72-year-old Jan Cooper was at home with her 85-year-old husband in Anaheim, Calif. when a man attempted to break into the house through a sliding glass door. As the criminal made his attempt, Cooper retrieved a .357 revolver and called 911. While she was on the phone with the dispatcher, Cooper fired at the criminal, missing, but stopping him in his tracks. The would-be intruder then said to Cooper, “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m leaving. Please don’t shoot,” before fleeing.
The burglar was captured by police a short time later. An investigation revealed that the intruder has a criminal history that includes burglary, and was currently on parole and living at a halfway house near the Cooper residence. (The Associated Press, 06/12/13)