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A California grandpa shot to defend his two grandsons when a burglar broke into his business during Thanksgiving week, and local deputies applauded his act of self-defense.
Seventy-year-old Robert, who did not share his last name with KCRA, said his 14-year-old grandson woke him up around 1 a.m.
The teenager heard a noise and told his grandpa someone was breaking in. “I didn’t hear the glass break,” Robert said.
Defending Family
The grandpa crossed the room and grabbed his gun.
According to Fox News, police determined that the burglar broke in through a front window. He made his way straight past the expensive merchandise, ignoring it as he bee-lined for the back of the store.
“All of a sudden, the guy kicked the door. Boom, it was that quick,” Robert said. The business owner said the loud noise sounded like a gun firing, and he thought the burglar had shot him.
The suspect had a butane lighter in his hand and Robert mistook it for a gun.
Grandpa Saves The Day
“He charged at me. He didn’t run away,” Robert said. “He had an intent to come in the building and kill me.”
Robert shot the suspect, stopping the burglar from harming him or his grandkids. The grandpa called 911 and when police arrived, they found the suspect dead.
Police identified the burglar as an unarmed man in his 30s. Robert’s gun, a gift from his father in 1958, is registered in his name.
The deputies told KCRA they are treating the case like a homicide.
“This isn’t something that we’re encouraging – vigilantism, by any stretch,” Sgt. Amar Gandhi with the Sacramento County sheriff’s office said according to The New York Post. “But at the same time, you have to applaud him. He demonstrated restraint. He did what he had to do to protect the people inside, including himself.”
Outside Opinions
Robert’s actions protecting his grandkids met with approval from other people too. A man named Sunny passed by the crime scene the next morning and had something to say.
“You have to protect yourself. You have to do it,” Sunny told KCRA.
Robert and his grandsons escaped the ordeal without injury. He claims he would repeat his actions if it meant keeping his boys safe.
READ MORE: Homeowner Protected By Stand Your Ground After Neighborhood Shootout
“Am I upset about him? Yes. I didn’t want him to break in, but I’m very happy that my babies are alive,” Robert said.
Grandpa Will Come Out On Top
The investigation is ongoing but police do not believe that Robert will be charged.
“Business owners don’t want to be victims anymore, and they’re taking their matters into their own hands,” Gandhi said.
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