Crime

Meet Vance West, the 92-Year-Old Cattle Rancher Who Pulled a Gun on Three Thieves

92 Year Old Cattle Rancher Pulls a Gun on 3 Thieves

Vance West is a veteran and father of three who lives alone on his more than 100-acre cattle ranch, unafraid to defend his property. West tells KY3 that he recently brandished his pistol to ward off three thieves who came back to his farm after previously stealing nearly $3,000 worth of equipment from one of his sheds.

“He started climbing over the gate, and I told him not to climb over.  He climbed over anyway, so I pulled a gun on him,” West said of his second encounter with a pack of bandits at his farm in a remote area of Missouri outside Bois d’Arc.

“I told him, ‘Do you see where it’s cocked?’  He says, ‘I can see,’” West told KY3.  “He was sassy.  He told me he wasn’t going to do it.”

92 Year Old Cattle Rancher Pulls a Gun on 3 Thieves

“See, there’s where they left,” West said pointing out tire tracks during a KY3 report. After scaring the thieves away, the veteran says he ran to the country road outside his farm to try and flag down someone to help, but the criminals got away.

All on his own, West is confident that the crooks will return again.

92 Year Old Cattle Rancher Pulls a Gun on 3 Thieves

West’s experience was just one of a growing number of burglaries in rural areas of Green County that caused Sheriff Jim Arnott to create a temporary task force to investigate the uptick in crime.

“It was a short term project but we feel it was very successful,” said Arnott told KY3.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that since the burglary task force was set up in mid-January, two dozen suspects were arrested. The unit implemented electronic signs on country roads warning residents of areas affected by thieves, and gathered intelligence on 30 people suspected of being involved in burglaries.

While successful in the short term, Sheriff Arnott tells KY3 that the program was unfortunately discontinued for the county did not have the manpower to keep deputies operating on special assignment. The Sheriff told the station that if voters next month approve a half-percent sales tax for law enforcement needs in Greene County, he will be able to hire more patrol deputies for rural areas of the county.

Task force or not, West is still keeping an eye out and ready to defend his land.

“I have no respect for a thief. I have no respect for them,” West told KY3.  “They work harder at that than they would a job.

“I hope I could catch them one more time – one!”

Video of West from KY3.

Comments (94)

1 2
  • ThePostman
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:30am

    When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

    The police chief wants a tax on the citizen to protect them. Typical governmental solution.

    A far superior method of assuring a reduction in crime is to simply not hassle the guy who shoots a trespasser. In many ways, the government acts to facilitate crime. If you shoot a criminal, the government destroys your life with lawyers, grand juries, and trials.

    And instead of putting up signs warning the populace of criminal activity, they should have put up a sign as a public service to the criminals: “Warning: The people here are armed and authorized to kill you. Enter at your own risk.”

    Report Post »  
    • RBSWORLD
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 11:14pm

      AMEN, Brother…..

      Report Post »  
    • Krutch
      Posted on March 12, 2012 at 11:58am

      “Authorized to kill, enter at own risk”. Trouble is crooks probably can’t read or understand what they read and the warning signs will be used by some sleezy lawer to persecute the homeowner ’cause the sign proves ‘intent’! After all, the gun grabbers want to make the ‘work place’ safe for the theives!!

      Report Post »  
  • petev1717
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 9:51am

    Good for him , a 12 gage will work just fine when they do come back and then he won’t have to worry about them just bury them in the backyard.

    Report Post »  
    • Roberto G. Vasquez
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 11:36am

      Shoot, don’t talk, and they won’t be back!

      Report Post »  
    • lothlorien
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:14pm

      In a lot of places this is known as SSS – shoot, shovel, and shut up. I could go for that.

      Report Post » lothlorien  
    • little big man
      Posted on March 12, 2012 at 7:46am

      Man can we get a collection up and send this man a glock or somthing better then the gun he has.

      I’m headed out to buy a Ruger SR40 today. real nice or an S &W MP40 can’t decide yet.

