Intruder with lug wrench shot dead by mother protecting her kids, Louisiana cops say
An armed intruder was killed after forcing his way inside the home of a mother and her two children, Louisiana authorities say.
Deputies were called around 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, about a shooting at the home on Klein Road in Hammond, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said Robert Rheams, 51, was armed with a shovel and lug wrench when he broke into the family’s residence. Rheams got into a scuffle with the homeowner, who was protecting her kids, the news release said.
The woman drew her gun and fired at Rheams, hitting him, deputies said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This case appears to be a homeowner exercising Second Amendment rights to protect herself and her children from a violent home invasion,” sheriff’s office Chief Jimmy Travis said in a statement.
No one else was hurt.
Investigators said Rheams was out on parole after serving a 20-year sentence on an armed-robbery conviction. Deputies also linked him to a carjacking that happened hours before the home invasion.
Hammond is about 50 miles east of Baton Rouge.
This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Intruder with lug wrench shot dead by mother protecting her kids, Louisiana cops say."