UPDATE: Homeowner Shoots Break-in Suspect in Head, Deputies Say
UPDATE: Homeowner Shoots Break-in Suspect in Head, Deputies Say Save Email Print
Posted: 10:49 AM Oct 31, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:36 PM Oct 31, 2008
 Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
126 comments
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UPDATE at 6 p.m.

GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ)--Taking the law into your own hands. That's what a local homeowner did when he caught a thief breaking into his storage shed. Armed with his shotgun, one shot was all it took and the burglary came to an abrupt end.

“I woke up and heard the alarm and came out at 3:30 in the morning,” Ivan Hurt said.

Hurt lives alone in rural northern Gallia County. He has a shed full of equipment he values and fiercely protects it. That's why when two men broke into the building early Friday morning, Ivan was ready.

“I saw him come, and he turned like this and he had a flashlight in one hand and something else in the other, so I shot,” Hurt said.

Mr. Hurt wasted no time, he was barely out of his house when he pulled the trigger from more than 30 yards away.

“You see this spray pattern. That’s what happens when you shoot from so far away. I didn’t want to kill anyone, and it still makes me sick that I even had to wound someone. I’ve been robbed before and that’s when I installed an alarm so I could be ready,” Hurt said.

“There are a lot of thefts because people are stealing to get their drugs,” said Gallia County Sheriff David Martin.

Martin said thefts are up nationally and that includes Gallia County. He said residents are tired of it and they're not going to take it anymore.

“The law protects you if you feel there is imminent danger to you or family members,” said Gallia County Prosecutor Jeff Adkins.

And if there's any doubt about what the man was up to, Hurt said he left an incriminating piece of evidence behind.

“This is a mask he was wearing, and you can even see the blood from where he was hit,” said Hurt.

Ronald J. Johnson was the suspect and shooting victim. He was in fair condition Friday evening at St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington. The second suspect got away. Police are still searching for him. Both men will face charges.

There was no word on whether Hurt will be charged with anything. Prosecutors will decide whether he acted negligently or in self defense.

Original story

GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- After catching a suspect breaking into his garage, deputies say a Gallia County man took the law into his own hands.

The Gallia County Sheriff's Department says a homeowner in Raccoon Township, which is in the northern part of Gallia County near Rio Grande, shot a man in the head.

Investigators say the shooting victim is 28-year old Ronald J. Johnson of Vinton in Gallia County. He is listed in fair condtion at St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington.

Deputies say the homeowner is 63-year-old Ivan Hurt.

According to deputies, around 3 a.m. Friday morning, Hurt heard someone rustling around in his garage, so he grabbed his shotgun and went out to investigate.

After deputies say he shot Johnson, another suspect got away. Sheriff's deputies are still searching for that second man.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

