Neighbor opens fire on burglary suspects in Hope Mills
HOPE MILLS, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is searching for two men who allegedly stole from a home and then got into an armed standoff with a neighbor.
It happened last Thursday in the 6000 block of Fire Department Road in Hope Mills.
Click here for a Google map of the area.
Deputies said a neighbor spotted a Native American man and an African American man come out of the home carrying property.
That neighbor, named Bobby, called the sheriff and then confronted the men with a gun - ordering one to lie on the ground.
"My dad always told me you never point a gun at a man unless you plan to use it," said Bobby. "I was ready to use it."
One of the suspects also pulled out a gun and Bobby took cover before the men sped off in a white sedan. As the suspects drove off, he emptied his pistol's bullet magazine.
"I hit the car eight times," said Bobby.
Bobby was shaken up but not hurt.
He said he just did what he says his neighbors would do for him. He says there are 40-50 residents along the country road who watch out for each other.
"It's basically a neighbor and neighbors, everybody knows everyone, and it's basically a big family," said Bobby.
Bobby said he would do it again if he had to.
Deputies are now looking for the men and the car. They say it should have obvious damage from the shooting, including holes in the driver's side rear quarter panel.
Anyone with information should contact the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at (910) 323-1500.
