Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A Las Vegas mother says she did what she believed she had to do after two strangers ended up in her backyard and appeared to be trying to break into her home.
According to News 3 Las Vegas, the incident happened around 9:20 p.m. last Monday in the 3900 block of Steinbeck Drive after two men fled a nearby vehicle crash and ran into a residential neighborhood.
The first sign of trouble came from the homeowner’s 17-year-old daughter, Kaliyah Smith, who heard noises coming from the backyard.
“I heard knocking on my wall because there’s a sliding door right there,” Smith told News 3.
She said it sounded like two men were trying to force their way inside.
“It sounded like two guys were trying to break in, so I ran upstairs to my mom’s room to alert her that somebody could possibly be breaking in the house.”
The homeowner looked out from a second-story window and saw two men in the backyard. According to her daughter, one was standing in the yard while the other appeared to be near a downstairs window.
The homeowner yelled at the men to leave. When they didn’t, she fired her gun.
According to police, the shots sent the suspects running.
When officers arrived, they initially believed they were responding to a shooting. The investigation quickly revealed the two suspects had fled a nearby crash before attempting to force their way into the home.
No one was injured, and police have not announced any arrests.
The incident also sparked discussion about Nevada’s Castle Doctrine, which generally allows homeowners to use deadly force when they reasonably believe they or someone else inside the home faces an imminent threat.
SEE ALSO: KelTec KP50 Review: 100 Rounds of 5.7x28mm in a Compact, Folding Platform
Retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge and attorney Ray Johnson told News 3 that the law isn’t automatic.
“If someone’s on your property, you can’t just shoot them,” Johnson said.
Instead, he explained, investigators will examine whether the homeowner reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm.
Whether someone had actually crossed the threshold into the home is only one piece of that analysis, Johnson noted, saying the specific facts of each case matter.
For the family, the legal questions come second.
The homeowner said she fired because she didn’t know what would happen if the men got inside.
Her daughter admitted she’s still shaken.
Not really,” Smith said when asked if she feels safe. “It was kind of hard going to sleep… I was still in shock and scared if they were going to come back.”
Police continue investigating the incident.
Self-defense doesn’t end when the threat goes down. That’s when the real battle begins. Lawyers. Prosecutors. Headlines. USCCA Members never fight that battle alone. Find out how.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
shame she didn’t drop them!