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Posted by: mom of 2 on Nov 11, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I do believe that if someone breaks into your home, you have the right to protect yourself and your family, afterall, the broke in! If they get arrested, they get slapped on the hands and turned loose to only do it again, but if they get shot, they may think twice before they steal again!!!
Posted by: Reeski on Nov 10, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Posted by: Charlie on Nov 2, 2008 at 09:21 AM Another thief shot ,that's at least a couple the last few days around here.Must be open season. This is sending the kind of message only they understand. It's close to deer season..everyone has their weapons oiled ;)
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:45 PM
If you have never been robbed before, you will never know the fear that runs through your body. You have one thing in mind and that is to PROTECT your family. You know that, the intruder is up to no good and you don't know how far they will go. Your body reacts to that fear. What if this man did not shot and the robber killed him?????? WOULD THAT BE OK???? NO. WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT OURSELF.
Posted by: Sue on Nov 6, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I don't like the fact that some of our comments are not being posted i have put in 5 and they none have been posted and that is not right. Thanks alot WSAZ for care what all America's have to say!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:10 AM
I don't think that its right that the homeowner shot. Yeah the theif was in the wrong but that don't mean you have to shot the guy. The homeowner didn't even know if the guy had a gun or not. If he felt that he needed to shoot he didnt have to shot him in the head. That guy is someones son and probably someones dad. I think that the homeowner was in the wrong and I don't think he was trying to protect himself I think he was trying to kill him.
Posted by: MrLawman on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:21 AM
MrObvious, the only thing obvious is that you don't know what the definition of robbery is. Robbery would mean that the suspect had been armed with a weapon intent upon taking from the shooter by force. Stealing from someone in the night is called burglary, but only if the theif is inside the house. I'm not sure if the suspect was actually charged with burglary, but he will not be prosecuted for it since it was a shed and not a "dwelling" as the statutory definition requires. Unless the homeowner/shooter has a bed in the shed and sleeps there for more than half of the week at a time. It is obvious as well that your only grasp of the law is knowing how to break it by shooting someone illegally. By law, the homeowner shot a "trespasser."
Posted by: confused on Nov 4, 2008 at 05:34 AM
i thought it was against the law to shoot someone? even if u r protecting yourself? i know people that went to jail just getting a gun, while on their own property, just to scare the trouble makers away and the trouble makers filed a complaint and the home owner paid a fine! this is in wv, so maybe its just in wv?
Posted by: taxpayer on Nov 3, 2008 at 07:27 PM
MeAgain, welfare isn't really "working hard." You got what you have from my taxes you moron.
Posted by: MrObvious on Nov 3, 2008 at 06:52 PM
First of all, no one died. The sob story about a child losing his father because of a "bad choice" was silly. A bad choice is going to Taco Bell on your first date, seeing a movie with Ben Affleck in it, or voting for Obama. Stealing from someone while they are in the residence is suicidal. If this man had indeed died and left a son, the lesson would have resonated for the rest of the son's life about what happens when you make a suicidal choice to rob people. I would dare say that the son would have learned something.
Posted by: Rupert on Nov 3, 2008 at 11:21 AM
"Taking the law into your own hands." What else can you do at that time of morning? Call 911 and wait 20 minutes? Also, the property owner was the victim, the alleged thief was the perpetrator. Get it straight next time!
Posted by: MeAgain on Nov 3, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Why do people have to bring politics into every conversation? Good Gosh! As for the shooting...you come on my property trying to take what I worked hard for and I will hurt you too...gun, or anyother means...You will limp away...if you can.
Posted by: I do not know any of these people, but my heart goes out to ALL. on Nov 3, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I posted a comment on NOV.2, 6:29am.. I do feel for the thief's family. I also feel for the shed owner too.. If he is a great man like, you people that know him are saying. He will one day wish things were different. It is true human nature when, not by intention you take another man's life. You have remorse afterward. The comments on here are so negative, you guys do not see the whole picture. A child could have lost thier father, due to a bad choice.There are people hurting on both sides. I am sure at least half of you making these statements, have at least one "Poor descion maker" in your family, that you worry about. I am willing to bet after the shock wears off on Mr. Hurt, if you said such things to his face, he will be 100% disguisted. I pray for the family that lost a member, and I pray that Mr. Hurt leans on the Lord for support, when the time comes that he will go through the "What ifs". It is a total shame BOTH parties have to go through this. I am so sorry to all...
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 3, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Way to go. If people would get some common sense and start shooting theifs, then it would be a safer place. Not just for our belongings but for our personal being. Theives need to know that they are not getting a second chance to steal. The law smacks them on the hand and they are right back stealing again. If we put some buck shot in them, they would not be back.
Posted by: ohio resident on Nov 3, 2008 at 01:22 AM
I think it would be rediculous to prosecute Mr. Hurt for protecting himself and his property. He should not have to let them go and take from him. He could have killed if he would have suprised them armed only with a flashlight instead of a gun. they could have got him down and beat him. i think he done the right thing.
Posted by: Rich on Nov 3, 2008 at 12:56 AM
