A couple parked at a fast-food restaurant in St. Petersburg, Fla., around 8 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2024. After the wife went inside to pick up food, a masked man allegedly entered the car and attempted to carjack the husband. However, the victim pulled out his own gun and fired at the suspect, causing him to flee. The suspect turned himself in and was hospitalized in critical condition at the time of reporting. He faces charges of attempted carjacking and occupied vehicle trespassing. (iontb.com, Seminole, Fla., 12/4/24)
A homeowner in Madison, Ind., complained to his neighbor about someone breaking into his garage just before Christmas. The neighbor told reporters he believed the man installed security cameras after that break-in. Unfortunately, the new cameras did not stop two men from breaking into the man’s home around 4 a.m. on Dec. 26, 2024. The homeowner had other precautions in place, however, and shot the two home invaders dead. The investigation was still ongoing. (wlky.com, Louisville, Ky., 12/26/24)
On Dec. 30, 2024, a man reportedly went into a store in Jacksonville, Fla., and attempted to rob a store employee. An altercation ensued and carried the two men outside the store. The would-be robber got into a vehicle and attempted to run over the store employee, who then drew a firearm and fired several shots at the driver in the car, causing him to crash the vehicle. The suspect was responsive when police arrived but later died of his gunshot wounds. The investigation was ongoing. (news4jax.com, Jacksonville, Fla., 12/30/24)
