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Caught on Camera: Homeowner exchanges gunfire during attempted car theft

Tables turned on would-be-thieves when an attempted car theft ended in an exchange of gunfire in a quiet Shelby County neighborhood.

SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – UPDATE 11/1/2019 – The homeowner in this case has provided Local 24 News with video of the confrontation taken from his Ring doorbell camera.

Investigators say Timothy Keen is now charged with attempted second degree murder, burglary of a motor vehicle, theft of property, and possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony.

Timothy Keen

Keen was located after the incident crouching the doorway in the 11000 block of Doublegate Drive. He had been shot several times and was taken to Regional One.

Investigators say Keen named the second suspect as “Kyle.” No other information is available on the second suspect.

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10/31/2019 – Tables turned on would-be-thieves when an attempted car theft ended in an exchange of gunfire in a quiet Shelby County neighborhood.

Shelby County authorities say the homeowner in Eads was prepared and fired in self-defense. After one suspect shot at him, he fired back and Tennessee law says he was within his rights to protect his home and family.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office released video of deputies responding to a shooting after they say two men tried to steal a man’s Chevrolet in the 1600 block of Reid Hooker Cove. The owner first noticed the suspects on his surveillance camera. He commented off camera he walked outside to confront him around 4 a.m. Thursday. When the victim called out to ask what they were doing, a second suspect, identified as Timothy Keen, fired shots and he returned gunfire.

Bennie Cobb, a retired Shelby County Sheriff captain says the victim’s actions are protected under state law.  

“The Castle Doctrine which we operate under in the state of Tennessee, and it says you have the right to protect yourself, a third party of family at your home, business or even in your vehicle,” said Cobb. 

Next, the suspects ran away. Keen was later caught nearby suffering from gunshot wounds.

Cobb says the victim took the correct action, since there was a clear threat.

“Before you go outside, you want to call 911,” advises Cobb. “You want to keep the suspected person under observation. Unfortunately these guys were up to no good. The homeowner was well within his rights to defend himself and I’m glad that he did so without getting injured.” 

Shelby County authorities are still searching for the second suspect. Investigators say his first name is Kyle. If you know where deputies can find him call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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