Gig Harbor Homeowner Shoots And Kills Drunk Intruder On July 4

GIG HARBOR, WA —A Gig Harbor man who shot and killed a home intruder on July 4, may not be charged with any crimes if the shooting is considered an act of self defense, though the investigation continues, authorities said.

According to reports, at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, a 48-year-old man, who was believed to be intoxicated, drove up to the home, in the 7600 block of Hidden Lane NW, broke a window and entered the residence.

The homeowner heard the commotion and called 911, according to Q13 Fox. The intruder was heard screaming and yelling and was said to be carrying a large bottle of alcohol. The intruder then began walking up the stairs.

That's when the homeowner, who was standing at the top of the stairs with a gun, shot the intruder, who "passed away right there," according to police.

"The dispatcher could hear yelling from the intruder and then like the sound of a scuffle, and then the homeowner had advised that he shot the intruder," Sgt. Darren Moss, public information officer for the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, told Q13 Fox. "He broke into someone else's home and that's a frightening situation to put people in. And unfortunately, he lost his life, and now these people have to deal with the aftermath of what happened in their home."

KIRO7 reported that the intruder had family members living in the area, and deputies believe the man may have been going to their house.

Police have not named the intruder or the homeowner. They said the homeowner was questioned after the incident, but n0t arrested.

Moss told the Tacoma News Tribune that the investigation is in its early stages, but that authorities are treating the incident as an act of self-defense.