90-year-old Jay Leone was at home in Greenbrae, Calif. when an armed man broke into his house and held a gun to his head. The criminal told Leone that there was a “contract out” on him and further explained that this was due to Leone being a collector of classic cars. As the criminal led Leone around the home at gunpoint, Leone told the gunman that he needed to use the restroom, which, after some convincing, the criminal allowed him to do. Once inside the bathroom, Leone retrieved a .38-caliber revolver he keeps hidden there and exchanged fire with the robber. During the gunfight Leone was struck once in the face while the burglar was hit three times in the abdomen. The altercation eventually devolved into a physical struggle, in which the criminal gained the upper hand, grabbed Leone’s revolver and tried to shoot him with it. The revolver was empty from the gunfight, prompting the wounded criminal to flee.
Leone’s attacker was later captured while attempting to receive treatment for his wounds. Leone has recovered from the wound to his face and was well enough to testify against his assailant a few weeks later. (The San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, Calif. 02/22/12)