Armed homeowner in Tennessee turns tables on would-be burglar climbing in through window

A Nashville homeowner’s swift action stopped a weekend burglary attempt, leaving the alleged perpetrator injured.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, 32-year-old Anton Cosby allegedly attempted to break into a residence on Shreeve Lane in the Trinity Hills neighborhood around 6:00 am on Saturday. The commotion, which involved banging on the front door and windows, alerted the homeowner and their family.

Police reported that “the homeowner retrieved a firearm and issued repeated warnings to Cosby, ordering him to leave the premises or face being shot.” Ignoring these warnings, Cosby reportedly shattered the kitchen window and began climbing through. In response, the homeowner fired a single shot, striking Cosby in the arm.

The wounded suspect dropped a revolver near the kitchen sink and fled the scene on foot. Officers located Cosby nearby and attempted to render aid, but he reportedly became combative. He was eventually apprehended and transported to Skyline Medical Center for treatment of the non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Local prosecutors believe the homeowner is unlikely to face charges due to acting in self-defense. In contrast, Cosby faces a multitude of charges, including aggravated burglary, felony vandalism, and two firearm-related offenses.

The incident left the neighborhood shaken. Long-time resident Linda Thomas expressed her fear to WSMV 4, stating such events were unheard of in the area. Ms. Thomas is considering additional security measures to supplement her existing cameras and alarm system.

“I feel so secure,” Ms. Thomas said. “I really feel people would just not want to walk way up this hill and try to bother me.

However, she expressed concern about the reliance on firearms for security. ““I’m leery that, you know, we have to have guns just to have peace in our neighborhood or our homes. That’s the last thing you really want to have to deal with,” she concluded.