Victim and Burglar Shot in Delaware Home Invasion

Defensive situations are unpredictable at best. If you’re surprised by someone attempting to break into your home, you can do everything right and still end up in a bad way…or dead. Training and discipline helps, but sometimes it can come down to factors as simple as reaction time, the element of surprise and plain old dumb luck.

Last week, 20-year-old Howard Watkins broke into a Middletown, Delaware in broad daylight. Watkins probably wasn’t expecting the home owner to be there. Or did he?

Officers responded to a shots-fired call at 3:06 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 100 block of E. Lockwood St. The shooting occurred in a residence, and two sustained multiple gunshot wounds, Middletown police Chief Michael Iglio said.

Howard Watkins, one of the men shot, was arrested, Iglio said. He was charged with first-degree assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, home invasion, attempted robbery and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited.

Media reports don’t detail the number or severity of Watkins’ wounds. As for the home owner . . .

The second man, a 24-year-old, suffered gunshot wounds to his torso and extremities.

No info as to his condition either. Over a week later, there aren’t any more details regarding the shooting in the media.

Was this a simple daylight break-in? A drug deal gone wrong? Gang-related activity? This little incident could be due to any of them. And while the defender here ended up with multiple lead-induced leaks, it could have been even worse for him had he not been armed when Watkins broke in. Whatever the situation, the lesson here is the same: home carry is a good idea.