A Florida police chief has invited a homeowner who shot a would-be burglar to attend a course to learn “much better shooting” and “save taxpayer money.”
Santa Rosa Police Chief Bob Johnson made the comments during a news conference last Thursday related to the arrest of a 32-year-old man breaking into homes in Pace, northwest Florida.
Several residents called 911 last Wednesday to report the break-ins, and officers quickly set up a perimeter, Johnson said. The suspect was jumping fences and entering houses when the police tried to stop him.
“We don’t know which owner shot him. I think they think they did something wrong, which was not the case,” Johnson said. “If someone is breaking into your home, you are more than welcome to shoot them in Santa Rosa County. Actually, we prefer that you do.”
He added that the police department offers a course to learn how to use firearms every other Saturday.
“If you take it you’re going to shoot a lot better and hopefully save taxpayers money,” he added.
After the man was shot, the police caught up with him when he was already inside another home.
The man has a criminal record dating back to age 13, Johnson said. He spent more than six years in prison and had warrants for his arrest. He is being held on $157,000 bond.
“It seems like he just doesn’t get the idea that crime doesn’t pay,” the police chief said.