Elderly couple hold burglar at gunpoint (NO shots fired, police were called)

[shadowrider]

CONCORD, N.Y. (WIVB) - A suspected burglar got a lot more than he bargained for in the town of Concord. He was no match for a no-nonsense elderly couple.

You don't mess with 68-year-old Kathleen Smith or her husband Charles. Neighbors are grateful to them for holding an alleged would-be burglar at gunpoint until State Police arrived.

The "No Trespass" sign on this property in the town of Concord means business. State Police say 28-year-old Michael Smith of Hamburg learned that the hard way after he was confronted with the barrel of a gun by the caretakers of the property. Sgt. Kevin Streety of the State Police took a cell phone call from 68-year-old Kathleen Smith, who was holding the .22 caliber rifle while shouting orders to the younger Michael Smith, no relation.

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/crime/Elderly-couple-hold-burglar-at-gunpoint

Jeez, didn't they know they were supposed to just start blasting, the police be damned? :sarcasm:

[marcus5aurelius]

1. Are you for or against this?

What would you have done differently?

[shadowrider]

2. I'd have done the same thing

But if the guy made any sort of move before the police arrived, my chances of pulling the trigger would have greatly increased.

[marcus5aurelius]

3. Would you have hesitated to shoot if...

He had come AT you before the police arrived? Look at the picture of where they are. It looks like a farm with plenty of surrounding land. I'de estimate the police would take at the very least 5-10min to arrive because of dirt roads, distance, etc. By no means should you shoot if he starts to run away from you, because at that point the threat would be gone, however if you didn't have any protection, it may have been easier for him to kill the owners and ransack the house. I think the owners did well.

[shadowrider]

4. I'd behave as they did

And I agree with you, the homeowners did well given the circumstances (and a compliant burglar)

However, IF he had come at me before I had a chance to call the police, my 10+1, 165 grain, .40 caliber hollowpoint would have given him a rude welcome.

[marcus5aurelius]

5. Good answer : )

Although I'de go .45ACP HP or nothing : )

[shadowrider]

6. Either or, they'll both get the job done