Man Speaks Out After Being Shot in Home Invasion
DYER COUNTY, Tenn. – Dyer County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a home invasion after a man was shot in the chest in Dyersburg, Friday morning. Officials said two black males wearing bandannas reportedly entered a residence off of Unionville Road and shot the homeowner in his chest. The victim, who did not want to be identified due to the ongoing investigation, told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that he was shot immediately after his door was kicked in. “He came in with the intent to shoot me right off the bat,” said the victim. “He didn’t ask for anything. He shot me before he ever got in my face to ask for anything.” Family members said the men seemed to have been prepared. One of the intruders was described as wearing a pillow case around his gun hand. “One had a pillow case wrapped around his gun and arm to catch the casings as he came in I guess,” said victim. “I had a million things going through my head, but mainly I was thinking about my kids that were in the house more than anything.” The homeowner said he was shot sitting at his kitchen table across from the front door at an angle,which he believes is one of the main reasons he survived the shooting. He recalls the intruders demanding cash then heading for his young daughters bedroom. “I stepped in between him and I said, ‘Man you have already shot me you’ve got to calm down, ain’t nobody in this room but my kids,'” said the victim. “I told him, ‘I have a safe in my bedroom and I’ll open it for you.'” The victim said he led the gunmen to his safe. Then was ordered to get down onto his knees. It was then that he realized he had been shot and that his shirt was soaked in blood. The victim said as he was ordered to face the wall, the gunmen became distracted after overhearing another family member’s conversation in the kitchen. “The guy that was in the bedroom with me that had shot me,” said the victim. “He was hollering ‘Cap her, cap her,’ so he was literally telling the other guy to shoot the girl for not giving up her cell phone.” Deputies said the gunman ran off with several valuable items. They were seen leaving with an unknown driver in dark colored car that was waiting at the end of the driveway. Family members told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News they later found the .22 caliber handgun that was used lying near the roadway where the school bus routinely stops. “This is more like a family place, people come here to fish with their kids, swim and do family stuff,” said homeowner. ” These men are dangerous.” Police said the home owner was the only person that was hurt during the invasion. Although he was treated and released from the hospital, he said the bullet was unable to be removed. At the angle it entered through his body, it is permanently lodged into his chest. “Doctors said they would do more damage trying to take it out then leaving it in, so I guess I’m just stuck with this and it’s memory,” said victim. Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said they are continuing to search for the suspects and investigate the case. He is encouraging anyone with information to call the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department or Crime Stoppers of Dyer County at 731-285-TIPS. Box said there is a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.
