An attempted robbery in Wilkes-Barre was foiled Sunday morning when the victim shot the would-be robber in the foot.
Police arrested two people in connection with the incident.
Suspects are Jerome Kuren, 31, Harrison Avenue., of Scranton and Melissa Dunn, 26, Pine Street, of Wilkes-Barre.
According to police, Craig Budde, 51, of Arthur Street, Hazleton, said he accompanied Dunn to 41 Pine St. at about 8:10 a.m. when Kuren confronted him, armed with a metal pipe. Kuren demanded Budde’s money, and Budde gave it to him.
Kuren then raised the pipe he was holding and approached Budde in a threatening manner. Budde produced a pistol and fired a round, striking Kuren in the foot.
Kuren was treated and released from Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital in Plains Township.
Budde is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, according to police.
Both Kuren and Dunn were taken into custody, and charges are pending while police continue to investigate.
Budde, along with his wife, Vilmarie Budde, has been active in efforts to organize a Guardian Angels chapter in the Hazleton area and has been involved with the Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area. Although he has been licensed to carry a concealed firearm for many years, Budde said it’s a form of self defense you hope you never have to use.
“Nobody wants to be put in that type of situation. You hope you never have to use it,” Budde said.
When his attacker threatened him with the pipe and demanded money, Budde said he handed over his cash and figured he’d call the police afterward and provide a description. When Kuren raised the pipe again, Budde said he felt his life was in danger.
“When they tried to rob me, I thought, ‘Give him the money and call the police later,’” Budde explained. “When he came at me again, I thought, ‘I can’t fight him. I’m 51 years old, I’m disabled, I don’t have the strength to run’,” Budde said.
“I am just a citizen, minding my own business, doing nothing wrong,” he said. “I was within my rights.”
Police have filed no charges against Budde in the incident. But the aftermath has left the man somewhat unnerved.
“I’m alright. I’m still a little nervous. Nobody wants to be put in that type of situation,” Budde said.
– Erin Moody and Mia Light
Source: Link Removed
Police arrested two people in connection with the incident.
Suspects are Jerome Kuren, 31, Harrison Avenue., of Scranton and Melissa Dunn, 26, Pine Street, of Wilkes-Barre.
According to police, Craig Budde, 51, of Arthur Street, Hazleton, said he accompanied Dunn to 41 Pine St. at about 8:10 a.m. when Kuren confronted him, armed with a metal pipe. Kuren demanded Budde’s money, and Budde gave it to him.
Kuren then raised the pipe he was holding and approached Budde in a threatening manner. Budde produced a pistol and fired a round, striking Kuren in the foot.
Kuren was treated and released from Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital in Plains Township.
Budde is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, according to police.
Both Kuren and Dunn were taken into custody, and charges are pending while police continue to investigate.
Budde, along with his wife, Vilmarie Budde, has been active in efforts to organize a Guardian Angels chapter in the Hazleton area and has been involved with the Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area. Although he has been licensed to carry a concealed firearm for many years, Budde said it’s a form of self defense you hope you never have to use.
“Nobody wants to be put in that type of situation. You hope you never have to use it,” Budde said.
When his attacker threatened him with the pipe and demanded money, Budde said he handed over his cash and figured he’d call the police afterward and provide a description. When Kuren raised the pipe again, Budde said he felt his life was in danger.
“When they tried to rob me, I thought, ‘Give him the money and call the police later,’” Budde explained. “When he came at me again, I thought, ‘I can’t fight him. I’m 51 years old, I’m disabled, I don’t have the strength to run’,” Budde said.
“I am just a citizen, minding my own business, doing nothing wrong,” he said. “I was within my rights.”
Police have filed no charges against Budde in the incident. But the aftermath has left the man somewhat unnerved.
“I’m alright. I’m still a little nervous. Nobody wants to be put in that type of situation,” Budde said.
– Erin Moody and Mia Light
Source: Link Removed
