Iraq War Veteran Holds Burglary Suspect at Gunpoint Until Police Arrive
- Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:43am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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An alleged burglar got more than he bargained for when police say he broke into an Evansville, Ind. home — an armed Iraq War veteran.
Joseph Vallar, who served with the Army’s Special Forces, got a call from his neighbor at work telling him there was someone in his house. He quickly drove home, grabbed a handgun from his car and went inside to catch a man near his son’s bedroom, the Evansville Courier & Press reported.
Vallar pointed his gun at the man and told him to get down, cross his legs and interlock his fingers while he called 911.
Joshua Wilson, 19, is charged with breaking into the home of an Iraq War veteran. (WFIE)
“I just caught somebody breaking into my house, I have my gun drawn on him right now, get down!” Vallar said to the dispatcher according to the 911 transcript. He added to the suspect, you ain’t using the bathroom, you ain’t using nothing, you’re just going to lay there.”
“Come into the front door,” Vallar told the dispatcher. “I’m sitting here by the front door, with my gun drawn at the guy.”
When police arrived, they arrested 19-year-old Joshua Wilson. Police say they found pills, cologne, a pocket knife and one of Vallar’s army medals on Wilson. He has been charged with burglary.
Karen Kajmowicz of the Evansville Police Department said Vallar did not violate any laws and the situation turned out perfectly, but could easily have gone the other way.
“It was great that it turned out the way it did, but there were so many potential problems, it’s scary to think how it could have turned out,” Kajmowicz told WFIE-TV
Vallar acknowledged the risks, but told WFIE he would do it all over again if he had to.
“I feel good. I feel like justice has been served, it feels good to know I have my belongings back, and he’s going to get what he deserves,” he said.
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Comments (180)
Rickfromillinois
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:13amI was disappointed that the police spokesperson felt the need to imply that it wasn’t a good idea to do something like that when she said it could have turned out badly and that it was a “scary” situation. To me the implication is that no one should do something like this. I strongly disagree. One of the reasons that everyone should back the 2nd amendment is because of situations similar to this. If a burglar assumed that there was a very good chance that he could get shot by the home owner I think that many of them would find another way to make a living. Years ago I spend a few years as a dispatcher for the police department of a medium sized city. There are not enough police to be at everyone’s house in 5 minutes if there is an emergency. On some nights there were times when it could be as long as a half hour to forty-five minutes before the police could respond. On some nights there would be plenty of officers available but on others they were just spread too thin. Ultimately the security of your home is YOUR responsibility. If you know a police officer or an ex-police officer, ask them if they keep a firearm in THEIR homes. I would be shocked if they said no.
Report Post »JoeBtfsplk
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:26amThe WHOLE point of this article IS to promote the ban on the 2nd. Amendment.
Pay close attention America – they’re a dime a dozen!
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:58amIt’s just like the “Need” to post on every type of show, “Don’t try this at home” They want us to sit back, let the criminals take over and wait for the “Trained pros” to rescue us. While we Wait and wait and wait and get our houses robbed.
Report Post »Fortunately not all law enforcement personnel think this way. When I got my first concealed weapons license and went through the class given by the Sheriff Dept, the cop said most of them Welcomed citizens carrying weapons. Of course that was in Texas.
jcizarter
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:12amI agree Rick, “when seconds count, the police are minutes away.”
Report Post »upstateny
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:14amThe Police are there to investigate crime not prevent it. The US Supreme Court made it clear in a ruling. They are under NO obligation to protect you. They are there to protect the states rights not ours.
Report Post »G3L
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:17amKaren Kajmowicz of the Evansville Police Department has no idea of what she is talking about. This is the reason why we shoud arm ourselves. If Joseph would not of acted, this dirt bag would not have been caught. Great job Joseph and thank God none of your family was hurt, you acted in a more professional way then Karen Kajmowica with her stupid statement did. We need to protect our families because the police are over worked and can’t be everywere. Joseph thank you for your sevice to this great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Report Post »tersky
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:32amAgreed. I’d trust a Special Forces vet to handle this better than the cops would anyway.
Report Post »Czar Casm
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:37amKudos to the neighbor. He knew who to call.
