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TechnoWeenie wrote:
TOLEDO, Wash. -- A 62-year-old man shot and killed an intruder in his home late Tuesday, officials said.
Lewis County Sheriff Chief Deputy Gene Seiber said the homeowner woke up when he heard someone breaking into his house about 10:40 p.m.
The man confronted the would-be burglar on the stairs and repeatedly told him to stop, Seiber said, but the intruder kept coming toward the homeowner.
After shouting 'freeze' one last time, the homeowner shot him.
The intruder died at the scene. His name has not been released.
Seiber said detectives will be continuing their investigation on Wednesday.
more:
apparently our intruder had a criminal record. surprised?
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/67149262.html
Toledo homeowner shoots, kills intruder
By Dan Tilkin & KOMO Staff
TOLEDO, Wash. -- A local homeowner shot and killed an intruder in what the Lewis County sheriff says was a justified shooting.
Sheriff Steve Mansfield said the 62-year-old resident was awakened around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday by the sound of someone breaking into his home.
“He (homeowner) heard some noise, got up, thought he saw some shadows,” the sheriff said. “He armed himself and started to look around. And all of a sudden there’s someone right there in his house, coming toward him up the stairway in his house.”
The homeowner twice told the intruder to "freeze," and when he didn't comply, fired one shot, Mansfield said. The intruder was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as 45-year-old Mark Michels by the Lewis County Coroner's Office.
The sheriff said detectives are reviewing evidence to ensure they corroborate the homeowner's story. However, he said initial findings indicate the homeowner was acting in self defense when he shot the intruder.
In Washington state, a homicide is justifiable under two conditions: when it is “in the lawful defense of the slayer," or when it occurs “in the actual resistance of an attempt to commit a felony upon the slayer, in his presence, or upon or in a dwelling … in which he is.”
“He (the homeowner) has a right under Washington law to use necessary force to protect himself and his family,” said Mansfield. “That’s what he told us he did, and we have no reason at this point to believe or suspect otherwise.”
Ex-boss: Michels had a troubled past
Mark Michels had a criminal history that included robbery and grand theft. He also had a former boss who never gave up on him.
Terry Hanson said when Michels boasted he could rob a bank, he tried to right his thinking.
“I said, ‘Hey, that’s a real smart thing and you’ll be right back where you came from -- in prison.'" he said. "Apparently, that’s exactly what he did. Went out and broke into someone’s house and paid the price for it."
Hanson said he tried times over to help Michels change his life, even lending him money he never saw again.
Michels had many talents, Hanson said, but he wasted his life.
“I tried to help him for a long time now. I give up," he said.
