GOOD: Home Owner Stops Intruder - West Valley, UT

[CT-Mike]

Deseret News | West Valley homeowner shoots an intruder

An estranged husband who was shot after breaking into the home of his wife's male friend remained at University Hospital Thursday.

Robert Hunter, 50, was shot in the chest and arms with a 12-gauge shotgun after police say he broke into the home of Joe McIntosh on Wednesday night. West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said Hunter's injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

The incident began just before 9 p.m. near 3700 South and 6000 West. Hunter allegedly parked his truck a street away and walked to McIntosh's home. Hunter, who had been separated from his wife for several months, had been served divorce papers earlier that day, McLachlan said.

His estranged wife was in the house with McIntosh. Hunter went to the back sliding glass door, shattered the glass and entered the house, McLachlan said.

There had been previous incidents between Hunter and McIntosh, including some threats, McLachlan said.

"Those threats may have made (McIntosh) quite leery," he said.

McIntosh fired a shotgun at Hunter almost as soon as he entered. Hunter was hit and retreated. Investigators later learned that Hunter was carrying loaded 9 mm and .22-caliber handguns with him. Police said whether Hunter pointed his weapons at anyone, whether he fired a shot or whether McIntosh even knew he was armed, were all questions being addressed in the investigation.

Officers arriving at the scene weren't sure what had happened at first, and for safety they set up a containment of the area and had McIntosh and the woman come outside and surrender.

Hunter was found next to his truck, McLachlan said. He was taken by medical helicopter to the hospital.

McIntosh was not arrested. All three weapons involved in the incident were seized as evidence. McLachlan said the case would be screened by the Salt Lake District Attorney's Office to determine what charges to file, if any, and against whom they should be filed.

Speaking in general terms and not specific to Wednesday's incident, McLachlan said residents have a right to defend themselves and their homes by reasonable means and can defend their lives if they believe there is a valid threat.

A 12 ga. to the chest at close range, Hunter is lucky to be alive. Good on the homeowner for being aware and prepared.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Ram Rod]

Sounds like the homeowner was prepared for the intrusion/attack. While we don't know the full story, since the perp was carrying weapons, the 12 gauge answer should hold up as a good defense. Indeed--lucky to be alive with a blast to the chest at close range from a 12ga. May have been some bird shot?

[bps3040]

May have been some bird shot?

That is what I was thinking. Guy is lucky to be still kicking.

[retsupt99]

Previous threats, smashes a window to enter, and is armed with two weapons?...I believe this homeowner had no other choice but to defend his home.
I'm sure this will be considered a legal shoot.

Stay armed...even at home...stay safe!

[KenInColo]

Sounds like the homeowner was prepared for the intrusion/attack. While we don't know the full story, since the perp was carrying weapons, the 12 gauge answer should hold up as a good defense. Indeed--lucky to be alive with a blast to the chest at close range from a 12ga. May have been some bird shot?

Ah, the age old question in trap shooting: 7 1/2s or 8s?

[mlr1m]

"McIntosh fired a shotgun at Hunter almost as soon as he entered. Hunter was hit and retreated. Investigators later learned that Hunter was carrying loaded 9 mm and .22-caliber handguns with him. Police said whether Hunter pointed his weapons at anyone, whether he fired a shot or whether McIntosh even knew he was armed, were all questions being addressed in the investigation"

I don't understand this part. Was Mr. McIntosh expected to use valuable time to try and find out if the invader was armed? Try to figured out what exactly was on his mind?

Michael

[Logan5]

"McIntosh fired a shotgun at Hunter almost as soon as he entered. Hunter was hit and retreated. Investigators later learned that Hunter was carrying loaded 9 mm and .22-caliber handguns with him. Police said whether Hunter pointed his weapons at anyone, whether he fired a shot or whether McIntosh even knew he was armed, were all questions being addressed in the investigation"

I don't understand this part. Was Mr. McIntosh expected to use valuable time to try and find out if the invader was armed? Try to figured out what exactly was on his mind?

Michael

Indeed from the info we do have Utah’s castle doctrine has the home owner covered.

So why they would make that comment with a CD law makes no sense.

Unless they invited him over – he bring his guns just in case it’s a setup – Homeowner shoots him, then breaks the glass….

[Fmr18z]

In Utah, if someone makes a forced entry into your home, or serepiticious (sp) entry, and is not invited, you have the right to defend yourself with deadly force. I think the LEO made that statement as a CYA. If they had any doubts WVPD would have arrested him on the spot, gunfights in WV are rather common, especially with gang bangers.

[P7fanatic]

"McIntosh fired a shotgun at Hunter almost as soon as he entered. Hunter was hit and retreated. Investigators later learned that Hunter was carrying loaded 9 mm and .22-caliber handguns with him. Police said whether Hunter pointed his weapons at anyone, whether he fired a shot or whether McIntosh even knew he was armed, were all questions being addressed in the investigation"

I don't understand this part. Was Mr. McIntosh expected to use valuable time to try and find out if the invader was armed? Try to figured out what exactly was on his mind?

Michael

Yes, the poolitically correct thing to do is, 'Ask the intruder if he has a weapon on him and if so what are his intentions'. This is to be done by the homeowner while he is raising his weapon but has to be asked and he has to receive an answer from the BG 'before' he fires his weapon at the intruder.

[libertarian5]

There is a lot of insanity associated with the end of relationships. We would have fewer of these incidents if people would get divorced BEFORE they hook up with someone else.

[TOF]

One more reason for 00 Buck shot. Had it been winter and the perp wearing a heavy coat bird shot might not have stopped him.