Teenager Foils Robbers By Locking Them Out

A teenager told police three people knocked at his door early Sunday, and when he came to the door, held a handgun to his head and demanded money.

The 18-year-old Coeur d’Alene man escaped the would-be robbers by riding with them to a retirement home where his girlfriend works and locking them out of the building. No shots were fired and no money was taken.

Ryan Hatlen told police the three people had recently been at his house discussing a deal to buy a car stereo from his friend. All three returned Sunday about 1:30 a.m. to demand a refund of money one of them apparently paid for the stereo, according to a police report.

“We’re willing to kill you for the money and will come back if we have to since we know where you live,” a boy reportedly told Hatlen while pointing a chrome-colored Derringer-type pistol at his forehead.

Hatlen, who was home alone, told them he did not have any money, but his girlfriend might. They drove Hatlen at gunpoint to a retirement home where she works and he managed to lock them outside.

The teen holding the gun was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 150 pounds and white. He was wearing a knit stocking cap and winter coat.

The two others also were described as white. One was in his early 20s, 6 feet 2, thin and had brown hair. The other was 6 feet and of medium build. They were seen driving a small, blue four-door car - possibly a Ford Escort.

, DataTimes