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The Daytona Beach News-Journal posted a story today about a 64-year-old grandmother who stopped a car thief in his tracks. Karen Granville stated that she was up late because her cat woke her up. She was watching the Bravo channel when she heard a police helicopter hovering over her house. She saw the suspect, Roderick Willis, run into her backyard and attempt to climb over her fence. The quick-thinking lady grabbed her .38 Special revolver and followed him.
The article quotes her statement:
“My adrenaline was just flowing at 100 mph,” she said. “I just said, ‘Stop right there (expletive), or you’re going to be dead where you stand.”
Granville held the man at gunpoint until police arrived.
This is my kind of grandmother!
The article further reports:
This is the second time in less than two weeks older city residents have armed themselves to stop would-be criminals.
Charles Robbins, 82, shot and killed 24-year-old Tyler Orshoski after the man apparently tried to break into his home Jan. 11.
Police Chief Mike Chitwood said he doesn’t encourage vigilante justice but said people have the right to protect themselves or their property.
Part of the problem might be found in another part of the article:
Willis was charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving with a suspended license, use of a vehicle to commit a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on Tuesday and released after posting $7,500 bail.
Willis, who could not reached by phone Tuesday night, spent time in jail last year for fleeing officers, court records show.
Volusia County sheriff’s officials say the Dodge Charger belonged to Hertz Rental Car Co. and was turned over to the company. Willis was not charged with vehicle theft.
One does wonder why he was not charged with vehicle theft and why the bail was so low. No wonder the citizens are arming themselves.
Burglar killed by homeowner
“According to authorities, a San Juan Capistrano man who was shot by a Dana Point resident Monday night was already facing charges of theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of burglary tools.”
Then there’s the recent (Christmas) story of the young recent widow, at home with her baby, when two men tried to break in – one armed (according to the news) with a 12″ knife. She had a shotgun handy, called 911, asked what she should do. The lady at 911 said, well, I can’t tell you what to do, but you do what you have to to protect you and your baby, The guys broke through the door.
Bang.
From the news story, it looks like the criminals read the obituary pages, because her husband died a few days before (cancer).
Bleeding-heart liberals always seem to say, “If we can save just one life …” – so we’ll pass a law that restricts everyone’s freedom.
How about this: if we can save just one life, let honest citizens arm themselves.