Journal News, June 21, 2007: A retired Kent police officer who was serving legal papers to a town man in a divorce proceeding shot the man in the chest twice yesterday after the man attacked him with a police baton, state police said. Officers went about 4:30 p.m. to 33 Lincoln Road, where 66-year-old Dennis Illuminate had gone to serve divorce papers on Douglas Greenwich, said Capt. Keith Corlett of the state police. Greenwich, 52, who was at the house to pick up a dresser, became enraged at the sight of Illuminate, who had served him with legal papers on two previous occasions, Corlett said. Illuminate, who is also a former Kent councilman, fired his licensed .25-caliber handgun, striking Greenwich in the upper torso, but the men continued to struggle, Corlett said. Illuminate fired a second round, which also struck Greenwich in the chest, he said. Greenwich, who was found lying in the driveway by state police, was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition last night. "It looks like this may be a classic self-defense case," Corlett said. "We're in the process of discussing the case with the Putnam County District Attorney's Office, which will make the decision as to whether any charges will be filed." Greenwich, an electrician, had moved out of the house and told his wife he was coming by yesterday to pick up a dresser, police said. His wife called her lawyer, who had been having difficulty locating Greenwich to serve him with the legal papers. The lawyer, in turn, called Illuminate to tell him Greenwich would be at the house. The two men were alone at the house when the incident took place, Corlett said. Illuminate, a Carmel resident, retired from the town of Kent Police Department 24 years ago and has been an active process server for many years, Corlett said.

WABC, May 22, 2007: Shots were fired during a daring broad daylight burglary attempt Tuesday. Police say the incident happened on Sharon Avenue, where a tenant opened fire at a burglary suspect. Long Island reporter Emily Smith has the latest. This has been a frightening day for this family. Tenants could be seen power-blasting blood off their sidewalk, which the suspect left as he ran off. Police say that an 18-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with burglary. They add the shot, apparently fired by the female tenant, was in self defense. Matthew Swift just wants to get into his home, a beautiful ranch he bought six months ago as a fixer upper. Now it's surrounded by police tape, and crime scene investigators tell him it was the target of a violent break in involving gunfire. "I'm a little freaked out," he said. "Absolutely. It's definitely scary." Swift rents the basement apartment to a couple in their 20s. His tenants told Eyewitness News that a man walked right into their apartment around 11:30 Tuesday morning, armed with a pistol. That's when the tenants says they grabbed a shotgun to defend themselves. Police say the female tenant then fired a shot that hit the suspect in the shoulder. That's when he supposedly ran off. Swift says, from what he's seen, his tenants are good people. "They give us rent on time," he said. "They're good people. I don't know much about them." The tenants, still visibly shaken, say the perpetrator ran from their home, leaving a trail of blood behind. Now they say they're afraid to go to sleep. And no doubt, so are neighbors who don't know what to make of it all. "You just never know," one neighbor said. "You could be in the best neighborhood in the world and you don't know what's going on next door." Police are now trying to figure out a possible motive for this attempted crime.

Democrat & Chronicle, May 19, 2007: A burglary suspect was shot by a store owner early Friday at 1144 E. Main St., according to Rochester police. The wound, which was in the suspect's right hip, didn't appear to be life-threatening, said John Halldow, public information officer for Rural/Metro Medical Services. The suspect was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. The 58-year-old business owner reported a burglary at 1:50 a.m. after he was alerted by an alarm, said Rochester Police Officer Deidre Taccone. Police searched the building but found no suspects, Taccone said. The store owner repaired a door that was damaged in the break-in. While the owner waited for other police officers to arrive to search for evidence such as fingerprints, a 41-year-old man entered the store about 4:15 a.m., Taccone said. The store owner confronted the man and the intruder came at the store owner, she said. The business owner shot the man with a registered handgun and called 911. He turned over his handgun to officers at the scene. Police are continuing to investigate and are not releasing names. Taccone recalled two similar incidents in Rochester within the past 14 months. An intruder was fatally shot Feb. 14 when he tried to burglarize a house on West High Terrace. A resident told police he wrestled the gun from the intruder and shot him with it. No charges related to the shooting were filed, but a grand jury was expected to review the case. A Lyell Avenue bar owner was not charged after he fatally shot an armed robber in July 2006. In a third case, a security guard shot and killed a man who pointed a gun at him outside a market on Bay Street in October. The guard was not charged.

Journal News, April 5, 2007: A New Rochelle man who said he shot another man in self-defense as they wrestled over a gun that was never found was acquitted of attempted murder, assault and weapons charges by a jury that deliberated for less than two hours yesterday. Anthony Caldwell Jr. and several relatives wept with joy after the verdict was read in state Supreme Court in White Plains after three days of testimony. Caldwell, 24, had faced up to 25 years in prison in connection with the July 19, 2005, shooting of Dino Washington in front of Washington's home on DeWitt Place. "The jury obviously worked very hard on this case and realized that my client was completely innocent of all the charges," said Barry Warhit, Caldwell's lawyer, who spent about an hour delivering closing arguments before Westchester County Judge Rory Bellantoni yesterday morning. Warhit portrayed Caldwell as the victim of an assault who was, "motivated by a desire to survive," when he shot Washington. Caldwell's father, Anthony Sr., and Washington had gotten into a fight four days before the shooting. Washington ran into his nephew's apartment and grabbed a baseball bat and tried to strike the elder Caldwell, but was thrown to the ground and subdued. Washington allegedly said, "Next time I'll have my gun to deal with you and your family." On the night of the shooting, Washington and three friends left his apartment planning to go out when they found the windshield of Washington's car smashed and noticed Anthony Caldwell Jr. driving slowly past the building. Anthony Caldwell Jr. testified that Washington suddenly appeared at the driver's side window of his car pointing a gun at him. Anthony Caldwell Jr. testified that his memory of exactly what happened was hazy because it happened so quickly, but he remembered reaching for the gun and two shots going off before he fled the area and went to hide out at a relative's house in the Bronx. Anthony Caldwell Jr. said the weapon fell to the ground and Warhit implied that Washington's friends could have hidden the gun before police arrived. Assistant District Attorney Calvin Scholar said the fact that Caldwell fled was an indication of his guilt and tried to persuade the jury Anthony Caldwell Jr. was lying, claiming it would have been impossible for two men to struggle with a gun without either of them receiving cuts or burns when it fired, which neither man had on their hands. Washington, who was shot in the chest and arm but recovered, died of an unrelated liver disease in December. Warhit said his client, who works at a recycling center, is planning to enroll in college.