Report Post »knockered
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:49amHe’s lucking it was that house and not mine. In fl he would of been dead.. just saying
Report Post »Skypilot8
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 11:42amAbsolutely correct on all points!!! Too bad such common sense does not filter its way into the actions of our legal/political system and media.
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 12:00pmI guess it is different strokes for different folks where police departments are concerned. A year ago in Houston my niece’s fiance had two guys break into his apartment in the middle of the night. The fiance unloaded his 9 millimeter but missed every shot. One of the responding HPD officers told the fiance that he needed to improve improve his aim.
Report Post »manny5717
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 12:25pmI would have shot the sob, he came into my home with intent to do harm, and steal.
Report Post »Timsincali
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 12:40pmIt’s sad…. that POS will be out on the streets again in months. So, no, the creep did not get what it deserves, unfortuntley.
Report Post »bdwatcher
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 1:17pmWe have the right to protect ourselves and our property from thieves, murderers and even politicians who have the intent to take our liberties and rights away and do us harm. Good job, I live out, and neighbors are not close. Had two guys turn into my drive way and leave their car to come to my house. Now, it has been over 5 years since someone come to my house unannounced, period. I have a high handrail around the porch with a doorbell outside to use. I answered their ringing, coming onto the porch with my gun and my dog at attention by my side. There have been a resurgence of home invasions again where I live. I will not give up my right to protect and defend myself. It is my right! They had no signs on their car, went by my driveway then backed up to come to my house. I was getting ready to go to the store and watched this. I went back into my house and got my protection. They said they were selling products.. (smile) right…. It would be a terrible day if it was not this way, but I refuse to be a victim at home and politically.
Report Post »FlutterBy8
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 1:22pmI totally agree with RickfromIllinois!!!
The Nazis’ were able to do what they did ’cause they disarmed all the citizens.
Don’t let it happen in our United States.
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 3:32pmSpoken like a true bureaucrat, statist idiot. She’s a good example of why we need to cut government budgets.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 4:11pmThe bottom line is this. If you catch somebody in your house shoot them at least twice in the chest right off the bat. Then hold them for the cops. You have every right to assume that if the guy is in your house unauthorized, then he is a threat and you can shoot the crap out of him. That is what the Castle Doctrine is. Look it up in your own states just to be sure that you know the law.
Report Post »newrepublic7
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 4:31pm@ Rick
I agree man, if we don’t take care of ourselves who is going to? OH yeah the government I forgot, time to take my pill I guess. WOW unbelievable
Report Post »Uranium Wedge
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:32pmThe cops are just pissed because they missed out on their daily power rush.
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:56pmAnd if the police glorified what the veteran did and someone without proper training did the same, but accidentally killed someone, the police don’t want the liability. They‘ll tell you to not fight back so they can’t be held accountable if you do and it ends badly. This is more an indictment of our litigious society than anything else.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:25amWell I loved a part of this story, the other part sucks.
Mr. Vallar, I stand and salute you sir… for your bravery, doing your civic duty, and for serving your country!
http://www.allenwestforpresident.us
Report Post »ConstitutionalGear
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:09amThis couldn’t have turned out better. A profession soldier vs a snot nose crook. A combat veteran trained to clear buildings enters a home with one inept would be thief. The police should have welcomed the help. Who knows how many others this clown has stolen from.
Report Post »The only person this could have turned out bad for is the idiot burglar. Had that moron tried anything, a battle hardened veteran wouldn’t have hesitated to put him down.
Had this home owner waited for the police, his possessions would be gone and they may never find the criminal that took them or the possessions themselves.
Charles
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:13amKaren Kajmowicz of the Evansville Police Department: A shining example of the hand wringing political correctness police. “Oh my. How scary! A citizen with their own gun *gasp* might get a boo boo if they defend themselves or their property O.O” Its unfortunate to hear that kind of limp wrist language coming from a police department spokesman in Indiana.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:35amI dare anyone to come into my home uninvited. Being a woman, I probably wouldn’t ask questions first.
Report Post »(well, maybe) but I’d have the right to shoot first & ask questions later. Thank God I live in a state that believes in “Make my day, law”…………..so any fool would prob. be a dead fool, cause I shoot with accuracy. In fact, in a gun class I was asked if I would like to shoot competitively.