It is NOT taking the law into one's own hands when you defend yourself. See the comment below to understand just how the media perverts our inalienable RIGHTS into something that only the government can properly perform on our behalf. Wake up WSAZ and report the facts correctly. "This may be considered as the true palladium of liberty .... The right of self defence is the first law of nature: in most governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within the narrowest limits possible. Wherever standing armies are kept up, and the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any colour or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the brink of destruction" -- St. George Tucker, Judge of the Virginia Supreme Court and U.S. District Court of Virginia in Blackstone Commentaries, 1803
Posted by: Frank on Nov 3, 2008 at 12:11 AM
This a resoonce to the one who calls himself Glock yes you can put copper in you yard if you want to knowing that you was going to sale it but by chance some one whould try to steal it and they had some kind of weapone and you fread for you well being you have the write to protect your self and your protery
Posted by: Rush on Nov 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
If G.R. seriously thinks guns will be taken even after the Supreme Court ruled that it is an individual right he should not be allowed to vote. He is probably easily influenced.
Posted by: Reeski on Nov 2, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I do not know Eric Whisman/wiseman? or the situation. However I know Ivan & he'd given someone a hand out if they'd ask for it. Ivan said as you see in the video: "He turned this way(away) & then he turned back". "He had a flash light & something else in the other hand & when he turned back I shot him". The man was on his propery @ 3:30 am near his home, what was Ivan to "assume" he had in the other hand candy? Also his choice of ammunition was ( lets just say I'd need something with a lil more umph ). Ivan don't want to hurt nobody. P.s. Ivan made that alarm himself :)
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2008 at 08:12 PM
hey issac......my family works for what they have, no need to steal. i don't care whose brother, father, sister, etc it is.....i catch u stealing from me and i put one between your eyes, consider this a warning to all criminals
Posted by: blu on Nov 2, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Bout time! the criminals might think twice about breaking into someones property if they thought they might get shot! Dont worry, no one's taking away our guns. Even the gov doesn't want the criminals to be only ones with fire power!
Posted by: Glock on Nov 2, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Are you allowed to bait these theives with a pile of copper?
Posted by: Lisa on Nov 2, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I would of done the same thing. Great Job! I'm so sick of the thiefs around here, they obviously don't know what's its like to earn a living.
Posted by: mse on Nov 2, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I'm surprised to see so much praise and support for this man after so many were condemning Eric Whisman for doing exactly the same thing. No one said "too bad you didn't get the other one" when that happened.
Posted by: Reeski on Nov 2, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I know Ivan...he is a GREAT guy. He did nothing wrong:)
Posted by: ANGRY on Nov 2, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I MADE TWO SEPERATE COMMENTS AND WSAZ WILL NOT POST THEM. ALL I SAID WAS THE TRUTH. NOTHING BAD. I DIDNT EVEN SAY SHOOT EM ALL OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE. SO WSAZ WILL YOU POST THIS COMMENT
Posted by: Charlie on Nov 2, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Another thief shot ,that's at least a couple the last few days around here.Must be open season. This is sending the kind of message only they understand.
Posted by: SON on Nov 2, 2008 at 07:55 AM
IT SURE MAKES ME FEEL GOOD TO KNOW THAT NOONE DIED BUT JUSTICE WAS SERVED. IT'S GOOD TO KNOW THAT MR. HURT HAS MANY SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS WHO FEEL THAT HE WAS IN THE RIGHT. IF EVERYONE STUCK TOGETHER THESE KIND OF INCIDENTS WOULD DIE OFF. GOOD JOB!
Posted by: To Jillina.. and to ALL involved. Your in my prayers. on Nov 2, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Breaking into ones home is different I think.I would have no chioice if someone was in my house.There is nothing in that shed that could have remotly equaled a human life.Once a person was breaking into my mother's building,we sat on the phone with 911 and watched him enter the building and exit making several trips to his car {Loading up the goods}.We did have knives in our hands in case he decided to enter the house.They caught the guy,and my mother HAD to go to court. When she saw him up close,she realized he had mental issues.They said he would have to pay "X" amount of money.She never again pursed it.That was 6 years ago,and she FORGAVE him.Jillna,that is what the bible tells us to do.I have"Gave it a read." and what my mother done was the correct thing to do.I am sure the building owner will see that every night before he goes to bed, and picture the theif's wife, child and mother crying into their pillow, and will glady hand over the building and all, if he could have a "redue".
Posted by: Isaac on Nov 2, 2008 at 05:47 AM
To me this is so stupid to read you idiots getting on here and writing about how it is alright to kill in order to protect a building full of yard tools! I will tell you now the best way to see if you agree with something is take the thief and put your own brother,sister ,dad whoever you have close to you and put them into the thief's place. See then it will turn you around and you will be saying ," They didn't have to shoot " or you will say he was not stealing or about how he needed an operation and could not afford it ! You know what you would do ! So stop treating others different, who knows what your own family will do tomorrow? Trying to kill as you steal is one thing but to run out of your house and shoot is another.Had this been a white man and black thieves Mr. Sharpton would have been here talking about racists in West Virginia.
Posted by: G.R. on Nov 2, 2008 at 05:35 AM
Criminals won't have to worry about being shot after November 4.
Posted by: fed up! on Nov 2, 2008 at 02:23 AM
for the ones that dont believe in shooting the thieves take this into consideration,lets b like other countries.when u get caught stealing u lose a hand.get caught twice,guess what? u have no hands to steal with,just nubs!!!problem solved,justice served!if i was the "ruler" (not the president) of this country people with sticky fingers would b in trouble..lol.anyone tries to thieve off of me they will get one between the eyes.they definatly wouldnt do it again. i along with others,am sick of hearing about stealing.if more people were like hurt,the trash would b too afraid to steal in fear of what might happen to them!its a shame we have to think like this but eough is enough.if they r gonna do dope they need to GET A JOB!do not steal off of good people.do u think the theives would want to be robbed!? no..it would b the end of the world if that happened and everyone reading this knows that too.this is my opinion..take it or leave it.......thank u mr hurt.i bet that man wont try it again.
