ROCKFORD, IL — Authorities in Winnebago County responded to a domestic disturbance on the city’s east side that ended with an elderly man defending a female victim by shooting her attacker. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on November 25 in the 8900 block of Bluegrass Drive.

According to court documents, the elderly man witnessed 32-year-old Nathaniel Brooks physically assaulting the woman, pushing, punching, and slapping her. Before intervening, the man contacted 911 and retrieved his legally owned firearm. Despite his warnings, Brooks continued his attack, prompting the man to fire a single shot, striking Brooks in the buttocks.

Officials stated that the man acted with no intention of causing fatal harm but sought to stop the ongoing assault. The female victim later informed authorities that Brooks had initiated an argument, punched a hole in a wall, and escalated to physical violence.

Brooks was transported to Javon Bea Hospital for treatment of his injuries and has since been taken into custody. He now faces charges of aggravated battery of a woman over the age of 60 and battery causing bodily harm.

Thankfully, there was someone in the house who had access to a firearm and was prepared to use it to stop the threat and protect the victim. This incident underscores the importance of responsible firearm ownership and readiness to act in life-threatening situations. If you own a firearm, ensure you are well-trained, familiar with your state’s self-defense laws, and prepared to make critical decisions when faced with imminent danger.