REDBY, MN — A suspected intruder was fatally shot after forcing entry into a home in the Redby District on July 9, 2025, according to the Red Lake Department of Public Safety.

Red Lake Dispatch received a 911 call from a homeowner reporting that a male subject had kicked open the front door to their residence. The caller advised that the suspect was shot immediately after making forced entry into the home.

Officers arrived at the scene to find individuals inside the residence attempting life-saving measures on the wounded intruder. Red Lake EMS also responded but pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased. The Red Lake Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

In home defense situations, this incident underscores the importance of secure entry points and being mentally and physically prepared to act decisively when confronted with an immediate threat. While the occupants’ attempt to perform life-saving measures on the intruder is commendable, it is not generally advisable. There have been many instances where attackers regain consciousness and resume their assault. Homeowners should prioritize securing the scene and ensuring their own safety until law enforcement arrives. Additionally, it is critical to understand local laws governing self-defense and the use of deadly force inside the home.

Read the original story: Forced Entry Turns Fatal: Homeowner Shoots Man Who Kicked in Front Door

REDMOND, WA — A late-night confrontation over a suspected car theft escalated into a defensive shooting outside a business near the 15800 block of Redmond Way on July 6, according to Redmond Police.

The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. when an employee from a nearby establishment spotted an adult male allegedly attempting to steal his vehicle. The employee confronted the suspect, who reportedly responded with aggression and advanced toward him. In response, the employee, who was legally carrying a handgun, fired a single shot, striking the suspect once.

The suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Authorities confirmed no other injuries occurred and no additional shots were fired. The employee remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. Redmond Police emphasized that the case remains under active investigation.

Social media responses to the police department’s post reflect a broad consensus of support for the employee’s actions, with many praising his calm response and legal use of a firearm. Comments ranged from praise for responsible gun ownership to reminders about the risks involved in such confrontations. One user noted, “Sounds like they properly used the firearm to eliminate an immediate threat without taking a life,” while another pointed out, “An insurance claim might have been the better way.”

While the employee may have acted lawfully in self-defense, this incident underscores the inherent dangers of directly confronting criminal suspects. Even when legally armed, intervening in crimes carries significant risks — including the potential of facing armed suspects, unseen accomplices, or escalation into deadly force. I often advise calling police and observing from a safe distance, especially in property crimes like vehicle theft. Firearms should only be used when there is a clear and immediate threat to life or serious bodily harm.

Read the original story: Redmond Employee Shoots Alleged Car Thief in Self-Defense After Late-Night Confrontation

BLACK BEACH, WY — A late-night camping trip turned violent on July 5 when an attempt to stop an intoxicated man from driving ended in gunfire, leaving two people injured at a remote site between Black Beach and Cottonwood campgrounds in Natrona County.

According to the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of shots fired around 10:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found that a group of campers had tried to intervene when one of their companions, who was visibly intoxicated, attempted to leave the area by vehicle.

As tensions escalated, the intoxicated man retrieved a rifle and pointed it at another camper. That individual, fearing for his life, drew a handgun and fired in self-defense. The shot struck the man with the rifle in the leg. A woman standing nearby was also hit in the leg by a single round, possibly as a result of crossfire or an errant bullet.

Both injured parties were transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies quickly secured the scene and confirmed there was no continuing threat to the public. The man who fired the handgun was detained during the initial investigation and later released. All individuals involved have been interviewed, and the case remains under active investigation.

This incident is a stark reminder that alcohol and firearms are a dangerous combination. The group acted responsibly by attempting to prevent an intoxicated individual from driving, but the presence of a firearm in the hands of someone under the influence dramatically raised the stakes. In situations involving potential threats of deadly force, lawful defensive actions may be necessary—but ideally, tragedies like this can be avoided with sober judgment and secure firearm storage.

Read the original story: Armed Camper Defends Himself After Intoxicated Man Aims Rifle During Dispute Over Driving While Drunk

KEITHVILLE, LA — A workplace dispute turned violent Friday morning in Caddo Parish, leading to a justified self-defense shooting, according to local authorities.

Around 11 a.m. on June 27, deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 3200 block of Stagecoach Road. Upon arrival, deputies learned that 37-year-old Joseph Whitaker had been shot in the upper body following an altercation with a co-worker.

According to investigators, the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the two men. The shooter, whose name has not been released, attempted to de-escalate the situation and avoid confrontation by entering his truck to leave. However, Whitaker reportedly followed him to the vehicle and began striking him in the head.

In response to the unprovoked physical assault and fearing for his life, the man drew his firearm and fired two rounds at Whitaker, striking him. Whitaker was transported by private vehicle to Willis Knighton South in Shreveport and later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The shooter left the scene immediately after the incident but returned shortly afterward when deputies arrived. Following an investigation, authorities determined the man acted in lawful self-defense. Whitaker was later issued a summons for simple battery.

