But no more.
Is it any wonder that gun sales have topped one million a month for over four years running? No rational person wants to be caught unprepared for such an explosive and potentially deadly encounter.
For one homeowner in Maryland Saturday night, being prepared may have saved their life.
The terrifying scene unfolded around 9:30 p.m. in Essex. This Baltimore County locale is about 22 miles from the downtown district.
Police received reports of a shooting at the residence. When they arrived at the home on Middlesex Road, they found an adult male had been shot multiple times.
Investigators report they believe the injured suspect was shot by the alert homeowner while attempting to enter the dwelling. The alleged home invader was pronounced dead at the scene.
A neighbor spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity and said she heard the gunshots. “I have been living here for 56 years, and it has changed within five years. It’s gone straight down the hill.”
Maryland trial attorney Randolph Rice told WBAL-TV that while Maryland lacks a “castle doctrine,” there are laws in place allowing for self-defense.
“What the courts have established and what the legislature has established is that there is a self-defense with deadly force defense when it comes to your home.”
Rice added that if a resident believes the individual coming into the house is a threat, perhaps with a weapon or just knowing that the person is dangerous, “the homeowner could use that deadly force to protect themselves.”
It’s a dangerous decision to target a random person’s home for a violent break-in. Home invasions are increasingly met with deadly force, and the criminal element should get the clear message soon.