Newsday, April 1, 2007: A Riverside man was shot in the groin Sunday after he was caught trying to burglarize an auto salvage yard, Southampton Town police said. The manager of J&V Auto Salvage on South Country Road in Quiogue told police he spotted Albinas Augulis, 55, and one or more other suspects on his property at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Det. Sgt. Randy Hintze said. Hintze said the manager contacted police, but then confronted the intruder as he waited for them to arrive. He ordered Augulis to the ground, but Augulis continued to approach him, and the manager, whose name was not released, shot Augulis in the groin, Hintze said. Augulis was taken by helicopter to Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery and is expected to survive. He was issued a field appearance ticket and charged with criminal trespassing, possession of burglary tools and attempted larceny. After the shooting, town and state police searched the area with the assistance of dogs and a helicopter from Suffolk County police, but found no other suspects, Hintze said. Hintze said police are investigating whether Augulis made any direct threats toward the manager before the shooting. No charges have been filed against the manager. The attempted robbery was the latest in a recent spate of burglaries at the yard, from which thieves have made away with car batteries and catalytic converters, Hintze said. A man who answered the phone at J&V Salvage declined to comment.

Democrat & Chronicle, February 15, 2007: A man was fatally shot Wednesday night in southwest Rochester when he allegedly tried to burglarize a house on West High Terrace, according to Rochester Police Chief David Moore. The man was found dead in the driveway of 198 West High Terrace after the homeowner called police about 8:30 p.m. to report that he had shot a burglar. Moore said officers had taken possession of the gun used in the shooting and the homeowner was cooperating with investigators. Moore said the victim could not immediately be identified.

R News, February 12, 2007: A Gates couple decided a number of years ago to have guns in their home. They believe without them last night, they wouldn't be alive today. "My wife had just gone upstairs and I was lying on the couch and I heard this big crash," said Bill, the homeowner. Bill realized the crash was someone breaking down the side door of his Buffalo Road home. "He was screaming, ‘Someone's shooting at me, someone's shooting at me!’" "I jumped up and grabbed the gun I always have where it's conveniently tucked away." The 38 special is one of Bill's lawfully registered guns. The man kept coming into the house. "I was right here, and he was there,” said Bill, pointing in front of him. "I said ‘Stop or get down!’ and he kept coming at me and I fired the shot … he dropped to the floor." The gunshot just missed Eric Ray Mull's head and hit the stairwell. Meanwhile, the house was dark and Bill's wife was upstairs calling 911. She didn't know whether the shot fired came from her husband, or was aimed at her husband. "It's very scary," said Bill. “If I would have aimed about three feet higher I would have caught her in the leg." Since the gun was registered, no charges have been filed against Bill. No gun was found on Mull. This is not the first time Mull had visited Bill's home. Mull came to the door last week asking for money to shovel the driveway. They told him to go away. Gates police say Mull is a prior felon. He is now charged with burglary, criminal mischief and petit larceny. He remains in the Monroe County Jail on $50,000 cash bond.

Buffalo News, January 25, 2007: A Buffalo homeowner forced an intruder to flee Tuesday afternoon when he pointed his pistol at the man, according to South District police. The homeowner, who lives in a lower apartment on Edson Street, was inside his home when a man kicked in his door at about 4:29 p.m. and walked in, police reported. The man, wearing a knitted green hat and green jacket, confronted the homeowner and said, "I'm looking for Dougy." The homeowner pulled his pistol on the intruder, who ran out of the apartment toward Seneca Street. Police said the homeowner has a valid pistol permit.

Times Union, January 20, 2007: A man was killed Friday and his alleged accomplice wounded after they entered a city home at gunpoint and were shot by a resident, marking the fourth time in the past two months would-be victims have shot intruders, authorities said. Someone at 421 Division St. let the armed men in after one of them flashed a handgun from the outside, police said. A shot rang out, prompting a relative in an upstairs apartment to descend downstairs toting a rifle, authorities said. The gunman shot one of the two intruders, killing him, and hit the other person in the left hand, police said. Investigators swarmed to the scene of the city's first homicide of the year after receiving a call at 3:39 p.m. Friday. Less than 90 minutes later and 15 miles away, a wounded man showed up in the emergency room of St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, seeking treatment for facial and hand injuries, including a missing thumb. Troy Police Sgt. John Cooney said the man, who claimed he had been involved in a motor vehicle accident, had glass and wood embedded in his face. Hospital staff contacted police. Under questioning by detectives, the injured man admitted to police he was involved in the Schenectady shooting, Cooney said. Around 7 p.m., the investigation was turned over to Schenectady detectives -- their fourth home invasion incident involving gunfire since early December. "It's not happening in one part of the city where we can sit and wait for it to happen," said Officer Kevin Green, a city police spokesman. "You never know when it's going to happen." He said the wounded man was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital and flown by helicopter to a Westchester County hospital. Additionally, Troy Police put out a lookout for a 2007 Chevy Tahoe in connection with the shooting. The driver of the vehicle turned himself in and was being questioned by investigators in Schenectady Friday night, Cooney said. Investigators were talking to four people inside 421 Division St., where neighbors stood on their porches and front lawns as Schenectady and State Police and plain clothes officers milled outside the residence. The glass panel of the front storm window was shattered, with glass scattered on the front porch under a hanging Christmas ornament that read "Seasons Greetings." A man who lives down the street said he heard gunshots and hurried downstairs to see a man with a cell phone running down the street toward Bradley Boulevard, behind an older model gray Chrysler Sebring coupe. The car made it to the intersection of Bradley Boulevard and Division Street before police stopped it, he said. The car remained at the intersection for a time before being removed. The resident and several neighbors, all of whom declined to give their names, said people were constantly going and coming from the home, many of them in luxury vehicles and SUVs. The incident was the fourth time since early December that alleged intruders in Schenectady were shot. Two alleged burglars were shot inside a Prospect Street home on Jan 10. Police have said they were among four Brooklyn men seeking revenge for a slashing in Albany last month. One of the men was critically injured. And earlier this week, a homeowner armed with a rifle shot an intruder who police say entered his Park Avenue home with a stun gun, authorities said. And in December, Harry T. Glenn fatally shot one man and wounded another person who police say hatched a plan to rob him of drugs and money from his first-floor apartment at 1060 Raymond Street. He fled and was collared about a month later by federal marshals in Massachusetts. Glenn, who is being held at Schenectady County Jail, faces second-degree murder charges. Authorities say he used a .45-caliber handgun to shoot Richard DeGroat, 39, in the head and Bertram Payne, 20, in the hand.

