77-year-old shoots out tires on suspected thieves' SUV

HUDSON, N.C. — Authorities said a 77-year-old man took matters into his own hands when two thieves broke into his home Friday.

The 77-year-old said he wasn't trying to hit them.

Instead, he said he wanted to shoot out their front tires to keep them from getting away.

Channel 9’s Dave Faherty was there when deputies arrived, surrounding, the area and looking for the light grey SUV.

Jewelry, apparently dropped by the thieves as they fled, was in the driveway.

The homeowner, Jerry Townsend, said he told the suspects to stop; when they wouldn't, he began shooting the tires.

He said the suspects were very careful not to turn around, backing down much of the roadway so he couldn't see their tag.

Deputies believed the men possibly forced open a door to get inside the home.

"I went in and he just about knocked me down coming out. And that's when I hollered halt and shot both tires.  And he went up and cranked up before the tires could go down," Townsend said.

Deputies are hoping to get help from the public in locating the SUV, which may have its front tires shot out.

Officials said they are still searching south of Hudson.

Cox Media Group