Orange Park, Florida, Homeowner Shoots Intruder Who Fled a Police Chase Into His House

A suspect running from deputies after a stolen-car chase forced his way into an Orange Park, Florida, home through its garage and was shot in the leg by the homeowner, according to Concealed Nation. Deputies say the man had active warrants for grand theft and armed robbery, and the homeowner will not be charged.

The short version

Citing sheriff's office briefings, Concealed Nation reports that deputies began chasing a stolen vehicle in the afternoon. The driver rammed a patrol car, abandoned the vehicle and ran into a nearby subdivision. Deputies held a passenger near the road while the driver broke into a house through a detached garage connected to the home.

The homeowner and his wife heard the noise and found the man inside. The homeowner got a stored firearm, confronted him and fired once when the man moved toward him, hitting him in the leg. Deputies surrounded the house, arrested the suspect and gave him medical aid. According to the outlet, investigators found the homeowner acted lawfully under Florida's Castle Doctrine, and no charges will be filed. The article also passes along instructor advice to lock and reinforce doors between garages and living areas.

Key points

• The chase: Deputies pursued a stolen vehicle whose driver rammed a patrol car before running.
• Second suspect: A passenger was detained near the roadway.
• Entry point: The driver got into the house through a detached garage connected to it.
• The shot: The homeowner fired once as the man advanced, striking him in the leg.
• Suspect's record: Deputies said he had active warrants for grand theft and armed robbery.
• Legal result: Investigators said the homeowner acted lawfully, and no charges will be filed.

Bottom line

This was a daytime break-in by a fleeing suspect, and it ended with one shot and the suspect alive and in custody. The outlet's practical point for homeowners is to keep doors between garages and living space locked.

Summary by Firearm Discounts. Read the full story at Concealed Nation.