One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:13amBY THE WAY: Fox and friends is interviewing the man as I type here by the way if the site freakin pubs the comment quick enough!! 8:12 am.. they played the 911 tape just before the break…
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:46amWhat IS IT with the SLOW posts?
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:15am@Jack2011 No kidding ‘slow posts”…. look, I time stamped my comment at 8;12 and it took a full hour for it to post up. look it stamped it 9:12. An hour.
That’s brutal. How can you converse with anyone in half real time!! Some days it‘s like this and it’s freaking Sunday morning. :(
Report Post »fertlmind
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 12:10pm@Jack2011
Report Post »Sensorship and moderation of posted views,……
“Little” Brother is watching you here
EyeofthePatriot
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 5:07pmSometimes they go up quicker than others… however I find myself forcing a CACHE REFRESH… CTRL+F5… that’ll get you updated comments more quickly on average. Including your own.
Report Post »HanginOn
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:13amTea!
Report Post »Redsfanforever
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:12amProving once again gun laws to handcuff citizens and giving bad guys the upper hand end up bad. This should be a lesson to all those punks who wish to try breaking in its your call punk, may turn out well, or you may leave in a body bag roll the dice if you dare. Good job Mr. Vallar I salute you and Thank You for your service.
Report Post »ForceRecon
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:10amA former Army’s Special Forces man against a punk 19 year old. And the police say it “could easily have gone the other way”? the only way i see it going the other way is the Punk tried something… and ended up with three well placed holes in his body.
Report Post »86BHO12
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:42pmThat’s exactly what I thought when I read the article. Well, not exactly. When I read “special forces” I immediately thought of “two well placed shots,” not three.
Report Post »markdido
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:37pmMozambique Drill
Two center mass
One to the head if needed
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:10amTotally awesome American soldier patriot at work all the way on this story.
I bet he was itching to blow this lowlife’s brains out, but knew if he did nowadays he’d be the freaking criminal for not getting the burglar a lawyer and counseling before shooting. @eyes rolling@
btw They don’t mention if his son was in the room sleeping at the time and how old
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:21amAnother thing on this bum, just the guy’s picture makes me wanna shoot him. Societal dredge just by the book’s cover alone in my orbit, who hires that guy but the NFL?… That’s the new hoodie style NFL Somalian look, freaking drives me batty.
Report Post »PleaseStartBrainb4engagingmouth
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:06amofficer Karen, One scenerio that could have happened is the guy moved on to next house with someones family member at home … and some not nice things could be going on while police are writing reports about a burgulary at Vallars home… police seem to be better are investigating what happened than stopping it, in first place … ( note Joesph was able to drive home and catch guy before police arrived) armed citizens is one thing but the good neighbor is a real important part of this story……
Report Post »azsmitty
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:06amWhat is most troubling about the article is the attitude of the police-spokesperson………..she seemed more concerned that the perpitrator could have been shot. Any inference that a homeowner could be in trouble for defending his home against and armed intruder is indeed very disturbing. He was armed, he was carrying a pocket knife, if you don‘t classify that as a weapon you haven’t been paying attention to what one can or cannot carry aboard a commercial airplane, or what will get a school student expelled on the spot should they take one to school. Not knowing what Indiana has on the books concerning what is called “Castle” doctrine leaves one half informed, but the attitude of the officer indicates it probably is a crap-shoot in favor of the criminal if he would have been shot by the homeowner.
Report Post »Devil Dog 7175
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:05amPTSD… The vet needs IMMEDIATE mental evaluation and treatment! (sarcasm) They would have been calling for the meat wagon if that trash had come into my house un-invited. Thank you sir for your service, and your CONTINUED service!
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:46amlol
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:53amDevil Dog — understood, if someone breaks into my apartment and may be armed, they will have to explain themselves to the Almighty very soon afterwards.
Report Post »Devil Dog 7175
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 12:25pmNo one, and I mean NO ONE in their right mind should ever want to take a life unless all other means have been exhausted to prevent it. HOWEVER… If your in my home unannounced or uninvited, your there for no good reason, and as far as I’m concerned… Your no longer a human being, you are now a threat and a target, and you have just made one of the worst decissions of your life as it were.
Report Post »ARIZONA VETERAN
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:05ammy Veteran brother should have smashed both of the punk piece of schitt fingers and hands with a ball-peen-hammer!!!!
