We bring you two stories in the past week from Springfield, IL, just four days apart, involving armed homeowners.  Each have lessons to be learned.

The first story had a good ending for the homeowner, a Marine veteran.  The other had a not-so-good ending for a former US Army Ranger.

Good news up first!

Would-be burglar confronted by armed homeowner

(State Journal-Register) –  A Springfield man who was allegedly breaking into a home in the 800 block of South Glenwood Avenue late Thursday fled after being confronted by the homeowner, who had a gun.

Christopher W. Price, 24, of Kirkley Lane was arrested about a block from the residence.

Police said the homeowner, a Marine veteran, was asleep and heard a noise coming from the back porch about 11:50 p.m. Thursday. He investigated, and reportedly saw a man on the back porch attempting to break in.

The homeowner got his gun and ordered the man, later identified as Price, to leave. Price saw the gun and fled, police said.

One of the officers responding to the incident saw Price, detained him and placed him under arrest.

The homeowner got his gun.  He solved the situation without using deadly force by warning off the would-be burglar with a clear and convincing display of potential force.  And the cops caught up with the hoodlum.

Story #2 didn’t make the paper.

It was a home invasion at 11:30AM Sunday at the house of another veteran.  This man served as a US Army Ranger in Viet Nam.  An older fellow, he volunteered for three additional tours in ‘Nam, winning the Silver Star and a host of other decorations.   He’s got his concealed carry license and is a nice guy.

His neighborhood had deteriorated over the years and within the past month or so, he had a home invasion where intruders came in, beat him nearly to death, and stole his guns, cash and some other valuables.

A good friend, and a Guns Save Life meeting regular in Springfield, loaned him a Beretta 92FS once he was released from his hospitalization.

Well, our Silver Star recipient went to church on Sunday and when he got home, he was relaxing when the doorbell rang at 11:30.  He thought it was the neighbor from across the street that usually comes by about that time each Sunday.  When he opened the door, he was greeted with the muzzle of a Colt 1911-style pistol.

They forced him back from the door, came inside, and closed the door behind them.

“We know you’ve got guns.  Give them up now or I’ll blow your brains all over the wall.”

His borrowed Beretta 92 was back in his bedroom, where he’d left it after returning from church.

Morals of the story:

1.  Don’t open your front door without first identifying who’s there and assessing the situation.

2.  If you do open your door for someone you don’t know, put your foot behind the door to prevent it being pushed open suddenly

3.  Consider carrying your gun.  Even at home.  If you’ve got a comfortable carry rig, you don’t even notice it.

They got his gun and he escaped with his life, thankfully.