This case highlights the critical importance of attempting to de-escalate volatile situations whenever possible. The defender in this incident made a clear effort to disengage and retreat, which significantly bolstered his legal standing. Also, it’s lawful to leave the scene if you are still in fear for your life—but you must call 911 immediately to report the shooting and your location. Prompt notification demonstrates you’re not fleeing wrongdoing, and cooperating with authorities strengthens your self-defense claim.

Read the original story: Louisiana Man Shoots Co-Worker in Self-Defense After Co-Worker Repeatedly Strikes Him in the Head

ELKHORN CITY, KY — A home invasion turned violent in the Elkhorn City community of Pike County on the evening of June 30 when an armed intruder reportedly attempted to shoot a homeowner and a woman inside the residence. Kentucky State Police responded to the incident on West 5th Street following a 911 call and discovered a man had been shot during the confrontation.

According to investigators, 44-year-old George Standifur of Elkhorn City entered a private residence while armed and made threats toward the occupants. Family members told troopers that Standifur first attempted to shoot the male homeowner in the head, but the firearm malfunctioned. The homeowner then retrieved his own firearm and shot Standifur in the leg.

Despite being wounded, Standifur allegedly turned his gun toward a woman in the home and attempted to fire again, but the weapon again failed to discharge. The family managed to force him out of the house and called 911.

Standifur fled the immediate scene but was found nearby in an alley still in possession of a firearm. Kentucky State Police troopers engaged in several hours of negotiations before safely taking him into custody. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Standifur has since been charged with Attempted Murder, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer), Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Menacing, and Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place. He is currently lodged at the Pike County Detention Center.

This case highlights the importance of preparedness and the critical nature of firearm functionality in self-defense situations. The homeowner’s quick response and ability to protect his family from a potentially deadly threat likely prevented a tragedy.

Read the original story: Homeowner Shoots Armed Intruder After Suspect’s Gun Misfires During Alleged Attack

HIALEAH, FL — A heated argument between groups of UPS employees escalated into a shooting outside a Hialeah shipping facility, resulting in one man being wounded and facing felony charges.

The incident occurred Thursday at the UPS facility located at 969 East 56th Street. According to Hialeah Police, two groups of employees became involved in a verbal confrontation after their work shifts. During the argument, one individual reportedly threatened to summon a friend who was armed.

Shortly thereafter, Anthony Oliver Ernest, 21, arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported that Ernest approached the scene with his hand inside a bookbag, leading one of the involved men to perceive a threat. That man ran to a nearby vehicle occupied by family members. When Ernest continued his approach, the man’s brother, fearing for their safety, opened fire, striking Ernest in the leg.

Police arrived to find Ernest hiding in a car with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Following an investigation, Ernest was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.

No other injuries were reported, and the individual who fired the shot has not been charged, with authorities determining the action was taken in self-defense.

This incident underscores the importance of de-escalation and the legal right to defend oneself from a credible threat. Individuals carrying firearms should always prioritize avoidance and retreat when possible, but the law supports self-defense when faced with imminent danger.

Read the original story: UPS Employee Argument Ends in Gunfire; One Man Charged

RIALTO, CA — A domestic disturbance turned deadly in Rialto on June 27 when a 29-year-old man was fatally shot after allegedly stabbing one family member and attempting to stab another during a violent incident at a residence on North Spruce Avenue.

Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:13 p.m. and discovered multiple injured individuals at the scene. The suspect, a 29-year-old male resident of Rialto, was found with a gunshot wound inside the home. Officers administered life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:04 p.m.

According to investigators, the suspect had stabbed a 31-year-old female family member and physically assaulted a 57-year-old male family member. He then attempted to stab another woman, aged 61, when a 40-year-old male relative intervened with a firearm, shooting the suspect to prevent further harm.

The injured woman was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The 40-year-old man, also a Rialto resident, remained on scene and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

The case will be reviewed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. The identities of the involved parties have not yet been publicly released pending notification by the Coroner’s Office.

Thankfully, someone in the home had the means to stop the threat before it turned even more tragic. While it’s heartbreaking to be forced to defend yourself against a family member, the armed relative did what he had to do to protect others in immediate danger. His quick response likely saved lives and put an end to a violent assault that was escalating rapidly.

Read the original story: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly as Man Stabs Relative, Shot by Family Member

CHICAGO, IL — A concealed carry license holder opened fire on two armed robbers Tuesday morning in the West Loop after witnessing them assault and rob a woman at gunpoint, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Hubbard Street. A 38-year-old woman was reportedly standing outside when two armed male suspects approached, demanded her belongings, and struck her in the head. They made off with her possessions.

