Debate Over Shooting Of Suspected Burglar Rages On
Related Story: Man Shoots Alleged Truck Break-In Suspect
More Local News
Poll
Was the man who shot a car break-in suspect justified in the shooting?
(CBS13) SACRAMENTO Police say a South Sacramento man shot a suspect on his property who was allegedly breaking into the man's car. The case has stirred up a debate on what rights people have to protect their home and property, and has even drawn a well-known local talk show host into mix. After spending the day in jail, the homeowner is back at his South Sacramento home.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Sou Saechinn was getting ready for work when he heard something outside. He looked out the window and saw three people reportedly trying to break into his car. Saechinn went outside and shot at the trio, hitting one -- a minor -- in the chest.
Radio talk show host Tom Sullivan normally comments on the day's news but this time he became a part of it. After hearing that Sou Saechinn was arrested for the shooting, Sullivan decided to get involved.
"I first called a bail bondsman I knew and said 'what do we do?' I've never bailed anyone out before," said Sullivan.
The bail bondsman, Greg "Topo" Padilla, escorted Saechinn out of the main jail this afternoon. Padilla says getting a call from a person the suspect doesn't even know rarely happens.
"I've been doing this 23 years. This is the second or third time this has happened," said Padilla.
In broken English, an emotional Saechinn had no comment when asked about Sullivan coming up with $3,000 (10%) of his $30,000 bail.
What does Sullivan have to say about a talk show personality inserting themselves into a story?
"I just get caught up in stories of people; and if you want to help you help," said Sullivan.
Sacramento police Sgt. Matt Young did said that police were merely enforcing the law when they arrested Saechinn.
"Based on all the facts we had at the time, we established probable cause. He shot the individual in violation of the law. It's as simple as that," said Sgt. Young.
California law allows a person to fire a gun to protect a person but not property. Sullivan says the law, at least in this case, fired off in the wrong direction.
"I grew up where signs said 'trespassers will be shot'. If you're doing something wrong and you get hurt in the commission of a crime that's too bad," said Sullivan.
Sacramento Police say the suspect who was shot is still in hospital and could be charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy. Police say the other two alleged burglary suspects are still at large.
Related Story: Man Shoots Alleged Truck Break-In Suspect
More Local News
Poll
Was the man who shot a car break-in suspect justified in the shooting?
(CBS13) SACRAMENTO Police say a South Sacramento man shot a suspect on his property who was allegedly breaking into the man's car. The case has stirred up a debate on what rights people have to protect their home and property, and has even drawn a well-known local talk show host into mix. After spending the day in jail, the homeowner is back at his South Sacramento home.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Sou Saechinn was getting ready for work when he heard something outside. He looked out the window and saw three people reportedly trying to break into his car. Saechinn went outside and shot at the trio, hitting one -- a minor -- in the chest.
Radio talk show host Tom Sullivan normally comments on the day's news but this time he became a part of it. After hearing that Sou Saechinn was arrested for the shooting, Sullivan decided to get involved.
"I first called a bail bondsman I knew and said 'what do we do?' I've never bailed anyone out before," said Sullivan.
The bail bondsman, Greg "Topo" Padilla, escorted Saechinn out of the main jail this afternoon. Padilla says getting a call from a person the suspect doesn't even know rarely happens.
"I've been doing this 23 years. This is the second or third time this has happened," said Padilla.
In broken English, an emotional Saechinn had no comment when asked about Sullivan coming up with $3,000 (10%) of his $30,000 bail.
What does Sullivan have to say about a talk show personality inserting themselves into a story?
"I just get caught up in stories of people; and if you want to help you help," said Sullivan.
Sacramento police Sgt. Matt Young did said that police were merely enforcing the law when they arrested Saechinn.
"Based on all the facts we had at the time, we established probable cause. He shot the individual in violation of the law. It's as simple as that," said Sgt. Young.
California law allows a person to fire a gun to protect a person but not property. Sullivan says the law, at least in this case, fired off in the wrong direction.
"I grew up where signs said 'trespassers will be shot'. If you're doing something wrong and you get hurt in the commission of a crime that's too bad," said Sullivan.
Sacramento Police say the suspect who was shot is still in hospital and could be charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy. Police say the other two alleged burglary suspects are still at large.
