An Ohio teen is being praised not only for stopping a home burglary and helping to capture a wanted fugitive, but for also knowing what to do with his firearm if he’s ever faced with danger.
Let’s backtrack and see how this story began.
According to 14News.com, the eventful night began when Michael Roberts, 26, broke into his first home of the night. The homeowner, Brian Hinder, awoke to his dogs barking and immediately went to investigate. Before he knew it, Roberts was right behind him on the stairs. Hinder quickly dialed 911 and grabbed his gun to keep Roberts cornered until police arrived.
When police got there, they put Roberts in the back of a police cruiser while they spoke with the homeowner about the incident.
Somehow, Roberts escaped from the cruiser and took off into a cornfield.
A short time later, Roberts wound up at the home of 15-year-old Justin Kugler, who was home sick and by himself. Justin was sending emails to his teachers about homework when his dogs started barking, which alerted Justin to possible danger. He grabbed his gun and went to the top of the stairs to make sure that no one was there, and that’s when he saw Roberts come through the front door with a knife.
“I told him to get out of the house or I’m going to shoot you,” said Justin Kugler.
Police were there shortly after to take Roberts into custody one last time.
Justin’s brother, Jarrett Kugler, told reporters that firearms are very important to their family, and that they understand what to do in the face of danger.
“Guns have always been an important thing in our family and he knew what to do when the problem came up,” said Jarrett Kugler.
Good for Justin for knowing what to do when he encounters something as dangerous as a home intruder, and good for the person who taught him how to responsibly handle a firearm. There is no doubt that this young man has a bright future ahead of him.
