A Winter Park homeowner confronted two burglary suspects and shot one of them Thursday afternoon, police said.
The shot suspect was taken to a nearby hospital, while the second suspect remains on the run. Winter Park police did not immediately release a description of the wanted suspect.
Police said they received a call shortly after noon reporting a burglary in the 700 block of Williams Drive.
A short time later, police said a four-door black vehicle similar to one described by witnesses as leaving the alleged burglary scene crashed near Summerland Avenue but kept driving, despite losing its bumper. The vehicle was later found abandoned at a dead end on nearby Ibis Court.
Police said the homeowner who opened fire on the suspects felt threatened, but they did not immediately say how the homeowner found the two suspects.
For about six hours Thursday, Winter Park police gathered evidence at four different crime scenes. Police said the homeowner will most likely not face criminal charges.
“I’m concerned for our security,” said John Tassos, Winter Park resident.
Statements from witnesses said three men were attempting to steal from the house. However, police know there are at least two.
“The homeowner discovered him, arrived home when the burglary was occurring and confronted them and shot them because, in his statement to us, he was in fear of his life,” said Sergeant Frank Cowart, Winter Park Police.
Neighbors said thefts have been on the rise. Tassos said his father encountered an attempted burglary.
“He walked into the garage and they exited throughout the front door. He never even saw them,” said Tassos.
If you have any information about Thursday's incident, contact the Winter Park police department.