82-year-old Charles Robbins was asleep at home in Daytona Beach Florida, when a burglar wearing a mask and carrying a hammer and screw driver attempted to break in through the front door. After awakening to the criminal’s attempts to break the front door lock with the screwdriver, Robbins retrieved a handgun, shot the criminal through the door and then called 911. The wounded burglar tried to flee, but barely made it off Robbins’ porch before collapsing dead.
Local law enforcement has been supportive of Robbins’ actions, with Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood stating, “The homeowner did something the criminal justice system couldn’t do with this guy… We’re familiar with the burglar. He put him out of business.” Robbins was clear that he would take the same actions again, noting, “Better nobody try to break into my house or they’ll get the same thing he did.”
Would-be criminals would be wise to avoid Robbins’ neighborhood as this is the second incident in the last year in which a resident killed an intruder on Robbins’ street. Local media also reported that the latest shooting has prompted others in the neighborhood to consider arming themselves. (Central Florida News, Orlando, Fla. 01/12/12, WKMG, Orlando, Fla. 01/12/12)