Report Post »Carol Ingian
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:04amNice! I hope he scared the c- wrap out of that creep!
Report Post »ARIZONA VETERAN
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:03amKUDOs to my veteran brother, however, he should have beat the brown off that piece of human schitt!!!
Report Post »bleedthemedia
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:03amThere shouldn’t even a hint of “how it could have turned out” other than the moron getting what he deserves, a 45 caliber dose of lead.
Report Post »MaggieRose
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:02amI love it! Way to go, soldier! Don’t mess with the (real) US…
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:58amKaren Kajmowicz of the Evansville Police Department said Vallar did not violate any laws and the situation turned out perfectly, but could easily have gone the other way.
Yeah! Joseph Vallar could have shot the PUNK!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:05amI agree .. sounds like they were worried that the robber could have gotten hurt .. THEN DON”T BREAK INTO PEOPLE’S HOUSES! Including mine … or you might .. or even dead!
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:43amHad a New York State Trooper friend of mine tell me never shoot to wound, shoot to kill if someone breaks into your home. You know, that old saying. “Dead Men Tell no lies” Also, dead men can’t hire a lawyer.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:56amThree cheers for the homeowner!!
As far as the “scary how it could have turned out” – Scary for the burglar you mean. Too bad he didn’t try to get up so Mr Vallar could have shot him.
Report Post »felix
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:54amnow the vet will probably be in more trouble than the P.O.S.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:07amUnfortunately, you’re correct. The liberals are even in the police departments. The police spokeswoman made the stupidest statement ever. Apparently we’re supposed to call big daddy to defend us. If all homeowners had a gun, home burglaries would be few and far between.
Report Post »tersky
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:30amUh… yeah. Having a former Special Forces warrior in my family, who TRAINS THE POLICE… I’d trust them WAY MORE than the cops to handle a situation like this correctly. My brother wouldn’t have killed the guy, but if he didn‘t succeed in making him at least wet his pants he’d have considered it a half-a$$ed job. He’s caught guys in vans just casing his neighborhood and has literally scared the crap out of them, without laying a hand on ‘em. :o)
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:44amI don‘t give a flyin’ freak what some cop chick spokesman has to say. In a situation like this, never plead guilty to anything. Let’s just see if they can get 12 jurors to find a homeowner guilty of defending themselves. They can’t.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:54amThey would have been calling the coroner at my house.
Report Post »YesNdeedie
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:49amMine too……..no trial, no hand being slapped by the injustice system, no repeated crimes, no coming back for revenge.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:15amYep, that poor soldier is going to have to worry about his family from the time old snoop dog gets out of jail until somebody else shoots him in their house.
Report Post »Seabee79
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:54amI love stories like this, God Bless America.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:54amGlad it ended well for everyone, never try to steal from an old soldier, and he did very well in this case indeed. God bless the armed forces members, serving and retired across the world.
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:52amI’m assuming no one else was home. Someone that breaks into a home when someone is home has more on their mind then just theft. At that point they should not walk out!
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:50amHey Karen! Just shut up! This is WHY we have a second amendment along with the need to keep the government at bay! Stop the whining!
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:13amLeave it to the police…that will get there in 45 minutes after the POS took everything and killed someone. This is why we have the 2A. However, in my home state of NJ carry is impossible and I would have been killed. That’s justice? For whom?
Report Post »drago
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:48amBreak into my house, and you will die…….this punk got lucky….
Report Post »ExpertShot
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:48amThat 19 yr old thug is lucky this SF guy didn’t kill him with his hands, as he’s trained to do. Thanks for your service.
Report Post »akabosan
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:00amRead carefully. Whether it is a post on Blaze or something written by one of 0bamas’ minions, accuracy is important… “…served with special forces.” That does not say he was an operator. He could have served in many capacities, clerk, cook, driver. All of those people are extremely important, but unless trained on their own time are not likely to be trained to “kill him with his hands.” GB
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:29am@akabosan they said he was used to clearing houses and that was what he was trained to do. But all recruits that go into the service go through basic training, and they teach self-defense as well attack moves.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:42amWrong, Akabosan……………we were ALL trained to kill, not just in basic training.
Report Post »