(MI) Burglar shot by storeowner, ruled self-defense 10-06-04

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17-year-old charged with break-in at produce store
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
By Lisa Medendorp
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

The teen-ager who was shot by an Egelston Township store owner after a
break-in last week has been released from the hospital and on Tuesday
was arraigned in 60th District Court.

Scott Allen Lamb, 17, of 1879 S. Maple Island, faces charges of breaking
and entering a building and possession of burglary tools. The offenses
are 10-year felonies.

Judge Michael J. Nolan set a family surety bond of $10,000 and scheduled
preliminary examination for 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19. If bond is posted, Lamb,
who is a student at Oakridge High School, must abide by a dusk-to-dawn
curfew unless he is at school or with his father.

Lamb was hit in the shoulder by a blast from a shotgun loaded with
birdshot, according to the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department. He was
at first hospitalized in critical condition at Hackley Hospital.

He was shot by Michael Moore, 50, of Fremont, the owner of D & M
Produce at 992 S. Maple Island. Moore was working in his store office
about 1:15 a.m. Sept. 29 when he heard noises he thought at first were
made by an animal, police reported.

But Moore then heard a doorknob jiggle and saw a person jump over a
counter. His office door was partially open, and he got his shotgun.
When the intruder didn’t freeze, Moore fired once.

Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague said Moore had a right to defend
himself, and he would not be charged with a crime. Police said Lamb was
dressed in camouflage clothing and carried a loaded pellet gun. The teen
had moved some metal siding to gain entry to the building.

A police report said that once inside, the teen stole paper money from
change jars. What was described as a multipurpose tool was found in his
possession after the shooting. During an interview, the teen told police
his family was having financial problems and he thought he could help by
breaking into the store.

? 2004 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission