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Letter to the editor

Intruders shoot man at least twice, police say

By NICOLE HUTCHESON
Published June 27, 2007

CLEARWATER - A 42-year-old man was shot at least twice early Tuesday after two or three intruders forced their way into his home, police said.

About 3 a.m., at least two assailants forced their way into the home of Deon "Fox" Strawder at 1015 N Madison Ave., authorities said.

The intruders then yelled the name of a person who is often at the home, which is just across the street from Jack Russell Stadium, according to reports. When Strawder emerged, he was shot at least twice before the intruders fled.

Strawder was treated by Clearwater Fire Department paramedics in his driveway before being flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg with non-life-threatening injuries. He remained at the hospital Tuesday in stable condition, said Clearwater police spokesman Wayne Shelor.

Clearwater police say the investigation into the case was continuing, but that the attack was not a random act of violence.

Neighbors declined to speak on the record Tuesday, but one described Strawder as a good guy and speculated that the intruders were looking for someone else.

Strawder operated his own business, Deon Strawder Lawn & Landscape, according to public records.

Tuesday afternoon, Strawder's lawn equipment was parked in the driveway of the orange stucco home. The hinges of the front door were tightly nailed shut.

Nicole Hutcheson can be reached at nhutcheson@sptimes.com or 727 445-4162.

[Last modified June 26, 2007, 22:20:34]