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Local keeps alleged burglars at bay with shotgun
Published Thursday, July 2, 2009
NATCHEZ — In the course of an afternoon, Rebecca Blalock went from housewife to shotgun-wielding neighborhood hero.
Blalock was home with her children Tuesday at noon when she saw three questionable men in the street near the corner of her home on Orange and Main streets.
“They weren’t really doing anything, they were just walking around looking 1,000 percent suspicious,” she said.
Blalock said since her house and several of her neighbor’s houses have been burglarized in the past, she paid close attention to the trio in the street.
“One of them was walking around and I think he was pretending to read the newspaper,” she said. “You could just tell they were up to no good.”
And it wasn’t long before Blalock’s suspicions were confirmed.
The three men alledgedly broke into the back door of her neighbor’s house — so Blalock got a shotgun.
“I was nervous,” she said. “And I said to myself, this is either going to go really good or really bad,” she said.
Blalock then called the Natchez Police Department and her neighbor, who was working at the time, and went outside to meet the alleged intruders.
Blalock met the men first in the gully where her yard converges with her neighbor’s yard, then followed the three out into the street.
With a loaded shotgun in her hands, Blalock kept two of three men from escaping until police arrived.
“They were right there,” she said motioning to the curb. “And I was here by the car and the cops got here right on time. It was perfect.”
“She definitely had them out-gunned,” Natchez Police Sgt. Craig Godbold said of the unarmed men. “But we don’t encourage citizens to do this type of thing. It’s extremely dangerous.”
Jake Hauer, 19, and Andrew Smith, 17, were arrested at the scene.
Antonio Smith, 18, was arrested later based on information provided by Hauer and Andrew Smith, Godbold said.
Godbold said while Antonio Smith allegedly fled the scene with a small television, laptop computer and a camera in a backpack, the other two men got substantially less.
On of the men was arrested with costume jewelry, while the other was allegedly apprehended with a bottle of wine and a can of Mountain Dew.
All three are being held without bond and are will be charged as adults with burglary of a dwelling.
Blalock said if the situation arose again, she would not do anything differently.
“I keep telling my neighbors they can’t afford for me to go to work,” she said.
Debra Reece, whose house was burglarized, said she’s glad to have Blalock for a neighbor.
“I certainly feel a lot better knowing she’s around,” Reece said. “She’s a good neighbor.”
Comments
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
discourage people from protecting their property. Why not just open the doors and let them take what they want,then soon they will be stabbing you in your beds.
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They will be out soon breakin into a house just a little farther down the street.
Posted by stateofnatchez (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dang!!! Should have at least chambered that rubber rocket a few times.
Give em' something to talk about in da streets.
Still waitin' on an incident with a real happy ending though.
Posted by Avenue (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea - Girl Power!
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love this story. Way to go Rebecca!
Posted by Iwonder2 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Blalock was home with her children Tuesday at noon when she saw three questionable men ............"
Who was watching her children while Momma was out holding a shotgun on these thugs?
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad these guys were caught. But, it would have been terrible if they had jumped her and killed her in front of her children. Is her life worth a small television, a laptop, a camera, a bottle of wine and a Mountain Dew?
Call the cops if you see someone suspicious, if they leave the premises before the cops arrive, tell them which direction they went. They'll still have the stolen goods on them to get arrested with. Your life and your job as a mother is not worth a small television, a laptop, a camera, a bottle of wine and a Mountain Dew.
I'm happy it ended well, but that's scarry!
Posted by Username (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sgt. Godbold I can almost understand that you do not want the citizens to do what this brave lady did but from the way it appears guns, hammers and other "weapons" are the only way that "We the people" are going to stop our persons and properity from being violated by thugs and criminals.From what I have heard,the citizens would be outraged if they knew just how many burglaries have been happening in Adams county lately.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think she did what she had to do, and what we all need to do. Take back our streets, our cities, our self-respect. What an example she is to her kids! Be proud of yourself!
Posted by NAMVET (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"SHOOT TO KILL" THAT IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN TAKE BACK OUR STREETS !!! "VENGANCE IS MINE" Thus sayeth the Lord. Even he needs a little help now and then. People, arm yourselves, exersise your 2'nd admendment rights.
The PoPo can't be everywhere, especially when you need them the most. God helps those who help themselves..
