delete this profile

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 4:52 p.m.

Poor judgment on the part of the man and on the kids (although the kids have the excuse of youth). But we weren't there so we don't know how things went down or how long this has been going on. I have to agree with other posters here that the mother who let her child do this is the most to blame and should be investigated by child services. Pure ignorance. What is wrong with some of these parents today! You are not your child's friend and it is your job to teach them right from wrong! Sure, they'll hate you for a few minutes but, trust me, they'll get over it.

Atticus F.

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:48 p.m.

What if this was someone ringing your doorbell because their car had broken down, or they were mistakenly at the wrong adress? Would you believe you have the right to shoot them because you're "scared"? If you're so afraid because someone is ringing your door bell at 10:30 at night, then I would say calling the police should be your first instinct. If you are truely that afraid, why would you even open the door in the first place? I would be calling 911, and crouching behind some cover, with my 12 guage trained on the door...That would be my reaction if I truely felt threatened.

Ricebrnr

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 10:22 a.m.

Except that we are still awaiting details of what type of pellet gun it was....

jcj

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:33 p.m.

For all you know it alls that say it was just a pellet gun. You do not know what you are talking about. Why don't you learn something about guns before opening your mouth! I guarantee you if I shot you with my pellet gun you would not think it was no big deal! The shooter was wrong the prankster was wrong and the mother needs her head examined!

cinnabar7071

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:21 p.m.

"and victims...CALL 911. Don't pull out a firearm." Thats good advice for victims, but sorry I refuse to be a victim. We still have that choice.

julieswhimsies

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 6:33 p.m.

Well. This was inevitable. It was wrong of the owner to shoot the kid. But. In my neighborhood in Dexter, someone has been pounding on our windows and glass storm doors so hard, it sounds like a cabinet has fallen over and wakes my husband and I out of a dead sleep between 12:00 A.M. and 3:30 A.M. We caught a glimpse of the kids and they were PRE-TEENS! What I would like to know is this: Where are the PARENTS? You might want to know where your kids are in the middle of the night...or at ALL times, for that matter. This poor kid had to learn the hard way...and victims...CALL 911. Don't pull out a firearm.

Ricebrnr

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 5:59 p.m.

Terrin, You are correct that Prosecutors may say that, however the whole point under Michigan's castle law gives the presumption that someone who breaks into a home or business does mean to do something that calls for deadly force in self defense. This may not stop a prosecutor from seeking charges and any concientious CPL holder always understands that we have to answer for any shots fired, this statute gives the benefit of the doubt to the home or business owner More info here: http://www.ammoland.com/2009/08/03/michigans-castle-doctrine-law-and-you/

TreeBee3

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 5:14 p.m.

Imagine a similar story, only this time the old man's pitbull ran the kid down and attacked him - where would you put the blame then? Given recent events, with much brutality to seniors and break ins - perhaps the old fellow was frightened. Shooting the kid, however, was over reacting, I do concur. This kid was doing foolish acts - and trespassing. I do not think the old man should have to do any jail time - punishment in the form of rehabilitation or gun safety course I feel would be a more proactive option. Taking away his gun, his could be only form of protection in this day, I think not. I think the blame should be fully directed at the Parents. -

Terrin

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 4:44 p.m.

Michael: In Michigan a guy stole somebody's car radio from a car. The owner caught him in the act and shot him as he was fleeing. The Michigan Supreme Court held the shooting was OK. Strange really because many prosecutors will tell you it is not legal to shoot somebody entering your house illegally if the person isn't a clear threat. So, if crooks are stealing your stuff, but clearly are not armed, it might very well be illegal to shoot them in your home. What the old guy did was wrong, but older people often times aren't always of clear mind. Age does that. Hard to feel too bad for the kid though being that he seems like he is going to be alright. The mom should have been shot with the pellet gun instead.

greg

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 4:01 p.m.

Thanks AnnArbor.com, but this was a hot enough item that I'd still be happier with your reporting to see some clarification. You are responsible for the items you report on. There is a big difference between deadly force (e.g. a gun) and deterrent force (e.g. pellet gun - like the one I use on raccoons).

John Hritz

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 2:46 p.m.

It is strange that someone was transported to UofM hospital for a pellet gun wound.

John of Saline

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 1:45 p.m.

The mother should be named and shamed. If she's capable of shame, that is.

ypsigirl

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:01 p.m.

Good job Mom. Would she also drive her child to school to shoot someone? She ALLOWED this to happen to her child. People are afraid to open their doors at night-or day for that matter. The headline could have been "Man robbed by three tenns after he opened door". Maliscious mischief is what it is called. How about community service at a Senior Center for the boys. This "used" to be viewed as a harmless prank but not anymore. "Harmless" pranks have lead to heart attacks in the elderly. What kind of a mother wold allow her cnild to be out that late, how about an investigation by Protective Services? What else is this child out doing at night that Mom allows? Old people are scared, I certainly couldn't outrun a bunch of punks trying to steal my purse. Some people are virtual prisoners in their homes because of fear and this just fosters that enviornment. I don't care howe affluent the subdivision is-crime is crime and these kids were definately in the wrong. Sure, he should not have pointed a gun but did he know they didn't have one with them?

Ponycar

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:14 a.m.

People who are saying the guy should have called police aren't thinking too straight. What is the likely outcome of that? The police respond, maybe for the ump-teenth time, to this same location for this same reason and the kids are long gone. What are they going to do? IF this was an ongoing thing (lets annoy the old man who cares about his lawn, tee hee!), the shooter was maybe just tired of it and decided to teach the kids a lesson by shooting them in the butt with a pellet gun to scare the crap out of them. I hope that's all this was. If so...no harm, no foul. But the kids probably won't do it again! A better solution would have been to hit them with the hose, but oh well.

laurie in ypsi

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:38 a.m.

I think this story is a glaring testimony to the times we are living in. As someone who has virtually turned my house into a fortress because of the recent increase in armed crime and home invasions, I cannot fault the gentleman for what he did because I wasn't in his shoes. Terror and fear for your life can create an uncontrollable and volatile response, as this young man found out. And when you live in constant fear that someone will come to do you harm just for a darn DVD player or Iphone, you come to the door already wired and fearful. Then you see multiple youths who are obviously up to no good and clearly are where they dont belong...what conclusion would you come to? Glad the young man will recover so that he can live out his life hopefully making better choices than his mother taught him to. She should hang her head in shame. As for the older gentleman...maybe a hefty slap on the wrist and nothing more.

Bryan123

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:21 a.m.

I don't blame the guy for coming to the door with the pellet gun since he had no idea what to expect when he opened the door hours after dark. Who knows what was going through his head when he opened the door and saw the teenagers. If he saw the teenagers nearly off his yard and leaving, then it was stupid to shoot the kid. However, just because the kid was hit in the back doesn't mean that he was twenty yards away and the homeowner took aim at someone obviously quickly leaving the property. He could have fealt a threat when he opened the door and saw multiple people running around in who knows what direction. If the homeowner had the time and circumstances to know that it was just a few teens playing a prank and running away, then it was stupid to shoot and he should be charged. If there wasn't ample time and circumstances for him to know exactly what was going on and only knew that there were multiple people on his property after dark and potentially trying to either lure him outside or enter his home, then I don't feel so bad for the kid who invited the situation. If it was anything more than a pellet gun, then it would have been a different story.

rkb0929

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:13 a.m.

This is a very sad event for all involved. If I were alone and kids were wandering around ringing doorbells that late in the evening (they did have school the next day), I can't imagine what I would do - although it would probably be to call 911. I cannot fathom a mother giving her son permission to do this! And it seems pretty childish for a 15 year old to be doing. However, I'm especially tired of always reading everyone not happy with the details or lack there of in the news stories. Everyone wants information IMMEDIATELY when something happens. AnnArbor.Com, I assume, is receiving all the information available to them at the time they need to post it for US to read! They periodically update I know, if more info becomes available. So people, let's not knock the people who are reporting the news to us.....please!

greg

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:07 a.m.

Some of the problem here is in the reporting. We're trained by the media to think of real guns when we see "shot" in an article - especially a head line. If this is a case of an annoyed homeowner shooting an annoying kid in the butt with a pellet gun, then it's not even all that newsworthy. I'd like to see a clarification from AnnArbor.com about the situation.

rkb0929

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:55 a.m.

This is a very sad event for all involved. If I were alone and kids were wandering around ringing doorbells that late in the evening (they did have school the next day), I can't imagine what I would do - although it would probably be to call 911. I cannot fathom a mother giving her son permission to do this! And it seems pretty childish for a 15 year old to be doing. However, I'm especially tired of always reading everyone not happy with the details or lack there of in the news stories. Everyone wants information IMMEDIATELY when something happens. AnnArbor.Com, I assume, is receiving all the information available to them at the time they need to post it for US to read! They periodically update I know, if more info becomes available. So people, let's not knock the people who are reporting the news to us.....please!

