When it comes to dealing with home intruders, one Florida Sheriff has an unconventional idea.
"If somebody's breaking into your house, you're more than welcome to shoot them in Santa Rosa County," Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson recently said.
"We prefer that you do actually." Johnson's remarks came after a homeowner in the area shot at someone attempting to break into their home last week. Johnson is encouraging the homeowner to come forward and take gun safety classes to improve their aim as well.
"If you take that, you'll shoot a lot better and hopefully you'll save the taxpayer's money," said the Sheriff.
Sheriff Johnson's statement was made during a press conference about a "frequent flyer" named Brandon J. Harris who has had "like 17 arrests" and was sent to prison for six-and-a-half years for home invasion.
Now Harris, who had active warrants out, has been arrested again. He faces numerous charges including resisting arrest, burglary to an occupied dwelling, criminal mischief, and other related charges.
Sheriff Johnson's statement was reinforced by his stance that "you have all the right in the world to defend yourself" if someone is breaking into another person's home.
While Harris will see his day in court, Sheriff Johnson says the evidence they have against him is "overwhelming."