Nearby, a 41-year-old man with a valid Illinois concealed carry license saw the robbery unfold and chose to intervene. According to police, the man confronted the suspects, who then pointed their firearms at him. In response, the man drew his own weapon and fired shots. None of the individuals involved were struck by the gunfire.

The suspects fled the scene in a black Lexus sedan bearing stolen New Jersey license plates. The woman declined medical attention, and no other injuries were reported. No arrests have been made as of this writing, and area detectives continue to investigate.

This incident highlights both the potential value and inherent danger of armed intervention in violent crimes. The concealed carry holder acted with courage and possibly prevented further harm to the victim. However, confronting two armed suspects carries extreme risk—particularly when they still have the tactical advantage.

According to the sequence of events shared by police, the man approached the suspects, prompting them to aim their weapons at him. Only then did he draw and fire. This scenario could easily have ended differently had the suspects chosen to shoot first. In such situations, the moment a gun is raised at you may be too late to react effectively.

This is not to criticize the man’s decision—he made a split-second call under pressure—but it underscores the importance of scenario-based mental preparation for concealed carriers. Armed citizens must constantly run through these kinds of situations mentally: What would I do here? What are the risks? What is the safest and most effective way to intervene, if at all?

Being armed does not guarantee safety. It is a tool that requires judgment, restraint, and preparation. When confronting multiple armed suspects, tactical retreat, calling 911, or providing a description may sometimes be the wisest course of action unless there is an imminent and unavoidable threat to life.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Fires at Robbers After Woman Pistol-Whipped & Robbed in Chicago, Suspects Flee Unharmed

CHICAGO, IL – A concealed carry holder in Chicago ended a robbery spree last night. When the attacker went after his fourth victim, he learned the hard way that not everyone is an easy target.

The final intended victim was a 36-year-old man who was unloading his car. The 18-year-old armed robber demanded the victim’s belongings, and the good guy with a gun fired 4 or 5 shots, striking the assailant in the chest, thigh, and head.

The offender did not survive, and he was driving a Toyota that belonged to a man he robbed at gunpoint about 20 minutes earlier. After robbing the first individual and taking his vehicle the 18-year-old robbed two women before going after his fourth and final victim which was the man with the CCL.The women’s belongings were found in the stolen Toyota according to CWBChicago.

Although there are not many details, this individual successfully put the majority of his rounds on target, which effectively stopped the attack and ended the crime spree.

This is the 18-year-old who was shot and killed last night while trying to carjack someone. https://t.co/25WfXAgdVP pic.twitter.com/qsSCHE4zs4

I believe this puts the number of self-defense shootings in Chicago at eight this year.

Carjackings and robberies can happen anywhere, including in front of your home, so you can never let your guard down.

Read the original story: Carjacker, 18, Shot Dead by Armed Citizen After Robbing Three People During Chicago Crime Spree

RICHMOND, VA — A robbery attempt at a local restaurant ended in gunfire Thursday night when an employee shot and killed an armed suspect who entered the business wearing a mask and carrying a firearm.

According to Richmond Police, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Sugar’s Crab Shack on Chamberlayne Avenue, just across from the Fourth Police Precinct. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Dominique Epps of Henrico County, entered the restaurant with apparent intent to rob the establishment. An employee confronted Epps and exchanged gunfire with him, fatally shooting the suspect.

Epps died at the scene. The employee, whose name has not been released, remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards stated that no charges have been filed against the employee at this time, describing the shooting as likely an act of self-defense.

“That doesn’t mean that that won’t change later,” Chief Edwards said. “But at this point, we are still conducting our investigation, and it seems to be a use of self-defense.”

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including the Military Retiree’s Club next door, helped document the moments following the shooting. Earl Reid, president of the Military Retiree’s Club, noted the frequency of incidents in the area and stressed the importance of being able to protect oneself.

“I’m sorry that somebody lost their life and it had to be that way, but you also got to protect yourself,” Reid told CBS 6.

Attempting an armed robbery directly across the street from a police precinct baffled many. “You couldn’t pick a worse spot unless you tried the courthouse,” one neighbor remarked. Chief Edwards alluded to the suspect’s poor planning, suggesting a lack of regard for the area’s law enforcement presence.

If your employer does not prohibit carrying a firearm at work, it’s worth considering whether you’re prepared to defend yourself in a life-threatening situation. This incident highlights the value of being armed and trained—especially in high-risk environments like late-night businesses. Always stay within the law, ensure your carry practices comply with workplace policies, and make regular training a priority so you can respond with confidence and competence if the unthinkable happens.

Read the original story: Masked Gunman Killed by Employee During Attempted Robbery at Sugar’s Crab Shack