However, a court later ruled that “Sakemeyia Johnson is not a squatter,” despite Hale’s insistence that Johnson was never a tenant.
On December 9, Hale entered her house to prepare it for a new renter and encountered Johnson once more. Hale claimed that Johnson had “broken the locks” to gain access. She stated, “She just caught up out of nowhere. She had this guy with her, and I locked the door. I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out.”
Despite Hale’s efforts to have Johnson charged with trespassing, it was Hale who was arrested. Police body cam footage captured an officer explaining to Hale that not everyone is as fortunate as she is, saying, “Everybody isn’t as fortunate as you to have a bed.”
Johnson, on the other hand, maintained, “I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasn’t a squatter.” The police arrested Hale on charges of executing an illegal eviction and making terroristic threats, as she was heard saying, “leave before I get my gun.”
Hale expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “To see that woman walk into my mom’s house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture.” She also questioned, “How can she not be squatting when I’ve never had any type of contract relationship with this person.”
Reflecting on her arrest, Hale described the experience as humiliating, saying, “I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home.” She is uncertain when she will be able to return to her property, as she awaits a hearing for Johnson’s appeal, despite Johnson not meeting the statutory requirements for one.
Hale remains in a state of limbo, unsure of when she will regain access to her home, and continues to seek legal resolution to the situation.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Teen’s Carjacking Attempt Teaches Suspect A Hard Lesson
In a startling turn of events in Raleigh, North Carolina, a 17-year-old’s attempt at carjacking quickly unraveled, demonstrating the risks involved when targeting armed citizens. The incident unfolded on a Sunday night, with the young suspect’s plans going awry almost immediately.
The teenager, armed and dangerous, initiated the carjacking in the Red Roof Inn parking lot along Arrow Road. Despite his aggressive approach, the suspect’s aim left much to be desired. “Well, would y’all look at it — a free notice to all wannabe carjackers!” a commenter remarked on social media. The intended victim, a man, emerged unscathed, largely due to the suspect’s poor marksmanship.
Crucially, the victim was not defenseless. He had his own firearm and was prepared to use it. According to police reports, the man returned fire, successfully wounding the teen. The suspect was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
The community’s response to the incident has been supportive of the victim’s actions. “Glad [the] victim was able to defend himself,” one commenter noted, reflecting a broader sentiment of approval for self-defense in such dangerous situations. Another individual expressed satisfaction that the victim fought back, stating, “Glad to see someone fighting back with these punk[s].”
As the investigation continues, charges are pending against the young suspect. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who engage in criminal activities, especially in areas where citizens are armed and ready to protect themselves.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Homeowner’s Christmas Night Defense Sparks Debate in Tight-Knit Community
In the early hours following Christmas Day, a tragic incident unfolded in Madison, Indiana, when a homeowner reportedly shot and killed two intruders. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 3:48 a.m. on December 26 from a resident on North Bulldog Drive. The caller, who claimed to have shot two individuals who had broken into his home, brought attention to a situation that has left the community on edge.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Dalton Keith Skirvin, 27, and Kaleb Adam Skirvin, 29, both of whom were brothers and residents of Madison. Their past records reveal that Dalton had faced multiple charges related to theft and burglary in 2017 and 2018.
A neighbor, Heather, who resides a few houses away from the scene, described the homeowner as a “friendly guy, never had any issues with him. Sweet neighbor.” Having lived in the area for nearly two decades, Heather emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, noting that everyone knows each other. She also mentioned that she went to school with the Skirvin brothers.
The neighborhood has experienced a series of break-ins recently, with one occurring just days before the fatal shooting at the same residence. Charles Pruitt, who lives across the street, recounted a conversation with the homeowner a few nights prior. “He called me and told me that somebody broke into his garage,” Pruitt shared.
Reflecting on the incident, Pruitt expressed his concerns: “It’s scary. Could have been my house they broke into.” This sentiment resonates with other residents who have chosen to remain off-camera but acknowledge the growing unease due to the recent burglaries.
As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain whether the homeowner will face any charges related to the incident. The community, while grappling with the aftermath, is left to ponder the delicate balance between self-defense and the tragic loss of life.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
-
Tactical9 months ago
70-Year-Old Fends Off Intruder with Lead-Powered Message
-
Preparedness6 months ago
Ex-Ballerina’s Guilty Verdict Sends Tremors Through Gun-Owner Community
-
Tactical9 months ago
Vape Shop Employee Confronts Armed Crooks, Sends Them Running
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Good Samaritan Saves Trooper in Harrowing Interstate Confrontation
-
Tactical9 months ago
Midnight SUV Theft Interrupted by Armed Homeowner’s Retaliation
-
Survival Stories1 year ago
Emily’s 30-Day Experience of Being Stranded on a Desert Island
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Arizona Engineer’s Headless Body Found in Desert: Friend Charged
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Boy Saves Dad from Bear Attack with One Perfect Shot
David
October 12, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Why isnt the National Guard utilized to protect these neighborhoods. These killers are terrorists. .
don
October 12, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Every Democrat-controlled city has the same problems. Corruption, lack of social services, poverty. Billions of dollars were poured into Baltimore and it is still a hopeless pit. The money was controlled and distributed by the corrupt city politicians.
Roland
October 12, 2024 at 2:21 pm
The first step to cut down on gun violence in Chicago is to round up and get rid of the Communist (Democrats) that are polluting the city, and bring in some law and order. Between the moron communists that vote these lunatics into office and moron communist lunatics they put into office there is no saving the city.
paul
October 12, 2024 at 4:44 pm
bRING BACK PUBLIC HANGINGS TO DETER THESE A__HOLES THAT ARE JUST TROWN BACK ONTO THE STREETS TO COMMITT MORE CRIME! As stated by others , get rid of every dumbasscrat that holds any position in these scum cities! Every dumbascrat run city is a cesspool of crime and drug use! Why are Lawyers and judges allowed to ignore the demands of the citizens that pay their salary? Fire any lawyer or judge that sends these scum back into neighborhoods to terrorize the people that just want peace! Enough of this government CORRUPTION!
Herbert Woodbury
October 12, 2024 at 11:58 pm
that is the big problem. Turning criminals loose instead of locking them up. 3 strikes and you are dead Bring back the death penalty for violent crimes.
Also, try anyone with a violent crime as an adult. Stop going easy on “minors” that commit violent crimes.
Classing gangs and gang members as terrorists would also be a good start.
EVERYONE of the thugs that commit these crimes has been in trouble many times before.
Herbert Woodbury
October 13, 2024 at 12:01 am
The choices in the poll SUCK. None of them will help. 3 strikes, with one of them violent, means that you are a habitual offender and too dangerous to have in society. Death penalty is the answer.