CHICAGO - Cook County prosecutors dropped charges against the 80 year old Homer Wright that used a gun to defend his wife and himself from a burgular breaking through his tavern's window. The charge? Several decades ago Wright had been found guilty of threatening to use a firearm, making him a convicted felon and disqualified from legally possessing a FOID card and a firearm in Illinois. Chicago Tribune reports:
On Monday, after Cook County prosecutors dropped a weapons charge against him, Wright said he was pleased that his legal troubles were behind him. Last week, the convicted felon had been arrested after shooting an early-morning intruder who had broken into his place, sparking outrage among his supportive neighbors and activists.
But now he's unable to defend himself, his wife and his business.
After court, Wright said he was upset that his .38-caliber handgun was not returned to him by police, leaving him feeling vulnerable in his home and business.
"They have sent me out here to the wolves," he said from the modest bar that is decorated with Christmas lights and a portrait of former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington. "The next time they break in here, I'll have my baseball bat and see what I can do with that. I'm going to do what I have to to protect my wife."
