MS: Home invader shot: "But the crime that has occurred seemingly unabated elsewhere in the city this year arrived - expected or not - Friday when a resident shot an alleged burglar. The resident, whom police would not identify, likely will not face charges because of Mississippi's "castle doctrine." Johnny Washington, 42, allegedly broke into an apartment complex at Jefferson and Gillespie streets Friday and tried to steal a bow and arrow and a vehicle jump kit, Holmes said. The resident woke about 5 a.m. and noticed the silhouette of a man standing in his bedroom. The homeowner picked up a gun and followed the man as he fled. When the intruder allegedly made a threatening gesture, the homeowner shot the suspect in the leg, police say. Washington's wound was treated, and he was released to police. He was booked into the Hinds County Detention Center on house burglary charges.


VA: Man found not guilty in deadly shooting: "A Danville Circuit Court jury found Lantron Nakia Womack, 32, not guilty Wednesday of the five charges he faced in connection with a double shooting that took place on Aug. 14, 2009 that left Jermay Antonio Smith dead. At about 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 14, police responded to the 200 block of First Street after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. When they arrived, they found Smith and Ramon Guy lying in the street with gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to Danville Regional Medical Center where Smith died and Guy was treated and released. Womack, of Sutherlin, turned himself in to Lynchburg authorities two weeks later accompanied by his attorney.... Smith told Womack to stop, grabbed him and tried to rob him, telling Womack to “give it up,” Sanzone said. A struggle ensued between Womack, who was in the car, and Smith, who was outside the vehicle and bent over Womack. Womack, who testified in court that Smith was reaching into Womack’s pocket with one hand and grabbing his own gun with another, shot Smith and testified Wednesday that he next heard a “click” and turned and saw Guy approaching the passenger side with a gun. Womack then shot Guy and left, according to the defense."


MS: Off-duty officer, ex-con exchange gunfire: "Fabian Chapman allegedly was burglarizing his sixth vehicle when an off-duty police officer spotted him around 1 p.m. Thursday. Moments later, gunfire rang out. Chapman had pulled a gun on the officer and started firing, police said. The officer, whose identity was not released, and a passenger inside his white SUV reached for handguns inside their vehicle and returned fire. Chapman was struck at least twice, including once in the upper torso. Chapman, 24, of Jackson, was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was listed critical condition. The officer received a minor laceration to the hand from a window that shattered in his vehicle. The passenger was unharmed. Because the officer and his passenger acted in self-defense, they are not expected to be charged, police said."


WI: Bill would increase home self-defense rights: "A bill slowly moving through the state Legislature would make it legal for Wisconsin residents to use deadly force if necessary to protect their homes. Under current law, someone could break into a house, and if the intruder was injured in the act, he or she could sue the homeowner, said state Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, D-Milladore, whose district includes central Wood County. People should have the right to defend themselves in their homes, but even if the bill goes into effect, law enforcement should continue to be the first line of defense if an intruder threatens the safety of a family, Wisconsin Rapids Police Chief Kurt Heuer said. A bill to allow what is commonly called a Castle Doctrine has been introduced numerous times but failed to become law."