Homeowner thwarts break-in with handgun
Two suspects left with gunshot wounds after N. Ky. incident

By Sheila McLaughlin
(Cinicinatti) Enquirer staff writer

Two burglary suspects were hospitalized Saturday after a 79-year-old homeowner said he opened fire on them after they broke into his residence.

The men, whose names were not available, were listed in serious and fair condition at University Hospital in Cincinnati, a nursing supervisor said. They were flown by medical helicopter after the pre-dawn shooting.

Gayle Martin, who lives alone, said he was awakened shortly before 5 a.m. by the sound of his back door being battered. He grabbed his .357-caliber Magnum handgun and went to check out the noise. He said he saw two men and figured they were going to rob him.

"They were in the house. They had just broke in. I didn't let them get any farther," Martin said. He started shooting and the men ran from the house. Martin said he did not recognize either man.

Sheriff's deputies arrived at Martin's house after receiving a 911 call from the residence at 4:55 a.m. They found the suspects, suffering from gunshot wounds, after searching the area.

Grant County Sheriff Randy Middleton called Martin lucky. "He's very lucky. They probably would have killed him."

Middleton also said Martin's marksmanship was impressive. "He's a good shot," he said.

Neighbor Nancy Collins, who has lived on Ellen Kay Drive for 30 years, said break-ins in the somewhat rural neighborhood are uncommon. "I felt safe on this street until now," she said.

She described Martin as a "very nice gentleman," who "stayed off by himself."

Deputies have not filed any charges in the case.

"We probably won't, because they were trying to break into his house," said Middleton.

Six hours after the shooting, Martin said he was feeling lucky that he wasn't hurt.

"I'm still a bit shook up," he said.