Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A homeowner in Missouri fatally shot a burglar last week after hearing him enter through the backdoor.
Table of contents
What Happened
The Scott City Police posted a statement on Facebook. They reported getting a 911 call on Saturday around 2:30 pm. The caller reported a burglary in progress.
The homeowner reported that “someone had kicked in this back door.” He confronted the suspect and eventually “was forced to defend himself using a handgun.”
Police arrived at the scene and the homeowner showed them the suspect. Police identified the suspect as Jason L Vermillion, a 42-year-old man. They found him in critical condition.
Aftermath
“Officers immediately began life-saving measures,” according to their report. They took Vermillion to St Francis Medical Center. The suspect died there.
According to police, they initially treated the scene as a homicide.
A homicide is any death of one person caused by another person. Technically, every time someone shoots another person in self-defense it is homicide.
After the investigation, USA Carry reported that the police deemed the case a self-defense incident.
“At this time, we are not seeking charges on the homeowner;” Chief Christopher M Griggs of the SCPD said.
“With the efforts of the officers as they thoroughly investigated the scene, the homeowner was acting in self-defense and was protecting himself and his property,” he added.
What The Homeowner Did Right
This story is an excellent example of what to do after acting in self-defense.
Let’s go through what the homeowner did right:
-First off, he shot in self-defense. So it was a justifiable shooting.
-As soon as he was safe, he called the police and reported what had happened. He clearly stated what had happened from the start.
-When police arrived, he cooperated and helped the police complete their investigation.
What you shouldn’t do in this situation:
-Don’t shoot when it isn’t the last resort. Several criteria must be met for a shooting to be in self-defense.
-Don’t lie to the police or hide information. You didn’t do anything wrong by defending yourself, but be respectful while the police investigate.
Conclusion
Dealing with police can be intimidating. We hear stories from time to time of people who got in trouble for defending themselves.
READ MORE: Homeowner Uses Shotgun on Man Who Refused to Leave
If you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to ask for a lawyer’s presence. It does not imply guilt. A lawyer can help you gather your words, to be straight to the point with the police.
This homeowner treated the situation right. As long as you keep a level head, you can as well.
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“-When police arrived, he cooperated and helped the police complete their investigation…. This homeowner treated the situation right.”
That is patently incorrect.
CCW instructors and insurance providers like US Law Shield (my self-defense insurance company) preach the following if you are a victim of a crime and use any sort of a weapon in self defense:
1. End the threat(s).
2. Do not disturb the scene.
3. Call 911 and tell them you are a victim of a crime and there has been a shooting (or other use of force).
4. Call your attorney or US Law Shield (or other insurer’s) 24/7 hotline.
5. Comply with all police commands: Police do not know who the good guys and bad guys are when they arrive. Comply in a nonthreatening manner with your hands clearly visible and your weapon secure. Inform police you have been the victim of a crime.
6. Invoke your legal rights… Simply say these words to any law enforcement officer: “I do not consent to any searches. I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney.”
A. Make NO statement to anyone about the incident other than your name, and other identifying information.
B. Shut up and wait to talk to your Attorney.
C. If asked to accompany law enforcement, comply but make no statements.
D. Do not make jokes or cute remarks.
E. Do not say anything, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong.
Remember, even sympathetic, kindly, and well-intentioned LEOs are investigating a homicide, and will collect evidence and statements that can be used against you by a 2A-hating prosecuting attorney. At the very least, the family of the now dead assailant will hire an attorney to sue you into bankruptcy for shooting their “gentle giant” of a son, who was just getting ready to go off to college and make a new life for himself. Don’t forget, the City of “Ferghanistan”, Missouri had to pay out $1.5M to the family of Michael Brown in wrongful lawsuit they won, even though the local PA and Obama’s DOJ could find no wrongdoing by officer Darren Wilson, who had killed Brown in self defense. Let that soak in.
Great advice!