Desperate times often call for desperate measures, and that’s apparently the case in Ararat, where residents wanting to arm themselves against burglars have the full support of their sheriff.
“Numerous” burglaries have been committed in the Ararat area since November 2009, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.
The latest occurred in the early morning hours Monday, when an 89-year-old female in that community was victimized.
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The sheriff said he “strongly supports” the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the right of individual citizens to protect themselves.
Homeowners who consider buying a gun often fear that using it against someone breaking into their residence could subject them to prosecution for a death or injury that results. Smith indicated that he has had several such questions from concerned citizens surrounding their desire to arm themselves as a result of the recent burglaries.
The sheriff responded to this concern by stating that “any citizen has the right to protect themselves by whatever means necessary if he or she has a reasonable belief that their life or personal safety is in imminent danger.”
He added, “If you are protecting yourself against an intruder, I will support you.”
