Homeowner forced to shoot would-be ATV thief when he tries to enter home

A homeowner who had already scared off a would-be thief who had attempted to steal his ATV was forced to defend himself with a firearm when the man returned and attempted to enter his home.

From WEWS (ABC Cleveland):

Deputies responded Saturday to a home on Mayfair Road in Green for reports of a shooting.

The homeowner told deputies that he found man attempting to steal an ATV from his property. When the homeowner confronted the man, he threatened the homeowner and fled the area.

According to the report, the man returned a short time later and attempted to enter the home.

According to the article, the homeowner retrieved a firearm and gave several warnings to the man. The homeowner told the man that the sheriff’s office was on its way, and shot the man when he approached him.

First responders transported the home invader and would-be thief to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police said he would be charged upon release from the hospital.

Under Ohio's Castle Doctrine law, if someone unlawfully enters or attempts to enter an occupied home or temporary habitation, or occupied car, citizens have an initial presumption that they may act in self defense, and will not be second-guessed by the State.

Chad D. Baus served as Buckeye Firearms Association Secretary from 2013-2019, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. He is co-founder of BFA-PAC, and served as its Vice Chairman for 15 years. He is the editor of BuckeyeFirearms.org, which received the Outdoor Writers of Ohio 2013 Supporting Member Award for Best Website, and is also an NRA-certified firearms instructor.