Warning Shots - No Charges Chico, CA

[crash5150]

Chico couple awaken to find intruder in bedroom - Chico Enterprise Record

CHICO — At about 6 a.m. today, a man and his wife awakened in their home in the 1200 block of Humboldt Road, to discover a young male standing next to their bed.

According to a Chico police press release, the man and his wife screamed at the intruder to leave, but the male continued to stand where he was.

The husband then reportedly told the man he had a gun and the suspect began to walk slowly through the house to the back door.

"The male victim armed himself with a handgun and fired two warning shots into the ground in the backyard as the suspect fled," said the release.

Chico police discovered the suspect still running and jumping fences in the area of Virginia and Bruce streets.

At about 6:15 a.m. the suspect — a 17-year-old — was taken into custody. The teen was taken to Butte County Juvenile Hall on charges of burglary and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

[Vman]

At about 6:15 a.m. the suspect — a 17-year-old — was taken into custody. The teen was taken to Butte County Juvenile Hall on charges of burglary and being under the influence of a controlled substance.[/quote]


Now that would be scary to wake up to a stranger standing by your bed. Makes for good justification for a home alarm system... or a dog that barks.

[rkmagicman]

Not smart at all, victim fires as the perp is running away.

Negligent discharge of a firearm, shooting( even be it at the ground) when the threat was no longer present.

Hmmmmmmm he must have friends in high places to not have charges filed.

RK

[WillyNilly]

It's Butte Co., they do things a little different up there. I'm not all that surprised there weren't charges filed against the homeowner. He is very lucky though. All in all, it was a very bad idea.

[crash5150]

Originally Posted by WillyNilly

It's Butte Co., they do things a little different up there. I'm not all that surprised there weren't charges filed against the homeowner. He is very lucky though. All in all, it was a very bad idea.

I don't know how many of you remember, but last year a Fireman in Chico was charged with exposing a concealed firearm in a school zone when he drew his weapon in response to two young adults pointing an airsoft with a laser at him.

But the PD and DA don't do anything when someone fires his weapon to a fleeing suspect. Just wrong.

[WillyNilly]

"School zone" = operative words.

[derringer]

Smart, not smart.....depends on how you look at it.

Smart to get in the guy's mind what could have happened to him during his friendly visit. Ever been shot at? I imagine hearing those shots just about put the fear of God in that young man's footsteps!!! Think he might think twice next time before walking into your bedroom? Yeah, what if your bedroom was next on his list and he decided it wasn't worth the possible risk of being shot? Would you think it wasn't smart then?

Bang, bang, "...And don't come back! Hear!!!"

Love Northern CA!

Not smart in the eyes of our not-always-so-smart justice system, sure.

I'm all for sending a loud and clear message to the thugs as they run out of my house, but I know the odds are against me in the system that favors them. So, no shots from me in that case, but I'd be hating it!