WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Homeowner shoots would-be burglar

Homeowner shoots would-be burglar

By Julie Straw
julie@wlbt.net

A would be burglar gets more than he bargains for while breaking into a West Jackson home.  The homeowner sent the burglar to the hospital.  It happened in the 600 block of Hillsdale Drive off Clinton Boulevard.

A homeowner on Hillsdale Drive was still in bed around 9:00 a.m. when a burglar woke him from his sleep. 

"Once he heard Mr. Moore attempt to break into the home he retrieved a weapon and fired a shot striking Mr. Moore," said Jackson Police Lt. Jeffery Scott.

Eighteen year old Lorenzo Moore was shot once in the arm.  He fled the home and was taken by private vehicle to University Medical Center.  One neighbor we spoke to believes the homeowner should have taken further action.   "He shouldn't have just wounded him.  He should have killed him dead," said Thelma Moore, no relation to the accused burglar.  "If he got enough nerve to come in and shoot, he's going to kill you if you don't kill him.  Take him out."

It's not clear if the burglar had a weapon on him at the time of the break in.  Jackson Police say that is something Moore will be asked in questioning.

"These young men do not understand the risk they take over a TV or VCR.  Again that's something we try to stress to these young men, but sometimes it hits home, sometimes it does not," said Lt. Scott.

Moore lives only a few streets away from where the break-in occurred.  He will soon be behind bars.  According to Lt. Scott when Moore is released from the hospital he will be charged with house burglary.

The homeowner will not be charged in this case.