Authorities reported he did all the right things, which included arming himself and calling 911. There is no word on exactly which order these two necessities were accomplished.
According to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner phoned emergency services and reported a “burglary in progress.” The incident report said he was alerted by the sound of a person “violently attempting to gain entry.”
At some point while deputies were responding, the alleged criminal successfully kicked his way into the residence.
That was a fatal mistake.
The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Christopher Jason Hovis of Hartselle. Investigators believe he backed out of the home after being shot and died outside.
Officials noted that the probe into the deadly incident is ongoing. However, their preliminary findings point toward the homeowner not facing charges in what they currently believe to be a justified shooting.
To be clear, no one celebrates the loss of life. Whatever led the suspect to allegedly attempt a home invasion is regrettable, and they clearly should have taken a different course.
However, the homeowner’s hands are tied when someone violently kicks in their door to gain entry. There is only one reasonable course of action, and unfortunately it involves deadly force.
Without new information, it is nearly certain that the resident who defended himself will not face charges. He took the correct course of action by notifying first responders and was prepared to act before they arrived if necessary.
He was also brave enough to confront the menace as the situation unfolded. This is the essence of the Second Amendment.