Posted by: Shelley on Nov 2, 2008 at 01:15 AM
Amy-at 3 am anyone being woke up out of their sleep by NUMEROUS robbers- the head or leg really doesnt matter! So you suggest shooting a man in the leg so he can take a shot at you and his buddy to be able to as well? Get real! When its dark and you dont know how many people are truly out there you are going to do whatever you have to do to protect yourself. Its pitch black in Racoon township in case you havent been there!! Hes lucky he was even able to hit him in the head in the dark. Ok to the other person sayin its someones family member yeah its someones family member but the theives took it upon theyself to go onto someone elses property and violate them so we should feel sorry for them becuz they are someones family members? These idiots will be lurking on yalls door steps once they heal becuz they need YOUR property to get HIGH off of? Want to hold a rally for them and give them some money to get drugs with? Didnt think so! Why do people always want to ridicule the victim?
Posted by: 44 magnum on Nov 1, 2008 at 05:56 PM
stand up citizens protect what is yours i was robbed and the sheriff said well you know this is a bad neighborhood no finger prints were taken nothing in way of investigation if there is a next time they will investigate because there will be a body to pick up
Posted by: gary on Nov 1, 2008 at 12:57 PM
good job,,shoot all theifs
Posted by: To Jillina on Nov 1, 2008 at 11:13 AM
The Bible also says "THOU SHALT NOT STEAL". It's one of the Ten Commandments....give it a read! It speaks badly about those people!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2008 at 11:05 AM
GOOD JOB to bad you didnt get the other one !!!!
Posted by: Daryl on Nov 1, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Now that is what I call gun control, being able to hit your target!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2008 at 10:07 AM
to all of you who feel sorry for the criminals......please give me your address.....i need to steal some stuff for my drugs and since you won't shoot me i'll come to your place to get stuff to sell.
Posted by: red on Nov 1, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Enjoy it, after Nov. 4 the 2nd amend. will be gone. Well starting Jan. 09 Think before you cast your vote on Nov. 4
Posted by: Justme on Nov 1, 2008 at 07:27 AM
He had every right to protect his property.If more people would do the same then maybe the thieves would think twice.
Posted by: Jillina on Nov 1, 2008 at 01:41 AM
30 yards is a long way. I don't see an imminent threat. point the gun, if the person approaches then shoot. Is property worth a person's life to you. The Bible speaks of those who put material things before spiritual things. It speaks badly about those people.
Posted by: allan on Nov 1, 2008 at 01:30 AM
you can't shoot for protecting your property. you can shoot for protecting you physical well being. christie, this was a burglary, not a robbery. a robbery involves a gun from the suspect, not the homeowner.
Posted by: Eric on Nov 1, 2008 at 01:15 AM
some of ur alls comments on here r to funny..When r we going to be able to not be victems all the time? seems the crooks have more rights than the common man?? Why is this? Ppl on here say it was over kill...should have shot him in the leg or sumething?if u r awakened in the middle of the night to a alarm going off,u get up out of a sleep to see whats going on u see some1 its dark ur scared then u see another... how many ppl r here? but the average person is trained to keep there head together right? NO!!! cops train all the time for these types of things NOT HOME OWNERS!!! so no ur scared u shoot...u feel as though ur life is in danger..doesnt matter if its ur house ur garge ur car..the point is dont steal dont go onto someones property and take something thats not urs and think that nothing is going to happen to me..things r changing ppl r getting fed up with the crap that goes on around here.
Posted by: larry on Nov 1, 2008 at 01:01 AM
e=mc2 I bet you gave alot of lunch money to the bullies at school. Alot of times they dont carry guns because it increases their sentence. Also, if they have a gun it has value. Value = drugs. That is why they are stealing. Anything of value goes to drugs.
Posted by: Richard on Nov 1, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Well the people that can sue the shooter you need to know the law before you start running your mouth off youi need to read the HP 184 law and the CASTLE DOCTRINE law it states that a person has the wright to defend his property and his well being and can not be SUED for shoting them and can us deady force if need to if they fell that there life is in danger then it it up to the state to detrmine if it was self defeness withh whould bee hard to do and For you all crookes if you try to rob me or try to do bosdy harme you will be shoot.
Posted by: George on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:26 PM
And people ask me why I carry a concealed weapon. It's because I can't carry a cop. Some of the people who have posted on here better wake up and wake up soon. Someone who commits a crime will not think anything of it to commit a larger crime. The MAJORITY of criminals do carry some kind of weapon.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Mr. Hurt, I wouldn't want to be in that position, but I commend you. It's sad that the second suspect got away. Can we get a description?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 10:41 PM
why should he be charged for protecting is property. i would have shot too
Posted by: frank on Oct 31, 2008 at 10:27 PM
there is no crime here for shooting these people that are to lazy to work but not to lazy to steal he should get a WSAZ home town hero award
Posted by: chuck on Oct 31, 2008 at 10:15 PM
way to go mr.hurt.its the only way people can stop these outlaws.for those who keep crying for the crooks,they need to find out about the "castle doctrin" that is in effect.here in lawrence co.the sheriff does not even send out a investagator when people are robbed.
Posted by: MrObvious on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:55 PM
All these people on here whining that the burglars were only stealing stuff. Ok, let me tell you something. I work extremely hard for my "stuff". You could say that I put my blood, sweat and tears into all that I have. Most of all, my time is spent at work, away from my family. When some lowlife feels that they can just steal from me, they are stealing part of my life. They deserve whatever they get.
Posted by: Billy Hill on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I fully support Ivan. The robber should be thankful that he was shot with a shotgun. He would have not been as lucky at my house. Heck, give Ivan the Hometown Hero Award.