      Except for the barrel and slide the MP40 is all polycarb real light, but has no saftey the SR40 lower half is polycarb but has bettr saftey features and a tad heavyier

      Report Post » little big man  
  • bjornskis
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 9:50am

    we need to send this distinguished gentleman a AR15

    much more fire power and not to much recoil

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:29pm

      totally agree

      Report Post »  
    • L0WRYDER
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 2:41pm

      Nope he dont need a gun sounds like he needs help any one up for a Road trip
      this is one Marine that will show them what traning is all about

      Report Post »  
    • Hmschoolnmama
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 3:22pm

      AR 15, now that’s a fun one to shoot!

      Report Post » Hmschoolnmama  
  • chasbronson
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 9:07am

    Good job Pap,Now ,may I suggest you go buy yourself one of those new kel-tec KSG shotguns and load both tubes with # 4 shot or bigger for when they come back.Be very vigilant, because they will try to out smart you now for revenge.Unfortunately,this time they need to be dead.Then you and the rest of us can live life without these type terrorizing us.These types just add stress to our lives wondering when they are going to attack again.A couple of good dogs would help too.Even as to alert you to someones presence.

    Report Post »  
  • shustring
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 8:02am

    WTG SIR !!! You do what you have to as a means to protect yourself and your property !!!

    Report Post »  
  • Magyar
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 7:58am

    The week following BHO’s assent to the thrown, I took a concealed weapon course and have been carrying ever since— EVERYDAY, EVERYWHERE! I clearly understood that when the infrastructure finally collapsed, no one else but ME would be able to protect ME and my family. How do you like America now? Wait, it‘s ’gonna’ get worse before it gets better!

    Report Post »  
  • Viking64
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 7:42am

    A thief is willing to take about anything they did not earn, if they get killed in injured the process, well I say, that’s the chance they took. Any lawful adult ,who does not arm them selves in this crazy age of drugs, unemployment, etc,. is letting themselves and their families down. Few lawful people want to harm someone else, criminals many times do! I feel little sympathy for criminlas stealing others assets!

    Report Post »  
  • johnpaulkuchtajr
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 7:40am

    This incident is a perfect predictor of many future events. As the nation descends into the Obammie-inspired “take from the makers and give to the takers,” decisions like the rancher made will have to be made much more often.

    Report Post »  
  • youdidthis
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 6:29am

    just becusae one is old, does not make one a fool.

    Report Post »  
  • bharris0
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 5:51am

    A 12 gauge with #4 buckshot would carry a bit more authority.

    Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 5:51am

    Well OWS is running out of money .
    Please don‘t misunderstand me I’m not saying that it could be them I‘m just saying it’s them .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • garylee123
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 2:30pm

      Good analogy. OWS people work hard to get something from someone else that in their mind is “free”.

      Report Post »  
  • asybot12
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 5:09am

    @just tim please learn how to post you sometimes make sense but the repeated postings would even drive a lib crazy! (you know even the ones that LIKE listening to themselves).

    Report Post »  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 3:51am

    Thieves seem to be everywhere today. I agree with Mr. West. I hate thieves. I know, I used the word hate but it fits the bill here.

    Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 1:47am

    Why I Carry a Gun

    My old grandpa said to me son,‘ there comes a time in every man’s life
    when he stops bustin‘ knuckles and starts bustin’ caps and usually it’s
    when he becomes too old to take an ass whoopin’.
    I don’t carry a gun to kill people.
    I carry a gun to keep from being killed.

    I don’t carry a gun to scare people.
    I carry a gun because sometimes this world can be a scary place.

    I don‘t carry a gun because I’m paranoid.
    I carry a gun because there are real threats in the world.

    I don‘t carry a gun because I’m evil.
    I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the
    world.

    I don’t carry a gun because I hate the government.
    I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.

    I don‘t carry a gun because I’m angry.
    I carry a gun so that I don’t have to spend the rest of my life hating
    myself for failing to be prepared.

    I don’t carry a gun because I want to shoot someone.
    I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed, and
    not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.

    I don‘t carry a gun because I’m a cowboy.
    I carry a gun because, when I die and go to heaven, I want to be a
    cowboy.

    I don’t carry a gun to make me feel like a man.
    I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the
    ones they love.

