Columbus homeowner defends life from armed home-invaders; Dead attacker once charged with shooting friend in face

Columbus media are reporting that a homeowner is safe after having been forced to use a firearm to defend their life from two armed attackers during an attempted home invasion.

From WCMH (NBC Columbus):

According to the Columbus Division of Police, at about 2:13 a.m., officers responded to the report of shots fired in the area of 2993 Howey Road.

When police arrived on scene they found 21-year-old Brandon Lee Pollard suffering from a gunshot wound. Pollard was pronounced dead at the scene.

And from the Columbus Dispatch:

After talking with witnesses, investigators said that Pollard and Pitts had gone to a house in the 3000 block of Howey Road and knocked on the door.

When the resident responded, Pollard attempted to force his way into the house, police said.

While the resident tried to shut the door, Pitts pulled out a firearm and he and the homeowner, who also had a gun, each fired several shots, court records say.

Pollard was struck in the chest.

Pitts and Pollard then ran from the scene but Pollard fell and died shortly afterward.

Police say Pitts will be charged with murder for allegedly contributed to Pollard’s death during the commission of an aggravated felony.

Under Ohio's Castle Doctrine law, if someone unlawfully enters or attempts to enter an occupied home or temporary habitation, or occupied car, citizens have an initial presumption that they may act in self defense, and will not be second-guessed by the State.

In 2007, Pollard, the deceased home invader, was charged with felonious assault after police said he shot his friend in the face and then ran from authorities.

From a WBNS (CBS Columbus) report dated December 5. 2012:

According to court documents, Brandon L. Pollard and his friend, 17-year-old Tyshawn Elmore, were looking at a handgun in the basement of a home located in the 2200 block of Atwood Terrace at about 3 p.m.

Court documents stated that Pollard pulled the trigger, firing one bullet that struck Elmore in the face.

Elmore was hospitalized in critical condition at Grant Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Pollard ran from the scene and was taken into custody by police a short time later.

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Secretary, BFA PAC Vice Chairman, and an NRA-certified firearms instructor. He is the editor of BuckeyeFirearms.org, which received the Outdoor Writers of Ohio 2013 Supporting Member Award for Best Website.