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Gallatin Homeowner Shoots at Would-Be Burglars

By: Heather Graf

Gallatin, Tenn. - Two suspected burglars got more than they bargained for when a homeowner caught them in the act and shot at them.

It happened on Upper Station Camp Creek Road in Sumner County.

Homeowners Jeff and Tammy Gibson were returning home from an evening church service when they came face-to-face with the suspects.

"I got home first, pulled in the garage, and noticed the garage door was open," said Jeff Gibson.  "When I went to look to see what was going on, I saw a black car pulling out of the carport."

He says that car took off down the driveway and appeared to be headed straight for Tammy, who was at the end of the driveway checking the mail.

"I was looking down through the mail to see what we got, I had no idea what was going on," she recalls. "So Jeff's first thought was, I have to neutralize this situation and protect my wife, because he's headed straight for her."

Jeff pulled out the handgun he almost always carries on his hip, and fired eight shots at the suspects' vehicle.  Then, he got in his own car and began chasing them.

"Eventually, as I turned the corner I saw he had driven up an embankment and took out a telephone pole and crashed.  So yay me!" said Jeff.

He waited in his car until Sumner County deputies arrived on the scene.

Investigators say suspect David Kuhn was driving the vehicle, and suspect Calvin Sinn had previously fled on foot.  Both were arrested for allegedly breaking into the Gibson home.  Investigators also believe the pair could be behind a string of recent break-ins in the Gallatin area.

Jeff Gibson says he's always been a big supporter of the Second Amendment right to bear arms, but he actually just got his gun permit two months ago.

He feels the timing is more than just a coincidence.

"You know, you have it for your protection, but you never really think you have to use it," he said.  "I didn't want to use it, but at least I was prepared for it when the time came."

The Sumner County Sheriff's office says Gibson was well within his rights to open fire, and in this instance, his actions actually helped deputies catch the suspects.

Still, they say every situation is different, and urge homeowners not to put themselves in danger, and to call 911 right away if they feel threatened.

email: hgraf@newschannel5.com