Posted by: jj on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:37 PM
way to go, shame it has come to this, its time we stop the crime, lawyers and the court system does nothing about it.
Posted by: HAPPY on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:36 PM
This is what happens when you try to take something that does not belong to you. WAY TO GO PAPAW!!!!!!!!! Imbet this guy will think twice before attempting to steal again. These stories make me happy when the good guy wins!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Don P. on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:12 PM
For all of you people who think that this guy didn't deserve to be shot...I hope you're place is the next place to get robbed. This is way out of hand in this area, I have been robbed, over $8,000 worth of "stuff" taken from my garage. Tools, personal property, the very last item that my litle sister ever bought me, as she was killed in an accident 4 months later. So don't set and criticize the homeowners who are tired of this. I am one of them..what about my kids who worried every night for months that they'd come back, as they busted the door up on our house - but luckily the deadbolt held them out. They either got tired of trying or something scrared them away. These people are predators, they feed off of others and it's time for them to realize that there is going to be a price to pay. For the parents of the thieves, I feel sorry for you...if you have a child in this bad of shape, get them help now..because it could be them next. My kids shouldn't have to be afraid to go to bed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:03 PM
"this thief was someone's son"-Grant it I'm pretty sure Judas had a mother to-Guess she forgot ot tell him those thirty pieces of silver aren't always worth it in the end huh? God people are so pathetically ignorant sometimes. Let's see it happen to your family and then see how much sympathy you have for the jacknut on the other side of the fence my friend.
Posted by: christie on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:57 PM
My family or a thief....no contest..Mr. Hurt did the right thing. Who knows, if he had not shot the thief, we may have heard a different story..one that included Mr. Hurt and his family being shot during a robery gone bad.
Posted by: READ POSTED BY:LAWMAN on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:51 PM
To:Posted by: Lawman on Oct.31,2008 at 3:59 AM Thanks for the Comment! It is what I was thinking,stay in your HOME with your GUN if you see someone call the Police! If they break in your HOME?????????????? THIEF or NON-THIEF,getting SHOT could happen to,NICE CITIZENS or NOT! This could be your SONS,DAUGHTERS or REALITIVES, NICE or NOT out at ANY GIVEN TIME IN the NIGHT or EARLY MORNING HOUR'S. If you watch you see the so-called GOOD families, teens out and so-called BAD families, teen's out,including ADULTS! Even well known, teens and relatives, who's familiesin who work in PUBLIC OFFICES! How would you feel and what would you SAY!
Posted by: to lawman on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:17 PM
A garage connected to a home by any means is considered part of that residence according to all insurance companies any thing else is considered a separate building so if a thief is in an attached garage he is considered in the residence and under ohio's new castle doctorine is subject to being shot and the home owner is considered as acting in self defense.It is a good law and it will curb the amount of thefts a whole lot better than calling the police that may not get there in time to arrest the thief.
Posted by: Jimmy on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Score one for the good guys!
Posted by: Donna-Mason County on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Heck Yeah,hope this sends a message....keep your sticky fingers off someone elses property..and get a job..anyone breaks in on me...they are a dead s.o.b
Posted by: Jim on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Self-defense is not "taking the law into your own hands"!
Posted by: Thomas on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:19 PM
the law dont matter to me. If someone is threatning my life, i will blow their f#####@ head off. The cops or court has NO say so about that.
Posted by: Ivan on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Christine, as a former law enforcement officer one would think you would be a little better educated about the law. But I guess not if you are from WV. A police officer could not have shot the man in the same situation. A citizen has only at least the same rights as an officer in shooting someone. The cop has to feel a real threat to this safety in the form of a quick motion in his direction or actually seeing a weapon before he may shoot. Sounds like you would shoot a person as they were crawling away from your property under a fence after having stolen a windchime from your front porch. Trigger happy morons like you are only fodder for the gun control crowd. We need responsible gun owners, not vigilantes.
Posted by: Charity on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I think he acted as most of us these day's would!When my house was shot up it took over an hour and a half for the cop's to respond,due to the lack of enforsement officer's on duty,and I have 3 children of which was where the shot's started 1st,I wish I would have shot back,but they got away and nothing was ever done to find the people who done it.I don't know Ivan very well at all,but I do know the man would help anyone in need,so I feel he shouldn't be charged with anything,he should be given a award!!!
Posted by: moninmygarage on Oct 31, 2008 at 06:31 PM
to lawman{ he says he saw a flashlight in one hand and something in the other hand.} better safe than sorry! better judged by twelve than buried by six.
Posted by: Christina on Oct 31, 2008 at 06:04 PM
If law enforcement would do their job, people in gallia county as well as meigs county wouldn't have to take the law into their own hands. I am a meigs county resident and the local sheriff's office here will not even try to investigate who is breaking into places here. Our garage was broken into about 2 months ago and the idiots who done it left a beer can in our garage. We called the sheriff's office and they absolutely refused to take fingerprints. They said that since there was so much dew that morning, there was no way to get fingerprints. Give me another lame excuse. As for Mr. hunt, my hat is off to you sir. You did what any other homeowner would of done. If law enforcement doesn't want to do what they are paid to do then by all means, take the law in to your own hands. If you don't then who will????? Also, whoever the scum is that broke into our garage, you know who you are. I dare you to come back and try it again that is if you think you are brave enough.
