Shooting of robber shocks neighbors

BRADENTON - The 74-year-old man who shot and killed a would-be robber Monday night was targeted by the suspect earlier in the day, according to detectives.

Manatee Sheriff's investigators say the suspect, Lee Andrew Johnson, spotted his elderly victim at a local ATM withdrawing money and followed him home. The violence that followed is still hard to believe for those who live in the neighborhood.

Neighbor Gwen Carnegie says Johnson was her lawn man of several years.

"When I got the phone call I said no, it can't be him, he cuts my yard and he doesn't even seem like that type of guy," Carnegie told FOX 13.

Investigators say Johnson broke into the home of 74-year-old Hosie Harris and demanded money around 11 p.m. Monday.

"[Johnson] was assaulting [Harris], hitting him over the head, and there was a confrontation and the bad guy picks up a gun that was laying by the victims bed," said Sheriff's spokesperson Dave Bristow.

The suspect, deputies say, grabbed the loaded .22 caliber rifle and tried to shoot Harris, but the gun's lock was on.

"He was not able to operate it so he put it back down and turned to do something else," said Bristow, "and the victim picks up the gun and shot the bad guy."

Johnson was shot dead and police say Harris made it to a neighbor's house for help.

Investigators say the 74-year-old suffered minor injuries during the scuffle but is expected to okay.

That brings a smile to Gwen Carnegie's face. She says Harris is well known in the neighborhood and liked by everyone.

"Everybody knows Mr. Hosie. Actually we always call him 'Tex' because he always wears a cowboy hat," said Carnegie. "Hopefully he'll be all right."

The Sheriff's office says the investigation continues, but charges against Harris are unlikely.

Harris was released from the hospital Tuesday and is staying with relatives for the time being.