As reported, a homeowner used his handgun to stop an early-morning intruder:
Police say that a man was in his Tulsa, OK home at about 3:30am, when he heard the doorbell ring. The homeowner reportedly went to the door, where he found a man who was asking for help. Fearing for his safety, the homeowner told the man that he would call 911 to provide assistance, but that he would not open the door, according to news reports. Before the police could arrive, the man reportedly yelled at the homeowner to come out and talk, before disabling the house’s front and rear porch lights, and then trying to gain entry through the rear door. Fearing for his safety, the homeowner fired a shot at the would-be intruder, sending him fleeing, police say. A suspect, reportedly identified as 36 year old Michael Brian Crawford, was treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and charged with first degree burglary, according to police.
By the time the police respond to a 911 call, the crime in question may very well have been completed. Even the best circumstances, the police are minutes away, while a shooting, rape, murder, robbery, home invasion, or other violent crime can take place in just seconds. Luckily, this homeowner had a gun for self defense, and as a result was able to save himself when the police were unable to respond in time.