    I don’t carry a gun because I feel inadequate.
    I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs,

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • asybot12
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 5:11am

      @ratman i left a post for you on the wind turbine thing you’d like it

      Report Post »  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 5:41am

      love it , grandfather told me same thing .
      just added more colorful metaphore’s

      Report Post »  
    • originalthought
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:40am

      I am a grandfather and have carried for 30 years .No one but family knows. Beretta Tomcat 32. Lately with a Crimsom Trace- eyes aren’t as good as they used to be . Marine Corp taught me there‘s a killer in every person but there’s also honor in most. My kids wouldn’t heed my or your good advise about guns. So I keep , maintain , and zero in 7.62 rifles plus a hand gun for each of them and their spouse at home in my safe incase they need them or change their minds.
      I do what I can do.
      Loved your comment.

      Report Post »  
    • Hmschoolnmama
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 3:28pm

      Best post I’ve seen in forever. You rock, Rational Man. Love the scene from Passion (it’s that time of year when I like to watch it again and re-center my life).

      Report Post » Hmschoolnmama  
  • Z
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 1:30am

    Well done sir.

    Report Post » Z  
  • neverending
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:54pm

    Oh yes those terrible citizens clinging to their guns and Bible!! We better start clinging on a regular basis. They always go to their flippin crap about if you guys will just agree to be taxed more then we can protect you – what a crock of bs.

    Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 3:57am

      Police Protection is an oxymoron. Free citizens must protect themselves.
      Police do not protect you from crime, they usually just investigate the
      crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.

      True dat –

      Report Post »  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 6:33am

      you are correct

      Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:45pm

    …
    It’s sad, that this elderly man has to deal with thieving criminal slime-balls, on his own.
    The town’s people should take turns volunteering to watch over him and his property.
    Those three crooks have no right to take what this man has worked his whole life for.

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:44pm

    I am glad the man is safe. Probably would have been a different story if he hadn’t had a gun. Come to Texas and you probably won’t be leaving under your own power. Owners don’t have to put up with thieves.

    Report Post »  
    • stratomaster
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 9:49am

      I’ve been trying to talk my wife into moving to Texas for the past few years. I envy those of you who live in the great state of Texas.

      Report Post »  
  • cuinsong
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:33pm

    You mean he was not arrested by the PC police? I’m surprised! The police should set up a trap to catch these thieves before they kill him! They will come back and try to get him while he is sleeping. this song is for them
    “The Devils Song” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_10789987

    Report Post » cuinsong  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:26pm

    I reckon this old man is protecting his property so his kids will end up selling it anyways. Or maybe he‘s saving it because he’s hanging on to the dream that this pansy, all skin and bones or really lazy and fat, low testosterone, video game playing American youth will someday fight for it. I don’t think so.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:31pm

      You see because you screwed up big time, and you can’t go back, you screwed up when you went against Isaiah meaning you did things the same as the queen of Heaven.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:20pm

    There is a prime example why we should not own guns. What would have happened if that old man accidently pulled the trigger. Is any of the property he has, let alone $3,000 worth, equivilant to a human life? This is why the average citizen shouldn’t own a gun. The old man should have just locked the door, called the police, and let them take what they wanted. They would have left him alone, and no one gets hurt. Things can be replaced, but those 3 young mans lives can’t, just think of the grief their mothers and their family would have to go through if they had gotten shot.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:29pm

      Thanks! You’ve just given yourself over to madness and murder at the hands of your assailents who know the law is far far away and cannot do anything to help you the gunless idiot. I feel sorry for those who company you into the hard times to come..

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • dancing bear
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:36pm

      Are you kidding ?

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:43pm

      @dancing bear
      Yes acutally.

      I am quoting a point of view the anti-gun crowd in California. That is the acutal arguement they use when trying to explain why in this situation, the victim should just lay down and take it.

