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WTF(Weird Trivia & Facts)  Wednesday, June 4, 2008 2:41 PM CDT
Shop owner waits for thieves return, blasts truck with shotgun
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VIENNA, Maine -- The owner of a machine shop where thieves stole $3,000 worth of scrap steel, iron and aluminum wasn't going to let it happen again. After Saturday night's theft, Joseph Lord loaded his shotgun and laid low, expecting the thieves to return. They came back on Tuesday, in broad daylight.

When Lord saw their 2008 F-250 pickup truck, he shot out its tires and windshield and blasted its radiator, Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty said.

The startled thieves took off on foot, but investigators quickly tracked down the truck's operator, who will be charged with theft, Liberty said. Charges are pending against an accomplice, the sheriff said.

Liberty said he discourages the use of guns to protect property. In this case, Lord told investigators he wanted to disable the vehicle so the criminals couldn't escape.

"I can understand the frustration that Mr. Lord must have been experiencing," Liberty said. But, he added, "We don't want to see anyone get hurt over property."

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Reader comments on this story - 14 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

G. Larson wrote on Jun 5, 2008 2:20 PM:

" Regardless of the points on both sides of the gun issue, I think it's painfully clear "The Cats" has hardly in his/her life suffered abuse at the hands of those who have every intention to hurt, maim, and kill, and gladly use weapons themselves to do it. I do find it quite revealing that people who have actually experienced REAL physical violence have no question, ultimately, understanding the place of weapons, and those that so irrationally call for an over-idealized "perfect ban" on all lethal weapons somehow, lo and behold, have lived entire lives sheltered from the harsh realities of true violence by truly violent people. I say kudos to this guy. It is nothing but a lie to believe that police can protect you. At best, perhaps they can catch a person once a crime is committed. Beyond that, self-protection is up to "self". This is the obligation of the mature and enlightened human. Along with that, however, is the obligation to be master over your own anger, that which would harm others. So, with all due respect, what else could he have done? "

ApH wrote on Jun 5, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Well done !! "

thero wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:11 AM:

" Cats: Read the story a little closer next time. Lord was not trying to execute the death penalty on the perps, he simply wanted to disable the truck so they couldn't get away. Nobody was hurt, perps arrested...mission accomplished. Well done Mr. Lord!!! "

The Cat wrote on Jun 5, 2008 9:38 AM:

" I see Cats is consistent in pushing the “progressive” mantra. After all the crooks were only doing what “progressive” politicians do with the tax code, taking from a private business for their own use. Sabot rounds are good for truck engines and whatever’s under the hood you want to trash. Use double oo for the tires, body, and windows. That new F-250 is good for scrap after a couple of rounds of each. "

The Cats wrote on Jun 5, 2008 9:02 AM:

" This guy believes that the death penalty is OK for a theft of $3000. Another example of the "more guns crowd's" radical agenda and completely misguided ideas. "

events wrote on Jun 5, 2008 7:35 AM:

" to pennme: I totally agree with you. everyone has a right to protect his own property. then there are the ones who have guns illegally and use them that way too. they try to maKE it difficult for people to get guns, but evidentally not hard enough "

ONLY IN AMERICA wrote on Jun 5, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Just like GI JOE- A true American Hero.... taking care of business!!! "

floyd wrote on Jun 5, 2008 6:52 AM:

" I guess he stopped some serious thieves. They were driving a 2008 truck means their illegal gains must have been profitable. I say he should run for sheriff! People used to do this all the time until the anti gun people came around. I'd bet he has the safest neighborhood in the area now!NRA! "

Geez! wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Awesome!!

Those of us who cling to our guns and religion are proud of you! "

pennme wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:10 PM:

" I love this story. I think that Lord should be given a metal. The sherrif says that he discourages the use of guns for the protection of property. Did I miss something, but these people were stealing from Lord, and on his land. Sounds like he has every right to protect his property. If more people did this, perhaps there would less burglaries. If nothing else the perps would be dead, and that would cut down on the crime. I would gladdly shake Lord's hand. "

Burns wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:19 PM:

" YAH!!!! HOW YA LIKE ME NOW?!?!?! This story made my day. "

????????????? wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:34 PM:

" the da in this county would press charges for firing a firearm in the city "

muttonhead31 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:15 PM:

" this man should run for political office. This kind of crime fighting is what society needs more of. "

Cthulhu wrote on Jun 4, 2008 3:31 PM:

" I hope Lord was allowed to keep the scrap value of the truck. "

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