Leavenworth, Kansas

From the Kansas City Star of August 9, 2005

Man, 71, says he shot burglar

A 71-year-old Leavenworth man told police Monday that he shot a man who had broken into his home.

The homeowner, who lives in the 1100 block of Pawnee Street, told police that he heard someone breaking into his home about 8 a.m. Monday, said Leavenworth Police Maj. Patrick Kitchens.

The homeowner said he saw a man standing at the top of a stairway near the garage. The homeowner told police he fired shots at the man, who fled out the door.

Police think the intruder is a 24-year-old Lansing man who showed up at a Leavenworth hospital at 10:30 a.m. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Kitchens said the Leavenworth County attorney would determine whether charges would be filed against the suspect.

Prosecutors could also consider charges against the homeowner, Kitchens said, although the decision to use deadly force could be justified if the suspect was committing an aggravated burglary.