Phoenix, Arizona

From KPHO of November 3, 2007

Homeowner Shoots Armed Invader

A homeowner shot one of three armed men who forced their way into his house overnight, Phoenix police said.

The man, his wife and their three children were sleeping in their home at 11th and Apache streets, just north of Interstate 17, when the three invaders barged into the house around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Police said one of the invaders, all of whom were armed with handguns and rifles, hit the homeowner in the head with a gun.

A scuffle ensued and several shots were fired. Police said the homeowner shot one of the invaders, but it was unclear whether he had his own gun or fired one of theirs.

The gunshots woke up the neighbors, who called police.

Officers arrived quickly and shot out the street lights and lights on the outside of the house so the invaders wouldn't be able to see well enough to escape.

Police caught the two uninjured invaders in the back yard; the third was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said his injuries were not life-threatening.

The homeowner and his family were not hurt, according to police.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the invasion and said they don't know if the armed men knew the family.