New York Post, January 10, 2007: As his frightened wife and young child looked on from the back seat, a state correction officer fired through the open window of his car and fatally shot a man who threatened to kill him during a road-rage fight last night near La Guardia Airport, police sources said. The officer, Emilio Maldonado, 29, stopped at a traffic light at the 94th Street overpass of the Grand Central Parkway behind a GMC SUV at about 7 p.m. When the light changed, the SUV didn't move and Maldonado honked his horn. Two brothers in the SUV got out and started pounding on his car, according to a law-enforcement source. Maldonado - who is assigned to the Bedford Hills prison in Westchester - rolled down his window and shouted back at the brothers, who then attacked him, said a witness who was driving a van nearby said. "After they beat him up, he pulled out his shield and then pulled out his gun," the witness said. One of the brothers shouted, "Shoot the cop!" the source said. Maldonado, who was bruised in the fight, shot Chris Kenner, 36, the younger brother, once in the chest, cops said. The brothers ran, but Kenner collapsed nearby and died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police did not immediately charge anyone. It appeared that neither brother was armed, cops said.

New York Post, January 9, 2007: An off-duty cop from Brooklyn fired a shot at a group of armed thugs last night after their cars collided as he was pulling out of his driveway, police said. The officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was backing out of his driveway on Troy Avenue in East Flatbush when he collided with a Nissan with three men inside just before 11:30 p.m. One of the thugs pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer, who drew his pistol and fired a shot. Cops said no one was hit and the men drove away.

The Advance, December 28, 2006: A 71-year-old fish seller about to deposit nearly $30,000 from his business was jumped yesterday outside a Prince's Bay bank by three bandits, who fled for their lives with half his cash as he fired several shots at them. It was not known if anybody was hit. Located next to a preschool, which was in session, the Richmond County Savings Bank where the shooting erupted is at the corner of Hylan and Seguine Avenue. Employees of the preschool said they didn't realize what had happened until after the fact, when police arrived. Police are looking into the possibility that the victim, a Prince's Bay was followed all the way from the Hunts Point market in the Bronx. As of last night, the bandits remained at large. The man was on his way home with the cash in a deposit bag when he pulled into the bank at 5770 Hylan Blvd. just after 9 a.m., according to police. Before the man could reach the bank's front doors, three men -- described by police as white and in their 20s -- knocked him down from behind, then sprayed something in his face. They grabbed between $10,000 and $15,000 from the bag, spilling some of the cash on the ground, and fled in a maroon Ford, according to police sources. The man, who was carrying a licensed weapon, fired several shots at the fleeing robbers, but it's unclear if he hit them, cops said. A police spokesman said it's unlikely the man will face any criminal charges for using his gun. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for an injured finger, police said. Later, a woman answering the door at his house said he was doing "OK" after the ordeal but didn't want to comment. Bank employees said they didn't hear the shots or notice anything wrong until a customer rushed in and told them what was happening. "Someone, call the police! Someone's being robbed!" the customer shouted, according to a bank employee, who wouldn't give her name. "At that point, I just locked my door and called the police," she said. Employees of medical offices across the street said they didn't realize until after police arrived what had happened or that shots were fired. "I thought it was the bus backfiring," said one woman who works at a doctor's office on Seguine Avenue. She wouldn't give her name. "I don't feel safe, and I'm usually here by myself," she said. A woman, who works in another medical office in the same building speculated that the robbery was a "setup." "They knew who the guy was," she said. "He had a bag. How'd they know that?"

Times Herald-Record, November 29, 2006: An old farmhouse in a residential part of the Town of Newburgh near Orange Lake was the scene of a wild home invasion in which ski-masked intruders were turned back by shotgun blasts that ripped through walls and panicked neighbors. Police were called to 706 Gardnertown Road Monday night around 8 p.m. in response to reports of gunfire. The owners of the house, a couple in their 20s, said at least three men, possibly Hispanic or light-skinned blacks, burst through their backdoor, pistols drawn. One gunman held the man to the ground, while the others headed upstairs, where the couple's tenant rents a room. The tenant grabbed a shotgun and fired several times, police said, narrowly missing his landlord. It is unknown if any of the intruders were hit. Lt. Michael Clancy said neighbors reported seeing the intruders flee the house, firing back at its occupants. None of the home's occupants was injured.

Democrat & Chronicle, October 22, 2006: A security guard who shot and killed an 18-year-old man told police the man had pointed a gun at him Friday night outside a market on Rochester's east side, police said. The man, identified by police as Michael Harris of Rochester, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 40-year-old security guard was working at the Wilson Farms market at 969 Bay St. He told investigators that he was approached by two men in or near the store's parking lot about 11 p.m. Friday, Rochester police said. One of the men pointed a rifle or shotgun at him. The guard fired his weapon and struck Harris a number of times, according to police. Police did not release the name of the security guard. They said he had a valid license for his firearm. The second male who approached the security guard fled the scene. The police investigation into the incident was continuing Saturday. The guard was not arrested. In past instances when fatal shootings in Monroe County appeared to be justified, the district attorney has presented evidence to a grand jury, which makes the ultimate decision on whether the shooter should be indicted and go to trial. In July, the owner of a Lyell Avenue bar shot and killed a man who he said tried to rob him with a gun. The bar owner, John "Paddy" Kitzel, 71, was cleared by a grand jury earlier this month. If Friday's case unfolds that way, it would mark the fourth justified homicide in Rochester this year. District Attorney Michael C. Green said he could not comment on the shooting until the investigation is complete.

Buffalo News, September 29, 2006: A 62-year-old Buffalo man told police he shot two men who kidnapped him at gunpoint when he grabbed their gun Wednesday. The man was treated in Buffalo General Hospital for cuts to his face, bleeding from his nose, mouth and eyes, and pain in his ribs and left ankle. It was unclear the identity, whereabouts or condition of the two men who were reportedly shot. Police said the man said he was forced into a minivan at Main and Utica streets by two men. The kidnappers held a gun to the man's head and took him to LaSalle Park, where they duct-taped his wrists and ankles, pistol-whipped him, and repeatedly punched him. Police said the victim grabbed the gun during the ordeal and fired two shots at the kidnappers, striking one of them in the groin.

1010 WINS, September 24, 2006:A 9-year-old boy was in extremely critical condition Sunday after he was caught in a shootout between would-be robbers and the owner of the house he was in on Long Island. The suspects fled, but police believe at least one was wounded in the gun battle. Nassau County police say the child and a 22-year-old man were both shot just after 11 o'clock last night after three men armed with two guns burst into the home on West End Avenue in Inwood. Police say the homeowner, a licensed gun owner, opened fire on the suspects and the suspects fired back. It's not clear if the victims were hit by the suspects' bullets or the homeowner's. As many as nine people were in the home at the time. The relationship between the homeowner and the injured people is unclear. The 9-year-old reported to be in grave condition at Long Island Jewish Hospital. The 22-year-old is being treated for non life-threatening injuries at South Nassau Community Hospital.

