PA: Homeowner shoots intruder, but then ...

[seamusTX]

In New Castle, Pennsylvania, today a man armed with a hatchet and knife allegedly broke into a house. The resident shot the intruder several times.

Police investigating the scene reportedly found a marijuana-growing operation.

The intruder is in the hospital. The defender is in jail.

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Oopsie.

- Jim

[RoyGBiv]

And the burglar will get less time than the grower. Justice?

Discuss.

[hangfour]

As I have mentioned before, there are three symptoms of drug (and alcohol) addiction: trouble, trouble, and, not to leave out the most important symptom, more trouble.

[seamusTX]

And the burglar will get less time than the grower. Justice?

I decided a long time ago that the current state of drug prohibition does more harm than good. However, the question is not on the table except in a few states.

The law is what it is right now. Anyone who gets involved in drug growing, manufacture, or dealing knows what the risks are, including criminal prosecution and assaults by other lawbreakers.

The guy who was shot may die or be permanently disabled. Being shot in the head is never good for one's health.

- Jim

[chasfm11]

It would be interesting to gather statistics on the crimes that are committed which are drug related. From those who are burglars, looking for stuff to sell to buy drugs to those like this case, trying to avail themselves of someone else's drug stash, it sure seems to be a lot of criminal activity. My guess is that the numbers would be well beyond 60%.

Part of me believes that there is a disproportionate amount of our legal system and penalties associated with drug related matters, some of which could be labeled as "victimless" crimes. The mitigating factor is that 70% of child abuse and neglect takes place in the homes of drug abusers.

If people who wanted to do drugs would agree not to have kids in their homes - ever, I'd be inclined to say "go for it." What we are doing today sure isn't working any better for drugs than Prohibition did for alcohol.

Is protecting your stash considered part of the Castle doctrine?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I can't believe the rush to judgment I'm seeing here. It's clear the burglar planted the marijuana, set up the grow lights, watered the plants and fed them Miracle Grow before he was shot. "That's my story judge and I'm sticking to it."

Chas.

[Keith B]

I can't believe the rush to judgment I'm seeing here. It's clear the burglar planted the marijuana, set up the grow lights, watered the plants and fed them Miracle Grow before he was shot. "That's my story judge and I'm sticking to it."

Chas.

Yeah, that's it. So the question is Mr. Cotton, what have YOU been smoking??

[Purplehood]

I can't believe the rush to judgment I'm seeing here. It's clear the burglar planted the marijuana, set up the grow lights, watered the plants and fed them Miracle Grow before he was shot. "That's my story judge and I'm sticking to it."

Chas.

Charles,

You are more perceptive than I would have ever imagined. But in reality, you have probably heard that very story in a courtroom.

[Dave2]

I can't believe the rush to judgment I'm seeing here. It's clear the burglar planted the marijuana, set up the grow lights, watered the plants and fed them Miracle Grow before he was shot. "That's my story judge and I'm sticking to it."

Chas.

Yeah, that's it. So the question is Mr. Cotton, what have YOU been smoking??

Hey, it could happen! Just because something is unbelievable unlikely, that doesn't mean it's impossible. Try to have an open mind...

[zero4o3]

"Police say they found four assault rifles and 30 marijuana plants growing in a western Pennsylvania home "

I wish I knew how to grow assault rifles

[Tamie]

I wish I knew how to grow assault rifles

Like the Liberty Tree, they have to be watered with the blood of tyrants.

Anyone else think the intruder brought the hatchet and knife to harvest some of the crops?

[jamisjockey]

I can't believe the rush to judgment I'm seeing here. It's clear the burglar planted the marijuana, set up the grow lights, watered the plants and fed them Miracle Grow before he was shot. "That's my story judge and I'm sticking to it."

Chas.

Yeah, that's it. So the question is Mr. Cotton, what have YOU been smoking??

No sir. The real question is, why isn't he sharing?!?

[Fallsraider]

"Police say they found four assault rifles and 30 marijuana plants growing in a western Pennsylvania home "

I wish I knew how to grow assault rifles