Elderly homeowner shoots alleged intruder who broke in overnight, police say

MITCHELLVILLE, Md. - Police say an elderly homeowner shot an intruder who broke into his home overnight in Prince George's County.

Investigators say the overnight break-in was reported at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 11700 block of Chantilly Lane in Mitchellville.

Officers say the intruder broke into the home through the basement and kicked in a door leading to the main floor of the home. The homeowner, who heard the noises, shot the intruder two times with a handgun, according to officials.

"When I heard the door crash in, coming up from the basement I knew I was in trouble. I just sat there on the bed trying to ponder what my next move would be," the homeowner Joseph M. Park Sr. told FOX 5. "I didn't want to take a life, but I did want to disable him or to stop him from hurting me."

Police say the intruder fled the home and officers canvassed the neighbor for the suspect. They received a 911 call at about 1:45 a.m. for a man shot in the 3800 block of Clairton Drive and the suspect was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Officials said police have obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect for first-degree burglary.

Investigators said Park is not facing any charges at this time.