Machetes No Match for Shotgun as Georgia Homeowner Stops Two Robbery Suspects With Single Blast

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DOUGLAS, GA – Two armed robbery suspects were shot by a homeowner during a violent confrontation in Coffee County and later arrested after receiving medical treatment, according to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to Grove Mobile Home Park in Douglas after reports that two individuals were suffering from gunshot wounds.

When deputies arrived, they located two adult women with apparent gunshot injuries. The women were identified as Stephanie Ann Nicole Castillo, 35, of Douglas, and Elisabet Gaspar, 27, of Douglas.

Emergency Medical Services provided aid at the scene.

During the preliminary investigation, deputies determined the shooting had occurred earlier at a separate residence near Tyler Road.

Investigators learned that the homeowner had been attacked by the two suspects, who were allegedly armed with a machete.

According to the victim, Castillo and Gaspar arrived at the residence intending to commit a robbery.

Authorities say a prolonged physical struggle followed. During the confrontation, the homeowner was beaten and assaulted.

The homeowner eventually retrieved a shotgun and fired a single round. Investigators say the shot struck both suspects.

Castillo and Gaspar were transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

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After receiving medical clearance, both women were taken into custody and transported to the Coffee County Jail.

Each suspect faces multiple felony charges. Authorities charged both women with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of armed robbery, and one count of first degree home invasion.

Under Georgia law, aggravated assault involves attacking someone with a deadly weapon or an object capable of causing serious injury. The offense carries a penalty of 1 to 20 years in prison for each count.

Armed robbery involves taking property from another person using an offensive weapon or a device that appears to be one. The crime carries severe penalties, including a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

First degree home invasion occurs when someone unlawfully enters an occupied home while armed and intending to commit a violent felony. The offense carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years without parole.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cases like this highlight the reality that violent crimes can unfold quickly inside a home. Lawful firearm ownership provides individuals with the ability to protect themselves when facing immediate threats of violence. The Second Amendment protects the fundamental right of Americans to keep and bear arms, including the right to possess firearms for personal protection.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.