Troy Man, 67, Whacks Masked Robber with Shovel, Gets Shot

A Troy man is in stable condition Friday after being shot in the legs during an attempted robbery late Thursday at his home on Birch Run, near Coolidge Highway, authorities said.

The 67-year-old victim and his wife, 60, arrived home about 11 p.m. after going out to dinner and were confronted by a masked man inside their garage as they exited their vehicle, Troy police Lt. Robert Redmond said in a news release.

The masked man pointed a gun at the wife and demanded her jewelry, but she refused. A struggle then ensued and she was thrown to the ground.

"Her husband had exited the vehicle, armed himself with a short shovel and began striking the suspect with the shovel," Redmond said in the release. The struggle continued out of the garage and to the front of the residence. The suspect told the husband, 'I got a gun – stop hitting me or I will shoot you.'"

Police said the husband continued to hit the man until the shovel of the handle broke, at which point the gunman shot the husband twice, striking him in each upper leg area.

After the shooting, the gunman ran to a vehicle parked in front of the residence and fled west toward Coolidge Highway.

The gunman was described as a standing 5-feet, 9-inches to 6-feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing a dark ski mask with only eyeholes, a sweater and dress slacks. Police said he may have injuries or bruises on the arms, back and/or head.

"He may have to had seek medical treatment for his injuries," Redmond said.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the  at 248.524.3477.