Washington, D.C. Resident Shoots Burglary Suspect in Self-Defense
I still remember reading about this and feeling a chill—imagine being at home, thinking you’re safe, and suddenly someone breaks down your door. That’s exactly what happened on the evening of February 10 in Southeast Washington DC. Around 7:40 p.m., in the 2300 block of Q Street, a man named Frederick Douglass Smith III forced his way into an occupied home.
I can’t even imagine the fear the homeowner must have felt. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect and the resident got into a physical struggle. In the heat of the moment, the homeowner fired his registered shotgun, trying to protect himself and his home. When the officers arrived, they found Smith injured and took him into custody. Thankfully, the injuries weren’t life-threatening. Now, Smith faces burglary charges, and the case is under investigation.
I think what makes this incident stand out is how rarely mainstream articles capture the human tension and split-second decisions that homeowners face. Most news pieces just list facts, but the reality of facing someone in your living room is intense—and terrifying. This is why it’s important for us to understand not just the “what” but the stakes involved for homeowners in such situations…