Rockford, IL — A tense domestic disturbance on Rockford’s east side ended with an elderly man defending a woman from her attacker using a legally owned firearm. The incident occurred on the morning of November 25 in the 8900 block of Bluegrass Drive.
Police say Nathaniel Brooks, 32, began physically assaulting the woman after an argument turned violent. Witnesses reported that Brooks punched a hole in the wall before escalating to pushing, punching, and slapping the victim.
The elderly man, whose name has not been released, called 911 before retrieving his firearm.
Despite warnings, Brooks continued his attack, leaving the man no choice but to fire a single shot, striking Brooks in the buttocks. Authorities confirmed that the man’s intent was to stop the assault, not to cause fatal harm.
Brooks was treated for his injuries at Javon Bea Hospital and later transported to the Winnebago County Jail. He now faces charges of aggravated battery of a woman over the age of 60 and battery causing bodily harm.
The woman told police that Brooks initiated the altercation and became physically violent after an argument. Without the elderly man’s intervention, the outcome could have been far worse.
This incident highlights the importance of responsible firearm ownership and readiness to protect oneself and others in life-threatening situations. It serves as a reminder for all gun owners to be trained, informed about local self-defense laws, and prepared to act decisively when necessary.
The defensive use of firearms, as demonstrated here, underscores the lifesaving value of the Second Amendment and the need for responsible gun ownership in our communities.
Soooo…the pain in the a$$ has his own pain in the a$$.
It’s never a good idea to mess with us old guys. A life sentence just isn’t that big a deterrent for us.
(Extreme sarasm, on) Crime in Rockford?? No, it can’t be!!! It’s one of the safest cities in the world!! (Extreme sarcasm, off)
Horse hockey. What it proves is that under the current anti-gun legislation, a good Samaritan can have his life ruined and his life’s savings vaporized by illegitimate attorneys general and prosecutors who want to demonize the exercise of self-defense against criminals. It happened to Daniel Penny, and he didn’t even use a gun. What we need is a de facto deputization law of all citizens confronting a violent conflict, that indemnifies them against either criminal or civil suit unless the target can prove legitimacy of action. In this case, the victim of his violence would simply say “he was beating… Read more »
It appears the perp got a cap busted in his @$$
Pretty good reporting for a change. The victim was the actual victim, the shooter shot to stop the attack, not to kill, etc.
“Despite warnings, Brooks continued his attack, leaving the man no choice but to fire a single shot, striking Brooks in the buttocks. Authorities confirmed that the man’s intent was to stop the assault, not to cause fatal harm.”
You “shoot to stop” by hitting COM, rendering the attacker incapable of continuing the assault; not by playing proctologist.
At least the old man didn’t fire the imbecilic “warning shot.”
Shoulda mag dumped on the guy.