Tacoma man shoots would-be burglar in face
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TACOMA, Wash. -- A Tacoma homeowner told police he shot a would-be burglar in the face Tuesday evening.
The man said he was inside his home, located in the area of South 14th Street and South Madison Street, at about 6 p.m. when he saw a burglar climbing in through a window, according to Mark Fulghum of the Tacoma Police Department.
The man called 911 to report the break in before grabbing a shotgun and shooting the man in the face.
The alleged burglar ran away, but didn't get far before collapsing. He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.
"He's got some very significant injuries, but he's expected to make a recovery," Fulghum said.
Neighbors say they were shocked to learn about the shooting.
"It's very unusual," said Samantha Hampton, who lives nearby. "This is a really peaceful neighborhood. Nobody really causes problems around here, so it's kind of scary."
Shannon Carlson's house is located just off the alleyway were the suspected burglar collapsed.
"He could've came to our house," she said. "The intruder could've came to our house. You just think, 'I've lived this many years, and is this it?'"
Fulghum said police don't know why the burglar targeted the home and said it could have been a random break in.
The investigation is ongoing, but Fulghum said it appears the resident was in fear for his life and protecting himself.
"If you're in fear for your safety or the safety of your family, friends or others, you have the right to protect yourself or protect them," he said.
The man said he was inside his home, located in the area of South 14th Street and South Madison Street, at about 6 p.m. when he saw a burglar climbing in through a window, according to Mark Fulghum of the Tacoma Police Department.
The man called 911 to report the break in before grabbing a shotgun and shooting the man in the face.
The alleged burglar ran away, but didn't get far before collapsing. He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.
"He's got some very significant injuries, but he's expected to make a recovery," Fulghum said.
Neighbors say they were shocked to learn about the shooting.
"It's very unusual," said Samantha Hampton, who lives nearby. "This is a really peaceful neighborhood. Nobody really causes problems around here, so it's kind of scary."
Shannon Carlson's house is located just off the alleyway were the suspected burglar collapsed.
"He could've came to our house," she said. "The intruder could've came to our house. You just think, 'I've lived this many years, and is this it?'"
Fulghum said police don't know why the burglar targeted the home and said it could have been a random break in.
The investigation is ongoing, but Fulghum said it appears the resident was in fear for his life and protecting himself.
"If you're in fear for your safety or the safety of your family, friends or others, you have the right to protect yourself or protect them," he said.
Hope the intruder is also CHARGED and sentenced.....love that he now has to look in the mirror and see the damage to his face ...and know .... PEOPLE WILL DO WHAT THEY HAVE TO  ...TO PROTECT THEMSELF ...