Daily News, September 9, 2006: A pistol-packing Harlem granny turned the tables on a robber yesterday, busting out her registered .357 magnum and shooting the mugger in the elbow - while riding in her motorized scooter, cops said. Feisty Margaret Johnson, 57, who has a dislocated hip and a herniated disk, was heading out for target practice about 3 p.m. when a career criminal came up behind her and went for her necklaces, sources said. "There's not much to it," she said later. "Somebody tried to mug me, and I shot him." The thief "walked past her, and came around and choked her," said Johnson's pal, Lynnell Bunce, 40. "He was going for her jewelry, and he got it. He didn't say anything - until she shot him." Then the man cursed and fled from the scene outside 470 Lenox Ave., where the victim has lived for decades, Bunce said. "I'm very tired. It was very scary," Johnson said as she later entered her building in her three-wheeled scooter with scratches on her neck and left hand. "I've had a very long day." Police followed the trail of the wounded man's blood to a McDonald's restaurant not far from Johnson's building and arrested 45-year-old Deron Johnson, an ex-con with nine robbery arrests who is no relation to the victim, sources said. He was in stable condition at Harlem Hospital last night, and charges were pending against him. The jewelry was recovered, officials said. Margaret Johnson has a premises permit for the gun, a police source said, meaning she is allowed to keep the pistol in her home and transport it to a firing range. Bunce said her friend, who has a grown son and at least one grandchild, got the permit when she was a bus driver for the city. Neighbors said Johnson, a granddaughter of a famed Harlem gangster, the late Ellsworth (Bumpy) Johnson, is a well-known and well-liked woman. "Everyone loves Margaret," Bunce said. "Margaret is funny. She's like clockwork. She's lived here forever, and she walks her dog four times a day and says hello to everybody." "She's spunky," said Toi Frederick, 26, a lawyer who lives in the same building. "I wouldn't think she would be someone who would just lay down and give up her stuff." Bunce said she walked outside after hearing a commotion and saw her friend sitting in her scooter. "I saw her in the chair, and she was in a state of shock. I said, 'Margaret, do you need me?' She said, 'Yes,' and I said, 'Well, Margaret, let's go.' " The pair went to the 32nd Precinct police station, where Johnson told cops her dramatic story.

Times Herald-Record, August 17, 2006: When Simon Shing-Lee got word last month that criminal charges against him for shooting and critically wounding his former employee were being dropped, he was relieved, he said, but not really happy. Lee openly admitted to the Jan. 23 shooting of Jiu Li, a former cook at the Jumbo Buffet Chinese restaurant. But Lee, who co-owns the restaurant, maintained that he shot in self-defense after Jiu Li came at him repeatedly with punches. On July 25, a grand jury decided not to indict Lee, ruling what is called a no true bill. Lee was cleared of charges of first degree assault and first-degree criminal use of a firearm and got his $100,000 bail back. It was a relief, Lee said, but he was not happy with the outcome. "I can't be happy if I did something to harm somebody," Lee said. "I never intended to harm anybody." Jiu Li had worked at the restaurant only nine days, when a Hispanic dishwasher told the owner on Jan. 22 that Jiu Li threatened him with a knife. That night, a Sunday, Lee said he fired the cook. On Monday, after closing, Lee stopped by the house where he boards his workers in Middletown. Jiu Li was still there and the two got into a heated argument. Jiu Li punched Lee repeatedly in the face and neck, Lee said. Lee fell back and his gun came loose. It was in his hand, he said, when Jiu Li lunged again. During the struggle, Lee fired one shot. Then he called Middletown police. Lee didn't testify before the grand jury. But there were four other witnesses: two Hispanic workers, a Chinese worker who stuck around when the others disappeared, and Lee's mother, who was with him the night of the shooting. "We provided information of instances where he was aggressive not only to my client but to others working there," said Lee's lawyer, Martin Goldberg. "It assisted the grand jurors in establishing state of mind on the part of Mr. Lee."

Democrat & Chronicle, August 10, 2006: When Matthew L. McDonald tried to rob Stuart D. Miles at gunpoint, Miles responded by shooting and killing McDonald with a .38-caliber revolver. Now Miles is in trouble for illegally possessing the gun he used in self-defense. Miles, 25, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the May 1 slaying of McDonald, 18, on Jefferson Avenue. If convicted, Miles could be imprisoned up to 15 years. Monroe County Court Judge Patricia D. Marks ordered him held without bail in County Jail. Miles was walking down Jefferson Avenue near Champlain Street when he heard someone walk up behind him, rack a pistol twice and order Miles to "up your chain" and "run your pockets," said Miles' lawyer, Robert A. Shapiro. Miles turned and saw McDonald pointing what appeared to be a pistol. Miles pulled out his own gun and fired twice, killing McDonald. McDonald's weapon turned out to be a BB gun. But Miles couldn't tell that as he was looking down its barrel, Shapiro said. Prosecutors presented a charge of second-degree murder to a grand jury, which refused to indict him on that charge, said Assistant District Attorney Paul Irving.

Buffalo News, July 13, 2006: Four youths tried to rob a pizza deliveryman at gunpoint Tuesday night, but the deliveryman pulled out his own gun and held one of the robbers until police arrived, police reported. One boy, whose name was not released, was charged with attempted robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal use of a firearm. His three young accomplices are still being sought. The four juveniles ordered a pizza from Tomatoes Pizza, 1393 Kensington Ave., at about 8 p.m., Northeast District police said. When the deliveryman brought the food to a house several blocks away on Kensington, the boys confronted him at gunpoint, and demanded his food and everything in his pockets. The deliveryman pulled out a .38-caliber revolver and three of the juveniles ran away.

R News, July 6, 2006: A bar owner shot a would-be robber to death at his establishment on Lyell Avenue. The incident occurred at Kitzel's bar on Lyell Avenue. Police say shortly after noon Thursday, a man attempted to rob the place when he was shot dead by the owner, John Kitzel of Rochester. "He'd give you the shirt off his back, if you asked him for it," said Susan Kitzel, daughter of the bar owner. "That's the truth." Police have not released the name of the deceased gunman. Police recovered handguns, believed to belong to both Kitzel and the suspect. Police say there were no witnesses. "The two individuals were inside the establishment by themselves," said David Moore, Rochester Police Chief. "The operator was actually opening up when this happened." The case will be presented to a grand jury, though police say the preliminary indication is the shooting was done in self defense.

