(CA) Police name man who shot apparent burglar

[Drizzt]

Police name man who shot apparent burglar

Officials have not said if it was man who later died

By Luis Hernandez
Staff writer

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TULARE -- On Wednesday, police identified Mike Stapleton as the homeowner who shot a suspected burglar Monday night.

Raymond Rodriguez Sr., 39, of Tulare died at Tulare District Hospital after he arrived in the emergency room with a single gunshot wound about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The man reportedly drove himself to the hospital. Police have not positively identified Rodriguez as the man Stapleton shot.

According to police:


Stapleton was awakened just before 6:30 p.m. Monday by noises from the rear of his residence. He got a gun from a locked box and began checking the house's interior.

Stapleton told police he heard noises coming from the rear sliding glass door and looked through the drawn blinds and observed an unknown male standing in the door. He said he shouted as the burglar lunged at him.

Stapleton stepped back and fired one round.

The burglar ran away through the back yard.
Stapleton immediately reported the incident to authorities and while they were arriving at his 872 Orinda Ave. address, police received a report of a man showing up at the hospital emergency room with a gunshot wound.

The man died before police could question him.

At Stapleton's home, investigators discovered evidence of pry marks on the rear sliding door, indicating an attempted entry, police said.

The door had been partially pried open. Detectives also found what they believe to be blood.

Police said Stapleton's gun was also taken as evidence.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20030123/localnews/834470.html

 

[Greg L]

Isn't that nice. They give his name, address, and the fact that the police have taken his gun. I hope that he has more than one because if the more literate of the goblins out there realize this he may have more visitors in the night.

Greg

 

[BerettaNut92]

I guess that's why El Tejon keeps 4 of the same gun

 

[4v50 Gary]

Well, the gun had to be taken as evidence. They'll fire a bullet and check the ballistics out to ensure that it's the right gun involved. After the DA clears him, he should get it back. I guess it's good to keep at least one gun at a friend's home (provided he has a safe).

 

[El Tejon]

Skunk, for review:

1. 1 to carry;
2. 1 in ready reserve in the safe;
3. 1 at the gunsmith to be checked and have oil changed and tires rotated;
4. 1 kept off your property when the po-po takes your gun if/when something bad happens.

 

[BerettaNut92]

4. 1 kept off your property when the po-po takes your gun if/when something bad happens.

They take all or just the one involved?

And how far is your gunsmith?

 

[El Tejon]

Skunk, it depends. I've had cases where they just take the weapon involved and I've had cases where they take all firearms in the house (even if the shooting happened off the premises). Can't say for certain, so get ready.

Steve, the gunsmith, is one county north. He drops into the city every week to pick up stuff left at different gun shoppes and returns to his farm to resume beating on guns with big hammers and shooting coyotes with some super, duper .22-250 and occassionally working.

 

[Gordon]

Wait till the ambulance chasers get perp's family to file wrongful death suit for millions. Locally a burglar sued and WON a case against local school for him falling thru skylight and getting fubared. This was 10 years ago or so.

 

[STW]

I understand part of the suit was for lost income. Since it was burglery income you'd think they'd have been able to discount it 90%, just like a fence only paying 10% of value on stolen goods. I believe business involved has now put a barrier around its skylight to prevent a future accident from keeping someone from their illegal rounds.