A Monroe County homeowner successfully defended their home with a crossbow during an early morning home invasion on October 8, 2024. The incident occurred around 12:28 a.m. on Huron Street in Frenchtown Township, Michigan, when two suspects allegedly broke into the home.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, two intruders, both from Newport, forced their way into the residence, which was occupied by two people at the time. One of the homeowners, acting in self-defense, fired a crossbow at the intruders, striking a 32-year-old suspect. Both suspects fled the scene after the shot, but law enforcement apprehended them shortly after.
The injured suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the arrow. He remains in police custody while recovering. The second suspect, a 41-year-old man, was arrested nearby and is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail.
In Michigan, citizens can use deadly force to protect themselves if they believe their life is in danger under the Michigan Stand Your Ground Law. However, the law is specific that homeowners match their defense to the threat of the intruder.
To avoid speculating on this specific case, an example of the homeowner using excessive force is provided by the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan:
When it comes to using deadly force, the rule of thumb a person needs to remember is the force used must always be proportional to the threat. A homeowner would not be justified using deadly force on a person who broke into their home and was found passed out on the floor. [A] person would not be justified using deadly force at home against a young 13-year-old kid who broke into your house.
Deadly force is only allowed under the law when self-defense is needed to prevent great bodily harm that could lead to death, rape, known as criminal sexual conduct and death. If you use deadly force, you must have a belief that you are preventing one of the three things listed above.
Authorities suspect the incident was not random and may be connected to a prior altercation between the individuals involved. The identities of the suspects have not been released pending formal charges.
This case underscores the importance of being prepared for home defense. Self-defense tools, whether firearms or non-traditional weapons like crossbows, can provide crucial protection in moments of danger. Local authorities remind residents to ensure such tools are securely stored and only accessible to authorized individuals.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
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