A 67-year-old man was fatally shot by his ex-girlfriend’s stepson after breaking into their Orion Township home with an ax. Despite previous legal protections, the intruder managed to arm himself and pose a significant threat before being stopped.

ORION TOWNSHIP, MI (2-minute read) — A 67-year-old man was fatally shot after breaking into a residence on Elkhorn Lake Road in Orion Township, Michigan, on Wednesday morning to attack his ex-girlfriend. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when the ex-girlfriend’s stepson defended her by using his firearm.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard reported that the woman and her stepson had retreated to an upstairs bedroom after the suspect, identified as Galen Gavitt, forced his way into the home with an ax. The stepson, a 36-year-old man, had his own firearm and barricaded the bedroom door while the woman hid in an attached bathroom.

Gavitt, determined and armed, fired a shot through the door, narrowly missing the stepson, who ducked for cover. Gavitt then entered the room, pointed his gun at the stepson, and declared, “I’m here for her.” At that critical moment, the stepson fired a single, decisive shot, killing Gavitt instantly.

This incident unfolded quickly, but not without a backdrop of escalating threats and legal interventions. Gavitt had previously threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, leading to a personal protection order and an extreme risk protection order against him. Despite these measures, Gavitt managed to retrieve his ex-wife’s firearm after his own guns were confiscated under Michigan’s Red Flag law.

Fortunately, both the woman and her stepson were unharmed during the altercation.

This event underscores the importance of responsible firearm ownership and preparedness in self-defense situations. It’s a reminder that legal protections, while crucial, are not always foolproof, and individuals must remain vigilant and ready to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Safety Tip: Always ensure your firearms are securely stored and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. Stay informed about local laws and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family.