Homeowner shoots, wounds alleged intruder in Baxter
An alleged intrude is in custody after a homeowner in southeast Kansas says he was forced to shoot him after he broke into his home Monday night. Read the full press release below:
On Monday night at 8:42 pm, Officers of the Baxter Springs Police Department responded to 2305 Cleveland Avenue to a report of a person breaking in to the residence.
Officers were advised on the way to the scene that one adult male had been shot. Also responding were Deputies from the Cherokee Count Sheriffs Office and the Quapaw Marshal’s Service.
The first subject encountered was identified as Shawn James Tallant Jr. of Baxter Springs. Tallant was leaving the area when officers approached and observed that he was suffering from two gunshot wounds to the thigh and leg. He was detained and an ambulance was dispatched.
The occupants of the home came outside voluntarily without incident. Detectives were on scene to conduct interviews both there and later at the Police Department. It was alleged by the occupants, identified as Braden Matthew Coe and Leslie Cantrell, that Tallant had invaded their home and assaulted them. They stated there were two juveniles in the home also at the time of the invasion.
They barricaded themselves and the children in a bedroom and when Tallant continued towards them. Coe fired several shots, striking Tallant twice. One in the thigh and another round in the calf. Officers seized a 9mm handgun from the scene.
In response to the statements given by the home owners and evidence collected at the scene, Shawn James Tallant Jr. was charged with Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault and Criminal Damage to Property.
Tallant was placed under arrest on scene and was transported to an area hospital where he remains at this time in good condition. When released from the hospital, Tallant will face extradition to Cherokee County regarding the above charges.
No other subjects have been charged at this time. however that could change as the investigation continues.
All are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.