      As for me. It’s not whether or not I have a gun on me, you just have to guess what caliber I am carrying that day.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Tommyk1
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:43pm

      Sorry dynamic duo. This is exactly why the averge citizen should have a gun.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:48pm

      @Darmok aand Jalad At Tanagra…”There is a prime example why we should not own guns. What would have happened if that old man accidently pulled the trigger. Is any of the property he has, let alone $3,000 worth, equivilant to a human life?”
      Yes…Absolutely! Looks to me like a prime example why we should have guns. So, you don’t believe in principle, you idiot? What I have I earned is mine! “F” you! There are not enough police to cover every possible area, protect every citizen. How about home invasion, you pathetic piece of crap? I guess I should have to watch invaders rape my wife while they have “their” guns pointed at my head? So….“I” shouldn’t have a gun, Darmok, while thugs will always have thiers.
      You are a complete fool!
      Disarm the population like in Cambodia, where the Khmer Rouge murdered 100′s of thousands.
      Those punks come on my property, and I have ways to make them disappear. Poof!
      There were signs to warn of high burglar areas! Whats that tell you, whoever you are . Plus, you have a stupid user name! I’m calling you Fred from now on! I’ll kick your butt into the middle of next week.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:54pm

      @decendentof56
      Cut back on the caffine dude.

      You do realize I was being sarcastic. When I lived out in Calif. in the 90′s, the left actually used that exact arguement because someone shot a home invader. But that is exactly why California is what it is today.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:03am

      Darmok……I’m sorry for my comments if you were kidding. I certainly hope you were.
      Where I live in deep S Jersey, we only have St Police “protection.” Can you imagine if anarchy breaks out? Thug gangs will be raiding the countryside to support their drug habits, look for food, stealing. It will be serious chaos. You will protect yourself! I’m thinking of starting a neighborhood group to work together. We do have a tigh-knit community of 20 homes located 1 mi from a high crime, low-class, minority (Mexican/Black) town. You have to be careful as, for example, I called a neighbor (young mother/wife) to ask if everything was ok. I saw a car with a round insignia on the door in her yard. It had a spotlight. She said to me that anyone can buy a car with a spotlight. Can you believe it? I said …well anyone can buy that model of a car, but not with an insignia on the door, and not with a spotlight on the hood. Now, I don’t know if she could be trusted if I had to use lethel force to protect my property or family. She would be a possible weak link in a community defense. You need to know who you can trust without any doubt.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:07am

      Darmok…….I already typed an apology. Sorry again since you were kidding. No caffine, just passionate about that topic. Have a safe night, my friend.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:12am

      I live out in Colorado, a very liberal conceal carry county. As long as you don’t have a felony, you can carry. it’s amazing how low the crime rate is. That’s why I said, it’s not if I have a gun, its what caliber I am carrying that day.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:33am

      Darmok…..
      I spoke to a lady who moved back to SJ 15 years ago. She told me that many Calif. residents were moving to Colo. and bringing their leftist ideology from Cal. I am glad you have C Carry. We need it in NJ, desperately. Pepper spray, etc is ok, but you need to take a gun to a gun fight, and you know the thugs will have theirs. Can’t even have a taser. Don’t come in my house, though. As to my outbuildings, I’ll find a creative way to protect them. “Thou shalt not steal.”

      Report Post »  
    • confederacyofdunces
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:37am

      Oh the poor thieving punk babies, what if they got shot? It would be a relief to the citizens of the community. If a thief approached me with a crowbar or screwdriver I would perceive it as weapon and would be in fear for my life. I would act in accordance with that threat. What benifet is it to coddle criminals. They cost too much money to incarcerate and often commit further crimes.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:44am

      Yeah to the man for defending his own. You people that think citizens shouldn’t have a weapon and defend themselves make me sick.

      Report Post »  
    • father_of_10
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 1:23am

      Appease and appease all you want. You are a coward. I hope I never meet you. I hope you never have children and I sincerely hope no one has to EVER rely on you for anything. You will fail whoever does.

      I hated communists even before they started calling themselves liberals.
      http://fatherof10.com

      Report Post » father_of_10  
    • country_hick
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 6:11am

      Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra

      “There is a prime example why we should not own guns. What would have happened if that old man accidently pulled the trigger. Is any of the property he has, let alone $3,000 worth, equivilant to a human life? This is why the average citizen shouldn’t own a gun. The old man should have just locked the door, called the police, and let them take what they wanted. They would have left him alone, and no one gets hurt. Things can be replaced, but those 3 young mans lives can’t, just think of the grief their mothers and their family would have to go through if they had gotten shot.”

