Tells police thieves fled at sight of his gun

By Michael Turton

A Cold Spring resident told police that he foiled an attempted home invasion and robbery attempt last month by displaying his handgun.

The homeowner, who asked not to be identified because of concerns for his safety, said he answered his front door on March 16 to find two men who claimed to be looking for a nearby address. The resident said the men pushed him inside, knocking him against the front door and causing a minor cut to his arm.

The homeowner said that after he produced his .38-caliber pistol, one man fled, jumping over the porch railing. The resident said he subdued the other man momentarily but the suspect escaped while the homeowner was dialing 911.

“I don’t usually carry my gun but for some reason I did that day,” the homeowner said, adding that he has a permit for the weapon. He described the men as Hispanic males in their 20s.

Cold Spring police and Putnam County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 911 call. The sheriff’s office said it is investigating the report.