Heather

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:53 a.m.

My grandmother started getting late night nuisance phone calls from a kid. Late one night she got up to answer the phone and tripped in the dark and broke her collarbone. She was hospitalized, and there she got pneumonia. Her fractured collarbone hurt her too much for her to get up and move around. Her lungs filled with fluid and she died. I doubt that the kid who made those phone calls ever knew the result of her "harmless pranks." Children get a lot of ideas about what is funny from cartoons and movies. Adults who truly care about them need to help them understand the difference between a funny prank and one that could really frighten or do great harm to someone else.

vg550

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:44 a.m.

Just curious, but how would these "kids" feel if it was their mother home alone... and someone banged on the window, or rang the door bell or whatever... and frightened their parent. I'll bet they wouldn't think it was so funny then; although you never know because that deals with love, respect and responsibility. I'm not condoning shooting the doorbell ringer.... unless he actually broke into the home.

Good2catchu

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:38 a.m.

Well after reading the comments it seems the old man was a target everyone knew he was particular about stuff so the boys were playing chicken and which one rung the bell and anyone of them could have been shot you play the game you take the consequences. As for all the fuss a total waste of time resorces and money neighborhood seems to endorse such antics. Leave the old man alone the kids had no business being there.

mama247

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:23 a.m.

The older guy overreacted. The younger guy acted foolishly. The older guy's actions were, by far, more immature...... and dangerous.

sailhounds2

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 6:09 a.m.

I have always taught my children respect for neighbors, especially the elderly. I would hope they would never do that but the way things are today if the worst these 15-year-old boys is doing is ringing doorbells I can't be too down on the parents. It's a pretty innocent prank. They weren't out smashing mailboxes with baseball bats or breaking into cars and there doesn't appear to be any involvement of drugs or alcohol. What alarms me is that the kid was shot in the back. Clearly indicating he was running away and not trying to assault his neighbor. The kids should take a lesson from this, but not be shot at even with a pellet gun. Does the fact that it was not a shotgun make it ok? Had the man stayed in his house and called 911 that would have been the right thing to do. Do we want to teach our kids to shoot at anyone that annoys them? He will have to deal with having his homeowners insurance sued now. If he were my neighbor I would keep an eye on him. I agree with Wolverine 3660 and other posts. Old age does not necessarily mean wisdom. This guy has anger issues and taking "get off my lawn" a bit too far.

Graz

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 6:03 a.m.

Seems as if all parties involved were wrong. The mother for giving permission for the pranks, the kids for committing ther pranks and the homeowner. I say he is the most wrong because the kids were running away, thereby eliminating any claim of fear of physical danger to his person. What it sounds like is that he lost his temper and decided to teach those kids "a lesson". And if it was a situation of a repeated offense, the homeowner should have gotten law enforment involved instead of taking the law into his own hands. There is no excuse for firing a weapon, be it a pellet gun, airsoft gun, bb gun, or firearm, at a group of kids running away after ringing a doorbell.

scoote

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:37 p.m.

I played bb and pellet wars all the time when i was a kid he will recover just fine maybe he will learn that some people might feel threatened or violated when you ding done ditch and you might get an over reaction for all you know someone just rang your doorbell to see who is home to rush the place kids are lucky they didnt get beat. probably just wanted give that little punk a stinger on the butt to send him back home to mommy well i guess she would probably just hand him some eggs or tp and say have fun son.

shumom23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:03 p.m.

Shame on the mother for allowing this kind of prank. Her son should have been home at that hour instead of out terrorizing the neighborhood! We do not teach our kids respect and this is a perfect example. I hope the young man is fine and that he learned a lesson. Leave other people alone! respect each others property! terrorize your moms house when she is alone and it is dark and she is resting in a chair watching tv! see if she doesn't get mad about it! Gentleman overreacted but he worked hard for what he has and why should these teens be able to trample through it and destroy it just for there own entertainment. Mom should be ashamed of herself! Kids were only doing what they were allowed to do!

PformerPfizer

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:53 p.m.

Yeah, you can't just shoot someone in the back for running on your lawn after ringing your doorbell. Pellet gun or real gun, this 69 year old homeowner who is particular about his lawn should spend more than a few nights in a 6x8 housing unit!

kmgeb2000

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:48 p.m.

The kid's lucky it was a pellet gun and not a 38 special or 9 mm, then the headline would be something like teenager killed in a suspected B&E. As far as the statement about "it was only teen or kids having fun"; what would you mother say..... it's all fun and games till someone gets hart. You do something stupid, there is a reason why its stupid - because you don't know situation or frame of mind of the other person. Maybe the gentleman has had break-in's or troubles with vandalism. Its only fun for those pulling the prank. He is in stable condition, i.e., they pulled a pellet out his butt and stitched him up.

