82 year-old Buckeye State woman uses pistol to fend off aggravated robbery

The Jackson, OH Telegram is reporting that an elderly Jackson County woman who was about to become the apparent victim of a home-invasion burglary last Saturday afternoon was more than ready to stand up for herself and protect her property.

From the story:

According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Ruth Dassel, 82, of 853 Camba Road, Jackson, in Franklin Township, used a pistol to fire a single shot at an unidentified man who had apparently just broken into her home at 12:34 p.m.

The intruder was not struck by the bullet, but investigators are attempting to identify him in what is being categorized as an aggravated burglary.

Sheriff John Shasteen says the incident underscores the importance of community policing. "Neighbors need to be looking out for neighbors and report any suspicious activity," he told The Telegram Tuesday, noting that incidents such as this are happening more often.

According to the report, Dassel was inside her home when she heard a noise coming from the back of her house. Using a walker to move to an enclosed back porch, she opened the door from the house and discovered a man standing on her back porch.

Again, from the story:

Dassel immediately picked up a pistol that she had in the pouch of her walker and pointed it at the intruder. He said, "don't shoot," and he turned to run from the house. She fired one shot in his direction, but did not hit him.

Investigating deputies later found that a door jam had been broken, which indicated the intruder had forced his way inside the outside door. A shell casing was also found that showed a shot was fired.

The Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in possibly identifying the burglar or for any information that may helpful in solving this case.

The suspect is described as being in the 20s or 30s age bracket, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a thin build and a bald or shaved head. He was wearing faded blue jeans with a plaid shirt over a T-shirt advertising Johnny's Bar.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 286-6464.