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Vigilante catches crooks for 2nd time in 1 year

Posted at 1:25 PM, Jan 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-23 13:21:28-05

A Wayne County vigilante is back at it again, catching some crooks in their tracks for the second time in less than a year.

Newsnet5.com first told you about Bert Leasure last March, after he shot out the tires of burglary suspects that allegedly stole dirt bikes and an ATV from his yard. The chase lasted several miles and ended after they were captured by police in Creston.

This time, Leasure and his gun went after crooks who burglarized his neighbor.

The 47-year-old RTA mechanic was starting his car outside of his Flemming Road home around 4:30 a.m. Friday in West Salem when he saw two teenagers walking with guns and a chainsaw.

He found it strange they were roaming the neighborhood so early.

He questioned them and the boys told Leasure they were coyote hunting.

Leasure wasn't buying their story and offered to give them a ride home.

That's when one of the teens pointed a shotgun and moved towards his car, Leasure explained.

"He got about six feet from my car and I said, 'I'm gonna shoot you', and he stood there for a couple of seconds and it felt like five minutes. At that point, I wasn't being scared away. I pulled my concealed carry and I pulled my gun and I said, 'Just don't do it. Don't do it,'" he said.

With his 9 millimeter in hand, Leasure jumped from his vehicle and ordered the boys to put down the guns.

One laid down on the ground. The second suspect ran away initially, but returned and complied with Leasure's orders.

He held them at gunpoint for approximately 10 minutes and dialed 911.

While he was waiting for authorities to arrive, the teens admitted they stole the chainsaw and the guns from his neighbor's barn, Leasure told newsnet5.com.

"I'm not a vigilante, but if they (neighbors) needed my help, I'd be over there in a minute. I ain't gonna let somebody push me around and I ain't gonna let them push you around," Leasure said. "My dad was a Marine and he always taught you to stick up for people that can't stick up for themselves."

Since the barn is located on the county line, Ashland and Wayne County officials responded to the scene.

The teens were taken to the Ashland County Sheriff's Department for questioning and then transported to the Erie County juvenile detention center.

He has been receiving praise from his neighbors for showing guts two different times.

"They all want me to run for sheriff and I said, 'I got enough problems on my own street.'"