The mother said she… saw someone running into the bedroom, at which point she fired her .38 special handgun, hitting her daughter once…

“If you realize someone has a gun for protection, and they’re not expecting you—announce yourself when you enter the home, or even if you’re getting up to get a drink of water in the middle of the night, just announce yourself….”
(Police Chief John Norman of Girard, Ohio)

“Ewan Palmer, “Mother Shoots Daughter After She Came Home From College to Surprise Her,” Newsweek, 9-4-19)

The concept of waking up the household to issue a “getting drink of water” announcement has zany appeal. The same protocol would apply to toilet visits and midnight refrigerator raids. Sleepwalkers beware, however! (The daughter was shot in the arm and is recovering.)

(c) 2019 JMN