Daughter Shot After Mother Fears Home Invasion
Girard, Ohio – An 18-year-old woman who had recently gone off to college was mistaken for an intruder by her mother resulting in her being shot.
According to police, the victim had returned home from college looking to surprise her mother who was home alone at the time at around 9 p.m. Friday evening.
The mother told police that she had been frightened after hearing noises inside her home, but outside her bedroom and got her .38 caliber revolver.
Then a person cam bursting into her room, startling her. She fired one shot, wounding her daughter in the arm.
The following call to 911 dispatch was obtained by 21WFMJ, made by the victim’s boyfriend:
CALLER:
“My girlfriend just came home from college and her mom didn’t know, like honestly — she accidentally shot her, and we don’t know what to do.”
DISPATCHER:
“She accidentally shot her?”
CALLER:
“Yes, I believe in the arm.”
DISPATCHER:
“Okay and how bad is she bleeding?”
CALLER:
“It’s pretty bad.”
Officers were called to the scene and arrived to see the young woman being escorted down the driveway with a towel wrapped around her arm soaked in blood.
The victim was transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for treatment of her gunshot wound but no word yet as to her condition.
In a statement about the shooting, Girard Police Chief John Norman told 21 News,
“The mother who has a valid CCW permit – even though she was in her own house, was startled by some noises she heard in the kitchen or hallway area. She stated that the bedroom door opened where she was at — and she had a gun readily available and she fired a round at someone coming through the door.”
Chief Norman went on to say the mother was understandably upset about what happened, but said the investigation is still ongoing,
“We will collect all the facts, and we will present it to a Prosecutor, not to be malicious. But we have to present the facts like we would in any other case. At that point the Prosecutor will make a decision whether we will go ahead and charge or not charge in this case,” Chief Norman said.
The law enforcement official went on to say,
“If you realize someone has a gun for protection, and they’re not expecting you — announce yourself when you enter the home, or even if you’re getting up to get a drink of water in the middle of the night, just announce yourself.”
This situation clearly details why it is important to follow the gun safety rules and especially the one which says, “Know your target and what is beyond.”
Just because there might be an intruder in your home doesn’t mean gun safety rules no longer apply. We must identify a threat before we engage to help prevent a situation like the one described above.
To properly see in a low light situation, a quality flashlight attached to your weapon, or a handheld light stashed near where you store your home defense firearm is essential.
Read here for more information on how to properly defend your home to ensure the best possible outcome for all situations.
