Man, 96, shoots intruder after fourth robbery

After escaping from the telephone and electrical cords used to tie him up, Kindig grabbed a pistol hidden nearby and fired twice at one of his assailants. Both shots struck the man, who remained in critical condition late Monday at the Regional Medical Center, police said.

Authorities would not release the name of the hospitalized man. The shooting victim is being held on probable cause on two charges of aggravated robbery and two charges of aggravated kidnapping, Memphis Police Maj. Randall O’Byrnes said. An unidentified female accomplice faces the same charges along with a count of simple robbery.

Kindig, a retired brick mason, and his 93-year-old wife, Ruby, were not injured.

The robberies began March 8 at the Kindigs’ home near Craigmont High School, starting with the female accomplice knocking on their door and asking to use the phone. She allegedly took a checkbook during her time in the home.

Two days later, she returned and asked Ruby Kindig for a drink of water. The woman allegedly stole a gun and about $500. Then at about noon Sunday, she returned and pushed Virgil Kindig down after he answered the door, taking his wallet, the police report said.

Soon after police investigating the incident left, the male suspect burst into the house, bound the Kindigs and began taking items to his car. While he was outside, Virgil Kindig freed himself and reached for the gun.

Police spokesman Rhonda Lee said no decision has been made whether Kindig will face any charges in the shooting.