BOARDMAN, OH — A resident of an apartment complex on Shields Road was forced to defend himself early Tuesday morning when a neighbor allegedly kicked in his door. The intruder, identified as 58-year-old Lawrence L. Simon, was shot in the leg during the encounter. However, one of the rounds fired also traveled through the floor into the apartment below, reinforcing the critical responsibility gun owners bear for every shot they fire.

Self-Defense Shooting After Forced Entry

According to police reports, Simon had been sending unsettling text messages to his neighbor earlier in the night. The resident repeatedly told Simon to leave him alone, but the situation escalated when he heard loud banging noises. Shortly after, Simon texted him “get ready,” followed by the sound of a door being forcefully kicked open.

Fearing for his safety, the resident fired two shots, striking Simon in the shin and stopping him before he could move further inside. Responding officers found Simon on the ground near the apartment entrance, with the armed resident standing over him. The resident immediately complied with police, directed them to his firearm, and allowed officers to detain him while they investigated.

Police applied a tourniquet to Simon’s leg before transporting him to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Reports indicate that Simon became combative at the hospital, ripping out IV lines and refusing treatment. He was later charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony.

Stray Round Highlights the Need for Training

During the investigation, officers were called back to the apartment building after a resident in the unit below reported finding a bullet hole in her bathroom wall. Police traced the bullet’s trajectory from the defender’s apartment, through the floor, into the neighbor’s shower wall, and ultimately lodging in a plastic tote bag inside her closet.

This unintended outcome underscores a critical lesson for armed citizens: we are responsible for every round we fire.In apartment settings, where walls and floors are often thin, rounds can travel beyond the intended target, potentially endangering innocent people.

The Importance of Shot Placement and Defensive Training

This incident serves as a reminder that while self-defense is a fundamental right, shot placement and awareness of the surroundings are crucial. Aiming for center mass increases the likelihood of quickly stopping a threat while minimizing the risk of stray rounds.

For those living in apartments or other shared spaces, seeking out professional training that includes force-on-force drills and target discrimination exercises can be invaluable. Understanding bullet penetration, defensive shooting angles, and safe backdrops can make the difference between stopping an attacker and unintentionally harming an innocent bystander.

While the resident in this case appears to have lawfully defended himself, the incident serves as a cautionary tale: Every round we fire carries a responsibility. Proper training and awareness can make all the difference in a self-defense situation.