Hobbs Man Shoots Would-be burglar

[El Perro]

On the night of 22-23 February, 2011, a 70-year old homeowner shot and killed a man attempting to break into the elderly 'gentleman's' home over in Hobbs, NM.

Here's a question I have: Does anyone know the make and caliber of the firearm the man use? Just curious.

http://www.oaoa.com/articles/release...en-police.html

[NMDawg]

Not sure about the caliber, what gets to me in the story is the part where the dispatcher tells the "elderly (potential victim) gentleman" to put the gun down. I find it disturbing that this dispatcher would recommend for someone not defend themselves.

Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

[BuffCyclist]

They probably told him that so that when the officers arrived, they wouldn't mistake who is the resident and the criminal.

Did anyone else catch the part where he fired one shot through the door? I thought in order to use your weapon to defend yourself, the person had to be INSIDE your home (at least in NM or did the castle doctrine pass already?) AND they had to be an immediate threat to you, PLUS you had to give them fair warning to retreat before shooting.

Seems like this guy just shot through the door at someone who could have been just knocking at his door (although he WAS trying to rob the place), and no charges were filed? Seems a bit different from what I remember being told from my CCW course.



Speaking of, I've tried finding information on the Castle Doctrine and the 2 year CCW renewal course statuses. Does anyone know if they've passed or where they are in legislature?

[NMDawg]

They probably told him that so that when the officers arrived, they wouldn't mistake who is the resident and the criminal.

WHEN is exactly my point, when they get there. As good and well intended as our police are, they will rarely if ever be there at the right time to stop an attack. There is simply not enough of them.

Unfortunately the news report was not to detailed. Which door? Exterior door? Interior door? Was the bad guy trying to break down the door? Did the elderly gentleman give warning? Was he able to see his attacker and knew he was up to no good? Lots of variables for us to speculate on. Guess it is best left up to those directly involved. It will be interesting to see the outcome.

[El Perro]

Charges won't be filed against man who shot and killed would be robber
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1997864.shtml

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) - The district attorney's office in Hobbs says the shooting death of a man attempting to break into a house was justifiable homicide.

Authorities in the southeastern New Mexico community say no charges will be filed against the 70-year-old homeowner, Watson Green.

[Bman505]

^^^Very nice!

[xiami]

Hobbs police found a man fatally shot after they answered a call about someone trying to break into a home.

The man, identified as 43-year-old Wallace Roberson, was pronounced dead at Lea Regional Hospital in Hobbs.

Officer Mike Stone says police responded to a call shortly before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday from 70-year-old Watson Green, who said someone was breaking into his home and he had armed himself.

Dispatchers told him officers were on the way and to put down the gun.

Stone says officers on the scene learned Green had fired one shot through the door, hitting Roberson.

Stone says the district attorney is reviewing the case.

[Bman505]

It will be interesting to see what they come up with.

[Stimper]

he homeowner shot through the door - thus the robber was still trying to break in, had not gained entry, and therefore did not pose an imminent danger to the homeowner. It likely wont be self defense. He needed to wait until the guy was through the door to fire.

[Bman505]

I agree! I am still not sure what came of that case?