An armed Florida homeowner yelled “freeze” at an intruder in his home last week, but police said the suspect continued to move toward him. With that, the homeowner opened fire.
The Lake Wales victim told police she woke up Tuesday night to the sound of her dog barking at her home in the 700 block of South Scenic Highway. WTVT TV reported. It was after 11:30 p.m. WFLA-TV reported. Lake Wales is about 90 minutes east of Tampa.
“This homeowner was a law-abiding citizen who had every right to protect his family. Cameron McGuire should be grateful he is alive and in prison today.”
There, the homeowner was armed and saw the intruder, Cameron McGuire, 34, inside the home with some of the child's belongings, police said.
“He actually had my daughter's book bag on him,” John Coles told WFLA.
Police said the victim yelled, “Freeze,” but the suspect continued walking towards the victim.
Coles told WFLA, adding, “I didn't really want to shoot the guy, but as I was standing here pointing a gun at him, he just kind of came forward.” “So I shot him and told him not to move again or it would happen again.”
Coles told WFLA he then pointed a gun at McGuire and called 911.
“He… sat there until the police came and actually took him out of the house,” Coles also pointed out to WFLA.
“Every right to protect your family”
Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez told WTVT this incident is an example of law-abiding citizens exercising their legal rights.
“This homeowner was a law-abiding citizen and had every right to protect his family,” Velasquez said, according to WTVT. “Cameron McGuire should be grateful he's alive and in prison today. Hopefully, this may have been a wake-up call for him.”
Investigators said McGuire entered the home by climbing through the kitchen window.
McGuire was taken to a local hospital and then booked into the Polk County Jail.
Image source: Polk County Sheriff's Office
McGuire was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling and theft, WTVT reported.
Police told WTVT that McGuire was released from state prison in February and has an extensive criminal history, including drug possession and domestic violence charges, including strangulation.
Lake Wales Police told WFLA homeowners to lock all windows and doors to ensure the safety of their homes.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
