Hero Stories

Yesterday's Westroads Mall massacre in Omaha has distressed a lot of folks, including myself, but we must not forget that there are decent and noble people out there who do extraordinary things. Here's one amazing story from the Detroit area:

Source: http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/METRO/712050396

Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Girl, 7, shot 6 times saving mom
Norman Sinclair, Santiago Esparza and Jennifer Mrozowski / The Detroit News


DETROIT -- A 7-year-old-girl is being hailed as an "angel from heaven" and a hero for jumping in front of an enraged gunman, who pumped six bullets into the child as she used her body as a shield to save her mother's life.

Alexis Goggins, a first-grader at Campbell Elementary School, is in stable condition at Children's Hospital in Detroit recovering from gunshot wounds to the eye, left temple, chin, cheek, chest and right arm.

"She is an angel from heaven," said Aisha Ford, a family friend for 15 years who also was caught up in the evening of terror.


The girl's mother, Selietha Parker, 30, was shot in the left side of her head and her bicep by a former boyfriend, who police said was trying to kill Parker. The gunman was disarmed by police and arrested at the scene of the shooting, a Detroit gas station. Police identified him as Calvin Tillie, 29, a four-time convicted felon whom Parker had dated for six months.

Parker, who was treated and released at Detroit Receiving Hospital, is now at her daughter's bedside. She declined to comment Tuesday....











Burglary suspect Joshua Burris

Westside News [Missouri]

Thursday, December 06, 2007
World War II veteran fends off home invader
K-9 unit tracks accused down

By Lake Sun Publications StaffPublished: Monday, December 3, 2007 1:15 PM CST
Source: http://westsidestar.net/articles/2007/12/04/westside_news/17.txt

MORGAN COUNTY — A suspect who allegedly stabbed and wrestled with a World War II veteran fled on foot only to be tracked down by a K-9 unit a short distance away.

Morgan County detective Todd Wright said 83-year-old Stanley Egerer was in his home sleeping early Monday, Nov. 26 when 20-year-old Joshua Burris allegedly broke in. Egerer awoke to find Burris in his bedroom, holding a knife and demanding money. Burris then reportedly stabbed Egerer in the upper left chest after he said he didn’t have any.

And, Egerer fought back.

During the skirmish, the WWII vet sustained several more cuts to his hands and arms from the knife, Wright said.

Burris then fled the residence on foot, taking with him several stolen prescription medications, according to the police report. Egerer called 911 about 3 a.m. to report the burglary.Investigators from the sheriff’s office, along with detective Tony Wheatley and his K-9 dog Joky, joined the search for the suspect.

Wright said Burris was tracked down about 1/2-mile away in a wooded area off Route TT. He was attempting to get his 1995 gold-colored Ford Ranger unstuck from the mud.

A search warrant executed on Burris and his residence found several pieces of evidence linking him to the crime.Burris was charged with Class B felony assault in the first degree, felony armed criminal action, Class B felony burglary in the first degree, Class C felony stealing and Class C felony possession of a controlled substance.

He is being held on a $15,000 cash-only bond. Wright said the investigation has not found a direct relationship between Burris and Egerer. He also said Egerer was in the hospital in good condition.