Police arrest man for threatening children with gun

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Rifle Threat Arrest

Police arrest a man on 28th Street in South Bend after he was accused of threatening children with a rifle. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Jul 10, 2008 at 8:40 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 10, 2008 at 9:32 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Police arrested a man Thursday night after complaints he pulled a rifle on several children. Officers were called to a home on 28th Street just after 8 p.m.

Kristine Rosburgh says a neighbor pulled a rifle on her children. Police say the man thought they were ringing his door bell.

"My daughter ran in the house crying. She's never been threatened with a rifle before. My son's in his own little world. No, it scared her and she's still scared," she said.

Police arrested the man on three counts of felony intimidation. They say situations with a gun could turn deadly very easily.

Monday, Jul 14 at 11:49 AM Concerned in SB wrote ...

Did it every occur to anyone that maybe these weren't even the children who actually rung the doorbell of this maniac. These children just happen to be walking in front of his home after someone had already rung his doorbell and they got the brunt of his anger which was totally unacceptable pulling a gun on an 8, 10 and 12 year old who are all good kids. Get a grip, this man needs to be put away before he actually kills someone.

Saturday, Jul 12 at 8:48 AM David wrote ...

Michael? suppose you didn't know the kids? would you still post something negative about them? NO? and WHY? because, why in the WORLD would we wanna paint a BAD picture of a child? GET OVER IT. I don't fall for ur story one bit. You, just as well, as I don't know EXACTLY what happened, so...it's high time, we stop blaming the "older" person, just because!!!

Saturday, Jul 12 at 7:51 AM Kit Kat wrote ...

How many kids were involved? I bet the kids lied because of the out come. Wrong to pull a unload or load gun (if this was done). Back in the day a neighbor would spank you and take you home to your parents.

Saturday, Jul 12 at 12:47 AM EC wrote ...

To Adam at 7:38am. The story says he pulled a rifle on the children. It didn’t say he pulled it out. It said and I quote “Police arrested a man Thursday night after complaints he pulled a rifle on several children”. You’re right it didn’t say he pointed it. It said he pulled it out on them. Same thing.

Friday, Jul 11 at 7:27 PM Dr. Mannering wrote ...

By any chance, are these children all blond and with piercing eyes? I only ask because... I mean.. I, that is, I just realized, there is nothing unusual about these children. Do as they say. Everything is alright...

Friday, Jul 11 at 6:53 PM Michael wrote ...

I personally know these children, they are good kids, and wouldn't have done this. You people accusing the children of being "bad kids" need to step back and get off your crazy horse.

Friday, Jul 11 at 5:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

you would think that a teacher would know better then to pull a gun on kids. all he had to do is call the police.

Friday, Jul 11 at 4:14 PM wow!!! wrote ...

you all are really not all there are you? you really think that even if the kids are bad you should get to the point and pull a gun? i would not let any of you have children if i knew you!! you don't deserve them. i don't care if they broke all that guys windows in his house, a gun should have never came in the picture!!! GROW UP!!! people like you need to get a gun pointed to you and see if you like the feeling of it.

Friday, Jul 11 at 3:34 PM EG wrote ...

OMG, so many ignorant people out there. These are children not animals. I didn't know that kids who rang a door bell were breaking the law. Those of you who try to justify this mans behavior should take a better look at the situation. Why didn't he just call the police. They are to serve and protect. Why did he take matters in to his own hands. Everyone is talking about respect and good up bringings. Looks like this guy needs to be shown how to respect little kids. What an idiot.

Friday, Jul 11 at 3:23 PM IVY wrote ...

To Breaking Point: I agree that MOST people have a breaking/boiling point, but I think this article is indicative of a "crazy point."

Friday, Jul 11 at 2:25 PM Breaking Point wrote ...

I seriously doubt that this was an isolated incident. Though I do not condone his actions, everyone has a breaking point. Remember this when you are tailgating someone driving home. Remember this when you push the buttons of that person at work you just don't like. Remember this when your order gets screwed up and you over-react. Remember this when you fly of the handle on someone over a minor issue. EVERYONE has a breaking point. Make sure you NEVER get to that breaking point.

