Key Takeaways
- A homeowner in Darien, CT, shot at masked suspects who were attempting to burglarize his home while his family was inside.
- The suspects gained access using a hidden key and one was armed with a handgun, prompting the homeowner to fear for his family’s safety.
- After the incident, a juvenile suspect with a gunshot wound arrived at Bridgeport Hospital; police are investigating his involvement.
- The burglary vehicle was stolen earlier from Fairfield and has been seized as evidence.
- Police warn about the security risks of hiding spare keys outside and emphasize the importance of being prepared for home invasions.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
DARIEN, CT – Police say a homeowner fired his firearm at masked suspects attempting to enter his residence during a burglary in progress Wednesday morning on Five Mile River Road.
According to the Darien Police Department, the incident began when a family member observed several individuals rummaging through items on the front porch and called 9-1-1. Investigators say the suspects located a key hidden outside the home and used it to begin gaining entry through the front door.
The homeowner confronted the suspects as they attempted to enter the residence. Police say he observed that at least one of the three masked individuals was armed with a handgun.
Family members were inside the home at the time, including two small children. According to police, the homeowner feared for his safety and the safety of his family as the suspects began unlawfully entering the house.
At that point, the homeowner discharged his firearm. The suspects immediately fled the area.
During the initial investigation, detectives learned that a male juvenile potentially matching the description of one of the suspects later arrived at Bridgeport Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. The juvenile was rushed to surgery and is reported to be in stable condition. Detectives are continuing to investigate the individual’s possible involvement in the incident.
More from USA Carry:
Police also determined the suspect vehicle used during the burglary attempt had been stolen earlier from a residence in Fairfield. The vehicle has since been located and seized as evidence.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time.
The incident also highlights an important home security consideration. According to police, the suspects were able to gain access after locating a key hidden outside the residence. Spare keys placed outdoors can create a vulnerability if discovered by criminals.
At the same time, the situation illustrates the importance of being prepared to protect yourself and your family when faced with a potentially dangerous home intrusion. In this case, the homeowner encountered masked suspects attempting to enter the residence and observed that one of them was armed with a handgun.
The Second Amendment protects the fundamental right of Americans to keep and bear arms. That protection includes the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families when confronted with violent criminal threats.