Although this story is a month old at this time, it's illustrative of at least a couple of points regarding defense at home, one good thing, and one thing that could've been done differently. Not criticizing, outcome still good (relatively speaking)
If they were strangers and she had a way to talk to them without opening the door, that would've been the best option. It doesn't mean they wouldn't have just broken in, but it would've made it harder for them, slowed them down possibly. Or they might've tried to victimize someone else.Police say around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 79-year-old James Thomas Noah and 77-year-old Barbara Ella Melton were inside their apartment on Old Vineyard Road in Winston-Salem. They add that there was a knock at the door and when Melton answered it, two men shoved her and forced their way inside.
He was able to get to a gun, even at home, without having to go to a bedroom. Even if you don't want to carry one at home, there are ways to make it available quickly if needed. Even a small gun in the hand or within reach might beat the 1911 or glock 17 or 44 revolver in the bedroom.Police say the two men began assaulting Noah with a blunt object once they were inside. But, Noah was able to draw his handgun which he was carrying in his waistband, and fired one round, hitting one of his assailants in the head.
These guys might've known beforehand an elderly couple lived there and thought they had easy pickings. Surprise!“To hear that he was getting banged on with a drill to the side of his head, able to kick him off and do what he had to do, he was trained properly. He was trained,” Hollis said. “That goes to show you, don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Of course there won't be charges. This DGU would even be legal in most liberal anti gun states, if the gun was legally owned. It's too bad about the bruising, but it could've been much worse.Police say Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill has determined that no criminal charges will be sought against Noah. Neighbors say he is recovering, but has some bruising on his face.
“He didn’t really want to do what he had to do,” Hollis said. “But, you’re getting beat on in your house, and your wife is there, what you gonna do?”