California Man Shoots Granddaughter's Boyfriend in Self Defense

Redding police say an elderly man was forced to take aim and shoot his granddaughter’s boyfriend after the suspect became verbally and physically aggressive in his California home.

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Joshua Erik Horak, 29, of Tacoma, WA was shot in his girlfriend’s grandparents home on Woodbury drive in Redding, CA at 4:44 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

According to investigators, Horak and his girlfriend traveled to Redding to visit with her grandparents. While visiting at the grandparents’ home Horak became angry toward the grandparents. Horak’s aggressive behavior increased throughout the weekend causing the grandparents to feel threatened in their own home.

Witnesses told authorities that Horak was told he needed to leave and was no longer welcome in their home by the grandfather, a man in his 70’s. Horak only became irritated with that and started to threaten and yell at the grandfather. Feeling threatened the grandfather armed himself with a handgun in case he needed to protect himself and his family.

After the grandfather had grabbed the gun, Horak continued to be verbally abusive and then charged at the grandfather. Officials said that it was at this point that the grandfather shot Horak, one time, in self-defense.

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But that didn’t stop the threat on the elderly man or his family.

Investigators report that Horak eventually got back up and tried to charge the grandfather again. Once again Horak was shot in self-defense. The second shot stopped Horak’s attack and 911 was called.

Police arrived on scene, the girlfriend and her family were questioned and authorities say they have been cooperative in the investigation. Horak was transported by medical personnel to Mercy Medical Center for treatment of his gunshot wounds and is expected to survive.

While the grandfather has not been charged in conjunction with the shooting, the case has been sent to the Shasta County District Attorneys for review, as the grandparents are suspected victims of elder abuse.

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