Shooter says he was protecting his property
Gunfire struck a 14-year-old boy in the leg.
By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com

Homeowner Matthew Martin said he didn't realize he actually hit someone when he shot at five people he said were stealing a pit bull from his yard.

Martin, of 292 Bluebird Lane, Blacksburg, is still looking for his white pit bull that was taken by individuals in a van at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. The dog is white with red patches and was wearing a blue collar when he was taken. He was on a chain.

Martin said he was awakened when one of his dogs began barking shortly after midnight. He said he looked outside, but did not see anyone. He said he thought he heard a gun discharge. In less than a minute, by the time he grabbed his gun and walked outside, the person had already taken the dog that was barking.

He said there were five people involved in the theft and the van was in his yard. The two individuals he saw were white.

Martin said he believes he shot twice at the suspects and thought he might have hit the vehicle. He said he was protecting his property, in this case his dogs which he described as family.

The boys supposedly threw the dog out of the van while driving from the scene, but Martin has not been able to find it.

Martin's gunfire struck a 14-year-old boy in the leg. He was flown by Regional One from Mountain View Apartments to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where he underwent surgery.

"At this point law enforcement is meeting with the solicitor's office to determine what, if any, charges would be appropriate," said Assistant Seventh Circuit Solicitor Kim Leskanic. "A decision has not been made."

Leskanic said investigators would be meeting with Solicitor Trey Gowdy and Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette to discuss the case.

Martin has asked anyone with information about his dog to call the Cherokee County Consolidated Animal Shelter at (864) 487-2758.