Over the weekend, a northwest Chicago resident’s canine protector alerted him to trouble after 1 a.m. The homeowner awakened and heard a loud sound from his basement.
It was then when he retrieved his firearm and went downstairs to investigate.
The resident and his dog encountered the 27-year-old alleged home invader. But instead of freezing on the spot or attempting to get away, the intruder approached the armed homeowner in a threatening manner.
But the defender was ready and fired a shot, striking the alleged burglar and putting him down. Police report the suspect, who was taken into custody, is listed in serious condition at an area hospital.
A man who lives next door told reporters he was shocked to find out what took place nearby. “I am shocked and flabbergasted at what is happening here,” said Felix Echevarria.
Another neighbor hoped that the word would get out that the area is not one to be trifled with. “Gratified that someone who tried to rob him got himself shot,” said Ray Moreno. “Hopefully the message goes out that this is not a block that you want to come and try that on.”
Police reported that detectives are investigating the incident.
The incident in Chicago is nearly a picture-perfect scenario to illustrate the power of being legally prepared to defend oneself. The sleeping homeowner was intelligent enough to have a firearm as well as an alert dog to detect trouble as it arrived.
It is tough to imagine anything more frightening than waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a violent stranger rummaging through your home.
But what is infinitely more frightening is hearing that sound without the recourse of a firearm readily available to defend yourself.
Who wants to be caught in the position of having to lie in bed quietly and just hope that the home invader moves on? The feeling of pure helplessness would be enough to send anyone over the edge.
But thankfully, this homeowner made previous decisions that meant he did not have to cower in quiet fear. He was ready to face the dangerous situation head-on and successfully defended both life and property from someone who would obviously do him harm.
Too many times we hear the proclamations of grandstanding political leaders who blame the inanimate object for violent criminal acts. They will rail against legal gun ownership and erect every conceivable barrier to law-abiding citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights.
And the mainstream media plays right along.
But in this northwest Chicago home and countless others across the nation like it, it was the presence of that inanimate object that likely saved the homeowner from facing a much more tragic outcome.
Instead of being a helpless victim cowering in fear, this brave man stood up to someone who would do him harm. And because of his taking full advantage of his constitutional liberties and being protected, he survived the encounter and sent a message to others who would prey on innocent victims in the neighborhood.
The message was simple and clear. We are armed and ready, and we will not be your helpless victims. When you consider committing a home invasion, burglary, or some other violent intrusion, know that the people of this community are ready to fight you every step of the way.
We are thankful for our ability to defend ourselves, and we will not go quietly into that good night.