Daily News, June 25, 2006: A Long Island woman shot her armed ex-boyfriend to death when he barged into her bedroom early yesterday morning, police said. Carol Lama, 50, of Evert St. in Huntington Station, told cops that she had kept a loaded shotgun beside her bed since breaking up with Robert Travers, who lived about 5 miles away. Lama shot Travers, 50, once in the chest after she was awakened by him entering her room about 1:20 a.m. and saw a pistol in his waistband, she told police. A handgun was recovered, cops said. "She tells us that previously he had entered her home when he had been told not to, so she kept the shotgun for protection against him," said Suffolk County Homicide Squad Detective Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick. It was unclear how Travers gained access to the home. No charges were filed, Fitzpatrick said. "We took statements, and they will be reviewed by the district attorney," he said. Lama told police that Travers had physically abused her in the past. She said the two had not been romantically involved for years, but Travers had been stalking her.

Newsday, June 20, 2006: A 42-year-old man shot at two Brooklyn men early yesterday in Hempstead after they threw at least two pieces of concrete at him, Nassau police said. Shortly after 1 a.m., the shooter, whose weapon was registered, fired several 9-mm. shots at the men, who were in a sport utility vehicle, police said. The man, whom police did not identify, shot one of the men in the left leg. Police later arrested Cieron Coley and Matthew Woods. It was unclear why the men were in the neighborhood or what set off the confrontation, but police said Coley and Woods stepped out of the SUV on Virginia Avenue and threw concrete at the man. The pieces of concrete smashed through the man's front house window and the rear window of his 2004 BMW, police said. That's when the man, who police said has a valid Nassau pistol permit, shot at them, striking Coley in the leg. Coley and Woods drove off but were arrested in the area a short time later. Coley was taken to Mercy Hospital Medical Center for his gunshot wound. Both men were charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief. They were arraigned yesterday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Buffalo News, May 19, 2006: A Buffalo man was shot in the right thigh and then fired his own gun at his assailant Wednesday night at West Delavan Avenue and Grant Street. Marlin Kemp, no age listed, of Harp Place, was approached at about 9:30 p.m. as he left a corner store. Police said a man wearing a black hooded shirt and black baseball cap approached Kemp and said, "Yo, what's good? What's good?" and then pointed a revolver at him. Kemp grabbed the assailant's gun, was shot in his thigh and ran south on Grant Street. The gunman fired two more shots at the fleeing Kemp and Kemp, who also was armed, returned fire but did not hit the other man, according to witnesses. Officers recovered a .22-caliber handgun in a garbage can in the 200 block of Grant Street. No arrest has been made.

WIVB, March 23, 2006: Police say a Buffalo man fought back with a shotgun when three men tried to rob him in his home. News 4 reports one of the suspected bandits is hospitalized with a severely wounded arm. It was an emotional and terrifying night for this 44-year-old Liddell Street resident who fought back when police say one of three men who came to his home to buy tire rims from his 21-year-old son shoved a gun in his face. Buffalo Police Lieutenant Steve Nichols said, "Once they started to negotiate the rims, they pulled out a gun and stuck it in the kid's father's face." The father said, "He pulled a pistol and put it in my face, so I shut the door, grabbed the shotgun, opened the door, and shot him." Police say all three suspects took off, but 24-year-old Darius Spates, who had been shot in the arm, only made it to Goodyear and Broadway, where a bystander flagged down a Metro bus for help. Spates was rushed to ECMC. Police say the resident who shot him acted in self-defense. Nichols said, "They were just some people defending themselves. They had kids in the house, babies in the house. These guys pulled a gun and stuck it in the guy's face."

Buffalo News, March 22, 2006: Two teenage boys attempted to rob a Vulcan Street credit union at gunpoint Tuesday morning, but ran out empty-handed when a retired Buffalo police officer, working as a security guard, fired three shots at them. The robbers apparently were not struck by any of the bullets. The shooting happened inside the Riverside Credit Union in the presence of a few employees and at least two customers. Buffalo police officials said they believe the guard's use of his weapon was justified because people's lives were in imminent danger. "The security guard was protecting his life and the lives of everyone in the credit union before the situation escalated," said Chief Arturo Salas, who oversees the city's Northwest District. "Whenever someone points a deadly weapon at you, you have the right to defend yourself - especially when it's in the commission of a felony." Two robbers, described as 14 to 17 years old, entered the credit union, armed with a black handgun, according to Northwest District police. One of the robbers ordered the security guard to his knees and told him not to move. When one of the robbers approached the counter, the security guard fired three shots at the robbers. “When the security guard was going down on his knees, he took advantage of the opportunity and fired," Salas said. "He was acting upon the fundamental right of every citizen to protect themselves - especially from someone who is willing and able to use deadly force against them." The robbers ran through several yards on Argus Street. Officers said they recovered a black .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun at the crime scene.

Buffalo News, February 18, 2006: The co-owner of a Bailey Avenue food mart pulled out her handgun to foil a robbery attempt at the deli late Thursday night, Ferry-Fillmore District police reported Friday. Two would-be robbers, both dressed in black, entered the Fiya Food Mart, 2021 Bailey, at about 11:05 p.m. Thursday. One of the men pointed a handgun at the woman and threatened to shoot her if she didn't open the cash register. The woman, who owns the store along with her husband, pulled out her pistol, forcing the two men to flee north on Bailey and east on Doat Street. Police said the couple has a valid permit for the handgun.

Times Union, February 7, 2006: A New York City man has been charged in connection with the theft of nearly two-dozen firearms that were stolen last month from a rural gun store in southern Albany County. Most of the guns have been recovered including some that were found in New York City in the possession of suspected street gang members there, authorities said. Richard M. Mwazi, 20, of Queens, is accused of smashing a window and stealing 21 guns from the Southwings Gun Shop on Route 405 on Jan. 22. The burglary took place a week after another burglary at the store in which three handguns were taken, and Mwazi is a suspect in that break-in as well, police said. Mwazi's mother, who works for the United Nations, has a summer home on Sleepy Hollow Road in Athens, not far from the gun store, authorities said. During the second burglary, the store's owner fired a shot at Mwazi's car as he fled, striking the vehicle, and that would later help Albany County sheriff's investigators confirm that he was involved in the heist, sheriff's officials said.

Palladium Times, December 22, 2005: Two men broke into a home at 22 Jonney Cake Road in Granby at about 8 p.m. Tuesday night with a sawed-off shotgun and a machete. They tied up the woman who owns the house and her 5-year-old son and demanded money. A neighbor who stopped by was assaulted and tied up. When the man who also owns the house and his friend came by, they were assaulted and tied up too. The men who were tied up freed themselves and struggled with the intruders. One of the intruders ended up getting shot with the sawed-off shotgun. Both intruders fled on foot and were captured by N.Y. State Police with the assistance of the Fulton Police Dept. and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Dept. K-9 units.