Friday, Jul 11 at 2:00 PM nic wrote ...

So, if someone is trespassing on his property he has not right to react? Even if it seems extreme..it's his HOME, and his PROPERTY. They wouldn't have seen the gun in his hand had they not been trespassing. I think the mother needs to keep closer tabs on what her kids are doing. I wouldn't let my kids wander into a strangers yard unsupervised, but apparently she didn't care about that.

Friday, Jul 11 at 12:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How do you know it is "these children." Are they the only children in the neighborhood. Do you have pictures of them ringing doorbells and running off? DO YOU? If not, then shut up.

Friday, Jul 11 at 12:38 PM MM wrote ...

do not trespass.if he's guilty hang him. if he's innocent the parents need to have their kids put into a group home.in my day if you trespassed you could get your rear end kicked. ahh the good ole days.

Friday, Jul 11 at 12:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

OMG Jennifer....like ringing a doorbell would ever justify pulling a gun on someone let alone children. I know we played ding dong ditch as kids. It was not right but dang....we were not harrassing anyone just being stupid kids. And it is unreasonable to expect parents to know every stupid thing their children do. What ever happened to love thy neighbor. But then, this could be why all the kids in my neighborhood love me. I'm nice to them and treat them like the lovely children they are

Friday, Jul 11 at 11:54 AM In the Know wrote ...

Some of you on here really scare me. This guy didn't need a permit to have a weapon on his property. The shotgun was taken by police. The arrest was a good one. He reacted WAY above what he had the right to react. He never called the police about any of the problems. The kids also need to know, these are different times and ringing door bells and such are not the right way to do things.

Friday, Jul 11 at 11:39 AM Peter wrote ...

Loaded or unloaded, pointed or not, children on your property is not grounds for threatening them with a deadly weapon. He should lose his gun permit and have to surrender the weapon.

Friday, Jul 11 at 11:36 AM Kim wrote ...

When has it become acceptable to pull a gun on anyone? And what lesson did this man teach children? That if you have a problem its okay to solve it with violence? No wonder we think kids are out of control. The adults are too. I happen to know that this man is a teacher who may have these children in one of his classes. How would you like to be the kid in a class where your teacher has pulled a gun on you. Makes the whole issue of education take on a whole new meaning.

Friday, Jul 11 at 10:44 AM Geees, Come On wrote ...

Let’s not forget about the little darlings that run around with more firepower than the Police!!!

Friday, Jul 11 at 10:38 AM Jennifer wrote ...

Again, we DON'T have the WHOLE story! Who wrote this anyway? I know for a fact that there WAS doorbell ringing and REAL harrassment. This has been an on-going problem and a very real one. The Mother and children have serious issues. If it were my child and I was SUPERVISING him like I am SUPPOSED to, this would NOT be an issue! If it did happen, though, I would know why and also follow it swiftly with a SPANKING!So easy to judge- shame on you people! The gun was NOT pointed at the kids!!!!!

Friday, Jul 11 at 10:33 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Was it a loaded gun?

Friday, Jul 11 at 10:05 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I live in this neighborhood and these innocent children are creating havoc cuz its summer time. They run up and down the streets. Where r the parents? where is the police when the kids run the streets screaming all night?

Friday, Jul 11 at 10:01 AM Anonymous wrote ...

How old were the kids? Was doorbell ringing the only stunt? Was the man on his property? Not enough facts to make definitive opinion. Gun seems excessive but then again are not kids as young as 12 being tried as adults for murder.

Friday, Jul 11 at 9:47 AM Common Sense wrote ...

Because the man has not been charged, they will not reveal his name. Why? Innocent until proven guilty. If they release his name and nothing happens, his reputation is damanged. The man "says" he thought the kids were ringing his doorbell. There's no clear indication that they were. However, even if they were that doesn't warrant him pulling a gun on the kids. I can see the outcry had that gun gone off---many of you would be villifying that man for threatening little kids with a gun.

