Gillette, Wyoming

From the Gillette News Record of December 5, 2006

Homeowner shot at intruder, but didn't hit his target

Investigators still don't know who tried to break into an American Ranch Road home Monday morning, but they're sure he wasn't hit by the homeowner who shot at him, Sheriff Bill Pownall said.

The 37-year-old homeowner woke up at about 2 a.m. when he heard dogs barking, Pownall said. He went to his bedroom doorway, saw a man trying to enter through a kitchen door and fired a round from a .45-caliber handgun.

The owner told investigators he was certain he hadn't hit the man, which was confirmed when they found the handgun round lodged in a kitchen cabinet, Pownall said.

Deputies haven't received any further information since the incidents. Pownall said the case is still open.