Burglar shot by homeowner after attempting to steal yard tools from garage
Nathan Brown (left) and Matthew Roman
Online Staff Report
At approximately 12:20 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 23, Winnebago County sheriff’s police deputies responded to the 2900 block of Edna in reference to a burglary and shooting.
Upon arrival, they learned a resident was alerted by an alarm system of a burglary to an unattached garage on his property.
The homeowner obtained a handgun and went outside and learned his garage had been broken into and property taken. He confronted two suspects on his property, one of whom ran from the scene.
The second suspect ran to a van parked in the street and attempted to flee. The homeowner struggled with him as he attempted to drive away recklessly. The homeowner fired several rounds from his handgun, and the suspect drove off, striking a boat across from the residence. However, the suspect was able to get away.
Approximately two hours later, it was learned a shooting victim had shown up at a hospital in Rochelle, Ill., and was transferred to a Rockford hospital by helicopter.
Detectives learned this man had a gunshot wound to the stomach. He has been identified as Nathan Brown, 31, of Rockford.
A second person was taken into custody later in the morning. He is identified as Matthew Roman, 23, of Rockford.
The investigation has been reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a charge of burglary was authorized on both men.
The homeowner has a valid Illinois Firearms Owner’s Identification Card. No charges were filed against him.
Items taken from the garage consisted of yard tools.
Posted Aug. 23, 2012
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4 Comments
Awesome! Just another example of why we must get concealed carry passed. The victim protected himself and his property. And both suspects caught.
Yeh I think shooting the guy was a bit much for stealing a lawnmower. I would never draw and shoot someone that was fleeing and certainly not someone that was not threatening my life. This homeowner should have got the license plates, called 911 and waited for them to bring his lawnmower back. This is what gives gun owners a bad rap.
Unfortunately the only way for there to be less guns in Rockford would be to take them from law abiding citizens leaving all of us total naked before criminals. If we outlaw guns in Rockford does anyone think criminals will abide by the law outlawing firearms?
one would hope that brown wears a bag for the rest of his miserable life. pay back can be real bad.
what are you saying, tea party?? on one hand you say that shooting the bum is a bad idea. you would get a license #. duh, most of these guys steal or rent get-a-way vehicles. you can not depend on the police to “bring back” property. protect yourself.
the thing that gives a bad rap to a gun owner is a foolish comment, such as you made. it is still legal to carry a gun on one’s own land; as long as one has a f o i d card.
hahaha NAILED b—-es~!!