Bethel Township Homeowner Fires at Two Masked Intruders and Their Car

A homeowner in Bethel Township, Ohio, shot at two masked men who forced their way into the house and fired at their car as they fled, USA Carry reports, citing the Miami County Sheriff's Office. The outlet says the shots at the departing car are what prosecutors must weigh.

Key points

• When and where: The break-in happened October 15 at 8:47 a.m. at a home on the 7000 block of Scarff Road.
• What happened: The homeowner confronted the pair, then fired at them and at their vehicle as they left in a "shiny black four-door sedan."
• Injuries: The sheriff's preliminary findings say neither man was hit, correcting an earlier report that one may have been struck.
• Investigation: Detectives are checking Flock license plate reader cameras to identify the car, deputies plan extra patrols, and the office warns residents not to approach anyone who fits the suspects' description.
• No decision yet: The sheriff's office has not described the homeowner's actions as justified or not, and prosecutors have announced no charging decision.

Quick take

USA Carry's Luke McCoy writes that two masked men breaking into an occupied home is precisely the sort of threat self-defense law addresses. In his view, the gunfire that followed them to the car is different, because someone running away usually no longer poses an imminent threat, and every round sent toward a moving vehicle is the shooter's responsibility. He adds that the final call belongs to prosecutors.

Read the full story at USA Carry.