In 2024, that instinct many times requires the defense of young ones against those who would do them harm. It is a sad reality that too many adults do not hold children sacred and think nothing of putting their tender lives in harm’s way.
A Carroll County, Mississippi, mom proved her mettle Monday when she faced a frightening scenario.
An alleged knife-wielding man, identified by authorities as 42-year-old Steven Lamar Goss Jr., is believed to have tried to force his way into the home’s front door. When this failed, he resorted to even more reckless tactics.
Goss then allegedly drove his truck through the side of the residence, clearing a way for him to enter the now destroyed dining room.
Meanwhile, the mother gathered her three children and hid them in a closet. There she prayed for assistance and read the Bible aloud to calm their fears.
The closet had been previously designated by the family as a “safe room” in the case of an emergency.
Goss reportedly went from room to room searching for the residents. When he opened the door of the closet they were hiding in, the mother fired a single shot. It struck the suspect in the arm, prompting him to flee.
The family then called law enforcement to report the violent incident. The father of the three children said that a man attempted to enter their home as the mother and children hid in a closet. He provided responders with a description of the alleged perpetrator and his vehicle.
The report said the father called from his job. This strongly indicated he may have utilized a doorbell camera or security video to watch the frightening scene in his home.
While deputies responded, they spotted a vehicle in the parking lot of Acy’s grocery store in Greenwood matching the details provided by the father. A traffic stop ensued, and the suspect then fled into what was described as the “busy” store.
He was apprehended there without further incident by deputies, who discovered he had a gunshot wound to the arm. He was transported to the local hospital for treatment before being charged with four counts of attempted murder and a single burglary count.
Police discovered Goss was free on a felony bond for weapons possession when he was arrested.
Carroll County Sheriff Clint Walker released a statement Monday praising the reaction of the mother protecting her children as well as her faith.
“We can all learn a lot from this family about the importance of having an emergency plan in place in our homes and, most importantly, the power of prayer.” Walker continued, “I thank the Lord for this father’s preparation; the bravery shown by the mother and children and that what could have been a tragedy was transformed into a testimony of their faith in God.”
There is no word from law enforcement or prosecutors about possible charges against the mother, but it stretches the imagination to believe that is even a possibility.
A suspect who allegedly attempted to kick in the front door before ramming a pickup through the side of the house has clearly demonstrated their willingness to do harm to the occupants. The family was fortunate to not only have a plan, but to have a firearm ready for the mother to use when she had no other choice.
The alleged assailant could have left the premises unharmed, but he backed the frightened parent into a situation where she only had one option. For her sake and that of her children, it took a courageous act to shoot the alleged intruder and force him to flee.
Her actions should and certainly will be celebrated. And, once again, the importance of being armed and ready to defend oneself and loved ones cannot be overstated.