Friday, Jul 11 at 9:47 AM Dear 9:06 AM Anonymous wrote ...

My kids would never have had a gun pointed at them. Unless they're invited or welcome, they don't go on a neighbor's property. Period. When they came home saying "we went up to this guy's house and he had a gun!" my first thought would have been "What were you doing at his house?" and if they didn't have a valid explanation, they'd be 1) apologizing to the neighbor for bothering him and 2) in trouble from me. I teach my kids to respect other people. Maybe your parents should have, too.

Friday, Jul 11 at 9:12 AM Phil wrote ...

Hey idiot Jennifer - who are you to say this isn't an accurate story? They reported that police arrested a man for pulling a gun on children he said was ringing his doorbell. Stephen King didn't just decide to write a piece of fiction on this website. You people like to fill in a story in way that reflects what you already believe.

Friday, Jul 11 at 9:06 AM Anonymous wrote ...

First, no where in this story does it say the man was pointing the gun at the children. Second, this story does not contain all the details of what actually occured last night. This situation was the culmination of more than just doorbell ringing by these children. I do not agree with his reaction personally, however this man who happened to be pushed beyond all limits by the repeated verbal and physical harrassment of these children, which in our neighborhood is all too common.

Friday, Jul 11 at 8:30 AM frog wrote ...

Although I agree the response from the man was a bit over the top, the fact still remains that these children are being allowed to run free with no supervision. It is frustrating when there is a problem, you talk to the parents and not only will they admit any wrong doing by their little angels, the problem continues. Diane could not have said it better. Most of them are brats allowed to do what they want, when they want with no one to answer to.

Friday, Jul 11 at 8:18 AM mishawaka wrote ...

does anybody no this persons name it would be nice if the news would give that

Friday, Jul 11 at 8:15 AM Joe wrote ...

Hey morons at the beginning of these posts-you only have right to defend your home with a deadly weapon IF YOU FEEL THREATENED AND FEAR FOR YOUR LIFE. If this guy feared for his life because of these kids, he is in need of serious psychological help.

Friday, Jul 11 at 8:09 AM FUTURE THUGS wrote ...

So when these kids turn into our future thugs and carjack you just remember - they had a normal upbringing. Believe me there's more than just doorbell ringing that set this off. The crap you people think is okay for kids to do today is unbelievable. We all rang doorbells and did foolish stunts but KNEW when we had crossed the line. My kids have taught respect and fear of paddle. What about being outside playing with your kids DUH! Spend time with you kids and show them how to have clean fun!!!

Friday, Jul 11 at 8:06 AM Anonymous wrote ...

If the shoe was on the other foot you people wouldnt be on here talking about him protecting his house nor his family, there he was in know danger to children, children play thats what they do. if the man would've pointed the gun at your child you wouldve called the police, horray for the mom, for picking up the phone and calling the police, we dont need another senseless murder

Friday, Jul 11 at 7:36 AM Tim wrote ...

And this will probably go to trial and it will be him vs. the State and 2 kids. Any good lawyer can get it thrown out. This story was designed to sell advertisements!

Friday, Jul 11 at 7:33 AM IVY wrote ...

This man clearly has some psychological issues. You have to be a litte "off" in order to threaten children with a firearm. LOL on the other hand, those little brats are probably running around the neighborhood unsupervised.

Friday, Jul 11 at 7:29 AM Tim wrote ...

If parents would keep an eye on their rug rats we wouldn't have these types of problem! Get a fence! Keeps my dogs in.

Friday, Jul 11 at 6:40 AM Sonny wrote ...

Stupid people.

Friday, Jul 11 at 6:38 AM adam wrote ...

nothing in the story said anything about 'pointing' the gun at the kids.

Friday, Jul 11 at 5:33 AM EC wrote ...

