Emp. of Fayetteville Man Shot in Botched Home Invasion (NC)

[Paladin]

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1230232/

"Employees of Fayetteville Man Shot in Botched Home Invasion

Posted: Mar. 10, 2007

Fayetteville — Two men have been arrested in connection with a home invasion of their employer in Fayetteville Friday night that left both suspects with gunshot wounds.

Cumberland County sheriff’s detectives arrested Paul Euston Kent Jr., 20, of 5384 Wichita Drive in Fayetteville and Carlos Francisco Mozzo, 18, of 317 Summerhill Road in Fayetteville, and charged them with attempted first-degree burglary and robbery with a deadly weapon.

Investigators said the men allegedly entered the home of James Wiggins, 66, of 3411 Cumberland Road shortly after 8:00 p.m. Both suspects were wearing black ski masks, dark clothing and had a handgun in their possession, authorities said.

Wiggins told detectives his dog began to bark and he spotted the men approaching the home. Wiggins went to his bedroom, retrieved his gun and began shooting at the men when the backdoor of his home was forced open, investigators said.

Kent suffered a gunshot wound to the lower portion of his right eye. He was treated and released from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and was placed in the Cumberland County Detention Center under $50,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Mozzo’s injuries included a gunshot wound to a leg and one to the midsection of his body. He was transported to Duke Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment Saturday for the non-life threatening injuries. Investigators said Mozzo will be transported back to Cumberland County to face charges after his release from the hospital.

Authorities said both Kent and Mozzo were employed by Wiggins, who told investigators he owns a roofing business."

[Paladin]

This is a great story. I had a few thoughts about it though:

Employees of Fayetteville Man Shot in Botched Home Invasion

Not sure I'd call home invasion botched. It was more like James Wiggins was ready for 'em.

Wiggins told detectives his dog began to bark and he spotted the men approaching the home. Wiggins went to his bedroom, retrieved his gun and began shooting at the men when the backdoor of his home was forced open, investigators said.

Wiggins did good here. Just right. With the help of his dog he had situational awareness. He had a gun ready, was waiting for the BG's as they broke in, and he made good hits. The surprise was all on the BGs.

I have several different 'plans' for home defense, depending on the situation. This is my "Plan A" home defense. And it's a good one.

[kauboy]

I wonder what he was using. Getting hit under the eye, which is where one of the sinus cavities is, should have resulted more damage than a quick stop at the ER could deal with.

Might have been a .22. Who knows...

In any event, He did well. Knowing they were coming was his first huge benefit. Dogs can be invaluable for this. Also, not firing until they force their way inside was a good choice. Obviously more risky, but removes almost all doubt about intention.

[casselthief]

coulda been a grazing hit. just require some stitches.

[Thane]

This is a great story. I had a few thoughts about it though:

Employees of Fayetteville Man Shot in Botched Home Invasion

Not sure I'd call home invasion botched. It was more like James Wiggins was ready for 'em.

I think the word you're looking for is thwarted.

[jimlongley]

The hit "to the lower portion of his right eye." could even have punctured the eye and blinded him in it, there's not much to do for that kind of injury.

A bunch of years ago one of our telephone techs was trying to pull a wire out of a wall when his long nose pliers slipped and he hit himself in the right eye with them. Of course he lost the eye, but he was home from the hospital within hours.

Similarly a childhood friend who blew up a Coke bottle with dry ice. Took out his eye and gashed up the side of his face, he was in school the next day. (And that was a LOT of years ago.)

[srothstein]

I noted that the article doesn't say if he fired them or not. I wonder if some lawyer will sue him for wrongful termination for their off-duty activities.

[9mmGuy]

I noted that the article doesn't say if he fired them or not. I wonder if some lawyer will sue him for wrongful termination for their off-duty activities.

That would not suprise me. the way the world is today...

[Tote 9]

Good Old Pooch Dog.