      If this is an example of what you have heard Progressives use then alter it just a little and throw it back at them:

      There is a prime example why we should not own guns. What would have happened if that YOUNG WOMAN accidently pulled the trigger. Is HER BODY equivilant to a human life? This is why the average citizen shouldn’t own a gun. The YOUNG WOMAN should have just locked the door, called the police, and let them DO what they wanted. They would have left HER alone, and no one gets KILLED, MAYBE. PHYSICAL ASSAULTS AND MENTAL TRAUMA can be GOTTEN OVER, but those 3 young mans lives can’t, just think of the grief their mothers and their family would have to go through if they had gotten shot.

      They thought the Mr. West lived alone and without a phone. Now they know he lives with 2 other people… Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson and their dog Ruger.

      Report Post »  
    • 9111315
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:23am

      @DARMOK AND JALAD AT TANAGRA. Your comments are offensive.

      “What would happen if he ‘accidentally’ pulled the trigger? I bet he would have hit what he was aiming at.

      Then you say you are just joking and making fun of the mentally ill in California. Is that really funny? If I made a dee de dee joke about a Gimp, would that be funny? I’m white. That type of bad behavior is unacceptable.

      I hope if you are stupid enough to steel $3,000 of equipment from an old man that you die. That equipment may be what he uses to keep his cows alive and himself fead. More importantly, the “equipment” may be trinkets and collectibles that he uses to express his artistic side. What are we without art? We would just be humans.

      Think twice next time before you decide to be funny and someones else’s expense.

      Report Post »  
    • RBSWORLD
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:24pm

      WTF are you one of the criminals? I’d hate to be you. When they come to your door I pray to GOD you are alone , so you hopefullyhave to watch your daughter or grand daughter being raped and murdered before your eyes, and then be next in line for whatever is to come. I PITY YOU YOU GUTTLESS WONDER !!! IF YOU ARE A MALE YOU ARE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR ONE, BECAUSE MOST WOMEN WILL HAVE MORE BALLS THAN YOU YOU COWARDLY P.O.S.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • AllAmericanGirl22
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:11pm

    Nice job, keep it up!

    Report Post » AllAmericanGirl22  
  • Southernguy
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:08pm

    God bless you, my friend. Stay safe and keep up the good work!!

    Report Post » Southernguy  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:04pm

    It seems to me that when the government that is supposed to be protecting the right‘s of landowners stops protecting the right’s of landowners because the nation doesn‘t own it’s own money – that it’s all over with.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:05pm

      And anything else is just pretend, and the denial of the truth – Normalcy Bias.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:07pm

      It’s actually been over with for quite a lot of years now, but you’ve been living a fantasy, because they’ve been crushing property rights of owners for many years.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:09pm

      The thing that’s so amazingly odd about Americans is that they will throw their life away ending up dead in a trench for some third world nation, but not their own.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:13pm

      The only logical conclusion is, then why should you get to keep your nation?

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:17pm

      Really it’s no big deal to the Lord, but you can lie to yourself all you want to that it is, but the Lord really doesn’t give a hoot about the U.S or any other country for that matter. Just look how many civilizations have come and gone over a few thousand years.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • RBSWORLD
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 10:58pm

      @ITSJUSTTIM
      You are an IDIOT! The LORD does care for “THE PROMISED LAND”!!! And the American Continent is a part of that land!! You had better study before you go on with your “VERBEL DIAREA” on subjects you show you know very little about. MORON!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 10, 2012 at 11:03pm

    Well done sir!

    We have also had a string of burglaries near my home (in the neighborhood) .. I am ready with guns loaded!

    Report Post »  
  • melthemean
    Posted on March 11, 2012 at 3:37pm

    Great point Bryan, It would take quite a while for a deputy to show up, so it’s best Mr. Vance and his neighbors keep an eye out for each other and protect themselves.

    Vance West lives on a farm in a remote area of Missouri outside Bois d’Arc, so if voters approve a half-percent sales tax for law enforcement needs in Greene County, the Sheriff says he will be able to hire more patrol deputies for rural areas of the county. However, most of that money would stay in Springfield. From The Springfield News Leader: “The tax, expected to generate about $5 million a year, would allow the county to hire dozens of new deputies, detectives and jail staff, as well as additional prosecutor and juvenile officers”.

    Report Post » melthemean  
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