Protect his home with a rifle pointed at a child? They’re children for heaven’s sake. My husband talked to the father of the boy that walked in our front door uninvited instead of threatening him with a rifle pointed at him. Holy crap why would someone do that? No child deserves that.

Friday, Jul 11 at 5:24 AM DONNA wrote ...

SO HE THOUGHT THEY WERE RINGING HIS DOORBELL... AND THAT GIVES HIM THE RIGHT TO POINT A GUN AT CHILDREN? YOU PEOPLE ARE HAVE LOST YOUR MINDS. I BET EVERYONE OF YOU JERKS ON HERE WERE PERFECT CHILDREN AND NEVER DID ANYTHING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. UNBELIEVEABLE, I HOPE HE STAYS IN JAIL LONG ENOUGH TO REALIZE HE WAS WRONG

Friday, Jul 11 at 5:17 AM In the Know wrote ...

I hope those on here to think this person's use of a firearm for "ringing" a doorbell have a clue what could have happened had the gun discharged by mistake. The police did the right thing by taking this guy into custody. He may not be a hardened criminal like some of the thugs out there, but he reacted WAY over the line.

Friday, Jul 11 at 2:19 AM Seth wrote ...

The public believes only what stories are written without knowledge of the true facts. This man should be given a medal for defending his family instead of bieng arrested which is indicative of today's liberal society which condones the arrest of a man who simply wants to defend his family against a bunch of undisciplined, obnoxious, and harrasing kids. This man should be praised for what he did as any REAL man would have taken the same action to defend his family. Reprimand the children instead

Friday, Jul 11 at 2:10 AM angry wrote ...

why lock him up? the kids in my small town run the streets and no supervision, they burned my house down and now they are throwing fire crackers inside! the polece aren't doing a thing about it,i told the kids i have a gun and if i see them messing around my property i will use it! PARENTS take on responsibility and take charge of these kids! please!

Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:36 PM Stephanie wrote ...

I can not believe that anyone would think it's all right to threaten children with a rifle and justify it with the assumption that they were just neighborhood brats causing trouble. That kind of reaction will certainly help them grow into responsible adults. The man showed them exactly how NOT to behave.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:25 PM tyler bristol wrote ...

omg what has south bend coming to all this shootings and now pointing a gun at kids.i dont care if some 1 keeps ringing the door bell u never point a gun at kids!!!

Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:16 PM C.B. wrote ...

Good for him! Since the parents are obviously not doing their job, maybe this will teach those children to respect people. My guess is like so many of us, he got tired of asking, then yelling, then finally thought that this might help! Kids these days have no respect. Back off, I bet the gun wasn't even loaded.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:58 PM Jennifer wrote ...

Before you report a story you should really make sure you have all the facts straight. Since when did it become a crime to protect your family and home? In this day and age, it seems like the police are doing, or can do, very little to help us feel safe anymore. The least you can do is to make sure you report a story as accurately as possible.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:39 PM Bill wrote ...

And again, this joker who thinks it's ok to threaten a little kid's life (regardless the weapon) will be back on the street in a couple of months at the most. When he finally kills someone, you liberal whiners (same ones who will let him off in the first place because he had a bad upbringing or he's a drug addict and needs help or he's mentally incompetent so should get counseling and wander the streets or whatever the Excuse Of The Week is) will be decrying gun violence. You make me sick.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:23 PM Goshen wrote ...

What a brave, brave man! He held off children with just a rifle. Keep this nut off the street.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:17 PM Diane wrote ...

Something tells me that this man didn't "think the kids were ringing his doorbell", but that they were typical brats without supervision and ringing doorbells of people up and down the block. This poor ole' guy was sick and tired of yelling at them time and time again for it, and wanted the brats to know that he meant business. Good for him. Too bad parents aren't responsible enough to teach their kids respect. Teach them to stay off of neighbor's property.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:16 PM Kathy wrote ...

This story sounds like it was written by a 5 year old

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:06 PM Concerned wrote ...

Lock up this person--and find out who was ringing his darn bell.

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