A burglary suspect was shot in the arm after being confronted by the relatives of the property owner, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) said yesterday.
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a property on the 1200 block of Oak Drive SE early morning on Sept. 19 after an alleged trespasser was shot, according to a TCSO news release.
Two of the family members, who were described as “cooperative” with authorities, said they heard something on the property, which had been repeatedly burglarized in the past week.
The relatives checked and found two ATVs parked near storage trailers. They confronted two men who were walking away from the trailers.
The suspects were identified as a 50-year-old Rochester man and a 60-year-old Centralia man. When confronted, the older man fled into the bushes while the Rochester man charged at one of the family members, who was holding a rifle.
The Rochester man was shot in the arm, causing a serious but non-life-threatening wound. The man was treated at the Providence St. Peter hospital.
The TCSO said it is not yet naming the suspects as formal charges have yet to be filed.
The case will be referred to the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
AugieH
BRAVO! to those who can successfully defend their property and possessions and not themselves be prosecuted for using excessive force.
Friday, September 23, 2022 Report this
FirstOtter
The Morgans were the property owners. They're lucky they live and this happened in Thurston county. If it had been Lewis county, the owners would have been arrested and the thieves let go with a 'there there, we'll punish those nasty homeowners."
Friday, September 23, 2022 Report this
SavageNation
Excellent! Nice to hear homeowners not hurt. Note to thieves: Don’t! Also, not good idea to charge a person holding a weapon. Idiot.
Friday, September 23, 2022 Report this
FirstOtter
I'm sure some bleeding heart will say how wrong it is for the property owners to actually shoot a thief. The thieves are lucky to live in America. In Saudi Arabia, your first offense costs you a right hand. The second offense costs you a head. Here, the costs are born by the people whose things are stolen and the thief gets 'counseling'.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Report this
HarveysMom
Shooting a perp and NOT killing. Cops should do that if they feel deadly force is called for. NOT killing.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Report this