Michael K.

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:38 p.m.

When I lived in Austin, Texas in the 1990's, a man shot and killed a 15 year old who was stealing tapes from his car. The kid was running away when the man came out of his house. The man shot him shot in the back. And: it was "legal!" No charges were filed. Texas law said that you could shoot someone who was stealing, if it was after dark, and you had no reasonable expectation of recovering the property.... I hope to god that law has changed since. Summary execution of a minor for what would be a misdemeanor.... It was a relic of the old cattle rustling days. Kids screw up. They may actually be the same kids that always go to church on Sundays, and who snow blow the neighbors driveways for free in winter. Those things are not mutually exclusive.

johnnya2

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:32 p.m.

I think people who are this anal about their lawns and property need to realize its a fricking lawn. I would suggest what if this were somebody who needed help, and he hears the doorbell and shoots the kid? Yes, living in society means you need to put up with obnoxious kids. If this was a continuing problem and he was truly afraid call the police or 911. If this had been somebody trying to hurt this man or his property the old man would likely be dead using a pellet gun to stop a thief. This is like the guy who shot the cat who came on his lawn.

MikeyP

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:03 p.m.

I wouldn't shoot a kid ringing my doorbell, even with a pellet gun. However, I still wouldn't recommend it. Some people have big, fast dogs after all.

48104

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:59 p.m.

10:30 is hardly the middle of the night, and ringing doorbells is hardly terrorism. I take it none of you sanctimonious prigs ever did anything like that in your youth, eh?

Ricebrnr

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:58 p.m.

Ah, wish they'd give more details on the pellet gun. I can totally understand if it was an airsoft gun that shoots 6mm rubber/plastic bb's. That may explain the injury to the lower back as well, I bet he was aiming for someone's buttocks. Looks like the kids got pinked back.

jcj

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:26 p.m.

The guy overreacted, but the mom or any parent that thinks this is OK behavior by the teens is brain dead! The mom should be charged as well as the shooter. I do not think this is a person that needs to be put away for life. Unfortunately the mom will end up with a a settlement and be rewarded for her stupidity.

Merkava

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:21 p.m.

the headline is so sensational and misleading

bv928

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:59 p.m.

As usual, the story facts are slow to come it. I made the comments ealier based on the early report that it was a firearm. But hey, we're not talking about a Daisey BB gun like in Christmas Story!! Although not considered a firearm, a pellet rifle is very dangerous when misused and can be used to bring down small game. For instance, certain pellet rifles have a muzzle velocity of 1200 fps (feet per second) and more as compared to a typical.22 firearm at 1435 fps. A pellet rifle does have the ability to do serious damage to a human. As mentioned in another comment, that I agree with, we don't have all the facts. What kind of pellet rifle was it? Was it indeed a rifle, or was it a pistol?? What's the difference, it was still the wrong approach!! On the other hand, why hurt the kids, go over to the parents house and take it up directly with them.. Bottom line... they are kids doing kid stuff! Better ringing door bells than car jacking!! I think everybody can learn a lesson from this!!

nancy

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:16 p.m.

Certainly there are better ways for teenagers to occupy their time. As folks age they often become less tolerant of children and shouldn't be forced to contend with them. In the end, parents need to be accountable and unfortunately many are not.

st.julian

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:07 p.m.

I don't approve of the shooting with a pellet gun. Yet, the mother told her son it was alright to go out and play pranks by ringing door bells a night on private property. Perhaps the mother should be charge for child neglect.

Cash

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:02 p.m.

MMMMkay, Not exactly sure what your point is but.... Parents might think about teaching their young people to respect their neighbors instead of harassing them. If these kids have extra time maybe they should be using it helping the elderly pick up leaves rather than making them run to answer their doors. Perhaps that made the elderly person think they were going to break in. And you see, by saying one person is wrong doesn't mean the OTHER person is right. I said that people should respect their neighbors and teach their children to do the same. And I believe that. No where did I say that it was acceptable to shoot the kid with a pellet gun. But staying off of other people's property and being nice to your neighbors is not only the right way to bring up your children, it's also the right way for parents to act. I think this mother should be ashamed....as well as the other parents on the news piece tonight on channel 4. And Richard...you are assuming that this man KNEW the young people were at his door to ring the doorbell and leave. Do you know that is what he thought? Unless you have interviewed him, I think you are guessing. Was he walking? Using a walker? The information about this is so sparse that, other than the channel 4 news story tonight explaining it was a pellet gun, there are few facts to go on anyhow.

