Preparedness
Intruder Meets Armed Homeowner: A Sobering Tale of Consequences
In the early morning hours of a rural home in Herrick, Illinois, became the scene of a fatal encounter when an intruder ignored warnings and met a tragic end. Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds confirmed the incident, stating that the intruder, identified as 19-year-old Wade M. Barnes from Cowden, had previous run-ins with law enforcement.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 5:25 a.m. about a home invasion underway. Sheriff McReynolds noted in a press release that Barnes was known to the authorities due to past incidents, including an ongoing criminal case. Just earlier this month, Barnes faced multiple charges, including “aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, and transporting liquor by a driver under 21.”
During the home invasion, Barnes reportedly threatened the occupants. In response, one of the residents retrieved a firearm and issued a clear verbal warning for Barnes to halt.
“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds stated.
As a result, shots were fired, striking Barnes. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and Barnes was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:16 a.m.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, with assistance from state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney. This tragic event marks another chapter in Barnes’ troubled history, as he had previously been charged with “aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit” earlier this year.
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many commenters expressing support for the homeowner’s actions. One individual remarked, “It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!”
Another comment highlighted the perceived inevitability of consequences for criminal activities: “If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences. I did not get shot recently; probably because I don’t do crimes. Hmmmmm.”
The sentiment was echoed by another user who quipped, “The criminals’ anthem… another one bites the dust!”
As the investigation unfolds, the community reflects on the balance between self-defense and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such confrontations.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Richard
November 6, 2024 at 11:43 am
Anyone breaking into homes are responsible for whatever response are taken by people! Safety of those residents takes precedence over criminals!
Don
November 6, 2024 at 1:43 pm
One less bad guy that won’t be stealing anymore.
Michael Graham
November 6, 2024 at 4:35 pm
As the quote goes “When seconds count the Police are only minutes away”!
Anti firearm advocates always stress “let law enforcement officers protect you”.You don’t need a gun. Well, you don’t get to say “king’s X,I want to call 911”. There are times that if you can you MUST defend yourself. In resent times these same woke liberals have pushed to defund and reduce police effectiveness so it is even more important that you be able to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Paul
November 6, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Women and “children” think they can do as they please without consequences just because they are female or under age. NOT ANY MORE! You get what’s coming to you when you break the law, especially when the courts just turn you lose without the proper consequences! The courts need to start doing what they are supposed to do, or Citizens will! Enough is enough! The home owner did what he had to, and there’s one less punk on the streets abusing oxygen!