Posted by Natchezbear (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's only going to get worse............I sure hope the gun was loaded and she was prepared to kill them. My father taught me not to aim a gun unless you intend to use it.I feel this is the only way the THUGS are going to get the picture.........We AIN'T going to take it anymore!
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think what Godbold was saying was to be extremely careful as 3 men could easily overpower a woman, even with the shotgun. I think was she did was extremely brave and I support her for woman of the year award. You can always look back and say she should have remained in her home with her children under lock and key; she should have -- etc. etc. She did what she felt is right and this is most important. Quit being naysayers on here and show someone somewhere some support.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NAMVET and Natchezbear...you said a mouthful! I also was taught to prepare to kill if you raise that gun. And I will. I dare 'em to come to my house...we are always prepared.
freedom...it's the ONLY answer.
Posted by chances_are (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I get really sick and tired of people saying how someone should shoot a person if they do this or do that. Such as, burglary! I can see someone arming themselves against such individuals particularly if they were in their house but to shoot someone that is running off with a tv, laptop, Mt. Dew, or a bottle of wine is completely inhumane. Do any one of you know what it would feel like to take the life of another human life? I certainly don't and I dang sure hope that I never do! Hats off to Ms. Blalock for being brave but in the same sense of the matter those kids could have been armed with weapons too. I commend Ms. Blalock for her courage. The message she is sending to the criminals of our city is that they might want to go skip rocks down by the river because they are bored and volunteer to pick up limbs and trash if they need some cash either to buy themselves a tv, laptop, Mt. Dew, or a bottle of wine. But as far as that goes, none of them were of legal age to buy alcohol. Better make it a bottle Welches Grape Juice!!!
Posted by excitement (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Brave lady...wow! Glad noone was hurt...regardless.
Posted by ironman34 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So what if they were armed with weapons? We should all be doing like Blalock and looking out for one another in our neighborhoods. I commend her for this. Its a wonder the police dont want us to take this matter into our own hands when calling them would have only given them plenty of time to get away good....I would have only been scared of getting shot in the leg..But I would have prtoected myself, my property, and my neighbors just the same.
Posted by livejo (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let them have it?? Come on folks. Sure it was just a tv,laptop and a bottle of wine 'this time'. But think about it. These guys were brazen. It was the middle of the afternoon. Do you think this was the first time they had done something like this? Let them get away with it....use the bottle of wine to celebrate and plan what they would do next? Ms Blalock may have prevented her home and her family from being the next victims. Way to go!!! I would rather live with the 'what ifs' than the 'if onlys'. It's time we all found our backbones. Start protecting our homes and our familys from these thugs. Two wonderful stories this week about brave people who did just that. Way to go!!!
Posted by consider_reason (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although unlikely my remark will remain unedited by the hypocritical Democrat staff, might I add briefly that this shows a trend of late - this is the third time people have taken it upon themselves to handle their own business and not wait or depend on law enforcement to do it for them.
Wise choice.
Being educated in the proper use of firearms and the law as it pertains to your right to protect yourself, family and property is always a better choice than hoping someone in a uniform gets there in time to draw an outline around you.
Vigilantism? No - but taking responsibility for an immediate situation and not hiding behind a locked door shows an evolving populace, made necessary by the way things are changing.
Keep it up.
Posted by taylors234 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is important that people do more than just depend on the police. So, this lady was making a citizens arrest? New and unexpected ways to approach the crime trouble in Natchez is a must! It is a good idea for neighbors to get together and form neighborhood watch. Motion lights, street lights, locked fences, dogs, alarms, or just anything that might help with the obvious problem in Natchez is a must. Keeping a camera on hand helps too. Snap pictures of suspicious activity to identify people, document license plates, or prove your point. Reading this article is very encouraging. No doubt people must be fed up and this incident an indication those involved in crimes might start walking into situations which they haven't given enough consideration. Beware of rock throwing at your house, which is someone wanting you to come outside. It takes a while to sort through the crime scene in Natchez, which is not particularly sophisticated but yet quite bold behavior... Obvious drug related activity, crime, can be reported to the State Bureau of Narcotics. There appears a serious need to get them involved considering much of the crime in Natchez appears a drug related need for money.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe she should throw her hat into the ring for the next sheriff election.
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Confucius say..."A gun in hand worth 3 cops on phone."
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard one of the thieves screaming "I was all jacked up on mountain dew!"
