In Lithia, Florida, a harrowing incident unfolded when a pregnant woman, eight months along, bravely defended her husband and daughter from a violent home invasion. The woman’s quick thinking and decisive action with an AR-15 rifle are credited with saving her family from serious harm.
According to reports, Jeremy King was at his residence, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Tampa, around 9 p.m. on a Wednesday night. Two armed men, their faces concealed by masks and hoods, forcibly entered the home. King recounted the terrifying experience to Bay News 9: “As soon as they had got the back door opened, they had a pistol on me and was grabbing my 11-year-old daughter.”
King stated that he pleaded with the intruders, telling them he had nothing to offer. However, the situation quickly escalated into violence. One of the suspects allegedly pistol-whipped King, while another kicked him in the head. The commotion drew the attention of King’s wife, who entered the room to investigate. She was immediately confronted with gunfire. \Reacting swiftly, the woman retreated and retrieved an AR-15 that was legally owned and stored within the house. Upon returning to the room, she engaged the intruders, firing at them and striking one of the suspects. “When he came toward the back door in her line of sight, she clipped him,” King explained. “He made it from my back door to roughly 200 feet out in the front ditch before the AR did its thing.”
The wounded suspect was later discovered deceased in a ditch on the property, according to reports. The second armed robber fled the scene after his accomplice was shot. King emphasized the effectiveness of his wife’s actions, stating, “Them guys came in with two normal pistols and my AR stopped it. My wife evened the playing field and kept them from killing me.” He also noted that he sustained significant injuries, including a fractured eye socket, a fractured sinus cavity, and a concussion, requiring 20 stitches and three staples to his head.
Authorities have not publicly identified either of the intruders. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect at large to contact them at 813-247-8200.
This incident highlights the importance of defensive gun use and the right to self-defense in protecting oneself and one’s family. The bravery and quick thinking of the pregnant woman undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic outcome. The incident also sparks debate on gun control and the role of firearms in crime prevention.
(Feature image: Tony Webster)