Gun Toting Tulsa Grandmother Chases Burglars

Tuesday, November 21st 2006, 6:22 pm

By: News On 6

A gun toting Tulsa granny takes on three burglars. She's 66 years old, raised seven kids and has more than 20 grand and great grand kids. She also carries a big gun and isn't afraid to use it.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright says her family is calling her everything from Annie Oakley to one of Charlie's Angels.

It all started with a trip to the circus with her 22-year-old granddaughter and her 6-year-old great granddaughter. Erma and the girls had come home early from the circus and it's a good thing they did.

"She lifted the garage up and I saw feet scrambling and I was like, oh, God, somebody's in the house," said granddaughter Shonta.

The burglars ran through the backyard and hopped the fence and Erma sprang into action.

"So, I just popped the thing on my trunk, got my gun out and went around the hedges and caught up with him here," Erma said.

She told him to stop or she'd shoot, but, he kept running, she didn't shoot because he was in front of her neighbor's house and because he was no longer a threat. She hopped in her car and followed them to a nearby house.

"I didn't think, but, my adrenaline was so high. I was a nervous wreck and didn't sleep for two days," said Erma.

There is still fingerprint dust on her cabinets where the burglars had been looking for something to steal.

Police arrested two, 16-year-olds and a 15 year-old. And, Erma's gun is no little pee shooter.

"Honey, that's no small thing," said Lori Fullbright.

"I don't intend to shoot with a little small gun. It's a big gun. If you're going to use a gun, you might as well have something to do something with. I don't play with guns, I don't like guns, but, I will use one," Erma said.

During all this, Erma's granddaughters were just praying for the best and they are very proud of their grandmother.

"She really protected us," Shonta said. "She couldn't hardly get the car in park, popped the trunk and got her piece out."

Erma has lived in the home for 42 years and never had any trouble, but has already been ready to take care of herself and her family if need be.

Erma's family now calls her Annie Oakley, even one of Charlieâ€™s Angels. Even though we had fun during this story, Erma is quick to admit it wasn't funny, it was terrifying, especially for her six year old great granddaughter. Erma told us she's sure glad she didn't have to kill anyone, but says she would, if she had to.