Journal News, November 30, 2005: A guard shot it out with two would-be robbers today in front of a check cashing store, killing one and possibly injuring the second. The second robber escaped. The shootout happened around 8:30 a.m. at American Check Cashing and Finance Service, 242 S. Fulton Ave., as it opened for business. Michael Colasuonno, co-owner of the business, gave this account: Two female employees were entering the store as the security guard, 62 years old, watched from a pickup truck. One robber tried to push into the place behind one of the women. The guard stepped out of the truck, pulled a gun and exchanged fire with the would-be robbers. One fell dead; the other ran off. The guard and female employees were not injured, Colasuonno said. The shootout left the store window shattered. A would-be robber's 9mm gun lay beneath the guard's car. A pile of bloody clothes sat on the sidewalk in front of the store.

Newsday, October 19, 2005: An off-duty police officer shot at two men who attempted to rob him Tuesday evening as he was preparing to enter his car. The officer, who was not identified by police Tuesday night, had purchased a newspaper inside of Farmer's Deli at 142-01 Farmer's Blvd. in Jamaica and was walking back to his gray Mustang. About 6:20 p.m., he was approached by two men, one of them had a gun. He pointed it at the off-duty officer. "Give me your -- -- ," one of the suspects demanded. Instead, the off-duty officer pulled out a gun and fired one to two shots, police said. Investigators believe a shot struck one of the two suspects in the leg. Police had several suspects in custody Tuesday night and charges were pending.

Buffalo News, August 29, 2005: A security guard at the Copacabana Bar, 751 Fillmore Ave., returned fire early Sunday after shots were fired at him, according to Ferry-Fillmore District officers. Bobby D. Lee told police that several shots were fired at him at 3:45 a.m. and that "he saw a weapon pointed at him and flash from the muzzle." He fired three shots from his gun, for which he has a permit, and the man fled east on Broadway.

Capital News 9, July 8, 2005: Hamilton County investigators said Joan O'Neill shot her husband in the back, killing him inside their home in the Town of Wells. Joan was charged with Second Degree murder. Now, the grand jury has reached a different conclusion. "She will face no criminal charges and no prosecution for the events that took place on May 4," said Special Prosecutor Louise Sira. At a press conference, Special Prosecutor Louise Sira painted a dark picture of how the events unfolded over the years. "Mr. O'Neill has suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. He is a combat veteran of Vietnam," said Sira. He is also decorated for saving another soldier's life. But Sira said the stress that ended his career as a Schenectady police officer also led to threats against his family, and were backed up by the nine illegally owned and loaded handguns he kept around the house. "Mr. O'Neill made it extremely clear to Mrs. O'Neill that if she called the police again, he would kill the police officer who came to the house," said Sira. Officials said Robert chose their Pumpkin Hollow Road home based on its strategic location. It overlooks Route 30 and Pumpkin Hollow Road, and the high ground usually wins in a battle. That's one reason why officials said the threats were taken so seriously. Mrs. O'Neill's attorney said a visit from the police would have led to tragedy. Attorney William Martuscello said, "He was going to be ready for them. It was going to be a blood bath." It came to a head May 4. Officials said Robert got into a fight with his son, and things quickly got out of hand. "Mrs. O'Neill heard the bolt action of the rifle that had been broken in the previous altercation," said Sira. And that's when Joan made the decision to end the fight, without risking the lives of police officers who would be targeted if called to the scene.

Tonawanda News, May 5, 2005: A Town of Tonawanda business owner may face assault charges after shooting a suspect who burglarized his business Monday. Eric P. Willis and Jarmar D. Pierce both of Buffalo, were attempting to burglarize a Woodward Avenue business when an employee discovered Willis inside the building, according to Detective Lt. Stephen Caruana. Police said Willis entered the building through a back door while Pierce stood guard outside. An employee discovered Willis in his office, rummaging through the desk and holding the employee's wallet. The business owner, whose name is being withheld for fear of retaliation, and an employee pursued Willis on foot after the two men fled the scene. Caruana said the business owner fired four "warning shots," one of which hit Willis in the leg. Police arrived on the scene and arrested Willis, who is charged with second-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools and criminal possession of a weapon. Pierce was caught on Woodward Avenue and found to be carrying a loaded, sawed-off shotgun in the front of his pants and a round of shotgun ammunition in his coat pocket. Pierce was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools and four counts of felony weapons possession. Charges against the business owner, who has a pistol permit, are pending.

WKBW, April 21, 2005: Niagara Falls Police tell us two suspects with a gun, attempted to rob a pizza deliveryman on Pierce Avenue about 10 p.m. Wednesday. The deliveryman pulled out a gun and fatally shot one of the suspects at point blank range. The second suspect took off on foot; he remains at large. Although the shooting appears to be a case a self-defense, police are still investigating the case as a homicide. The deliveryman works for Mr. Ventry's Pizza, which is located just a few blocks down from the shooting.  UPDATE, Buffalo News, June 26, 2005: The pizza deliveryman who shot and killed a 16-year-old during an apparent robbery attempt April 20 will not be charged. The deliveryman said Friday his attorney, Michael J. Violante, informed him that a Niagara County grand jury that reviewed evidence in the case voted Thursday to return a no-bill, which means it finds no grounds for charges. The 54-year-old man, whose name has been withheld by the media because of his concerns about his safety, shot Anthony M. Sheard of 13th Street on April 20 in an alley off the 1300 block of Pierce Avenue. The deliveryman for Mr. Ventry's Pizza said Sheard, a reputed gang member, and another youth were trying to rob him. They were armed with a pellet gun designed to look like a Walther PPK handgun. The deliveryman used a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun he bought after being robbed three years ago. Police, who called it a "justified homicide," have charged Aldeaz M. Lewis, 16, of Elmwood Avenue, with second-degree robbery in the case.

Buffalo News, April 20, 2005: A clerk at the Sunoco station at 1266 E. Delavan Ave. averted a robbery attempt Sunday morning when he grabbed a gun that the robber was pointing in his face, police said. Northeast District police said a gunman entered the store sometime between 1:10 and 2:20 a.m. and demanded cash. Officers said the robber ran out of the store empty-handed when the employee took his gun.

Democrat & Chronicle, April 8, 2005: In its second day of deliberations, a jury Thursday acquitted a Rochester man of murdering another man in front of his home last year. George Ellis was found not guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree assault in connection with the April 23 shootings of Pacer Williams and Clarence Robinson Sr.. Williams died from his injuries. Ellis, who testified at his trial, claimed he acted in self-defense. Ellis had been involved with an argument with tenants earlier in the night. "The testimony was he was ambushed by the decedent's family," said defense lawyer Lawrence Kasperek. "Relatives of the tenants showed up after the altercation, and when he returned, he was fired upon." Kasperek said witnesses reported multiple gunshots were fired. Ellis went inside and returned with a long gun and returned fire, he said. "We're relieved by the jury's verdict," Kasperek said.

