A 75-year-old California woman became her own first responder when she faced two armed intruders who broke into her residence.
The violent home invasion occurred last week in the Chabot Park neighborhood of Oakland, according to the local police department. The intended victim was awakened around 2 a.m. to the sounds of a burglary in progress.
Investigators said the suspects forced their way into her home and began rummaging around for items to steal. The woman was the only person there, and to defend herself she retrieved her .357 Magnum.
The elderly woman fired a single shot toward the suspects, who repeatedly returned fire before running away for their lives. Authorities believe the men fired 17-20 shots as they made their getaway with jewelry and other valuables.
None of their shots struck their target and no one was reportedly injured.
The woman’s daughter told KTVU that “it’s absolutely unbelievable what she was able to do. It’s amazing. She is a Superwoman. We’re all just lauding her and just amazed at her wherewithal.”
Another admirer, neighbor Calvin Walker, praised her ability to stay calm in the face of imminent danger. “She had the presence of mind to reach into her nightstand and get a weapon. And she had it under her covers, and when she saw an opening, she fired a shot.”
Walker added that the walls of the residence were riddled with bullet holes.
Treva Reid represents the area on the Oakland City Council and said she is a family friend of the intended victim. “It’s a miracle that she’s alive after the number of shots that were fired in her home.”
Another neighbor, Lynn Baranco, noted that people in the area are fed up with rampant crime and have armed themselves. “They’re really — they’re playing with their lives because all these people out here are armed.”
And once again, an armed citizen stood up in the face of violent criminals. This is happening more and more in the U.S. and should send a clear message to those who prey on the innocent. As Baranco said, you’re taking your lives in your hands.
