OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Florida Sheriff Chip Simmons says a homeowner will “absolutely not” face charges after firing an “AK-47-style gun” at suspected home invaders.
Three men, including one armed with a gun, entered a home in Escambia County around midnight. “He started shooting for his own protection, to get them out of his house and to protect himself,” the sheriff said.
The homeowner pulled out a handgun from his waistband, but dropped the firearm. One of the suspects picked up the gun.
Then the homeowner was able to retrieve his “AK-47-style gun” and fired at the suspects before they fled.
One of the suspects suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities have identified two of the suspects as Antonio DeWayne Dean Jr., 18, and Da’Torrance Leanders Hackworth, 20.
“We get a report of a third individual that had a wound to the head not long after [the home invasion]. The stories he’s giving us as to how he got shot in the head are inconsistent at best. In short, we don’t believe him. So what we’re looking at is to determine whether this is the third person that was involved,” Simmons said.
From the NY Post:
Authorities identified the two other suspects The sheriff’s office posted an update on July 8 that Hackworth had been arrested.
Dean has a bevy of active warrants, Simmons said, including carjacking, aggravated assaults with a firearm, robbery with a firearm and domestic violence battery.
Simmons capped off his address by saying the homeowner would “absolutely not” face charges for shooting at the suspects.
“The homeowner’s protecting himself. And in Florida, in Escambia County, you can protect yourself,” he said.
