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Valley resident shoots alleged thief
Staff writer
sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com
MONONGAHELA - A New Eagle man was seriously wounded Sunday when a Monongahela resident shot him as he allegedly was stealing items from vehicles.
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Police are planning to meet soon with Washington County District Attorney Steve Toprani to determine if charges should be filed against the man who shot Kress. Police Chief Brian Tempest said it's only legal in Pennsylvania to shoot someone who is on your property during a crime if there is no other recourse.
Tempest is withholding the name of the man who shot Kress, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police said Kress and a 16-year-old girl were caught stealing from several automobiles. The girl, who was not identified, is charged in a juvenile allegation with theft and is being held in a youth detention center in Jefferson County, police said.
Kress ran from the scene and was found 45 minutes later with the assistance of a thermal-imaging camera.
"It's a good thing we found him, or he would have bled to death," Tempest said.
"Everyone is saying the bad guy got what he deserved," he said.
But, Tempest said, it's not always legal in these types of circumstances to shoot someone.
"What is the culpability?" he said.
Shoot 'em : 8/20/2008
Well, maybe the threat of being shot while doing something illegal, regardless of circumstances, will give some potential criminals food for thought before committing a crime!
Doubtfull : 8/20/2008
Not with the so called law on their side. Plus, bet your bottom dollar some scum bag lawyer will get him to sue the man who shot him. Shoild have let the scum bleed to death.
stephanie's comment : 8/20/2008
I agree with you 120% Seph. But also, there was no serious threat of injury or death to victim/shooter. So he'll probably be charged. It's a shame but that's how it works.
shoot'em for sure : 8/20/2008
The bad guy got caught -- Hooray for the shooter. It's about time. If it's against the law, ok. Give him 24 hrs. in Jail....suspended.
shooter : 9/12/2008
The above comments are proof positive why Washington Co. has a reputation for being the Wild West. At least we now have a DA that will follow the letter of the law. The shooter is lucky no one was killed.