Canarsie Courier, March 24, 2005: In what some police officers described as a shootout that "looked like it was a movie," a suspected gunman who took part in an attempted home invasion robbery was shot four times by his intended victim, police from the 69th Precinct said. The victim’s name was not released. The suspect, Negus Martin and another man, had apparently followed the victim as he entered his home on Flatlands Avenue at about 7:45 p.m. on March 21 and, wielding handguns, forced their way inside. As they forced the man and his wife to go to the basement, the victim’s wife distracted Martin, giving the victim a chance to swing around, grab the gun from Martin’s hand and force both suspects back to the front door. As the second man aimed his weapon in his direction, the victim drew his own licensed 9mm handgun and fired, wounding Martin, who fell to the outside steps of the house. The second suspect aimed his gun at the victim again while helping Martin to his feet and the victim fired "several more shots" at the two suspects who fled in a waiting car. Neither the victim nor his wife was wounded in the shootout. Less than an hour later, Martin walked into Kings County Hospital with four gunshot wounds to his chest and arms. Hospital authorities immediately called police. He was later positively identified by the victim, police said. They are still searching for the second suspect. According to local authorities, there were no charges filed against the victim who shot Martin.

Newsday, March 6, 2005: A North Bellport resident surprised an armed burglar who tried to break into his home, when he grabbed a shotgun and fired at the man, hitting him in the shoulder. Cheyenne Ray was alerted by his girlfriend, Tanya Rivera, that she heard a noise at the front door about 1:30 a.m., said Fifth Squad Det. Sgt. Kenneth Hamilton. Ray looked through the glass storm door and saw a hand holding a 9-mm pistol strike the glass. Ray went into the kitchen, got a shotgun, and fired one shot at the door. The burglar dropped the gun and ran off, Hamilton said. The alleged burglar, Marion Gillard, was later spotted in the area with a gunshot wound in his shoulder and was arrested by police. He was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center before being transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was being evaluated yesterday. Ray could not be reached for comment. Gillard, who Hamilton said has a prior arrest for first-degree robbery, is charged with first-degree burglary and could face further charges.

Newsday, February 20, 2005: A Wyandanch man fatally shot a 20-year-old man who tried to enter his home through a window. Tyrell Rudolph was discovered in front of a home on Parkway Boulevard with gunshot wounds to his chest and left arm. The alleged shooter, Sanjay Broomfield, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Broomfield, a baker at Entenmann's in Bay Shore, told police he fell asleep Friday night, after working a double-shift, said Det. Sgt. Vincent Posillico. He said he was awoken at 9 p.m. by someone vigorously knocking and ringing the bell at the front door of his residence. Posillico said Broomfield told police he looked out the window and saw two men leaving his yard. He then fell back asleep only to be awoken again by similar noises. "He hears motion and people talking," Posillico said. "He steps into the kitchen, where he has an illegal handgun ... and shortly after that a person is seen coming in through the window." Broomfield fired three times, Posillico said. Worried the intruders might return, Broomfield called police to report two suspicious persons in the area, but not the fired shots. When police arrived, they discovered Rudolph's body. Broomfield then explained his version of what happened. Broomfield was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon because the gun's serial number had been defaced. Police are continuing their investigation.

WCBS, February 15, 2005: A jewelry storeowner takes action after some would-be robbers put a gun to his head, but instead of handing over the jewels, he pulled out a gun. The owner of Estate Jewelry thought he was about to make a sweet Valentines Day sale but instead, he became the victim of a horrifying ordeal. His store was about to be robbed, but the tables turned quickly. “They came in with guns and pointed a gun to my head. They wanted to rob my store. It is as simple as that. I defended myself," says Barry Fixler, the would-be robbery victim. Fixler was alone in the store when he says two men walked in on Monday morning asking to look at diamond engagement rings. With not one but two assault rifles pointed at his head, Fixler says he was able to lunge away grabbing hold of his personal handgun firing off several rounds. Once the smoke cleared, one suspect was hit and the second man got away. The man believed to be getaway driver fled the scene but was caught moments after abandoning a brown minivan in a Toys R’Us parking lot in nearby Nanuet. Police believe [a third] suspect still on the run was hit during the gunfire and he could be seriously injured. Meanwhile, the suspect in custody underwent surgery Monday afternoon at Nyack hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

1010 WINS, February 5, 2005: A 70-year-old employee of a Bayport store foiled an armed robbery, grabbing a shotgun and with a neighbor holding two suspects until police arrived.  Detective Lieutenant Edward Reilly, a Suffolk County police spokesman, says the two had entered the interior decorating store Friday afternoon, one armed with the shotgun. They allegedly confronted the employee, Allan Densing, who reacted by grabbing the weapon. Next door at an auto body shop, owner Sean Mullarkey, heard a commotion and came to the rescue.  The police spokesman says one of the two suspects, a woman, tried to flee, but Mullarkey wrestled her to the ground. Police arrested and charged 20-year-old Carrie Lewis, of Bellport, and his alleged accomplice, 21-year-old Shalisea Doran, of Mastic Beach. The two are being arraigned today and charged with attempted robbery and criminal use of a firearm.

Herikimer Telegram, January 20, 2005: A Utica man was arrested Saturday after he broke into an occupied residence in the town of Frankfort and was held at gunpoint by the homeowner until state troopers arrived on the scene. Elvis Tricic allegedly broke into the home in the early morning hours, surprising the homeowner. The homeowner, a woman whose name was not released, had just arrived home from work when Tricic broke into the residence, said state police Sr. Inv. Joel Campbell. The woman then rushed to grab her .357 Magnum handgun and detained Tricic until authorities arrived on the scene. "The handgun was lawfully possessed," said Campbell. "You have a right to defend yourself in your own home."

WGRZ, January 13, 2005: It will be up to a grand jury to decide if charges will be filed against a Cattaraugus County man who shot his own brother. The incident happened late Tuesday night on Hammond Hill Road in the Town of East Otto. Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John said Edward Thompson, 45, called 911 to say he just shot his 37-year old brother Kelly. Thompson said Kelly had just broken into his house and that the shooting was in self-defense. The younger brother was shot twice and died of his injuries.