Richard Retyi

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:35 p.m.

Ringing doorbells as a prank isn't the most mature behavior for a 15 year-old, but retaliation isn't gunfire.

Cash

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 6:18 p.m.

It was a pellet gun, not a shotgun or rifle as reported by AP. The kid is home and was interviewed on the evening news. The parents and neighborhood parents were saying that what the boys did was just fun and they do it often. How funny is it to bother elderly people in the peace of their own home? LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE!! Kids need to learn to respect the elderly (and everyone else) and obviously these parents need to learn the same thing.

Subroutine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 6:05 p.m.

As usual, very little information here. What do the three other juveniles have to say? On what charge is this man being held? Did the reporter ask anyone any questions or just hear this on the radio(WHMI-FM) and repeat it? I agree it sounds like a case of over-reaction shooting, but without the facts we can't say, and it is my opinion that we should expect more from our news reporters, who appear to be more interested in posting a story quickly than getting the facts straight.

Bill

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 5:51 p.m.

bweb, you're suggesting that you would shoot someone for ringing your doorbell after dark? Do you really consider coming to your front door and ringing the doorbell trespassing?

scooter dog

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 5:11 p.m.

you can shoot someone in michigan as long as they are in your house and you fear for your life.Hardly the case here

bv928

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.

While I do believe in the right to bear arms, signs or no signs, it does NOT give you the right to shoot anybody that trespasses. Unless, you are in immanent danger of life. Even then you better be cornered with no other option. Just because a person has a legal right to own a firearm does not give that person the right to take the law into their own hands. While I do agree that parenting today has changed drastically since I was a teenager and that some parents don't take their part in being responsible, NO kid deserves to be shot for ringing door bells.. What grown man out there today can say they never pulled a practicle joke when a teenager!!! If the kid was shot in the lower back, this is clear that he was running away and posed NO threat to the old fart!! The man should do time. At the very least, have all his guns confiscated, heavy fines imposed, pay the medicle cost, and pay restitution to the boy & family.. It's people like that man that give responsible gun owners a bad rap.. Guns don't shoot people, people shoot people..!

bweb

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 4:42 p.m.

in my mind, the parents are to blame. you all watch and read the news. there are so many people robbed and broke into, the kid had it comming. i have signs that read "trespassers will be shot." If someone comes to my door at dusk or later, when im not expecting anyone, is getting shot at. I really feel for the old man; in the dark you cant see if its front or back. STOP BLAMING PEOPLE FOR PARENTS NOT TEACHING KIDS RIGHT FROM WRONG. remember, the kid didnot have permission to be on the property so he got what he deserved

Wolverine3660

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.

a a big supporter of Michigan's Castle Doctrine laws. But, this seems like the case of a senior citizen with a bad attitude, and a case of an irresponsible shooting.

NorthsideZak

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:25 p.m.

How do you figure the ringing of a doorbell is cause to "Defend ones property"? Talk about over reacting! This man and his gun should be put away where they can't hurt anyone else.

Arboriginal

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:10 p.m.

Doesn't current Michigan law allow for the defense of ones property with deadly force?

Ricebrnr

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:48 p.m.

not enough info but sounds like more than enough poor choices to go around

Cash

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:42 p.m.

What kind of mother is this???? To be old and alone and afraid isn't fun and every day you read about what happens to people in their own homes when they are unable to protect themselves. I am a senior and live alone and I know all too well the fear that goes through you when the doorbell rings. Who knows how many times this has happened to this man? I'm guessing this man was afraid and lost it. Now his life is ruined and the boy's life is not looking too good. The mother is an idiot if she KNEW what he was doing and approved of it. Scaring people who live alone isn't funny.....as we now can clearly see.

cinnabar7071

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:29 p.m.

The Mother should be getting the parent of the year award. The kid was, well a kid so he's not responsible for anything he does. The old man (The shooter), well he's old and was probably scared. So lets hold the old guy accountable for everything that happened.

Dot

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:34 p.m.

I watched the television news story and his mother said she allowed him to go out with a group of friends "ding-dong-ditching". Not blaming mom, but I don't get the idea of giving your 15 year old son your approval to go out and annoy people in their homes. Jus' sayin'

Craig Lounsbury

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:59 a.m.

I hope the lad fully recovers. Personally I don't view my doorbell ringing as a life threatening event.