Florida Self-Defense: Elderly Miami woman shoots at attempted burglars :: 11/12/2015

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Crooks picked the wrong place to attempt a break-in, after they were nearly shot by an elderly woman.

Little did these burglars know that when the door of a Miami home was kicked in, 88-year-old Arlene Orms would be waiting behind it, locked and loaded.

According to the Miami Police Department, burglars attempted to enter her home at 6060 N.W. 2nd St., around 10:30 p.m., Tuesday night. After kicking in the door, Orms fired her .25 caliber baretta pistol into the door from inside, sending the burglars running off. "He never made it in," said a responding Miami Police officer.

Shocked neighbors have since stepped up and helped Orms with repairs on her door. "I saw the police on the corner, but I didn't see what was going on," said neighbor Gladys Betancourt. "That was awesome though."

Officials said that bullet didn't go through the door, or this story may have ended with an attempted burglary and death investigation. 

They weren't able to make off with anything this time, but she was possibly burglarized by the same crooks on Oct. 29. During that incident, they took several items, including one of her guns. 

In the meantime, police and neighbors work together to patch up her door, which was damaged by the failed crook.

Police have checked hospitals in the area to see if they could find the people responsible for the home invasion with no luck. "You have to do something," Betancourt said. "You have to protect yourself."

If you have any information this attempted burglary, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

http://www.wsvn.com/story/30492691/elderly-miami-woman-shoots-at-attempted-burglars