Detroit homeowner holds teen robber at gunpoint until police arrive

Homeowner says boys tried to rob him, but he caught one

DETROIT – A group of boys, one as young as 13, tried breaking into a home Sunday on Bedford Street in Detroit.

They didn't think the owner was home and armed.

"Whoever got through that door would absolutely have been shot," Gregory Lindsey said.

The 29-year-old's home on Bedford Street has been targeted twice. On Friday, his TV and Xbox were stolen. When thieves tried again on Sunday afternoon, he was ready.

"You're trying to get in my home to take something or take a life and that's not going to happen as long as I'm here," Lindsey said.

His 16-year-old son Malik was downstairs doing homework when he heard banging. Outside, five or six young boys were trying to get in. That's when Lindsey took his gun -- a semi automatic .22 long -- and ran out the front door.

"I just pointed and said, 'Hey!' Lots of them scattered, but I caught one," Lindsey said.

For 20 minutes the teen sat on Lindsey's porch at gunpoint, until police arrived.

"He was kind of scared but it's a lesson that needs to be learned because too many kids are going to people's houses and getting shot now," said Lindsey.

While they waited, the teen boy told Lindsey his friend's had robbed him on Friday. This time, he decided to come along.

"I just hope whatever they're doing they stop, because the next homeowner might not be so kind," said Lindsey. "I just hope they get their lives together and just fly straight."


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism