Burglar Shot During Break-In Sues Business Owner for $10 Million, Citing "Emotional Distress"
Portland, Oregon – A man who was shot three times while allegedly attempting to burglarize a Portland business is now suing the company and its owner for a staggering $10 million, claiming "life-changing injuries" and "severe emotional distress." The extraordinary lawsuit highlights a stark contrast in narratives surrounding the early morning confrontation.
Kenneth Voyles, who identifies as homeless, has filed a lawsuit against Touchstone Granite & Marble and its owner, James Grant, seeking $5 million in compensation and an additional $5 million in punitive damages. The incident occurred on March 6, 2023, at the company’s premises in Portland.
According to Voyles’ lawsuit, he entered the closed building through a damaged section of a garage door, claiming he was cold, sleep-deprived, and seeking food and warmth. He freely admits to picking up a bag containing a drill with the intention of stealing it, a detail reported by the New York Post.
The situation escalated dramatically when James Grant, the owner of Touchstone Granite & Marble, arrived for work around 5:30 a.m. and discovered Voyles inside. What transpired next is the subject of intensely conflicting accounts from both men.
Voyles claims that upon being confronted, he immediately apologized and attempted to flee towards the garage door. He alleges that Grant pursued him, throwing a coffee mug and heavy tiles. The lawsuit further states that Voyles grabbed a pair of bolt cutters in an attempt to protect himself but was unable to open the locked door. He then accuses Grant of leaving the room, only to return with a handgun and open fire without warning. Voyles claims Grant told him, "Yeah. You’re going to die, dude," and shot him in the chest at close range, firing again as he tried to squeeze through the damaged garage door.
However, James Grant’s account of the event paints a very different picture. Speaking to local TV news station KPTV (Fox 12 Oregon), Grant stated, "It went right through my brain that he is ready to attack me." He elaborated that Voyles picked up the bolt cutters and began to advance towards him. Fearing for his life, Grant said he ran approximately 15 feet to retrieve his firearm. He claims that even after he returned, Voyles remained aggressive.
"He started coming at me this way. Again, I didn’t look back and see how close he was because my mindset changed to my life’s totally in danger now," Grant told KPTV. He further asserted that he repeatedly ordered Voyles to get on the ground, but the intruder refused.
"The whole thing happened so fast I finally had to shoot," Grant explained. "I only shot him when he was standing looking at me ready to come at me and then I just let him go because I just wanted it to be over."
Grant, who was uninjured, called 911 after the incident. Voyles, despite his injuries, managed to escape the building and was later found by police in the street. He was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
The lawsuit details Voyles’ injuries, which include a collapsed lung, penetrating chest wounds, shattered bones in his right arm, and the necessity for extensive vascular repairs and multiple emergency operations. Voyles is accusing Grant of battery, assault, negligence, and intentionally inflicting emotional distress.
This unusual case, where an alleged burglar is suing a business owner for injuries sustained during the commission of a crime, is expected to draw significant public and legal attention as it proceeds through the courts.
