Homeowner Defeats Burglar with Bear Spray, Shotgun

by
posted on April 23, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (9)

This story's really more of a fit over at "The Armed Citizen®" (and you may well see it over there soon enough), but, given the circumstances, I just couldn't leave it alone. According to reports, a Washington man was able to apprehend a young burglar earlier this week. Our protagonist's tools of the trade: bear mace and a trusty shotgun. According to KXLY, the unidentified homeowner heard noises in his garage in the middle of the night, and realized that someone must have broken in. Deciding it was time to act, the homeowner decided to utilize a solution typically reserved for larger, wilder dangers: bear mace. He allegedly emptied the entire can into the garage.As you might expect, the tactic worked. The late-night raiders broke a garage window and made an effort to flee the scene. It was then that one of them ran into the homeowner, who was now waiting in the front yard with a shotgun. According to KREM, the suspect-in-question was wielding a machete and approached the homeowner, but dropped the blade and surrendered after being granted a warning shot.The 17-year-old machete-wielding perp was taken into custody by the authorities, and an alleged 19-year-old accomplice was arrested later on. Police are still searching for an alleged third suspect.Check out the full KXLY report in the video embedded below.

Latest

Federal Centerfire And Shotshell
Federal Centerfire And Shotshell

Federal to Release More than 20 Centerfire and 25 Shotshell Options in 2026

Federal Ammunition has announced more than 20 new centerfire rifle ammunition options for 2026, and more than 25 new shotshell offerings.

Hunting Humor: Days Afield with Ike and Mike

The names have been changed in these mostly true stories that are in no way about anyone the reader might know.

Boone and Crockett Club has First Female President in 138 Years

Mary L. Webster was elected president of the Boone and Crockett Club during the organization’s 137th annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., late last year. She is the first woman to serve in this position since the Club’s inception in 1887.

New for 2026: Weatherby .25 RPM

For 2026, Weatherby has extended its cartridge line with the addition of the .25 Rebated Precision Magnum, the third in the series.

Waterfowl Hunting on a Shoestring Budget

Want to get into waterfowl hunting, but on a tight budget? Try these tips to get into the action this year and have something to show for your efforts!

Sierra Bullets 2026 Lineup

Last month, Sierra Bullets announced its 2026 new product lineup. Beginning in early 2026, all new products will be available at stocking dealers, major retail sporting goods stores, their websites and SierraBullets.com.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.