Like the Howard Beale character in the 1976 film “Network,” homeowners are mad as hell, and they’re not going to take it anymore. Consider the following incident in Hesperia, Calif., where a home invader forced his way into a home and was promptly shot by an armed Vietnam veteran homeowner ready to defend himself.
The Incident
Police said it was around 10:30 p.m. last Thursday when 36-year-old Michael Goode approached the home and tried to break in. The homeowner was asleep, but was soon awoken by the noise. He quickly got up, went to the front door to investigate and got into a verbal argument with Goode.
Goode ignored the homeowner’s orders to leave. Instead, he continued to try to force his way into the home. While this was going on, the homeowner ran and grabbed a gun.
As soon as the homeowner returned, Goode finally broke the door open. That’s when the homeowner opened fire in self defense, shooting Goode in his upper body.
Goode bolted from the home upon being shot, but he collapsed in the homeowner’s front yard due to his wound. Police arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and airlifted him to an area hospital. He remains in critical condition.
Armed Vietnam Veteran Homeowner Justified
The homeowner was uninjured and is fully cooperating with authorities. His firearm was recovered at the scene.
“As long as you protect your family and yourself, I don’t see anything wrong with it,” said neighbor Jesus Mejia of the homeowner’s actions. Mejia says the homeowner is a Vietnam veteran.
Police said the homeowner likely won’t be facing any charges.
“We’re glad when any homeowner protects themselves, that’s what they need to do in these situations,” said Hesperia Police Sgt. Marc Bracco. “That’s why you’re allowed to carry a firearm in your residence.”
Meanwhile, KABC says Goode was arrested for violating parole two months ago and had been out of jail just two days when he was shot. Police confirmed that Goode has “significant criminal history, as well as gang affiliation.”
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