Posted by: jeannie on Oct 31, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I have since found out more of the situation concerning Mr. Ivan Hurt.He has suffered multiple break-ins.Tell me people of Gallia Co. would you stop and ask the burgular do you have a gun? Whenever these people broke in to this mans home do you really think he meant no harm?If someone is bold enough(or stupid and selfish enough)to take something from a man who has done nothing but work and provide for his family can be held accountable for a situation he did not ask for or deserve?He was excercising his constitutional 2nd amendment right.I am a Mother of 5 daughters and my Husband and I have worked our entire life for our home and possessions. One comment posted stated that this man shot for "stuff".Mr. Hurt was not required to play 20 questions with this criminal. That would have endangered his life,home&family.This young man needs help obviously,I am not without compassion for him,There are agencies in Gallia Co. such as mental health,job and family services.Firstly God and prayer.
Posted by: Riley on Oct 31, 2008 at 05:34 PM
C'mon, the man was a thief and in this day and age just because they hadn't broken into the house doesn't mean they weren't going to- maybe they just didn't have the time because they were interrupted with buckshot. Our society in general needs to STOP defending the criminal and START protecting the victims.
Posted by: Mark on Oct 31, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Speaking as a former resident of Raccoon Township and Gallia County it came as no surprise to hear of this incident. The residents of this area have dealt with years of frustration and fear due to the inability of the sheriff's department and county officials to properly patrol and protect this area of the county. It is a shame that a resident had to take measures such as this that may cost a person their life but maybe this will be a wakeup call to county officials that more needs to be done to help protect the residents of Raccoon Township.
Posted by: mer on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:37 PM
way to go paw paw!!
Posted by: Amy on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Steve said it best: "The homeowner did not "take the law into his own hands", but rather protected his family." To: A Mother: You asked WHY he didn't call the police & let them "surprise" the thief...hmmm, MAYBE because the thief would've ALREADY BEEN GONE by the time the police got there! Duh! Also, as a mom myself, I have taught my son that stealing is wrong--people go to jail for stealing. It's also one of the 10 commandments! Maybe this thief didn't read the, because the liberals want them out of public places. Maybe the home owner should've shot him in the head, but good 4 him for standing up for his rights.
Posted by: TO AMY on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:25 PM
AMY, maybe the garage is attached to the home. Even if it is not, he was protecting himself not his property. HOW OLD ARE YOU?
Posted by: E=MC2 on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:06 PM
This will only lead to burglars carrying weapons as well. The reason they are creeping in the night is to not confront any homeowner. The cops will tell you that the majority of burglars are only looking for a quick steal and aren't carrying a weapon. A robber on the other hand carries a gun and kicks down your door.
Posted by: Christine on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Being a single mother of two, if you break into my property, rest assured I will shoot and then call the law. The idiot that was shot, deserved every thing coming to him. Bless Mr. Hunt's heart. AND I AM a retired Law enforcement officer.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Amy, it is not overkill. Think about it they're to rob you of you personal "STUFF" how do you not know that they have a GUN and will kill you to. People needing money for their drugs DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY. Shot a couple of them I think you will see the crime rate drop. The sad part about the whole thing is the man who shot the guy will get sued for protecting is "STUFF" and the robber will walk free. I have lived in this county to long.
Posted by: tired of the thieves! on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:01 PM
i'm sick of people defending these thieves! i don't care what they take it still doesn't belong to them..what gives them the right?? they didn't work for it or buy it themselves. i know of 3 friends who all got broken into this past weekend. all living about 30 mins or so apart. it's just getting out of hand. get a job and work for something. mcdonald's is usually always hiring!! these thiefs get what they deserve. yeah they are someones son or whatever and i feel for the families but then thats a chance they take. i can't stand a thief! if/when they get caught by the police nothing happens except a slap on the wrist. i say aim for whatever and finish them off..they deserve it. if they were on my property i would do the same thing. don't think i wouldn't hesitate for a second! and to some people a tool may be just a tool but to that person it could have some sentimental value passed on from grandparents or great grandparents..it's not just "stuff" to everyone.
Posted by: Happy on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Everyone that says Why didn't he call the police and have them surpize them?? ask anyone that has ever called the police in gallia county.... the few officers we have are good but they have way to much going on at one time it might have been 1 hour 3 hours or might have said sorry bout your luck.. and the buglers know this. if your not going to get caught why not. I feel the home owner did right I hope not but if he gets in trouble he did set an example.. For the next person to think about robbing him.. mess with me i become the judge jury and verdict. pow your shot!! i'd done the same thing. No ones going to take my peace of mind if i have any thing to do with it. It might just have been tools but what bout next time stealing is stealing.
Posted by: Lawman on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:59 PM
A garage isn't considered part of the residence. The owner would only have a right to shot if threatened by the burglar. If the man was retreating or very far away the shooter could be jailed. Self-defense refers to personal safety and not the safety of your property.
Posted by: Pablo on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:58 PM
