Police: Home invasion suspect shot, killed after struggle with homeowner
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - A suspected home invader has died after police say he was shot by a South Philadelphia homeowner following a struggle over a gun.
A suspected home invader has died after police say he was shot by a South Philadelphia homeowner following a struggle over a gun.
The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. Wednesday night on the 2200 block of Darien Street.
Officers responded to the home for a report of gunshots and found a man outside the residence bleeding from the head and left ear. Inside the home, police discovered an unresponsive man with gunshot wounds to the stomach and lower body.
According to investigators, two armed men knocked on the front door of the home and attempted to force entry. It was at this time when police say a struggle ensued between the resident and the intruder for control of a handgun.
During the struggle, two bullets grazed the resident on the right side of the head and left ear. Investigators say the resident eventually won control of the gun and mortally wounded one of the suspected intruders
The resident also fired at the second suspect as he fled the scene. Police do not know if the suspect was injured.
Investigators later identified the deceased intruder as 27-year-old James Jones. Police say Jones had six prior arrests including aggravated assault, robbery and narcotics violations.
During a preliminary investigation, police recovered the suspect's.40 caliber handgun and 11 spent shell casings were found inside the home. Police say the handgun was reported stolen in North Carolina more than five years ago.
Investigators also allegedly found over 260 grams of marijuana and pot infused gummy bears at the home.
During a press conference, investigators said the resident is not expected to be charged for the shooting but may be charged for the narcotics found.
Detectives believe the attempted home invasion was narcotics related.
Police are still on the lookout for the second suspect. He is described as a husky black man, approximately 6-foot-1.