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Geez Louise! What is going on in Natchez with the burglaries?? And look at the ages of the burglars - 17, 18, and 19. What a pathetic beginning to young adulthood.
I tip my hat to this gutsy lady. True, the guys were "only taking things". But thugs who will break into your home to take your things will also knock you in the head to try to get away without being identified if you happen upon them. This is the way innocent citizens who are minding their own business get hurt (or killed) in their own homes. If someone breaks into another person's home, they are just begging for trouble. And it sounds like the good people of Natchez are more than willing to give it to them. Bravo!
Posted by taylors234 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandman, you are too funny but truth to what you say, yes. I have never seen so many young males "jacked up" on something. How many run up and ask for $5.00 supposedly to get something to eat but turn down an offer for a sandwich? Maybe a good idea to form a citizen's crackdown on crime with some neighborhood citizens on night shift and some on duty during the day. Maybe citizens taking the inititive to stop crime is the solution. By the time we all need motion lights, extra street lights, fences with locks, dogs, alarms, etc. no doubt add a gun to the list just in case the need to go outside to determine who is throwing rocks at the house, right? Also, beware when hiring workers. Have you noticed a more than average tendency in Natchez for workers to tap out windows for later entry, load their trucks with your supplies while you are looking the other way, or jabber endlessly while casing your place for further exploitation? Be especially aware if the name they give is something like J. or G. instead of a full name. Try to determine the full identity of people instead of accepting initials or nicknames like Banana Pie. Natchez is a great town with undeniable charm. Hopefully this brave lady has given others the determination to act on situations. I am not suggesting that people chase down others with guns but do something to contribute regarding the burglary and theft problem in Natchez. One important aspect is to inform trusted neighbors and other people around town about the serious problem. The more people aware and acting on the situation the better! What about a Citizen's Crime Prevention / Solution Support Group or does one already exist?
Posted by JessieLeigh1979 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I happen to know Rebecca and she's got more guts then any man on that police force. Maybe she SHOULD run for police chief...carry on a tradition and whip the town back into shape.
Stupid punks shouldn't be breaking the law, I don't care if it was only a laptop and a can of soda...steal MY laptop and I will hunt you down and beat you with every one of my scrapbooking supplies I have on hand, then I will grab my children's baseball bats and go after you with that, too. You better hope you did not delete my files b/c that would just be the end of it for me.
Criminals should not allowed the chance to get away. I'd be so lucky as to have a neighbor as willing to protect my home and family.
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I don't care if it was only a laptop and a can of soda...steal MY laptop and I will hunt you down and beat you with every one of my scrapbooking supplies I have on hand..." - JessieLeigh1979
LOL LOL LOL
Thanks. I needed that!
Posted by juju (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If they are brazen enough to do this in the day, they're crazies and not rational thinkers anyway. And if this happened close to my babies, in my house or next door, I wouldn't want to take a chance and I can't say that I wouldn't do the same as her. Yea Rebecca, the Natchez PD could learn!
Posted by commander (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is nothing wrong with defending yourself or property. Everyone needs to get involved. It's our community. Don't just let the thugs have it. Rebecca did what she felt was right. She saw what was happening and REPORTED it to the police.She then took it one step further and ARMED herself and confronted the thugs. She held 2 of them until PD arrived...which was less than 2 minutes. Within an hour PD had the 3rd thug. That's how a neighborhood watch program works. GET INVOLVED or STOP COMPLAINING.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Rebecca for doing what was right and what needed to be done. Natchez has had enough. We have got to help take back control of our neighborhoods and streets from the thugs for the children, the elderly and ourselves.
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good ending but I do not think this lady's name should have been published.I'm just being real. Glad it turned out well.If parents didnt think early childhood wrongs were cute, it would be easier.
Posted by sideline (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 3:50 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by trblalock (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HEY GUYS,
tHIS IS REBECCA BLALOCK, THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND EVEN THE NEGITIVE WAS TAKEN INTO THOUGHT. First to set the record straight my child was not home. I feel my job is to protect my neighbors because she just like any family work their butts off for everything we have and for someone to take that away. Not on my street! IT IS TIME TO TAKE OUR STREETS BACK. people would be amazed of the number of robberies going on around town. NOT MY STREET. Oh and if they have a gun . mines alot more powerful then theirs. I would want someone to do the same for me!
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