SISKIYOU COUNTY, CA — A home invasion early Thursday morning in the Mount Shasta Vista subdivision led to a defensive shooting that left two men hospitalized and one arrested on multiple felony charges.
At approximately 12:07 a.m. on November 6, Siskiyou County dispatchers received a 911 call from 45-year-old Joel Hammons, who claimed to have accidentally shot himself and was in urgent need of medical attention. Deputies and emergency responders arrived on scene and found Hammons alongside multiple witnesses.
According to those present, Hammons had forcibly entered the home and launched a violent assault on resident Kevin Palmer, 57, reportedly striking him repeatedly in the head with a wooden pole. During the attack, witnesses stated that Hammons threatened to kill other occupants of the home. Rightfully fearing for his own life and the safety of the other residents, 28-year-old Ryan Edens retrieved a .22 caliber rifle and shot Hammons in an effort to protect himself and others.
Both Hammons and Palmer were transported to Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta. Hammons was later arrested on multiple charges including assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats with intent to terrorize, breaking and entering, and violating a restraining order.
Edens was taken into custody on unrelated outstanding warrants. No charges have been reported against him in relation to the shooting itself.
The incident remains under investigation. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward by calling (530) 841-2900 or submitting an online report.
In situations where a home invasion turns violent, the ability to respond quickly and decisively can mean the difference between life and death. Defensive gun use, especially in the face of a deadly threat, remains a lawful and necessary option under California law when used to prevent imminent harm.
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