On the night of January 7, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were called to 123 August Road in unincorporated Columbia County where a homeowner shot an intruder.
When the Deputies arrived it was reported by the homeowner, Alberto Casola, 63 that he was awakened to the sound of someone forcing their way into his residence by the front door. Mr. Casola armed himself with a pistol and went to investigate. Casola said he saw a figure enter his darkened living room and fired one shot at the intruder. Casola not knowing if the intruder was armed concealed himself in the bathroom. Casola said after he fired, he heard the intruder drop something and fall to the floor. As Casola peeked out to check the subject’s condition, the subject got up and ran out leaving a blood trail. Casola immediately called 911.
Deputies scouring the area located the intruder in the yard at 334 October Road. The male, Steven Craycraft, 25 was suffering from a single gunshot wound to his leg. Deputies alerted Fire Rescue and began first aid.
The investigation revealed that Craycraft is known to Mr. Casola. Craycraft has done work for Mr. Casola and it is believed by Casola that he was entering the home to rob him. The object dropped by Craycraft in the home was a knife.
Detectives have assumed the investigation. Craycraft was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
This is an active and on-going investigation.