To answer a question asked of me in here, yes I'm a Democart. I'm on the conservative side generally with most topics. But I cannot accept the Republican's anti-Christian veiws on may topics. First, I do not mind paying taxes to help others who need help or are trying to better themselves. I feel Jesus expects this of me. I don't want to be taken advantage of, but my time on this earth is not what I can get for myself but to see the whole human race move forword. Again, I feel this is what Jesus wants. I also want a clean and safe environment. Medical help for everyone, not just those that can afford it. What I'm saying is, my main purpose for me, is to get to Heaven. I feel many of today's Republicans are missing that point when they only feel for the wealthy, corportations, and such. I think murderers need executed but I truly hope that God will forgive them on Judgement Day. I fail much, but I do try to live my life like Jesus would want me to.
Posted by: Jed on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:58 PM
It was a shotgun. The man is in fair condition. I would assume the shooter was far away then. Just some buckshot in his scalp. We used to put saltrock in shells and shoot it at stray dogs. It wouldn't kill them but it would scald the hair off their hind ends.
Posted by: to a mother on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:38 PM
What call the police and when they arrive 2 days later they can suprise him i dont think i called them when my utility trailer was stolen and they said we'll keep an eye out, little good that does if the person leaves the area with it or trades it to someone that lives in another stateso I'm out a $600 trailer and with a $500 deductable on insurance whats the use to file a claim and se primeums go up so next time someone is stealing from me on my property or from inside my home the lead will fly that is the only thing these drugged crazed thieves understand.The working people are tired
Posted by: rick on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:30 PM
If things happened as the article says, then more power to the shooter. We have the right to protect our property. There's a good chance the "victim" would have or will go on to commit more crimes and very possibly kill an innocent person.
Posted by: bill on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:27 PM
AMY Don't you watch tv, if you shoot somebody in the leg, they will be back to shoot you in the head as soon as they get out of the hospital!!
Posted by: Stacy on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:27 PM
ALL THIEVES BEWARE: Times are real tough right now and people will defend what's theirs and protect their family even if it's at the cost of your life. If you're a thief, you better find another profession, cause this one's getting too dangerous. Way to go homeowner. He deserved to be shot. As do all thieves.
Posted by: david on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Of course, this burglar will probably sue the homeowner and win now, although the scumbag had broken into his house. I applaud the homeowner!
Posted by: Amy on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Wonder if he was aiming for his head? If so don't you think that's a bit of overkill for a break in? I can understand shooting someone in the leg or arm or wherever, but shooting to kill is a little over the top for me. Now, having said that, if someone was breaking into my house to harm me or my family I'd shoot to kill. There's a huge difference between being fearful for your life and fearful for your "stuff".
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE DID SOMETHING ABOUT ALL OF THESE THEVIES.YOU CAN BET IF SOMEONE BREAKS INTO MY HOME,BUILDING OR ECT,I AM GOING TO SHOOT THEM.I HAVEN'T WORK FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS SO THAT SOME PUNK, THAT DOESN'T WANT TO WORK CAN COME IN AND TAKE WHAT I'VE WORKED SO HARD TO GET.IF I GO TO JAIL THEN OH WELL I HOPE I KILLED THE THEIF.THAT WOULD MAKE MY TIME IN JAIL ALMOST WORTH IT. CONCERNED,WORKING WOMAN.
Posted by: Tim on Oct 31, 2008 at 02:42 PM
I hate this and I am certain the gentleman that shot this robber hates this. However, break into my home, if I am home you will get the same thing. More and more of this will start happening, as it already has begun. Robbers be warned - your fair game and likely to be punished immediately upon entry. Save the courts and taxpayers money and lets protect ourselves!
Posted by: Gallia County Resident on Oct 31, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Yea for Ivan! Maybe some of the other thieves in our area will think twice before robbing people. GET A JOB! Every single day people in our area are being robbed and the culprits get nothing more than a slap on the wrist and a weekend in the county jail....then, come Monday, they are right back at it! Check the county jail website, www.galliasheriff.org. Some of these people have been arrested numerous times. How many times do you have to get arrested for theft before you're sent off to prison? Maybe if more people follow Ivans example residents would stopped being robbed! Again....YEA FOR IVAN!
Posted by: jeannie on Oct 31, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I certainly hope the homeowner suffers no reprocussions,financially or mentally.It would be a horrible thing to have to shoot someone in the head,pretty ugly.He had every right to shoot,too bad he didn't get both of them.There is a mounting problem in Gallia Co.,we even have heroine in the county now.We need a new sheriff in the county who cares about the drug problem and will work tirelessly,I hope we are fortunate enough to get a man like Roger Brandeberry to lead us through these difficult,but not impossible times.He has experience,and so many times in the past I have seen people get elected and then come out owning lots of property and having money they didn't have when they were elected.With Roger at the helm,integrity will not be a problem. I know this man cannot be bought.I am not saying his opponent can be bought,I know very little about him, but I do know from past experience what kind of man Roger is.I hope Gallia Co. gets out & votes for LITERALLY their lives.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Unfortunatly, I'm sure the homeowner will be sued by the burglar for the medical bills, pain and suffering, etc. Wish I were on THAT jury!
Posted by: Gallia County Res. Rio Grande on Oct 31, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Way to go. Once Brandberry get in we will have a better county. I would have done the same. I work for my tools, cars, house, everything else why should I let some one else come and take what I worked for.
Posted by: Don on Oct 31, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I've heard in the past that the Sheriff's Department has logged "No deputy available" to burglary reports. If caught the sentence is "community control". This is an example of REAL community control! Why did the other escape? Was it a single shot shotgun?