New York Post, December 28, 2004: A Queens bodega clerk wrested a gun from a robber yesterday and then fired at the fleeing crook, who had just shot a co-worker. The holdup man escaped with an accomplice, but dropped the $600 he had swiped from the cash register at the Nolasco Grocery in South Jamaica. [Ottilio Andres Cabreja] and clerk George Cuebas were working yesterday morning when another employee, Juan Jenkins, came in for a money order on his day off. Just before noon, two men showed up — one stood guard outside, while the other entered the store brandishing a .38-caliber revolver and demanded money. Jenkins tried to run out of the store to call police, but the gunman shot him in the stomach. Then the robber jumped over the counter and snatched $600 from the cash register. That's when Cabreja acted. "I twisted his arm and he dropped the gun," he said. "I picked up the gun. I fired a couple of shots." "I was trying to protect myself . . . He already shot my co-worker. I didn't want to die over this." It's not known if any of his shots hit the robber. Jenkins was taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where he's listed in stable condition.

WRGZ, December 15, 2004: Police say it appears to be a straightforward case of self-defense that ended with a robber fighting for his life. Investigators say two armed robbers busted into the side door of a home on Best Street in Buffalo's east side. The homeowner was eating dinner at his kitchen table. Turns out he also had a gun and fired at the two men. Police say he struck at least one of them. The robbers ran out of the house and the man who was shot collapsed around the corner on Meyers Street. He was taken to Erie County Medical Center where he is in critical condition. The other robber escaped. Police say the homeowner probably will not be charged. For one, he is a licensed gun owner, and second, it appears he did nothing wrong. "If someone came into my house with a gun, I would have done the same thing as him," said Sgt. Jim Lonergan of the Buffalo Police Department. Relatives of the homeowner say he bought a gun because his home has been robbed and vandalized several times in the last few months. He also walks with a cane. That may make him an easy target. The homeowner escaped the robbery without a scratch.

Democrat & Chronicle, December 6, 2004: A Rochester man used justifiable force when he fatally shot another man early Sunday during a front yard fistfight in Webster, police said. Donald Krahling was being badly beaten by Jeffrey Morrison, when he pulled out a concealed handgun and fired one shot into Morrison's chest. Police said the shooting appears justified because Morrison was overwhelming the smaller Krahling, who walks with a limp after being injured in the military years ago. Krahling had properly registered the .25-caliber gun, said Lt. Salvatore Simonetti."There is evidence to substantiate his self-defense story," Simonetti said.

Post-Standard, November 11, 2004: Steven Brown has been robbed before. This time, he was ready. Brown, who owns a Syracuse gas station and convenience store, shot a man who tried to rob him early Wednesday morning, city police Sgt. Tom Connellan said.  About 4 a.m. Wednesday, a man came to the door and buzzed to be let in. Brown unlocked the door and Elwood L. Powell came in.  "He tried to bum-rush Mr. Brown," Connellan said. "He had every right to protect himself and his property."  Brown reached behind the counter, pulled out a loaded 16-gauge automatic shotgun and pointed it at Powell.  "Mr. Brown felt threatened; that person was running at him," Connellan said.  Powell grabbed the barrel of the rifle, trying to get Brown to drop it, but Brown fired one shot. The slug went through one of Powell's legs and lodged into the calf of the other leg, causing him to stumble. That bought Brown enough time to dash into his office and lock the door, police said.  Brown watched the security camera monitor and saw Powell stand up, go behind the counter and try to get into the cash register.  When that didn't work, Powell grabbed packages of cigarettes and reeled out the door, police said.  Near the gas pumps, he fell, and this time he didn't get back up.  City police arrived and found Powell in the parking lot.  He was taken to University Hospital, where he was in fair condition Wednesday. 

Star-Gazette, November 11, 2004: A Corning man was critically injured early Wednesday when he was shot while burglarizing a home in Bradford County, state police said.  State police said they were called shortly after 2:00am to a home on State Line Road in Windham Township, where the 39-year-old homeowner told police he discovered Chad Patterson, 25, in his home.  Police said the homeowner told them he was awakened by Patterson, and after a confrontation, shot him while he was still in the home.

Daily Freeman, August 19, 2004: A 3-year-old black bear that had been repeatedly harassing a Highmount woman and entering her home was shot dead Tuesday by the woman's uncle when the bear entered the home again after the two sat down to dinner.  Robert Grennie said the bear had chased his niece, Candice Backstrom, inside from gardening four times and had entered her Rolling Brook Road home on several occasions, destroying an aluminum sliding door, freezer, and about $125 worth of food.  "Her life was in danger," Grennie said.  Grennie said he shot the male bear around 7:00pm Tuesday.  he said the bear broke into the kitchen through a screen door and looked like it was rising up to claw at him when he shot it from three feet away with a 12-guage shotgun slug.  While it was technically illegal to shoot a bear out of season unless it is attacking a beehive or livestock, Department of Environmental Conservation Police Lt. Deming Lindsley said the 80-year old Big Indian man was within reason to destroy the bear that he said was forcing his niece to be a prisoner in her own home.  "You have a right to defend your property," said Lindsley.  "I don't want to have to wait 'till I see claw marks on an individual."

Newsday, August 16, 2004: An adult video store clerk shot a robber in the arm, then himself in the hand, while fending off an assailant.  John McMurry was working at the store on Jericho Turnpike at about 4:30pm when a man armed with a metal pipe arrived, police spokesman Officer Sonny DiStefano said.  McMurry, 67, of Bohemia, gave the man, Stanly Hagzan, 50, of 29 Johnson Ave. in Kings Park, some cash.  Hagzan then tied up McMurry.  The clerk was soon able to free himself and then reached for his licensed revolver and shot Hagzan.  McMurry told police he wasn't sure if he had hit him, and that Hagzan fled in a vehicle.  McMurry, who accidentally shot himself in the hand, was taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, where he was treated and released.  Meanwhile, someone drove Hagzan to the same hospital, where officials contacted police saying that they were treating someone with a gunshot wound to his right arm.  Police arrested Hagzan after McMurry identified him as the robber.  Hagzan was charged with first-degree robbery.  DiStefano said there would be no charged against McMurry because he was acting in self-defense.

WORK, July 28, 2004: A man was shot and killed by a relative as he tried to break into a home in West Hill Estates in Greece around 10:30am Saturday.  Police said the homeowner shot and killed Russell Thurston, 43, with a long gun before he was fully enter the home.  Police said Thurston violated an order of protection filed on July 6 to stay away from the family and the home.  Police won't say what led to the initial court order, but investigators say the homeowner was afraid.  At this point, Greece Police and the Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green believe the shooting was justified.  Green said, "The law on justification does provide that if you reasonably believe that someone is committing or attempting to commit a burglary on your house, [then] you are justified to use deadly physical force to stop or terminate that burglary."