75 year Old Superwoman Hailed As Hero
An elderly Oakland woman fought off two home invaders with a .357 Magnum and silenced the attackers with one shot.
The 75-year-old woman was the only one home when the attackers broke in at 2 a.m. on July 26 near the Oakland Zoo in the city's hills on Ettrick Street community.
The Oakland Police Department said the armed men forced their way in and began searching the residence when the resident pulled out her .357 Magnum and shot toward the suspects. The suspects shot back a total of 17-20 shots, before fleeing with various valuables, including jewelry.
Fortunately, the Oakland woman was not injured during the shooting.
The daughter of the elderly woman described her mother as a “Superwoman” in response to her brave act.
Neighbor Calvin Walker said, “She had the presence of mind to reach into her nightstand and get a weapon. And she had it under her covers, and when she saw an opening, she fired a shot.”
Dave Lederer, another neighbor, commented, “This woman is a hero. She kept her wits about her.”
City Councilmember Treva Reid represents the area and is a family friend of the victim.
“It's a miracle that she's alive after the number of shots that were fired in her home,” Reid said.
As for the neighbors, Lynn Baranco said, “They're really - they're playing with their lives because all these people out here are armed.”
The homeowner's daughter believes that her mother’s brave act should serve as a warning to other criminals.
“I believe that this is a message also for the criminals, that people in Oakland, we're tired of the lawlessness. People are standing up. People are fighting back,” she said.
The Oakland Police Department is actively investigating the incident and looking for the two suspects. They ask that anyone with information please contact them.
UPDATE: "She is a Superwoman...I am grateful to God that nothing happened to her." Woman, 75, in Oakland's Chabot Park fires shot at armed home invaders - who fire back. Daughter, neighbors @reidforoakland speak out. @oaklandpoliceca on the case. 5,6,7 p.m. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/HbxdIP7dhm
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 31, 2023