Posted by: RAY on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I BET BURGLAR #2 FEELS LUCKY RIGHT ABOUT NOW. OH WELL DONT BREAK INTO PEOPLES HOMES AND YOU WONT GET SHOT. I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING. YOU DONT KNOW IF THESE DRUGGIES HAVE WEAPONS ON THEM OR NOT.
Posted by: sleepy on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I hope this home owner is not charged with any crime. Break in's and burglaries are well on the rise and these criminals need to beware. Good for the homeowner for protecting himself and his family.
Posted by: Debbie on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:41 PM
While I certainly think people have a right to defend themself, I do hope police fully investigate to make sure none of these shootings are people luring others to their house to kill them on the guise of a burglary, that has happened before you know.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:39 PM
50 years ago (when I was 5) I had walked around the block and was dragged by a teenage boy into a garage where no one was living in the home. Our house was right across the alley. God was with me, and when things got bad I was able to grab some pruning shears that someone left in that garage and whacked him in the head. Believe it or not, he ran out through the alley and into our yard where my dad happened to have a pitchfork and asked him what he thought he was doing. Not realizing the connection he let the guy go because he heard me screaming and headed for home. When the police were notified NOTHING was done and I mean nothing. My parents even asked if they had to wait for me to be raped or murdered for there to be justice and the cops wouldn't answer. If it was that bad 50 years ago, God help the innocent people today cause it sure isn't any better. Everyone please watch your back and your neighbors backs...you don't know just who the next victim will be.
Posted by: dolly on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:24 PM
There is another story on here about a guy doing that and everyone is telling him he is a murder. I am with you people if they are taking you stuff then they knew what could happen. Its a chance they wanted to take. Its about time people are aloud to deffend there things.
Posted by: Wild west? on Oct 31, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Oh, yes!! This is SO GREAT!! Is this the wild west or what? If your life is in danger, then yes, shoot them. But killing someone over tools, or a car, or other tangible property?
Posted by: A MOTHER on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:59 AM
BREAKING IN SOMEONE'S HOME IS WRONG. I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE TO PROTECT OURSELF,BUT WHY DIDNT HE JUST CALL THE POLICE AND LET THEM SUPRISE THE THEIF? MAYBE THE SHOOTER WAS TRIGGER HAPPY. THAT THIEF IS SOMEONE'S SON,,I FEEL SORRY FOR BOTH SIDES.
Posted by: Milton on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM
To bad it has come to this but I say way-to-go! If more people started letting the scum (that fills its worth stealing for) have a bullet then maybe some of the scum would learn to get an honest job (even if it is slinging burgers) and quit the thieving. You know there is no shame in putting in an honest days work. The shame is when you can work an won't! Barbaric as it seems maybe we need to go back a few years to when crime was dealt with on the spot. Then maybe the crime rate really would go down. Again way-to-go!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:55 AM
IF YOU DO PROTECT YOURSELF KIL THEM OR THEY WILL SUE YOU AND YOU WILL PAY THIER BILLS THE REST OF THIER USELESS LIVES !!!
Posted by: Ty on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I would have done the exact same thing! But undoubtedly, it will be turned around on the homeowner. Funny how the law protects the scum, and not the hard working tax payers, huh?!
Posted by: JOHN on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Good job, this is the way it should be !Give the homeowner a medal !
Posted by: ??? on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I wish names would be released soon.
Posted by: To Pablo on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I agree 100% with your post, but I am confused. You have been on these threads for quite some time, and in many of your posts, you are a conservative by nature. Why then do you support Obama for President. How can you be so conservative on so many issues, and still align yourself with the Democratic party. By definition, and their own admission, they stand for the opposite of your postings. Just asking.
Posted by: David on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Was the burglar carrying a gun himself? If he wasn't then shooting him in the head was a little excessive. They make pellet and beanbag shotguns as non-lethal alternatives for this type of situation you know.
Posted by: Steve on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:34 AM
The homeowner did not "take the law into his own hands", but rather protected his family. The use of the phrase suggests that the act was vigilante in nature, when, based on the above story, it was an act of protection. The use of words is a powerful thing, sometimes, and the phrasing chosen to describe the event fosters a sense that this man did something wrong. I know I would not WANT to kill someone in my home, but to suggest that I should not, choosing instead to HOPE the police get there in time,is as wrong as a person entering my home uninvited. Let's be careful who we villify in these situations. The poor man who was forced to kill another didn't ask for any of it.
Posted by: Jack on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Good for the homeowner. We work hard for what we own and should have the right to protect it.
Posted by: anon on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:24 AM
That's what the suspect gets...
Posted by: Pablo on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:22 AM
This is great. It's time some of these low-life thieving scums are given what they deserve from homeowners who are only trying to protect their lives, their family lives and their property. Gallia County has many find deputies (Joe Browning is one of the best) but they can't be in every part of the county at all times. We as homeowners have the right to protect ourselves and our families. I hope they catch the other thief. Lesson to learn here, don't be a thief or robber and your chances of getting shot will be close to zero.
Posted by: Melissa on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:20 AM
GOOD FOR THEM ~!!~!!~ IF this happened EVERYTIME someone broke in a house, car ANYTHING the thieves would think before doing it and we would have less crime !!! TO THE HOMEOWNER --- you get a ADA BOY !!!
Posted by: anon on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Goog job. Keep shooting them it does away with repeat offenders.
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