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A Mulvane homeowner shoots an intruder in his garage around 3:30 Wednesday morning. That was on the 1000 block of E. 149th Avenue N, which is just south of the Sedgwick County line.
Investigators say the man woke up to sounds coming from his garage. When he went to his garage he found an intruder inside.
The homeowner held the intruder at gunpoint while his wife called 911. That's when the thief attacked the homeowner. The gun was fired once, hitting the thief in the upper chest.
EMS took the robber to the hospital. He is in serious but stable condition.
Now neighbors say they're on high alert. A recent uptick in neighborhood burglaries has caused neighbor Orvetta Quisenberry to keep a closer watch on her security.
“It makes me a little more suspicious, non trusting. I'm not scared. It doesn't bother me. It's sad,” said Quisenberry.
It was just next door where a homeowner shot an intruder in the chest, but Quisenberry doesn't fault her neighbor.
“They're good people, and you never think this situation can happen to you, but it will. Sometimes it's people you know,” said Quisenberry.
Sumner County Sheriff Captain Mike Yoder says using deadly force should be a last resort. He also says Kansas law protects homeowners in similar cases.
“If someone breaks into your home, place of business or occupied vehicle that you have already presumed to be in fear of life gives you the right to use deadly force to protect yourself or other family members,” said Cpt. Yoder.
Quisenberry hopes the shooting will empower neighbors to call police if they see anyone suspicious.
“Be aware of your surroundings, don't just go on and act like there's nothing going on. Be aware of your neighbors,” she said.
The family didn’t comment because police say the family fears retaliation. The burglar is seriously hurt, but expected to recover. The sheriff's office is not seeking charges against the homeowner.