Washington woman fatally shoots man after he violates protection order

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

A 36-year old woman in McCleary, Washington was forced to defend herself against her estranged husband, who broke into the home where she was staying late Wednesday. Police say the man had an order of protection taken out against him, but that didn’t prevent him from arming himself with a knife and invading the home where she was staying.

A 60-year-old man called police after a 47-year-old man broke into the home armed with a knife. The 60-year-old man confronted him and a struggle broke out. A 36-year-old woman who was also home got a gun and fatally shot the 47-year-old man.

The woman who was forced to defend herself isn’t facing charges, according to police. On Thursday, she released a brief statement to the media explaining what happened.

“Life is precious,” she said. “Rage is real,” referring to the reason she got the protection order a couple of months ago and filed for divorce.

She added, “If it’s your life or theirs, you have to do what you have to do.”

She said her friend was being attacked, and she had no choice but to grab a handgun and shoot.

Then she concluded, “Cherish every moment of life.”

This woman did everything she was supposed to do to get clear of her abusive ex. She left the house. She filed for divorce. She took out an order of protection. Thankfully, she didn’t rely on a piece of paper to serve as a suit of armor, and she was prepared to defend her life if necessary as well.