NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
December 19, 2007
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

ONE PERSON SHOT IN NICEVILLE BURGLARY ATTEMPT

     A 64-year old Niceville man who was the victim of a burglary around ten p.m. Tuesday night shot one of the three assailants who entered his home.

Harold Crown of 1719 23rd Street says he heard a knock on his front door. When he opened it, two men in black hooded sweatshirts and ski masks rushed in and knocked him down. A third man then came in and began kicking and beating Crown.

     Crown grabbed a .45 caliber handgun from a shelf of a bookcase and a struggle ensued over the gun. Crown says he fired once and didn't hit anything. He then pulled the trigger again, but wasn't certain if anyone was struck.  The three men fled. Crown went to a neighbor's house to call 9-1-1.

     Okaloosa County Sheriff's investigators say a 19-year old man entered Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville with a gunshot wound to the upper torso a short time later.  He was to be transferred to West Florida Hospital in Pensacola.

     The investigation is continuing.

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