South Carolina Veteran Kills Home Intruder That Attacks His Wife

A home invader who attacked a 79-year-old woman at her back door has been killed by the victims 82-year-old Vietnam War Veteran husband who beat him with the butt of his shotgun, according to local authorities.
Herbert Parrish immediately grabbed the firearm off a wall mount after the suspect, identified as 61-year-old Harold Runnels, who broke into the home armed with a knife, pushed his wife to the ground and slashed her on the forehead Monday afternoon, according to news reports.
Harold lived in a nearby trailer park and approached the home by knocking on the back door asking the couple if they have seen his missing dog, according to police.
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Abdullah, a department spokesman, urged residents to call police immediately if they suspect their home is being broken into.
“Of course, folks have the right to defend themselves if their lives are in danger, but the best thing do is call for help,” he told news reporters. “Every situation is going to be different. It may be a similar crime in nature, but every situation is going to be different. There is no way to accurately predict exactly what actions that any person should take if somebody is trying to invade their home. The best recourse is to think smartly and get help on the way.”
No charges will be filed in this incident. The Parrishes were treated for minor bruises but are expected to be OK.