HOME INVASION: Robber killed in break-in - News

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Aug. 15, 2007
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

HOME INVASION: Robber killed in break-in

Woman wounded in shootout between her husband, three intruders

By FRANCIS McCABE
REVIEW-JOURNAL

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A would-be robber was killed and a woman he was holding hostage was wounded in a shootout at a southwest Las Vegas Valley home early Tuesday, police said.

Lisa Ellison, a resident of Encantada, a gated community near Lindell and Warm Springs roads, was in fair condition at University Medical Center late Tuesday after being hit by bullets multiple times.

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Ellison was caught in the crossfire between her husband and one or more of three robbers, Sgt. Russ Shoemaker said. It was unclear who shot her, he said.

The owner of 5402 Coral Ribbon Ave. called police about 4:41 a.m. reporting a robbery, Shoemaker said. The owner of the two-story, 1,493-square-foot home is Thomas A. Walendy, according to the Clark County Assessor's Office.

The homeowner told police he was awakened by noises and, when he investigated, saw a man choking his wife, Shoemaker said.

The homeowner retrieved a gun and returned to confront the man only to discover that the intruder had two accomplices and was demanding cash and jewelry, Shoemaker said.

The negotiation ended with guns barking out bullets. Ellison was wounded, and one of the robbers wound up dead in the backyard of the home.

Children remained asleep on the second floor of the house throughout the whole incident, Shoemaker said.

The dead man's two accomplices fled north on Lindell. Witnesses told investigators the two men got into a red four-door sedan, possibly a Dodge Neon.

Shoemaker said the man who was killed was a black man who appeared to be in his early 20s. The Clark County Coroner's office had not identified him Tuesday.

One of the robbers who escaped was wearing black clothing, including a hoodie. The other wore a red shirt and red bandana.

Shoemaker said they were both described as black, in their early 20s and of average build.

Several other recent home invasion robberies have been reported in the valley, but none could conclusively be tied to this one Tuesday, Shoemaker said.

Police spokesman Officer Bill Cassell said the robbers face possible murder, robbery and burglary charges.

The murder charge would stem from state law that indicates those involved in the commission of a robbery would be guilty of murder if someone dies.

Cassell said he did not anticipate any charges being filed against the homeowner.

Anyone with information about the case can call police at 828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

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Please enter your name Name: Please enter your email Email: Please enter a comment COMMENTS : (word count limit is 300) You have reached the maximum number of words allowed Current Word Count: Note: Comments made by reporters and editors of the Las Vegas Review-Journal are presented with a yellow background. Darrell wrote on August 16, 2007 03:33 PM: It's good to see normal law-abiding citizens utilize their 2nd Amendment rights to protect their family and selves. If this had happened in a "victim disarmament zone" like Washington D.C. or San Francisco, the outcome would have been tragic. My prayers go out to the injured spouse and my admiration to the hero who refused to be a victim. Aaron wrote on August 15, 2007 05:49 PM: There are some gated communities that leave their gates open during the day. Pretty well defeats the purpose of a gated community. At least this homeowner had the wherewithall to be able to defend his home and family. One out of 3 perps won't be a burden on valley taxpayers, in terms of paying for his incarceration. Put the animal in a box and then into a hole in the desert. Good riddance and that's one less punk in the valley. Terry wrote on August 15, 2007 03:54 PM: This homeowner is a hero!He saved his family by haveing his own gun.We have the right to protect ourselfs in our oun homes!This is why I'm against gun controll!The police can help you!They come after everything is over and fill out a report!One less scumbag that would get out on parole and do it again. Rtard wrote on August 15, 2007 03:34 PM: Hmmm. Why is racial profiling bad, again? cas127 wrote on August 15, 2007 02:31 PM: Wasn't there an RJ story a few months back about daytime break-ins in this part of town - some discussion about possible school gang involvement? Commissioner Gordon wrote on August 15, 2007 12:55 PM: Let the word go forth, to savage home invaders and burglars alike, that the gun has been passed to homeowners. Good riddance to this beast. Haul his carcass to the dirt. Too bad the other two savages were not shot as well. Gonzo wrote on August 15, 2007 10:42 AM: There is some GOOD NEWS these days. I just can't hear it enough " Home invader KILLED by home owner" ..If this happened more often it may make these punks think before they break into someones home and threaten inocent people. Sorry to hear the homeowner was injured but thrilled to hear he killed one of those punks ! Wish he had shot them all , maybe next time..you know this isn't their first crime and it's probably not going to be their last untill someone stops them with a bullet. That's one less punk criminal on the street and we don't have to pay to feed and pay for laywers to try to get him off because as a kid he didn't have an easy life..Poor dead bastard ! Abbie wrote on August 15, 2007 08:21 AM: You will see gun purchases by women, increase significantly. Kill the bastards and ask questions later. milan wrote on August 15, 2007 07:47 AM: from the description of the scum bag thugs they sound exactly like the same ones that have committed hundreds of similar violent crimes in las vegas.my point being lets take the handcuffs of metro and round up these freaks and never mind "their rights" meanwhile i will keep on packing. alan berk wrote on August 15, 2007 04:07 AM: gated communites are not the answer to crime! Good for the homeowner - it`s time us las vegans took back this town from these criminals. it is time everyone moved back in to town and take this city back from these Stupid criminals. I also have a gun and if some one breaks into my home they are going to get the same treatment!