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Posted on 05/26/2008 2:36:11 PM PDT by DaveLoneRanger
A Crossville man was shot and killed by a homeowner last Thursday morning during an apparent burglary, The Expositor newspaper reported.
According to White County Sheriff Oddie Shoupe, Bryan Keith Cook, 32, of Crossville, was leaving from a home he had reportedly broken into when he came into contact with the homeowner, Keith Girdley, on the front porch.
The shooting occurred around 9:59 a.m. May 15.
"The guy was on the front porch coming out of the house with some stolen stuff, and Mr. Girdley was on the bottom step," said Shoupe.
The sheriff said Cook asked Girdley, “Can I help you?” and Girdley told him, "this is my house."
When confronted about what he was doing, Cook allegedly pulled a weapon from the back waistband of his pants. Girdley, who was legally armed with a Beretta 9mm handgun, reportedly told Cook several times, "Don’t do it."
According to Shoupe, when the homeowner saw the gun he fired, striking Cook multiple times.
The weapon Cook reportedly had possession of was a 38-caliber pistol, which had allegedly been stolen from the residence. Shoupe said Cook did not fire the stolen weapon, but it was loaded. Reportedly, Girdley fired approximately seven rounds toward the victim.
The TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) was called in to assist in the investigation.
Chief White County Deputy Tommy Simmons, detectives Chris Isom, John Ford and Ruben Hormilla, as well as Sgt. David Ward and Blaylock, gathered evidence and processed the scene. TBI agents on the scene were identified as Billy Miller and Dan Friel.
Shoupe said Cook had already piled several items on a chair near the front door when he was confronted by Girdley. Reportedly, Cook had also attempted to break into a neighbor’s house a short time before the shooting.
"There were actually two crime scenes we investigated," said Shoupe. "One was the attempted burglary, and the other was the burglary and shooting location."
Evidence gathered from Cook’s vehicle included a loaded pistol, an unloaded shotgun and several additional items that were reportedly stolen.
Shoupe said officers also found drugs, including marijuana and two spoons with drug residue, possibly meth or coke, and a sleeping bag in the truck.
Cook reportedly had several prior convictions of burglary and aggravated burglary in Cumberland County and he was under investigation in several other counties for burglary, said Shoupe.
Shoupe said at this time, no charges are pending against Girdley.
"He had a permit and was on his own property," said Shoupe. "He is an upstanding citizen of White County, and this has been very hard on him."
I love happy endings.
Crossville is also the town where deadbeat dad Roger Clinton keeps falling behind in his court-ordered child-support payments.
Pretty close to Alvin York country. Lawbreakers had best be careful in that part of the world.
"He had a permit and was on his own property," said Shoupe.
Permit or no permit, the underlined is the key phrase.
7 rounds at close range!
Dont stop firing until the threat is neutralized.
The good guy won and the thief lost, which we could all wish would be the normal outcome. But I admit, I admire White County for electing a Sheriff named Oddie Shoupe.:}
“He had a permit and was on his own property,”
Why would he need a permit if he was on his own property?
OR you're out of ammo (this is where a really big gun comes in handy) OR your finger gets tired OR you realize you might be the one who has to clean up the mess.....
He probly just got confused in all the excitement and thought he had a 1911 and just figured he was empty.
The recently deceased had warrants in 10 counties in Tn
Some people just need shooting
I bet he hated to shoot the SOB,but the good guy won
After the police find that this guy acted in self-defense, they need to present a certificate to him for making Crossvile a safer place. If more police departments did so, we would have fewer thugs because the thugs wouldn’t know who was armed and ready to defend their own lives.
Looks like they can close the investigation.
I am always in favor of conserving at least a round or two, unless you absolutely have no choice. The perp might have a partner or two.
Ideally, of course, you have a spare magazine or a speed loader.
Close enough to Gridley.
I have good friends who live in Crossville. They love it there. No one better mess with their property, tho. They will also shoot.
***Shoupe said at this time, no charges are pending against Girdley.***
Heck yeah
Good news, and a good shoot.
Thanks for the post. They should give that gentleman a Reward !
Looks like that paper needs a new reporter who knows the diffference between the perpetrator and the victim in a situation like this-- Girdley was the victim and the guy he shot at was the perpetrator: the criminal.
Shooting to Kill 101 - Say this, whether it is true or not. Do not giggle while saying it.
You shouldn’t need a permit to shoot a thief on your property.
Obviously this guy had stolen goods and probably his prints on everything.
It is a whole lot easier to shoot someone even on your own property if you have a permit. The cops will understand you are trained and give ya the benefit.
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