Colorado Self-Defense: Greeley man who shot alleged intruder: "I had no choice" :: 11/10/2020

A Greeley man who on Sunday night shot someone accused of intruding into the man’s home said he was left with no choice after the intruder ran inside and tackled him.

Greeley police responded about 6:30 p.m. Sunday to the home in the 1200 block of 6th Street. Bobby Destine, who owns the home, told the Greeley Tribune on Monday he was protecting his tenants. Destine said he provides housing for people with disabilities.

“I had no choice,” Destine said. “I had to protect my tenants, my cat, dog and studio equipment.”

Destine, an entrepreneur, singer, rapper and producer, said the intruder was asking him for money and refused Destine’s commands to leave the property. The intruder kept hitting the door, Destine said, so he told a tenant to call 911.

When a tenant arrived home, Destine opened the door, and the intruder ran inside, shoving Destine, he said. Destine fell and hit the stairs, at which point he pulled out a gun. The intruder tackled Destine and tried wrestling him for the gun, according to Destine. Destine said he was concerned for his life, as well as the lives of his tenants, so he fired two shots at the intruder.

The intruder, who police have not yet publicly identified, was taken to North Colorado Medical Center, but his injuries did not appear life threatening, according to police. Destine was also hospitalized, but said he’s OK except for an elbow injury.

“I tried really hard to shoot last second when I had zero choice. After I was hurt,” Destine said. “Luckily no one else was hurt but me and the intruder. My training came in handy. I’m praying he recovers fine.”

Police said Sunday they weren’t yet sure what the alleged intruder was doing at the home. Police noted earlier this year that Colorado law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe lesser force is inadequate and that they’re in danger of death or great bodily injury.

Police said Monday they plan to release additional information Tuesday.

https://www.denverpost.com/2020/11/10/greeley-man-who-shot-alleged-intruder-i-had-no-choice/