South Carolina Self-Defense: Burglar caught by homeowner at gunpoint after failed jewelry heist :: 11/17/2016

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A man was escorted out of a home at gunpoint to the waiting arms of the law early Tuesday morning.

According to a North Charleston Police report, officers responded to a home on Easy Street for reports of a burglary in progress.

They were met by the homeowner who walked out with the suspect at gunpoint. The suspect was ordered to the ground and was arrested.

The homeowner said he was lying in bed when he heard someone breaking into his home. He said he grabbed his gun and shot one round at the suspect but didn't know if he had hit him or not. He said he then ordered the suspect out of his home where police were already waiting.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Eric Michael Stevens, was dressed in all black with a black mask and gloves. Police said he also had a screwdriver, wrench, and flashlight on him.

Stevens told police he had parked his car on Easy Street but walked to Colucci's jewelry store on Rivers Avenue to break into the business. When he was unable to get inside, he said he came back to his car but saw that the victim's home had security cameras.

He told police he broke in to try and destroy the security video so he wouldn't be caught.

Stevens is charged with burglary in the first degree, attempted burglary in the second degree, and possession of burglary tools.

He was given a $160,000 total bond for all three charges.

http://abcnews4.com/news/local/burglar-caught-by-gun-toting-homeowner-after-failed-jewlery-heist